Catechetical Philosophy
"Parents are the principal and first educators of their children" CCC-1653
"Catechesis aims at putting people in communion with Jesus Christ" CCC-426
"The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents" CCC-2226
Our Mission
The mission of our religious education program is to assist parents in guiding all of our children and young people to grow in an authentic and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, a relationship that is based on the Truth about God and about the human person. This life-long process begins with catechesis, which is fundamentally passing on (literally, "echoing") the Faith from one generation to the next.
By Example
This begins with the example parents provide to their own children. "Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule. The home is well suited for education in the virtues. Parents should teach their children to subordinate the material and instinctual dimensions to interior and spiritual ones. Parents have a grave responsibility to give good example to their children….Through the grace of the sacrament of marriage, parents receive the responsibility and privilege of evangelizing their children. Parents should initiate their children at an early age into the mysteries of the faith of which they are the "first heralds" for their children. They should associate them from their tenderest years with the life of the Church" (CCC 2223-5).
With Support
The wider parish community must also provide active and effective support to parents. This is done by offering a variety of courses and materials focusing on adult faith formation, by consistently offering mutual support and encouragement, and by providing age-appropriate instruction in order to supplement the religious education occurring at home. This last component will be addressed directly in the Parish Family Formation program on Sunday evenings. We are blessed to have very capable and dedicated catechists, who are all parents themselves, and who are using excellent textbooks. Since children cannot be expected to love what they do not know, these beautifully illustrated books focus on key content that needs to be acquired in each grade.
The Effect
The effective formation of children can have a powerful effect on parents and the rest of the family. The process of catechesis necessarily encourages families as a whole to renew their dedication to Jesus Christ and his Church, and helps create families that pray together, that live the Christian life together, and who are able to be a part of the evangelizing mission of the Church. In this way, "children contribute to the growth in holiness of their parents" (CCC 2227).
OUR TEXTBOOKS - The Faith and Life Series has been hailed as a breakthrough in the field of religious education. It is a comprehensive Catholic program that combines beautiful classical and original artwork with a solid doctrinal and scriptural presentation in an easy-to-read and stimulating format that is being praised by teachers, students and parents everywhere. Keeping in mind the popularity of the original edition of the Faith and Life textbooks, Ignatius Press has made only minor alterations to the revised student texts. The majority of the revisions within the student texts appear in the question and answer segments of the book. Each question and answer set is now related directly to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Second Edition) and tied specifically to the material covered in each chapter. Further, the questions and answers are now more age appropriate to each grade level. The "Faith and Life" series is on the approval list of the USCCB ad hoc committee on the catechism and is on the list of texts approved by the Diocese of Baton Rouge.
ELEMENTARY RELIGIOUS ED - This program is designed for children to come to an understanding of the basic concepts of faith and religion as well as become familiar with God's revelation to the world through the Sacred Scriptures. Please call The Parish Office to register.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CATECHESIS - Sixth, seventh and eighth grade students discuss and learn about most of the major life issues surrounding Catholics and the world today. Also the youth learn where Catholic teachings are located in the Holy Bible so they will become more comfortable, familiar and savvy with the text of Sacred Scripture. Please call The Parish Office to register.
HIGH SCHOOL CATECHESIS - The focal points of this program are Sacred Scripture, Saints and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This program intends to prepare the teens with the information, skills and formation to tackle anything the world throws at them. Please call The Parish Office to register
RCIA - The rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a program for those who are interested in becoming Catholic and for those non-Catholics who are just interested in learning more about the Catholic Church. The program begins in the fall. Please call The Parish Office for more information.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION SERIES - A series of talks
on varying topics of our faith. Topics emphasize the liturgy
(its meaning, development and celebration), as well as the central
teachings of Vatican II. Discussions range from Salvation History
to Contemporary Hot Topics. When classes are scheduled, they
are held after the Thursday evening Mass in the St. Jules Parish
Hall. Classes begin at 6:30.
BAPTISMAL PREPARATION - Families wishing to
present a child for baptism should make an appointment with the
pastor. Contact: Fr. Labbé 225.473.8569
RENEW - Motivates all participants to study
the Scriptures more often to better learn how to live our Catholic
Faith. Gerry Landry 225.473.9962
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER - A regional organization that provides
weekend retreats for married couples wishing to make their good marriage better.
ENGAGED ENCOUNTER - a dynamic program for those preparing
for marriage in the Catholic Church, and for anyone engaged to be married.
Here you will find out what to expect on the weekend, things you need to know
if you are thinking of making a weekend, and information on how to register
for a weekend here. Or by email to rbresowar@cox.net
MARRIAGE PREPARATION - Couples should contact the Parish Office
at least six months before the intended marriage date and Parish staff will
direct them to the first step in beginning the preparation process.
Contact: Fr. Labbé 225.473.8569
NFP INSTRUCTION - In-depth education about the Catholic programs
on Natural Family Planning. Information nights are held periodically. Private
consultation is available.
Contact: http://members.cox.net/cclbatonrouge
RETROUVAILLE- For couples encountering threats to their marital
stability, a weekend retreat that provides Catholic teaching and encouragement.
No couple is ever denied registration due to financial difficulties.
Contact:
Luke & Sue Elliott 225.927.2218
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS– Knights
of Columbus are Catholic gentlemen committed to the exemplification
of charity, unity, fraternity, patriotism, and defense of the
priesthood. The Order is consecrated to the Blessed Virgin
Mary.
The Order is unequivocal in its loyalty to the Pope, the Vicar
of Christ on earth. It is firmly committed to the protection
of human life, from conception to natural death, and to the preservation
and defense of the family. The Knights of Columbus objectives:
To aid our Church, To develop fellowship, and to perform charitable,
educational, and patriotic works.
Contact: Felix Sternfels
225. 473.1882
