EDUCATION COMMISSION

Contacts—708-447-1020

Adult Faith Formation/Education—Barbara Outly
Partners in Education (P.I.E.)—Liz Durkin
R.E. Parent Advisory Board—Barbara Outly
Religious Education Program for Children—Barbara Outly
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A)—Sr. Margaret Sannasardo, BVM
School Board—Ellen Wagner
Sports Club—Sean Faul
SPRED—Mary Ann Walke
St. Mary School—Frank Valderrama, Principal

ADULT FAITH FORMATION/EDUCATION

Description:
Formation in faith is an ongoing process, enabling adults to integrate Catholic teaching and Scripture with everyday life, and to interact confidently with a world that changes. A Parish Adult Faith Formation Board plans opportunities for adult education.
Functions:
Plan and conduct programs that deepen spirituality and faith as mature Christians. Promote an adult understanding of Scripture, the church’s liturgies, its history, devotions and doctrine. Inspire greater participation in the church’s liturgy and life. Offer opportunities for service to the greater community.
Needs:
Adults who can plan programs, promote events, lead groups, and provide hospitality.
Qualifications:
Group leaders/catechists must understand the basics of the Catholic faith and be willing to learn more; must have a readiness to share their faith with other adults.
Time Commitment:
Depends on function.
Meetings:
The Adult Faith Formation Board meets quarterly, or as needed.
Training:
Training for group leaders/catechists is available from Archdiocese and the Director.
Contact:
Barbara Outly (708-447-6812)

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION (P.I.E.)

Parent/faculty group working along with the School Board, faculty and staff, toward the advancement of Catholic education and welfare of St. Mary school children. To promote parent-school activities and to increase interest in educational and community affairs.
Functions include serve as project volunteer to help students and teachers and organize funding activities for students/school.

R.E. PARENT ADVISORY BOARD

This group fosters spiritual growth and a deeper sense of belonging to the Church and believes that parents are the first teachers of the traditions of our Catholic faith. They promote parental involvement in religious education, worship and community service.
The role of the advisory Board is to encourage family involvement in religious education by recommending policies, procedures and programs that will foster faith development and promote participation in parish activities.
Involve families in the planning and observance of liturgical events and to facilitate communication within the Religious Education community.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN

Training:
Available from Archdiocese and the Director Description: Trained volunteer catechists and staff communicate Catholic doctrine and practice, Scripture and Tradition to children attending public schools, kindergarten through grade 8. A Pre-school Program is open to all parish families.
Functions:
Understand the roots of the Catholic Church and to tell the story of Jesus.
Deepen the faith of the students and the meaning of God’s love for them.
Conduct weekly classes for this purpose.
Train catechists to prepare lessons under the direction of the master catechist.
Enrich the faith development of catechists/aides.
Provide opportunities for community growth and service.
Needs:
Catechists, Aides and Office Workers
Qualifications:
Catechists must understand the basics of the Catholic faith and be willing to learn more; must have a positive attitude and readiness to share their faith with youth.
Time Commitment:
Preschool through grade 8: Sundays, 10:00 to 11:15.
Kindergarten through grade 8: Mondays, 6:30-7:45. All classes are held at St. Mary School.
Regular meetings: Called as required
Contact:
Barbara Outly (708-447-6812)

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (R.C.I.A)

This program and its members are responsible for guiding and nurturing non-Catholics in the process of becoming Catholics.
Functions:
• to plan and implement training programs to assist non-Catholics in their conversion
• to serve as discussion and study leaders
• to be visible as examples of practicing Catholics to those being trained
• to organize and complete appropriate liturgies (with the Liturgy Committee) to welcome new Catholics to their faith.
Needs:
Catechists discussion Leaders, record keepers, planners, sponsors
Qualifications:
Members must have commitment to God and Church, be outgoing and welcoming.
Time Commitment:
Extremely varied
Regular Meetings:
Call Contact
Training:
Facilitated by RCIA Coordinator
Contact:
Sr. Margaret Sannasardo, BVM (708-447-1020)

SCHOOL BOARD

St. Mary School Board’s mission is to provide students and families a voice in the leadership and policy-setting activities of St. Mary School. Members should possess the faith, traditions and moral values which the parish is trying to instill in St. Mary’s students.
The purpose of the board is to develop policies which promote the welfare of the students and to assist with budget decisions in accordance with the parish and Archdiocesan goals and to act as liaison between the school and the total parish community.

SPORTS CLUB

The Sports Club encourages Christian values and ideals of good sportsmanship and friendship in athletic competition.
Functions include forming, educating and coaching Christian teams in sports, as well as raising funds for sports funding and to encourage sponsorship through community groups and businesses.

SPRED (Special Religious Education for Developmentally Disabled)

SPRED is a program of religious education specifically designed to meet the spiritual needs of persons with developmental disabilities.
Through participation in the SPRED community of faith, participants are better able to celebrate the sacraments and enter into the worshipping experience of the whole Church.

ST. MARY SCHOOL

St. Mary School is a vital and valued ministry within the evangelizing mission of St. Mary’s Parish and its neighboring suburbs and the global Catholic community. Believing that each student is a child of God, St. Mary School challenges each to achieve academic excellence, to embrace the gospel message, and to make a difference in the world through Christian witness, service and leadership.
The function of the school is to provide children with a firm foundation in the Catholic faith, traditions, and moral values and to prepare them to become well-educated Catholic adults who will provide leadership and service within the Church and society.
St. Mary School Web site—www.stmaryschool.net
Main School Number—708-442-5747