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Faith Formation > Religious
Education (CCD)
Religious Education (CCD)
Our Mission Statement
We, the Religious Education Staff of St. Malachy
Parish, believe that we are called to assist you, the parents, as
primary teachers of your children in guiding them to live the Gospel
as Jesus taught.
Through our examples, prayer, and in using the
gifts and talents that God has graciously granted to us, we promise
to responsibly impart to your children the teachings of Christ as
handed down by the Apostles.
The Christian principles instilled in your child
will guide him or her throughout this life. Together let us
share in their journey of faith -- a journey that will lead all of
us to what Jesus promised to those who follow Him: Eternal
Life.
About Our Program
The program at our parish
began in a private home back in 1948. Today, our program
provides faith formation through catechesis to over 500 children
with the help of catechists, teacher assistants, and office
volunteers.
"Catechesis" is rooted in the Greek verb
katekein, which means to resound or echo. Luke, in the
Acts of the Apostles, uses the verb as instructing in the way of the
Lord. In St. Paul, it refers to oral instruction, a handing on
of all that has been received from Christ. Catechesis is based on Scripture, Tradition, and
Liturgy, as well as on the teaching authority and life of the
Church. Its purpose is to develop a living, explicit, and
active Faith through the liturgical and sacrament life of the
Church.
What Is A Catechist?
A catechist is a teacher called by God and the faith
community to pass on the faith, beliefs, and traditions of the
Church. The catechist believes and lives the message of Jesus
- faith, hope, and love. The catechist helps others to
understand our faith and respond to the message of God in thought,
word, and deed.
A catechist assistant is someone who assists and supports
the catechist in the classroom setting.
A substitute catechist is a volunteer who teaches a class
when another catechist is unavailable for class.
A hall monitor is someone who maintains proper order in
the school building.
A Vacation Bible School volunteer helps provide a
week-long program for our children each summer.
An Invitation
You are invited to share in this very special
ministry. By the nature of our baptism, we are called to use
our God-given gifts and talents. Catechesis is no longer the
sole responsibility of the religious and the ordained clergy.
It is the responsibility of the laity as well. Pray and ask
the Lord to help you to discern if he is calling you as he called
Peter, James, John, and all the others who have been called before
you: "As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two
brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting
a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them,
'Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.' At once
they left their nets and followed him."
Contact Information
Questions? Please contact Joanne Swank at
412.771.7480 or
joanne.swank@stmalachypgh.org.
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