WELCOME MESSAGE
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the Faith Formation at the Catholic Community of Our Lady of the Valley and St Raphael.
Another school year is here and I know your lives are even busier than ever. Along with your school day beginning we have our Generations of Faith Program beginning as well. All the catechists are looking forward to another year of sharing their faith with your children. That is what the root of the word catechesis means "sharing faith." That is what we want to do for your children. There are certainly some academic elements to the lesson, but our goal is to share the faith and help their faith to grow. I know that is your desire as well.
You may not remember this but at your child's baptism, one of the blessings said this "...you will be the first teachers in the way of faith. May you also be the best of teachers, bearing witness to the faith by what you say and do, in Christ Jesus our Lord." You are the primary teacher in the ways of faith and we very much want to partner with you in deepening your faith and your children's faith. As we begin classes for another year of growing in our faith, I ask you to renew your commitment to bring your children to Mass every weekend as well. Our children learn from us by watching us. If we say Mass is important and don't participate, they know. They learn by "what we say and do."
I believe "faith in Jesus Christ" is the greatest gift. This faith helps us to walk through this life with all its challenges, joys and struggles knowing that we are loved by God in this life and the next. There is nothing else in this life that offers us that.
Your children are loved by us and we look forward to serving the needs of our families this year!
Sincerely in Christ,
Amelia M. Sury
Director, Faith Formation
Welcome to the Faith Formation at the Catholic Community of Our Lady of the Valley and St Raphael.
Another school year is here and I know your lives are even busier than ever. Along with your school day beginning we have our Generations of Faith Program beginning as well. All the catechists are looking forward to another year of sharing their faith with your children. That is what the root of the word catechesis means "sharing faith." That is what we want to do for your children. There are certainly some academic elements to the lesson, but our goal is to share the faith and help their faith to grow. I know that is your desire as well.
You may not remember this but at your child's baptism, one of the blessings said this "...you will be the first teachers in the way of faith. May you also be the best of teachers, bearing witness to the faith by what you say and do, in Christ Jesus our Lord." You are the primary teacher in the ways of faith and we very much want to partner with you in deepening your faith and your children's faith. As we begin classes for another year of growing in our faith, I ask you to renew your commitment to bring your children to Mass every weekend as well. Our children learn from us by watching us. If we say Mass is important and don't participate, they know. They learn by "what we say and do."
I believe "faith in Jesus Christ" is the greatest gift. This faith helps us to walk through this life with all its challenges, joys and struggles knowing that we are loved by God in this life and the next. There is nothing else in this life that offers us that.
Your children are loved by us and we look forward to serving the needs of our families this year!
Sincerely in Christ,
Amelia M. Sury
Director, Faith Formation
