The philosophy of the Religious Education Program of St. Thomas the Apostle Mission Parish is based on two key principles:
1. Religious Education is a life-long process of entering into a relationship with God. We strive to help the children of our community to recognize God's unconditional love, compassion, and forgiveness.
2. Religious Education has a threefold mission based on the ministries of the Church. Throughout the year, we put emphasis on :
a) The Word …proclaiming the Good News of the Scriptures.
b) Worship....traditional prayer, personal prayer, and an appreciation and growth in the love of the liturgy.
c) Service ……..community building through service at home, in the neighborhood, school, parish and for others.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The Religious Education Program will strive to:
A. aid our young people in the formation of a healthy self-concept.
B. offer our young people a community where relationships may be formed and they can genuinely grow in friendship, trust, and prayer.
C. proclaim the MESSAGE of Christ Jesus . . .
1. to teach faithfully the principle elements of the Christian message for Catechesis
a. The Mystery of One God f. The Sacraments
b. Creation g. The Life of Grace
c. Jesus Christ h. The Moral Life
d. Holy Spirit i. Mary and the Saints
2. to assist students in understanding and remembering:
a. the traditional prayers of the Church
b. the Beatitudes
c. the Ten Commandments
d. the Laws of the Church.
D. provide students with experiences of Christian Community . . .
1. to celebrate together the principle events of the liturgical year.
2. to promote participation in personal prayer and communal worship.
E. guide students into commitments of Christian Service . . .
1. to design service projects.
