Family Catechesis Gatherings in the Parish Centre
Our first gatherings for religious education will be for everyone, parents and all family members who would like to join us, and all students from grades 1 to 9. During these evenings, you can receive a schedule for the year. If you have a binder from our family catechesis last year, bring it along!
6:30pm Sunday September 27th in the Parish Centre – a gathering for students grades 1-9, parents, and all family members who would like to join us.
6:30pm Sunday October 4th in the Parish Centre – a gathering for students grades 1-9, parents, and all family members who would like to join us.
6pm-9:30pm Wednesday October 14 retreat for all Miramichi region teenagers in our parish centre, with young Catholic evangelists from Canada’s National Evangelization Teams (NET). This will help youth deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ,
through engaging presentations, music, games, small-group discussions, and prayer. Come take part in this inspiring opportunity for faith, fun, and fellowship.
6:30pm Sunday October 25th in the Parish Centre – a gathering for students grades 1-9, parents, and all family members who would like to join us.
Upcoming dates: November 8 & 22, and December 6 & 20.
Here is more information about our current focus on catechesis for the whole family in faith:
#1 An Invitation
As our parish pilots family catechesis, we ask for your prayers, encouragement, and support. Change can be challenging, but it also presents wonderful opportunities for renewal. Together, let us help children and families encounter Jesus, deepen their faith, and grow as disciples. “Families Encounter Jesus” is not simply a program. It is an invitation for the entire parish to walk together in faith, helping families discover that Christ is present in everyday life and that faith flourishes when it is lived at home and celebrated in the parish community.
#2 Why the Change?
For many years, faith formation focused primarily on children attending classes at church. While these programs have been valuable, research and experience show that a child’s faith is most deeply formed within the family. Our parish is embracing family catechesis to help parents and caregivers become active partners in their children’s faith journey.
#3 Family Catechesis: What Is It?
Family catechesis is not about asking parents to become theology teachers. Rather, it is about helping families grow in faith together through prayer, conversation, and shared experiences. The parish continues to support and accompany families while recognizing that the home is the primary place where faith is lived and nurtured.
#4 The Role of Catechists
Catechists remain an essential part of the faith formation process. Their role is evolving from primarily teaching children to accompanying, encouraging, and supporting families. Catechists help create opportunities for faith to be shared and lived both in the parish and at home.
#5 We Are All Called to Form Disciples
Jesus called His disciples to “go and make disciples.” This mission belongs to the whole Church. Family catechesis encourages everyone, parents, grandparents, catechists, and parishioners, to work together in helping children and young people develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
#6 Building a Stronger Parish Family
When parents, children, catechists, and parishioners grow in faith together, the whole parish benefits. Family catechesis helps strengthen the connection between home and parish, creating a more vibrant community centred on Christ.