As Catholics, we are blessed with such a rich deposit of faith. Christ has revealed Himself to us, and the depth of who He is and what He has done for us has been handed down through the ages unscathed — through Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Church’s teaching magisterium. It is truly amazing to note that the Lord has not only shown us the fullness of Truth but that He has also given us the Holy Spirit to protect the sacred deposit of faith as it is handed on, generation after generation. And it is with that amazing reality in mind that our catechists here at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton take ownership of their role to teach the faith to our children.
“It is a fulfilling ministry to be a part of,” says Katie Allio, Director of Religious Education (DRE). “As catechists, we serve as conduits in the faith journeys of our youth. It is such a blessing.”
Katie started serving with our Religious Education program as a catechist back in 2015. And when the previous DRE retired, Katie stepped up and took on the role, enthusiastic to be more thoroughly involved in the faith formation of our youth.
“I love working with our parish youth and helping them understand their relationships with God,” Katie says.
Indeed, it is such a privilege to bring our parish children to Christ, and while Katie treasures the part she plays, she says that she could not do what she does without the help of our many dedicated catechists.
“I am blessed with an amazing team of catechists and helpers who are always looking for new and exciting ways to share the faith with our youth,” Katie says.
Each week, beginning in September and running through April, our catechists meet with children in first through 12th grades on Wednesday evenings to discover the truths of our faith. The children are split into classes in both the church meeting spaces, as well as in the school building, and there they learn together.
“The Religious Education classes provide a great platform where members of the parish community can share their knowledge of the faith with our parish youth,” Katie says. “The catechists really strive to help the children grow in their own faith and bring them to the sacraments.”
What a privilege to play such a role in the lives of these young people!
Classes for the 2023-24 school year will begin in September, and registration is currently open. If you have children in first through 12th grade, we encourage you to register them. This is also a very fulfilling and fruitful ministry, and Katie says she is always in need of more stewards to serve as catechists.
As St. Augustine once said, “Faith is to believe what you do not see. The reward of this faith is to see what you believe.”
How true that is! And our Religious Education program is working to make that possible! You are invited to come be a part of it!
Registration is available online at the parish website, www.seaspcfl.org. Paper copies are also available at the parish office. To serve the Religious Education program as a catechist, contact Katie Allio at 386-445-2246, ext. 112.