August 24, 2020
Dear Parents,
We are pleased to share with you the plan for St. Benedict’s religious education program which will begin September 2020. Although it will look different from previous years, we believe that the approach outlined in the attached document will provide high quality religious education for your child while keeping students, parents, and catechists safe.
The Church has long believed that the Mass is the source and summit of our Catholic Christian life. The Eucharistic liturgy is the preeminent form of faith formation; the liturgy forms us in faith. Any catechesis that is not connected to the liturgy is lacking. Thus, we want to affirm that going to Mass is far more important than going to a religious education class. When you feel comfortable, we hope you and your children will actively participate in Mass. Until then, we hope you find our live-streamed 10:00 Mass to be a helpful alternative.
In addition, the Church has long held the position that parents are the primary educators of their children. Parents are the first to pass on the faith to their children. It is with a firm commitment to this belief in the primacy of the parental role, that we have confidence our online religious education program for fall 2020.
The online curriculum, Pflaum Gospel Weeklies is approved for use by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. A hard copy of the student pamphlets, along with a catechism handbook will be sent home, and will also be available online. Parent teaching guides are also available online.
Furthermore, at home online catechesis will be supplemented by a monthly in-person class and a monthly virtual class via Zoom. The entirety of the program is outlined in the accompanying document. Our first religious education virtual gathering will be Sunday, September 20, 2020 featuring Fr. Martin with an opening prayer for students, parents and catechists via Zoom. Details on how to connect to this online gathering will be sent to you via email.
Last, please go to https://stbenedictth.org/religious-education-registration to register your children for our program. You will also be asked questions regarding your in-person meeting preferences for the coming year. A fee of $35.00 per student is requested to cover the cost of materials, mailings, and the online access to student pamphlets and parent guides. Once you have registered, materials may be picked up at Mass or at the parish office; or they can be mailed to your home. The registration fee can be waived by contacting Rita at the parish office or via email rita@stbenedictth.org.
Thank you for the opportunity to collaborate with you in the ministry of religious education. And, thank you for your ongoing commitment to our St. Benedict’s family of faith! We look forward with hope to the days when we will all be together again in our beautiful church. Please, contact Rita should you have any questions or comments.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Martin Day, OFM Conv. Rita Burns Senseman
Fr. Martin Day, OFM Conv. Rita Burns Senseman
Pastor Pastoral Associate & Director of Religious Education