Religious Education

Religious Education

Faith is at the core of all that we do. In addition to dedicated Religion classes, faith is encouraged to permeate and be a part of every aspect of the school. We prepare our students to be caring, thoughtful and active citizens of the local and global community.

Our EICS Religious Education Consultant, coordinates the Division's religious education and health and life skills programs. Alene works closely with religious leaders, students, staff, and families to ensure EICS is providing quality, Catholic education.

Alberta Government – My Child’s Learning: A Parent Resource, Religious Education in Separate Schools

Stefan Johnson, Director of Student and Staff Formation
Phone: 780-449-6455
Email:jody.seymour@eics.ab.ca

Mission... At the heart of catechesis we find, in essence, a person, the Person of Jesus of Nazareth, "the only son of the Father... full of grace and truth," who suffered and died for us and who now, after rising, is living with us for ever".

We must therefore say that, in catechesis, it is Christ, the Incarnate Word and Son of God, who was taught -- everything else is taught with reference to him -- and it is Christ alone, who teaches... (Apostolic Exhortation Catechesis Tradendae, p. 8-10)

 


What is our Religious Education Program about?
Each of us working in Catholic schools is called to be Christ's spokesperson, enabling Him to be present through us! The role of the Religious Education Consultant is to support all the stakeholders in our school division to fulfill this mission. In Catholic schools we work together with the family and parish to help young people mature into disciples of Christ.

For someone who is new to the Catholic school system, an understandable question is what makes the schools Catholic? There is much that distinguishes Catholic schools, which students and their families can readily observe. The Religion Handbook below will provide you with answers.

Religion Handbook

  • Religion classes
  • Prayer services (liturgies of the word and mass) at key points in the school year
  • Liturgical Calendar
  • Religious symbols, posters, icons, and art work etc.
  • School names, that tie into our faith, tradition and understanding.
  • Prayer at key times and events - over the intercom or in the classroom.
  • One-day or overnight retreats that supplement what is taught in religion classes.
  • Faith-related professional development days, which may be district wide or school-based.
  • Chaplains and chapels - we have teaching, lay chaplains and we have a chapel in two of our high schools.
  • A full-time Religious Education Consultant
  • A well-funded faith formation program for all staff to take courses, focused mostly Catholic theology, scripture, and morality.

 

Sacramental Preparation

Each year, in a Catholic school, your child will learn about many aspects of their Catholic faith— including learning about the seven sacraments. In our Archdiocese, preparing children for the celebration of their own sacraments always occurs in the parish, with the support of the school: • preparing for First Reconciliation, and then First Eucharist, can begin when a child is 7 years of age and in Grade 2 or older

• preparing for Confirmation can begin when a child is about 12 years of age and in Grade 6 or older • special preparation is also available for children of any age who are not yet baptized

Most children attending Catholic schools are ready to receive at the ages shown above, but there is no such thing as too late. Are you seeking for your child to celebrate a sacrament, such as Baptism, First Communion or Confirmation? Are you ready to help them live out their Baptismal promises? Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and Elk Island Catholic Schools are each involved in preparing your child for a Catholic sacrament along with you. It is a group effort, and everyone has a role:

• As a parent, the Church has always held that you are the primary teacher of the faith for your child. You teach them about God; set the example; talk about your own faith; and you bring them to Mass. • The place where the sacraments are celebrated and lived is the Catholic parish. We the people of God in the Church are each part of the Body of Christ. Being in relationship with the parish community (with all its challenges and blessings) is essential for your life of faith and that of your child. The preparation for, and celebration of, the sacraments happens in the parish church. • You must sign your child up for preparation at the parish. The school doesn’t do this part of the process for you. Catholic schools are a special place for children to learn more about Jesus Christ, to practice living in a community of faith, and to develop and deepen a relationship with Christ. We (Catholic parish and Catholic school) are eager to walk beside you and your children during this very special time.

Please refer to the OLPH webpage at http://www.olph.ca/sacraments/ for further information.