ERE: EVENING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (Wednesdays)

The program employs the catechetical method of religious education. The goal of religious education is to gradually change our lives for the better, to convert our lives to the living God, to open our hearts to find a God who is alive and active in our daily lives.
The catechetical method is a four part process including:

For questions or concerns regarding Wednesday Evening Religious Education or if you have an interest in assisting as a catechist or helper, contact Director of Religious Education Timothy Cronin at Nativity’s Office of Religious Education at 531-3164.

Junior High Religious Education
Religious education for grades 7 & 8 meets twice monthly on Sundays 10:00-10:50 in the parish center chapel. Our first class is Sunday, October 1. Ours is a unique process that immerses the students into the liturgical life of the parish where they assist with such events as the St. Francis of Assisi blessing of Pets and the All Saints Day evening cookout. They also assist occasionally with Evensong. For information on registration or any other questions contact Timothy Cronin at 531-3164.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
When parents bring their children to be baptised, they promise to share their faith with their children. We, as a community, promise to support parents in nurturing growing faith. As part of keeping our promise, for the second year, Nativity Parish is inviting 3 to 6 year olds to participate in a religious formation experience called “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.” This takes place in a room named the “Atrium.” The child-sized furnishings and materials in the atrium appeal to the children. They come eagerly to spend time with God.

Atrium sessions last ninety minutes. We begin with singing and a procession. A group presentation is followed by an invitation to work. Last year we noticed that the children often came with a plan of their work for the day. Arranging flowers, caring for plants, preparing the cruets and chalice, setting the model altar, preparing the prayer table, polishing, drawing: all of these works of their hands are love offerings to God.

The catechists have the privilege of sharing parables, scripture stories and prayers with the children. Then we take time to wonder about it. How is it that an enormous plant could grow from a tiny seed? What could Jesus be telling us about the Kingdom of God? We pose many questions. The answers may be a long time in coming, if they come at all. That is expected. Our aim is to be attentive to God as we wonder together about the mysteries of life.

In order for you to see the atrium environment and meet the four catechists, we invite you to attend our Atrium open house on Sunday, August 27 after the 9:00 and 11:00 masses. The Atrium is located in the basement of the parish office building.

Atrium sessions will be held on Sunday mornings from 8:45 to 10:15 starting October 1. Weekday sessions will be held 10:00 to 11:30. The day of the week for these is yet to be determined. It will either be Monday or Tuesday morning, depending on what works for the people who are registering. (Or both if we get enough interest.)

To register your child(ren), pick up a registration form from church or the parish office. Please be sure to indicate your preferred session time. You can turn it in at the parish office or bring it to the open house on August 27. Families returning from last year will get first preference on session times.You might have a few questions of your own about catechesis and the Atrium. Please direct them to Mary Lennard (531-7572, mlennard@cinci.rr.com) or Mary Beth Donelan (351-5230, donelanmb@yahoo.com).