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summary of Catechism of the
Catholic Church 2041-2042
The
Precepts of the Church summarize the core values and
fundamental obligations that separate God’s people
from all other institutions. These cannot be
replaced by good intentions, nor should they be
practiced grudgingly or even superficially. The
purpose of the Precepts is to foster a strong
relationship with God who is Love. These Precepts
that bind all baptized members of the Church are:
1. Attend
Mass on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation; and
avoid activities that hinder the renewal of soul and
body, or growth in union with the Lord.
2. Go to
Confession at least once a year.
3. Receive
Communion at least during the Easter Season.
4. Fast and
abstain on the days appointed: it is acceptable to
eat meat on Fridays outside of Lent if another pious
work or practice is substituted for it.
5. Contribute
to the support of the Church: this is not just
financial support but also participating in ministry
and works of mercy.
All
Catholics are also called by their Baptism and
Confirmation to:
Join in the missionary spirit and apostolate of the
Church.
Study the Teachings of the Church and use that
knowledge to advance the cause of Christ and the
mission of the Church in evangelizing the world.
Obey the laws of the Church concerning marriage
(including teachings on birth control, abortion,
divorce, etc.); provide religious training and an
example of sanctity to one’s children and
grandchildren; use parish facilities to advance
one’s own religious education.
(Catechism
of the Catholic Church 2041-2042) |
Calendar for
2010-2011 (click here)
Requirement for parents with children
preparing to receive sacraments
As part of Sacramental preparation of students through
the St. Joseph’s Parish School of Religion, one of the
student’s parents or guardians must attend a monthly
class on the basics of our Catholic Faith. There are
eight classes in the year-long series. Attendance is a
requirement of all parents regardless of background or
qualifications.
Parents participate in this
program because their child is either:
• scheduled to receive the sacrament of Penance and
Reconciliation (First Confession) later this year, or
• in their first year of preparation for the Sacrament
of Confirmation, or
• in their first year of preparation for the Sacraments
of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, FHC).
The classes in this program must be taken in
consecutive order—beginning with September and
ending in April. If the parents do not attend each of
the eight monthly subjects in the School of Faith in
consecutive order they will be required to restart the
program the following year.
Completion of the program is required or the Candidate’s
celebration of First Holy Communion and or Confirmation
will be deferred until the parent fulfills this
obligation. Each month there are 11 opportunities to
attend the class. Home-schooling parents are also
required to attend the eight classes in the School of
Faith. The start of this program applies to parents
whose student is in preparation for the sacraments of
Confession or Confirmation. First Holy Communion is
received by elementary students at the end of their
third year of catechesis, following the completion of
this requirement (School of Faith) by at least one
parent. There is no charge for this program.
Parents whose children are in the first year of classes
are not required to take the School of Faith classes in
this first year enrolled. However, parents with "first year" students are strongly
encouraged to take the classes in the first year so that if there are difficulties in completing
the 8 classes in the first year they would be able to
restart and complete the classes in the following year.
As primary educators of their children, parents are what
make the home the first and best place for children to
become well prepared to receive sacraments for the first
time (and beyond). The example and advice of parents,
along with their prayers and love are what really help
kids to be “ready” to receive sacraments. This course
provides practical ideas, advice and guidance for
parents as they take an active role in preparing their
children to receive the sacraments.
The program consists of eight meetings. Parents must
attend one meeting each month during the school year.
SCHOOL OF FAITH TOPICS
God’s Plan • Baptism • Confession • Eucharist
Liturgy • Vocation • Last Things • Prayer
The program is designed to meet the
needs of our parish’s many busy families. Please take a
moment to look over the schedule for the year. We will
work with each and every family to ensure that at least
one parent from each home is able to attend all eight
meetings through the year. If one parent has completed
an equivalent education program they may submit
documentation to the DRE for consideration and possible
approval. Because of how important your attendance is to
the success of your children’s religious education and
preparation for reception of sacraments, this program is
mandatory and will be part of our consideration of
readiness to receive sacraments.
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