We can all learn from what they are doing. St. Mary's Parish is a diverse community located in a rural area of western Oregon. Recognizing the parents as the primary religious educators, the parish leaders have developed a First Eucharist program that encourages a growing portion of the parish's parents to participate in all programs. Currently, one hundred percent of the parents participate. The religious education staff at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish has developed a program where parents are not only seen as the primary religious educators of their children, but are continuously encouraged in their role.
Parents participate in all facets of the religious education program.
Over 200 parents participate as volunteer catechists. Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Parish, in conformance with our Pope John Paul II's instruction that the ongoing faith formation of adults become the Church's first catechetical priority, has established the basic structure of the religious education program to be one that is primarily family instruction with an emphasis on the sacraments. Maryellen Ryan, PA . The leadership style of St. Mary's Parish is one of collaboration with mutual respect for individual creativity. The religious education program is family oriented and parents are expected to participate in a monthly discipleship program.