Religious Education
Serving the youth of our parish
Religious Education/Faith Formation RegistrationDear Parents, Students and Catechists We welcome you to Our Lady of the Valley Religious Education/Faith Formation program for 2020/2021! The term “Faith Formation” speaks to our program goals:
By following Jesus’ way of love, we become His true Disciples. Parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. Studies show that the greatest predictor of whether a child will continue to practice his/her faith as an adult is the faith commitment of the parents! You are giving good example to your children, as well as growing in your own faith, by attending weekly Mass, going to Reconciliation, praying together, speaking about your faith at home, and if possible, volunteering for service in our parish community. Our Faith Formation program is meant to support parents in their endeavors to raise their children in our holy Catholic faith. For this 2020-21 school year, due to COVID-19 concerns, we are going to use the Faith and Life series which will work with our new program My Catholic Faith Delivered online. However, we will begin live in-person classes on September 13, 2020. If, for some reason, we are unable to meet in the classrooms, your student will not experience any interruptions in learning with our new online program. Catechists will continue weekly with online instruction. More information and guidelines for our Covid19 preparation will be sent to the parents via email. I would like to acknowledge our volunteer catechists, who have chosen to teach your children, and to bring them to a greater understanding of their faith. Catechists 1st & 2nd Grades Primary Catechist – Mary Stasko Assistant Catechist – 3rd & 4th Grades Primary Catechist – Mary Vaughn Assistant Catechist – Susan King 5th & 6th Grades Primary Catechist – Cheryl Nikirk Assistant Catechist – Neva Nikirk 7th, 8th Grades Primary Catechist – Burrous Snellings Assistant Catechist – Debbie Snellings If you have any questions or concerns, you are always welcome to call or stop by our parish office. Thank you for the faith foundation you have already given to your children, and may God bless you for continuing to educate your children in their journey with Jesus. Father Perez Registration Form Here.We need volunteers. YOU are especially crucial to our program! It has been a long tradition at OLV that our parish family has offered their time and talents. It is through caring, sharing, and praying that our community has grown in love and support. Our religious education program’s success depends on the dedicated individuals in our parish willing to share their time, talents, and faith with the future Church, our parish children. We encourage all our parishioners, as well as parents of children in our program, to help in some way. We are in need of catechists, classroom aides, and substitute teachers.
The Diocese mandates VIRTUS training. Currently, Virtus training is accomplished online. The Office of Child Protection performs background checks and safe environment training for adults and youth in accordance with the requirements of the USCCB Charter on the Protection of Children. A catechist must be at least 18 years old, a practicing Catholic in good standing who attends weekly Mass, has a love for children, the desire to grow in faith and share that journey with young people.
All done in service to the Church. We need you!
Use this sign up form: Volunteer Sign up sheet
Please call the parish office (540-743-4919) or email (ourladyofthevalley@comcast. Helpful Resources This Bible app allows parents and children to learn more about the origins of our faith, but also more about the different stories within our faith. It is a great way for families to learn together while having fun at the same time. Click here for The Bible App for Kids Formed allows families to be able to have access to stream video, movies, documentaries, and much more digital content for all ages to enjoy. Our Lady of the Valley has a subscription to Formed, allowing all parishioners’ to enjoy excellent resources online. Go to www.formed.org- enter the Access Code: KYD2T6 Create an account and enjoy it! Dynamic Catholic is another great resource for families. If you would like to see the different resources below just click on the Click here for Dynamic Catholic: https://dynamiccatholic.com/ |