Department of Religious Education:

Ms. Jane B. Fagan, D.R.E.
Ms. Maryan H. Olney, Secretary

4101 St. Lawrence Avenue
Matteson, IL  60443

(708) 748-6090 x114
religiouseducation@slotoole.org

Visit our new Office in B-1

Loving God, You called us each
by name and You gave Your
only Son to redeem us.

In Your faithfulness, You sent
the Holy Spirit to complete the
mission of Jesus among us.
Open our hearts to Your Son.

Give us courage to speak His
name to those who are close
to us and the generosity to
share His love with those who
are far away.

We pray that every person
in this Parish hear the call
and accept the invitation
to know and love Jesus as
Savior and Redeemer.

May all come to revere His
all-surpassing love.
May that love transform
every element of their lives.
May they always welcome
one another with gentleness
and with generosity of spirit.
May they enrich one
another with their gifts.
May they celebrate in
hope and live in peace.

We ask this through
Christ our Lord.  AMEN

Mary, Mother of the Church
             ....pray for us.
St. Lawrence O'Toole
          ....pray for us.

WELCOME BACK!

Our 2012-13 R.E. Year starts with Family Night on September 5th
and full classes start for Kindergarten on 9/9 and Grades 1-8 on 9/10!

PURPOSE

          St. Lawrence O'Toole Religious Education Program exists for the purpose of ministering to the faith needs of children of all ages. The program challenges students to find deeper meaning in their lives and to recognize the presence of God in ordinary events, as well as in liturgical celebration. It encourages our young to "act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God." (Micah 6)

PHILOSOPHY

          Recognizing parents as the foremost educators of their children, catechists in the Religious Education Program assist parents in their role as Christian educators. We strive to present Catholic Faith Traditions by modeling the compassion of Jesus, teaching sound doctrine, and celebrating the Sacramental life of the Church. In an atmosphere of joy, kindness, discipline, and well-prepared classes, students are given the opportunity to learn and to live their Catholic heritage.

          Faith is a gift we once accepted. Faith is now a gift we must transfer. We give because we love; we give because it pleases another; we give because we remember the joy of having received. The process of Religious Education, for children and adults, involves the head with its truths, the heart with its trust and love, the hands and feet with actions of caring service. It is a duty and a privilege to open the minds of youth to the many wonders of God's love for them.

          Several Sundays each month, during our Parish's 11:00 Mass, children in grades 1 through 6 are invited to participate in a special Liturgy of the Word.  Children in these grades are taken apart from the general congregation during the time of the Mass readings and homily.

          The Sunday readings are then presented in an emphasized fashion and on a level for children to better understand. Children rejoin the adult community for the remainder of the Mass. This program takes place consistently on as many Sunday’s as possible throughout the year, with the exception of Family Mass Sundays and major Holiday Weekends.

          For more information about your children attending the Children's Liturgy of Word on Sundays, or if interested in being a facilitator for this program, please contact the Religious Education Office at (708) 748-6090 x114 or religiouseducation@slotoole.org.

          Special Liturgical celebrations for children are planned each month, on a calendar designated Sunday of the month at the 11:00 Parish Mass. Children and other family members are invited and encouraged to participate in these celebrations in a variety of ways.  Sign-up sheets for involvement are distributed to all students, in Religious Education and School, at the beginning of the school year and once returned are forwarded to the Religious Education Office. Families/Students will then be contacted regarding participation at the Sunday Liturgy.

          Proposed dates for this year: Oct. 14, 2012 (Confirmation Inscription); Nov. 11, 2012 (Feast of O’Toole); Dec. 24, 2012 (4 P.M. Christmas); Feb. 3, 2013 (Communion Inscription); Mar. 17, 2013 (Lent); May 12, 2013 (Mothers Day). Check the parish bulletin for verification.

          If you have any questions about Family Mass, please contact Ms. Jane Fagan in the Religious Education Office at (708) 748-6090 x114 or religiouseducation@slotoole.org.