Dear Parents,

My name is Valerie Martin and I am the new Coordinator of Faith Formation at Annunciation Parish. My primary responsibilities will be the coordination of the Sunday morning and Wednesday evening faith formation programs for preschool through 6th grade students and the parish sacramental preparation programs for first Reconciliation and Eucharist.

The Church has traditionally taught that the primary responsibility for the religious education of children belongs to the parents. Since the home is the first learning center and the central source of a child’s sense of values and attitudes, parents are recognized as the first educators of their children. For it is within the family that “children learn to believe what their parents’ words and example teach about God.” (To Teach As Jesus Did, #25)

The Church, however, also recognizes its own obligation to help parents fulfill their duty as primary educators. The parish faith formation classes are meant to assist you in your role as the primary religious educator of your children. They are not meant to replace the religious education that children are to receive in the home by the family.

As we look forward to a new school year, I invite and welcome you and your children to our parish faith formation classes here on Wednesday evenings. These classes provide a great opportunity for students and their families to reflect on the teachings of Jesus as taught by the Catholic Church. The faith formation classes are taught by volunteer catechists who generously share their time, talents and faith with our youth. To insure that our programs provide child safe environments, all volunteer catechists must complete the required paperwork for a Criminal Background Check, sign a Volunteer Code of Conduct and attend a VIRTUS training. (VIRTUS is an Archdiocesan program for protecting our children from abuse). As of today, we are still in need of several more catechists. If you would like to volunteer in this essential and rewarding ministry or know of someone who may be interested, please give me a call. Training, support and materials are provided.

Preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist is separate and distinct from the weekly faith formation classes. Students who wish to celebrate their first Reconciliation and Eucharist at Annunciation need to participate in the parish sacramental preparation programs in addition to being a regular participant in an ongoing faith formation class. Reconciliation preparation will be in the fall semester; Eucharist preparation will be in the spring semester. Please note that a number of years back, the bishops stated that Reconciliation preparation is to precede First Communion. We are beginning to transition to this requirement as we realize we have a number of catch-up years to do.

The tuition for the Wednesday faith formation classes is $45.00 per child; each additional child is $40.00. Religious education and sacramental preparation are not meant to be a financial hardship for anyone. Payment options are available. Enclosed is the 2007-2008 Religious Education Calendar and Registration Form. Please complete the Registration Form and return it and the tuition payment to the Parish Office by September 10th. Classes begin on October 3rd, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. in the school. The first class night we will gather in the school auditorium where the parents and students will meet the catechists. After the children and catechists go to their classrooms, Fr. Jim and I will have a brief meeting with the parents.

I look forward to meeting each of you in the coming months. Jesus’ words, “I am with you always”, assures us that we are not alone; God’s Spirit guides and empowers our words and actions, even today. As baptized Catholics, we are all called to live and share Jesus’ mission and to continue to grow in greater knowledge and friendship with our loving God.

Sincerely,

Valerie Roster Martin 

Coordinator of Faith Formation 

612-824-9993 x 260