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Our
Mission Statement
The Office for Religious Education
exists as
a
direct extension of the Archbishop’s catechetical ministry. We strive
to assist all in the Archdiocese of Edmonton in fulfilling their
mission of proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, making known and
encouraging adherence to Christ’s teachings available through His
Church, and facilitating the active reception of His sacraments.
“The diocesan catechetical
office is
the means
which the Bishop as head of the community and teacher of doctrine
utilizes to direct and moderate all the catechetical activities of the
diocese.” (GDC 265)
Guided by the Catechism of
the
Catholic
Church and
the General Directory for Catechesis, we seek to exercise our mandate
by serving the parishes, schools, and religious communities that make
up the Archdiocese by providing coordination, resources, guidance, and
formation in all catechetical endeavors.
The term catechesis refers to the
communication of God’s self
revelation to all persons. This communication invites response,
requires conversion, and results in communion. Catechists seek to
charitably and joyfully bring all persons into communion with God,
through Jesus Christ, by their incorporation into God’s family, the
Church.
“What
was from the beginning, what we
have heard, what we have seen
with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns
the Word of life-- for the life was made visible; we have seen it and
testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the
Father and was made visible to us-- what we have seen and heard we
proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for
our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We
are writing this so that our joy may be complete.” (1 John 1:1-4)
The specific goals of the Office
of
Religious
Education include enabling adults to:
- understand clearly what it means to
be an
adult
Catholic;
- center their lives in the
proclamation of
the
Gospel;
- live a liturgical life with a full,
conscious,
and active faith;
- witness their beliefs to others in
words
and
through acts of charity and service
- effectively form their children in
the
Catholic
Faith
Regarding the religious education
of
children, we
desire to:
- To ensure that ample opportunity for
instruction in Catholic doctrine and morals exits.
- To ensure children are well prepared
to
receive
the sacraments in faith.
- To encourage opportunities for
participation in
the Church's Liturgy and devotions.
- To foster the practice of prayer,
service, and
formation of virtues.
- To help facilitate harmony and unity
between
parents, schools, and parishes in the work of Catholic education
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