Religious Education
At the heart of catechesis we find, in essence, a Person; the Person of Jesus of Nazareth.
Growing in Faith
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."
MATTHEW 21:19-20 (NABRE)
Thus, the teaching mission of the Church comes from Christ himself. The responsibility for fulfilling that mandate passes on unchanged to the bishops and to all Catholics.
Within each Catholic diocese, the diocesan bishop is its principal teacher. He is assisted by clergy, religious, and lay men and women who serve as educators and catechists in Catholic institutions, including elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, seminaries and parishes.
Catechesis is the act of handing on the Word of God intended to inform the faith community and candidates for initiation into the Church about the teachings of Christ transmitted by the Apostles. It also involves the lifelong effort of forming people into witnesses to Christ and opening their hearts to the spiritual transformation given by the Holy Spirit.
The teaching authority of the Catholic Church, called the Magisterium, lies with all of the bishops who are led by the pope and guided by the Holy Spirit. The pope and bishops are the authoritative teachers in the Church.
In the Diocese of Jefferson City, there are many opportunities to grow in one's faith. Each parish provides faith formation for children, teenagers and adults. This is often in our schools, Parish Schools of Religion (PSR), Bible studies, and lay movements, such as Cursillo, Marriage Encounter, Teens Encounter Christ and more.
Faith formation in St. Anthony
Our parish offers ministries to members that increase their knowledge of the faith, draw them near to Christ in prayer and worship, and build community among our parishioners. Please see opportunities to get involved below.
Parish Schools of Religion
Parish Schools of Religion (often referred to as “PSR”) provide catechetical instruction to children and youth who attend public schools, so that young people can grow in intimacy with Jesus, be knowledgeable about their faith, and integrate the teachings of the Gospel into their lives. Parish religion programs also prepare young people for the reception of first sacraments.
These programs are often facilitated by parishes with a team of Catechists who serve, pray with and teach children within the parish in a class setting. These Catechists volunteer with the support of the parish religious education standards and procedures.
Parish schools of religion typically consist of weekly classes in religion for Catholic children who do not attend Catholic school. These classes are designed to help parents in their task of teaching their children the Catholic faith.
PSR for Children
On Wednesday evenings, PSR hosts education programs for the entire family. The purpose is to enrich the faith life of each and every parishioner, regardless of age. Each week there are classes and/or gatherings for all! There is a nursery available for the smallest members of our parish, preschool (ages 3-4). Kindergarten through 8th grade will be in traditional classrooms at the Education Center. Kindergarten and 1st grade will be using Gospel Weeklies-Promise; 2nd grade is the Year for First Reconciliation and First Communion using Signs of Grace; 3rd grade will be using Finding God; 4th through 6th grade uses Gospel Weeklies-Venture; 7th grade is the year of Confirmation using Confirmed in the Spirit; 8th grade uses Formed-Y: Disciple.
For Adults
Adults will be offered varied enrichment opportunities to participate in; i.e. Bible study, Liturgical readings, movies, topical conversations, and an occasional fun-filled event.
PSR for children, youth, & adults meets Wednesday nights starting with a free family-style dinner in the lower level of church from 5:15 - 6:15 pm. Classes are from 6:30 - 7:30 pm in the Education Center.
Contact:
Karri Brauman
{573-346-2716}
{stanthonysdre@gmail.com}
High School Youth Group at St. Anthony's (9th-12th Grade)
Meetings aim to be both fun and challenging; leading teens deeper into their relationship with God, and encouraging them to learn more about their Catholic faith.
High School Youth Group is for youth from 9th grade through 12th grade. Meetings are Sunday nights from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm and meet in the Youth Room. Our youth room has had a recent makeover and has added a snack bar to where you can have your snacks, coffee, or even a smoothie.
We invite all our youth to participate as we enjoy healthy & holy activities that strengthen our bonds with one another, and with God as well.
Contact:
Karri Brauman
{573-346-2716}
{stanthonysdre@gmail.com}