Philosophy and Mission

The mission of the religious education program is to strengthen the faith of the families whose children attend this formation program at Mount Carmel Church. We strive to achieve this goal by encouraging a partnership between the family and the parish community. Involvement in the faith development of a child is primarily the responsibility of parents. Faith is our goal—a faith that is alive and mature which can affect everyday actions and is deeply rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition.

The religious formation of a child begins in the earliest years and continues in a formal manner when a child begins a religious education program. We believe that parents, along with religious educators, can develop a faith that is truly alive in each child. This partnership requires a relationship of: communication, collaboration and cooperation.

A religious education program can provide formal instruction in the faith, but it is the family that provides the practice of the faith in the home, the community and in our world. A religious education program cannot accomplish what a family can and how the practice of the faith can deepen the faith in a child.

The active family participation in the life of the parish community is accomplished by: weekly worship, participation in good works, other parish activities, faithful attendance at religious education and the continued study of the faith at home. The entire family can be enriched by actively participating in the life and work of the parish community.