Religious Education   Diocese of Scranton  Convocation for Catechists 2010   “The Church is alive and the Church is young. She holds within herself the future of the world and therefore shows each of us the way towards the future.  The Church is alive and we are seeing it:  we are experiencing the joy that the Risen Lord promised his followers.”            -- Pope Benedict XVI, Homily from his                    Installation Mass, April 24, 2005   The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity."                  Pope John Paul II, Catechesi Tradendae        The Office for Parish Life and Evangelization offers a comprehensive program of religious education and evangelization in the Diocese of Scranton. It assists the faithful to understand and live the unity of faith that flows from the Triune God. To that end, it understands catechesis as being among its most important work. In accord with Scripture and tradition, in the spirit of Vatican II, and in accord with the Mission Statement of Diocese, it recognizes Jesus Christ, who is the "Way, the Truth and the Life," as the first and last point of reference of this catechesis.      Rooted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, it celebrates the Creed, the Seven Sacraments, Prayer and the Ten Commandments as the four elements that make up the depository of faith. Following the Catechism, it seeks to encourage and inform a full and active faith in young and old alike.  The office assists the Bishop, who is the "Catechist par excellence," to promote life-long Christian formation. To that end, it supports the parishes of the Diocese in the following ways:      It encourages and prepares parish leaders and catechists to foster a deep and systematic knowledge of the person and message of Jesus Christ.      It develops, implements and evaluates programs designed to contribute to the life-long formation of children, young adults and adults.      It collaborates with other diocesan offices and agencies to carry out the Church's mission, and the Mission Statement of the Diocese, to teach the Gospel, to celebrate the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist reverently and joyfully, and to serve others, especially the poor and unfortunate, in the name of Jesus Christ. Elementary Guidelines for Religious Education in Parishes and Schools Guidelines for the Teaching of Religion in Catholic High Schools in the Diocese of Scranton Confirmation Component for Students in Fifth Grade in the Catholic Schools Formation in Christian Chastity Religious Education Programs and Materials Contact Information External Links of Interest   Back to OPL Menu