Religious Education

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.