St. Pius, Indiana: Integrated Models
This parish has integrated models including Grade 1-8 traditional formation along with family catechesis, whole community catechesis, at home catechesis. The parish works along with a robust adult formation program as well.
Learn more about their program - click the images for brief description and link to their pages.
Learn more about their program - click the images for brief description and link to their pages.
“If Catholic parents choose to provide catechesis for the children in their home, the catechesis must be both complete and authentic. The bishop of the diocese, the pastor of the parish, the parents and children, all have God-given responsibilities that must be respected and considered in home-based catechesis. The home-based catechesis of children is a cooperative effort between the children, their parents, parish leadership and the diocesan bishop. Parents who choose to be not only the primary educators of their children but also their catechists must adhere to all guidelines for catechists as outlined by the diocesan bishop.” National Directory of Catechesis 61.3
While it may never be made a condition for reception of First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation, I strongly encourage all parents who catechize at home to see that their children participate in the parish program for reception of these Sacraments. In entrusting their children to the parish, they are making an act of ecclesial faith. The parish will be richer for their collaboration, and the families will also be drawn more fully into the life of the parish, which Pope John Paul II called “A Family of Families.” The Church is a community. It is the Body of Christ, and the presence of the children who are being home-schooled in the preparation for reception of the Sacraments, while not a requirement for the reception of the Sacraments, should always be strongly encouraged. Those who are schooled at home can contribute and add to the work being done in the parish while coming in contact with priests, the catechetical leader and other children who will also enrich them spiritually. It is also true that the presence of those who are catechized at home will strengthen and enrich those in the catechetical programs in the parish. “Since the celebration of the sacraments continually integrates children into the Body of Christ, preparing children for reception of the sacraments should always be undertaken in collaboration with the local pastor and catechetical leaders.” National Directory for Catechesis 61. 3
Confirmation references:
https://diocesefwsb.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Diocesan-Sacramental-Norms.pdf
While it may never be made a condition for reception of First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation, I strongly encourage all parents who catechize at home to see that their children participate in the parish program for reception of these Sacraments. In entrusting their children to the parish, they are making an act of ecclesial faith. The parish will be richer for their collaboration, and the families will also be drawn more fully into the life of the parish, which Pope John Paul II called “A Family of Families.” The Church is a community. It is the Body of Christ, and the presence of the children who are being home-schooled in the preparation for reception of the Sacraments, while not a requirement for the reception of the Sacraments, should always be strongly encouraged. Those who are schooled at home can contribute and add to the work being done in the parish while coming in contact with priests, the catechetical leader and other children who will also enrich them spiritually. It is also true that the presence of those who are catechized at home will strengthen and enrich those in the catechetical programs in the parish. “Since the celebration of the sacraments continually integrates children into the Body of Christ, preparing children for reception of the sacraments should always be undertaken in collaboration with the local pastor and catechetical leaders.” National Directory for Catechesis 61. 3
Confirmation references:
https://diocesefwsb.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Diocesan-Sacramental-Norms.pdf