The Cathedral of Saint Patrick Education Commission

Mission of the Education Commission

The Education Commission seeks to develop policies and support programs in religious education, adult catechesis, young adult ministry, youth ministry, and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) that foster a life long approach and learning environment for spiritual growth. The following are the ministries that are served under the Education Commission.

Children & Youth Faith Formation

At the Cathedral, we believe that religious education is a lifelong process and that parents are the primary spiritual and moral educators of their children. Our responsibility as a parish church is to support parents in their role as the primary teachers and evangelists of their families. Through our full range of Religious Education programs, we seek to give the children in our care the knowledge, experience, and skills necessary to become faithful and fruitful disciples of Jesus.

Religious Education – K-7th grade
Classes for Kindergarten through 7th grade are held on Sundays from 9:15 – 10:30 AM from September through May. The program uses the Faith & Life series. Volunteer opportunities include Catechists for the weekly program and classroom assistants. 
Contact: Quentin Salerno, Coordinator of Elementary Faith Formation and First Communion

First Penance and First Communion Preparation - 2nd grade
Children, aged seven and older, usually 2nd grade, are invited to prepare for the Sacrament of Confession in the fall preceding First Holy Communion.  Children, aged seven and older, usually 2nd grade, and having previously celebrated First Confession, are invited to prepare for the Sacrament of First Eucharist in the spring.  Parents and children are required to attend weekly Sunday Mass, preparation classes and workshops in addition to home study and regular religion classes. 
Contact: Quentin Salerno, Coordinator of Elementary Faith Formation and First Communion
 
Confirmation Preparation - 8th grade
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is on-going after receiving First Communion. The children must continue to attend Faith Formation every year.  Instructions in Grades 1-8 is a requirement of the Faith Formation Office, and Grades 7 and 8 are mandated by the Diocese.  Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation begins in the fall for 8th grade students enrolled in Catholic School and non-Catholic school. Classes are held September-June on Sunday from 10:45 am - 12:15 pm. 
Contact: Jonathan Gareis, Coordinator of Confirmation, Middle, High School Ministry

Youth Group – Middle & High School
The Cathedral Youth Group is a vivacious group of teens who meet every Sunday evening in the Youth Room from 6-8 pm. The meetings include dynamic group activities and great discussion about the Catholic Faith and what it means to follow Jesus in today's world. The goal of the youth group is to help the teens of the Cathedral grow in their love of Jesus Christ and become more faithful disciples of the Lord. Volunteer opportunities include adults to assist with the weekly youth group meetings along with volunteers to help with social and service opportunities. 
Contact: Jonathan Gareis, Coordinator of Confirmation, Middle, High School Ministry

For parents who are considering home schooling their children for Religious Education, please thoroughly and carefully read the Cathedral Guidelines for Home Schooling. If after thoroughly reviewing these guidelines, you would like to home school your child(ren), please contact Quentin Salerno to make the appropriate arrangements.

Adult Faith Formation

At the Cathedral, our mission is to follow the Way of the Lord Jesus as faithful disciples. We invite each man, woman, and child in our parish to begin the transformation from Church member by convention to Christian disciple by conviction. All genuine, Catholic reformation always begins here: personal conversion to the Lord Jesus and fidelity to His Gospel. With Jesus Christ and the sacraments of His Church as our center, our goal is to encourage every parishioner of the Cathedral to enter a path of following Jesus through serious discipleship formation, spiritual growth, and Christian community.

Catholic Scripture Study
The Cathedral of Saint Patrick offers an engaging Scripture study program from Catholic Scripture Study International. The study is facilitated by parishioners with commentaries lead by Scripture scholars and authors.  Materials incorporate Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and Magisterial Teaching in a relaxed group setting. The study meets per the following scheduled:

• St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians – Sundays, 9:15-10:30 am
• Acts of the Apostles - Tuesdays, 1-2:30 pm
   

Contact: Renee O'Brien
Click here for Website of Catholic Scripture Study International

Adult Discipleship
A ministry focused on the spiritual growth of adults through a variety of activities including Bible studies, special talks, retreats, and conferences. Currently, the ministry offers a monthly apologetics series the second Sunday of the month from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center. The discussions will provide clear, biblical answers to the most common objections Catholics get about their faith and help participants explain the Catholic faith clearly and confidently.
Contact: Renee O'Brien