Religious Education

Jesus, the Lamb of God – Keep your eyes on Jesus

John the Baptist had the great honor of preparing the way for Jesus. Through John’s preaching and baptizing, the people’s hearts were ready for the coming of the Lamb of God. John had spent his entire life listening to God’s word. When Jesus, the Messiah, finally came, God helped John to recognize him.

Very often we get so busy and noisy that God’s voice is completely drowned out. We are not always prepared to recognize Jesus in our daily lives. In the gospel today John’s testimony of seeing the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove remained on him by pointing out that he is the Lamb of God. We hear John’s intense joy of recognizing that he is in the presence of the one long foretold, the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. All who are baptized into the Christian faith have shared in this moment. John brought baptism with water, Jesus brought baptism into the life of the Holy Spirit. It is for us to pray that we never forget the great gift we have received, and to show how much it matters to us as we step out, like John in sharing “keep your eyes on Jesusthe Lamb of God.”

Our Lady of Refuge offers a journey of discovery of the Catholic faith ( RCIA). Baptism is one of the sacraments to know what it means to feel welcomed in the community. There are sessions that start in the fall and continue through the spring. We want to meet you and know your stories that brought you here to our church. Please contact Denette Plant at 248-682-6381.

Denette Plant
Director, Religious Education
248.682.6381
re@olorcc.org

I’m reaching out to new families regarding Religious Education this school year of 2022-2023. Faith Formation classes begin for children when they are in 1st grade. Our Religious Education classes will resume in-person starting Monday, October 3rd. Our classes will run 6:00 to 7:30 pm on Monday evenings.

Help Needed:

Catechist: Role is to teach the specific beliefs of the Catholic Church, which serves as an aid to living a Christ centered life. (All this is in the teaching guide)
Time required for Catechist: preparation time at home: 1 hour
Class time: 1 ½ hours
Qualifications: Willingness to share faith and nurture the children’s faith
Requirements: Complete a “Protecting God’s Children” workshop
(Link to AOD workshops/registration including a workshop at St. Benedict Parish on August 23rd)

Do you feel a call called to be a messenger for Christ? We welcome parents, guardians, and high school students (need to be 18 yrs old) to teach. I would like to have a couple of Subs for on call if possible. Catechists are called to echo God’s word. God gives us amazing grace when we answer God’s call to carry on the joyful mission to teach as Jesus did. Our goal here at Our Lady of Refuge is to support each family in their faith formation journey with their children as they strive for full, active and conscious participation in the life of the Church and the parish.

REMINDER: First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is normally prepared and celebrated in the 2nd grade. Students must complete two years consecutively in the Religious Education Program (does not include Kindergarten) before celebrating First Holy Communion. If your child has not been enrolled in 1 st grade RE class prior to enrolling in 2nd grade, please contact me.

Denette Plant
Director, Religious Education
248.682.6381
re@olorcc.org