Ensuring the Quality of Life-long
Religious Education

During an evening for parents at Sacred Heart-St. Catherine Parish last August one father stood up to speak. “I want to thank you. I wasn’t sure just what to expect when I came here tonight. But this presentation has made me realize that I never talk with my daughter about God. I am not sure why I haven’t, but I do know that I have to change that.” That presentation was Strong Catholic Families, Strong Catholic Youth, a national initiative sponsored in Worcester by the Office of Religious Education.

During 2010–2011 there were 23,373 K through high school students attending parish religious education programs. More than a few of their parents also participated in various program offerings. The students were taught by 2,553 volunteers, many of whom have been certified through courses sponsored by the Office of Religious Education. Ongoing training continued as 243 men and women took the time to continue their studies. Such numbers are telling because they are indicative of a greater reality — faith being born and lived out every day in a busy, complex world.  

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