The Parish is the Eucharistic Community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the Catechesis of children and parents (Catechism of the Catholic Church #2223).
Dr . James Gregory
Director of Religious Education
570.784.0801 Ext. 4
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Catholic Youth Education Program (CYE)
Our Mission: “Our future together in Faith is to teach our children to know, love, and serve God and his people in the Catholic tradition.”
Our Philosophy: The Religious Education Program at St. Columba Church in full agreement with Catholic Church Teaching promotes PARENTS as the primary educators of THEIR children. Our programs are designed to SUPPORT Parents in preparing their children to come to full maturity in the Christian life. Parents who decide to homeschool their children, will be supported by our Religious Education Office and welcome to attend the Family Education day.
Curriculum: CYE students from Kindergarten through Grade 8 use USCCB-approved curricula. Our formal Sunday School program is a hybrid that uses traditional classes along with Family Faith education. The Parish School holds formal religious education classes for each grade. Synergistically with these classes our teachers integrate the Catholic faith into each of their traditional classes emphasizing the important interaction of Faith and Reason ( Fide et Ratio encyclical of Pope St John Paul II).
Attention Homeschoolers: You must still register your children with the Director of Religious Education, according to Diocesan regulations. All Religious Education textbooks used in the Diocese of Harrisburg must be found to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and listed on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Office for the Catechism. The Office of Religious Education is responsible by Diocesan regulation for tracking all catechetical education and is here to support you. Please contact us if you intend to home school. We can provide you with approved curricula list from the USCCB and assist you with the Diocesan guidelines for Sacramental Preparation.
Youth Programs: We offer several programs for our youth outside of the CYE & School. We have an active Youth group (Faith, Fun, Food and Friendship) for 5th – 9th grades that meets monthly during the summer. We offer the weeklong Vacation Bible School (VBS) each year in July for the younger children.
Dr . James Gregory
Director of Religious Education
570.784.0801 Ext. 4
OUR CYE PARENTS’ PORTAL IS HERE:
The registration Fee for CYE is $30 each for the first 2 children and $15 each for additional Children. Once CYE begins, children should meet their teachers and classes in the gymnasium. If your child is entering 1st grade or 7th grade, be sure that you register since the Diocese of Harrisburg requires a two-year preparation program to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.
CYE: 2023-2024 School Year – What to do first
Click on the Download button for each document.
Our newly revised (on 9/5/23) schedule is here:
All students must have an emergency medical authorization each year, but the initial CYE registration only needs to be completed once. Returning students need only fill out the Emergency Medical Authorization Form.
Once CYE begins, children should meet their teachers and classes in the cafeteria. If your child is entering 1st grade or 7th grade, be sure that you register since the Diocese of Harrisburg requires a two-year preparation program to receive the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. Confirmation and First Communion are both held in the spring.
Please let us know if you have attended the religious education program in a different parish. To participate in CYO, your child must participate in CYE. Coaches will periodically check to see if this requirement is being met.
WANT TO HELP?
CYE CATECHISTS NEEDED: CYE exists to assist parents to educate their children into their Catholic faith. For CYE to do this, we need your assistance to teach and support the CYE Program. We welcome interest in filling this ministry as either a weekly or substitute teacher. What is needed is a love of children, your faith and a desire to share your love of Christ. We will work with you to help you grow in the knowledge needed to serve in youth ministry. Please contact Jim Gregory DRE@saintcolumbachurch.org or (570) 784-0801 x4 for additional information.
ST. COLUMBA JUNIOR CATECHIST PROGRAM: Are you a High School Student who likes to work with children? Do you like to teach or have thought of being a teacher? Do you love your Catholic Faith? If this describes you, then you might be perfect for our Junior Catechist Position. Starting this September, you can join our CYE program and help our Teachers with the Sunday morning CYE classes. If you are interested, please email me and cc: your parent/guardian.
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Home Study
CYE HOMESCHOOLERS: All Religious Education textbooks used in the Diocese of Harrisburg must be found to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and listed on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Office for the Catechism.
The Office of Religious Education is responsible by Diocesan regulation for tracking all catechetical education and is here to support you. Please contact us if you intend to home school. We can provide you with approved curricula list from the USCCB and assist you with the Diocesan guidelines for Sacramental Preparation.
FOR BIBLE OR CATECHISM READING IN A YEAR
(READING ONLY, NOT LISTENING):
Daily Bible Reading and or/the Catechism of the Catholic Church–
a New Years Resolution
St. Jerome, who translated the Bible into Latin – the Vulgate, stated, “Not to know the Bible is not to know Jesus Christ.” What an opportunity this New Year brings to know Jesus Christ and God’s Word better by reading the Bible from cover to cover. All it takes is reading 15 minutes daily – by doing so, you will have read the entire Bible in one year. A Bible Reading Guide is available by clicking on the Download button below.
If you read the paragraphs listed each day you will: (1) read the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in one year; (2) read from all four parts of the Catechism almost every week; (3) be well versed in the teachings of the Church; and (4) be drawn even closer to God and His Church. Most days we stop reading at a natural break point. So now the 2,557 paragraphs in the Catechism just don’t seem so intimidating when we take it one day at a time! Won’t you join me?
Also, for those who want to study the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church at the same time, Read the Bible and the Catechism in a Year, by CH Resources, will be available in the back of the Church on white flyers.
What an opportunity this New Year brings to know Jesus Christ and God’s Word better by reading the Bible from cover to cover.
Here is a 52-week Catechism reading plan:
YOUCAT/ Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Youth Catechism, which is written in language suitable for young people, deals with the entire Catholic faith as it was presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC of 1997).
For more information about the Catechism of the Catholic Church
PODCASTS:
Join us for The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)!
With this podcast, Catholics will:
- Read the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 days
- Understand the essentials of the Catholic Faith and why they matter
- See how Church teaching is rooted in Sacred Scripture
- Absorb over 2,000 years of Sacred Tradition
- Encounter God’s plan of sheer goodness
- Transform their relationship with the Church that Christ founded.
If you have ever wanted to understand what it means to be Catholic and allow those truths to shape your life—this podcast is for you! Here is the link!
- If you’ve struggled to read the Bible, this VERY POPULAR podcast is for you.
- Ascension’s Bible in a Year Podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz and featuring Jeff Cavins, guides Catholics through the Bible in 365 daily episodes starting January 1st, 2021.
- Each 20-25 minute episode includes:
- Two to three scripture readings
- A reflection from Fr. Mike Schmitz
- A guided prayer to help you hear God’s voice in his Word
- Unlike any other Bible podcast, Ascension’s Bible in a Year Podcast for Catholics follows a reading plan inspired by the Great Adventure Bible Timeline® learning system, a groundbreaking approach to understanding Salvation History developed by renowned Catholic Bible teacher Jeff Cavins.
- Tune in and live your daily life through the lens of God’s word!
- Follow along without an app! Here is the link to the podcast.
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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults become members of the Catholic Church. The process includes prayer and reflection, the study of the Catholic faith and way of life, and special rites and rituals along the way.
For more about Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, check out the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website.
Baptized individuals are in full communion with the Catholic Church when they are joined with Christ in the visible structure of the Church through the profession of faith, the reception of the sacraments, and respect and obedience toward those in authority in the Church (CIC, c. 205)
-Visible Church (attend Mass and participate in the actions of the Church on earth)
– Profess the Creed ( approved by the Magisterium)
– Receive the Sacraments (Believe in the Seven Sacraments of the Church as from Christ)
– Obedience of Faith to the Dogmas of Faith and by Religious submission of intellect and will to the teachings of the Church.
What to do first
Search your Heart and Pray for guidance. If you discern you want to learn more. We seek to lead all people to deepen or develop a relationship with Christ through the fullness of the Catholic Faith. We will walk with you on your journey with gentleness and love allowing God to speak to you. You may join us to learn, and let your faith and reason guide you. Faith Formation sessions are individualized to your faith journey and schedules. If your prayer leads you to want to learn more Contact Jim Gregory with your questions and interest or fill out the Inquirer form below.
Jim Gregory
Director of Adult Education
570.784.0801 Ext. 4
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Expanding My Faith: Weekly Column
Send questions to: DRE@saintcolumbachurch.org and place “Q’s Pews” in the subject line. All questions are answered and kept confidential. If your question is used in the column, it will remain anonymous. James Gregory, DRE
“Fide quaerens Intellectum”
“Always be prepared to make a defense … for the hope that is in you … with gentleness and reverence” (1Peter 3:15)
“Q’s from the Pews”
“Q’s from the Pews”
Why do Catholics separate the Our Father and its Ending? Protestants have a longer Lord’s prayer than Catholics do. Which begs the question, why? Especially since Protestants claim that Sola Scriptura or only the “true” written text of the Bible is authoritative. A concept known as inerrancy. Catholics also profess the inerrancy of sacred scripture. So which is correct? There are two versions of the Lord’s Prayer in the New Testament Mt 6:9-13 and Lk 11: 2-4. Likely, Our Lord had said this prayer or parts of it many times during his teaching, and all we have recorded is a summary of those many times. His summary is inspired by the Holy Spirit so it is inerrant. Centuries ago before the Reformation, the Catholic church adopted Matthew’s longer version for universal use. The words “For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory now and forever” which we separate from the Lord’s prayer by an intercession prayer are actually NOT part of the Lord’s prayer. Rather, it is what is known as a Doxology or praise of God similar to “Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.” Early bibles were rare and often hand copied. Pius monks would often add explanatory remarks in the margins of their bibles. These notes are known as glossa. The doxology beginning with “Thine” was often said as an additional prayer during Mass in both the Eastern and Western Churches for centuries. Its use dates back to at least the 4th century. It was subsequently noted in the margins (glossa) of prayer books as a reminder. When the Protestant sects changed and re-wrote their bible they inadvertently copied this TRADITION of the Catholic Church into the Lord’s Prayer in their versions of the Bible. Catholic Tradition upheld Scripture! Next week: Why so many names for Holy Communion?
“Catholic Challenge for September”
Each day, Pray one more time than you usually do. Perhaps add a short prayer when you wake up thanking God for today, or add a midday prayer asking him for strength as you accomplish the day’s tasks. It doesn’t have to be long! “Jesus, be with me as I go about my day.”
“Inside Catholic Baseball”
Montanism was a 2nd century heresy that claimed there were new revelations from the Holy Spirit suggesting the Second Coming of Christ was imminent. This is the heresy that caused Tertulian’s Excommunication since he spread it throughout Carthage and the West.!
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Theology/Faith Formation Classes
THEOLOGICAL STUDIES: At its core Christianity is “an encounter with a Person” Jesus Christ. (Pope Francis). These sessions are designed for those who wish to deepen their understanding of the fundamentals of the Catholic Church and Faith. These include traditional Bible studies, videos and movies. If you would like to attend, register via the website. If you have any questions, please contact James Gregory, DRE@saintcolumbachurch.org
THEOLOGY SERIES LEADERS: The office of Religious Education is always looking faithful Catholics who would like to share their faith and knowledge with others. If you have the knowledge, desire and feel you are called to this ministry please contact me. We welcome your involvement. There are many ways you can help: Lead a study, become a facilitator, or help with organization and set-up.
Contact Jim via email at DRE@saintcolumbachurch.org or call (570) 784-0801 x4
ONGOING CLASSES:
Starting August 31: “Jesus the Way, and The Truth and the Life,” A ten-week walk with Jesus from his birth in Bethlehem to His Passion and Resurrection, filmed in the Holy Land and narrated by 3 very prominent Theologians. It includes a workbook, the book “Jesus the Way, and The Truth and the Life” and group discussions.
Starting August 31, 2023, Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ending on October 26, 2023
Cost: suggested donation of $30 (covers book and study workbook, collected on first day of the series)
To register, email Jim Gregory, Director of Religious Education, at DRE@saintcolumbachurch.org or call (570) 784-0801
UPCOMING CLASSES:
SIGN UP IN NOVEMBER FOR:
Starting November 20 through December 23: A Biblical Walk Through the Mass by Dr. Edward Sri in conjunction with the free book which will be provided this fall. This will be supplemented with in-person study evenings/ days. There will be 5 sessions which will include a 30 min videos by Dr. Sri covering the material in the book and a facilitated group discussion.
Discover the Beauty and Riches of the Mass!
The Mass is nothing short of amazing. Through it, we encounter God in the most intimate way possible as we hear him speak to us in the Liturgy of the Word and as we receive him Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Holy Eucharist.
The words, the gestures, and the rituals of the Mass are rich in meaning. Everything we say and do in the Liturgy is steeped in biblical language. A Biblical Walk Through the Mass explores the extraordinary biblical roots of the Liturgy and reveals what it all means and why it all matters. This fascinating tour of the Mass will renew your faith and deepen your love for and devotion to the Holy Eucharist.
“Dr. Sri’s best-selling study program, A Biblical Walk Through the Mass, has been a blessing for thousands over the past decade. … We need to recommit ourselves to the central act of our faith with passion and joy. This marvelously written aid will help us join ourselves to the Lord as he offers himself to the Father in the Sacrifice of the Mass.”
—Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput
OFM Cap., archbishop emeritus of Philadelphia
New features of this 10th anniversary edition of A Biblical Walk Through the Mass include:
- Video footage of a Mass celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia that is woven throughout the series
- A combined Leader’s Guide and Student Workbook that includes the study question responses
- New insights from Dr. Sri
Sign up for Theology Classes
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