Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child’s earliest years. This already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God. 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 #2226
As a community of believers created in the image of God, we inspire and nurture strong communities of faith. Our education programs should impart the knowledge of our faith through scripture, story, and tradition. Prayer, liturgy and the celebration of the sacraments are opportunities to demonstrate our thankful awareness of God’s presence in the world.
FORMED
The Catholic Parishes of Penticton subscribes to FORMED, a premier online platform filled with over 4,000 Catholic studies, movies, audio dramas, talks, e-books, and even cartoons for our children. FORMED has content from over 60 apostolates, including Augustine Institute, Ignatius Press, and the Knights of Columbus, with material that is professionally produced, engaging, and solid in its catechism. Best of all, this material is free to you!
So, whether you’re looking to learn more about our faith or you want to help others, FORMED is a great resource. Check it out!
For Children
Religious Education in Catholic schools complements family and parish-based catechesis. The collaboration of caring adults in the school, the home, and the parish supports students as they grow to become discerning believers and responsible citizens formed in Catholic traditions.
The Catholic faith is made visible in all subject areas through the infusion of Catholic Social Teachings, virtues and gospel values into daily learning experiences.
In Penticton, we are so very blessed to have our own Catholic school, Holy Cross, to facilitate the spiritual development of every student and achieve the essential academic, social, emotional and physical growth needed to live and work in today’s world.
If you’re interested in finding out more or registering your children or grandchildren at Holy Cross, please visit the school website for more information.
For those who cannot send their children to our school, we have a Faith Formation program for elementary grade students that is designed to assist families of children attending public school in their religious education.
Catechism classes begin each year in September.
At Mass, Children’s Liturgy is a parallel celebration to the Liturgy of the Word portion of the Mass, geared for children ages 4 and up. Children leave after the gathering rite to go to their own space receive the Word in an age appropriate manner. They return to the assembly to celebrate Eucharist with their families. Remember, this is not “catechism” or “Sunday School”: it is the Liturgy of the Word at the children’s level.
For Youth
Our Youth Program looks to bring our young ones to a deeper relationship with Jesus and to build a community where our young people will come to know and treasure our faith in the living God. We are excited for God’s plan for the young people in our community. The light of hope fills our hearts with joy.
Participating in our youth program allows kids, grade 6 through 12, to build relationships in faith-based environment and to learn more about their faith through discussions, activities, and actions.
If you’re a youth between grade 6 to 12 and want to get involved, contact parish office at 250-492-3169.
For Adults
Are you, or do you know of someone, who has expressed an interest in becoming a Catholic? Are you, or do you know someone, who was baptized Catholic as a child, but has not celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation, and Eucharist?
For adults looking to inquiring about the Catholic faith and exploring the possibility of joining our faith community, we have the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program.
Candidates will attend religious instruction, will cover the chief truths, rites and creed of the Catholic Church, the life in Christ, grace and the commandments, the sacraments, Mass, prayer and devotions.
You should consider enrolling if:
- You think you might be interested in becoming Catholic or if you are interested in learning about what Catholics believe;
- You want to complete the sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Holy Communion, Confirmation and Reconciliation;
- You would like to return to the practice of your Catholic faith or want to refresh an understanding of your faith.
Everyone is welcome.
Call the office at 250-492-3169 to inquire or register.