OFFICE OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious Education
Religious Education Congress
November 8, 2008
Elms College, Chicopee
KEYNOTE: Kathleen Chesto, D. Min., noted speaker, author, and workshop presenter, former diocesan and parish director of religious education and family ministry.The main goal of the Office of Religious Education is to assist parishes in providing quality religious education opportunities for all of their parishioners – adults, young people, and children. The staff provides training and enrichment for everyone involved. Please let us help you as together we attempt to share the Good News with the people of the Springfield Diocese.
Our Mission: The Office of Religious Education is engaged in continuing the mission of Jesus Christ through catechesis and evangelization in our diocesan community. The staff of the Office of Religious Education encourages, directs, and supports parish leaders in providing quality catechesis for all people.
Specifically, the Office of Religious Education seeks to:
• Establish guidelines for life-long catechesis, including issues related to the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist and Reconciliation;
• Promote evangelization and RCIA as part of the essential mission of each parish;
• Emphasize the priority of adult education and enrichment at all levels in our diocese;
• Identify and support qualified catechetical leaders for every parish (or cluster of parishes);
• Offer resources and opportunities for pastors, and those who collaborate with them, so that they all may provide quality catechetical programming for the entire parish;
• Promote opportunities for training, recognition and certification of local catechists;
• Collaborate with other diocesan offices to further the mission of the Church.OFFICES AND RESOURCE CENTERS
65 Elliot Street
P.O. Box 1730
Springfield, MA 01102-1730
Phone: 413.452.0812
Fax: 413.452.0817
75 Plunkett Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: 413-443-3187 (Local Pittsfield)
Phone: 413.452-0651 (Greater Spfld.)
Fax: 413.499.8762
