Saint Agnes Parish School Of Religion - Catholic Times Article

Catholic Times Article - April 6, 2003
Saint Agnes, Springfield
"PSR Provides a Two-Year Confirmation Preparation Program"
by Janet Zimmerman

Recently the Saint Agnes PSR Eighth-Grade students participated in a Sunday afternoon "Spirit Retreat" in preparation for the reception of confirmation this Spring. The retreat was presented by Father Richard Chiola, parochial vicar of Saint Agnes and Sister Linda Mary Deloinas, OP, campus minister of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. Through the various activities the students were encouraged to take a deeper look at what God, the Catholic Faith and the reception of confirmation means to them.

A two-year confirmation preparation program was implemented in the Saint Agnes PSR last school year. Besides their regular attendance at PSR class these past two years, as seventh-graders this year's eighth-graders began their preparation for the reception of confirmation by participating in the mentoring process. The students had the opportunity to discuss and share with an adult from Saint Agnes religious truths and values and its meaning in their lives. The whole parish community was drawn into this process by the "Declaration of Candidacy for Confirmation" at the Sunday Masses.

During their eighth-grade year the students engaged in service projects. The emphasis was to discover the gifts within themselves that could be given to others within their family, school, community and church.

An "Election Ceremony" was held with the students and their sponsors during a Wednesday evening class.

Hopefully, through this two-year confirmation preparation program the students have a greater realization that the reception of confirmation marks the continuation of growth in faith and participation in the Catholic Christian community.

Saint Agnes PSR meets on Wednesdays from September through May. Two hundred students from 123 families participate in the Saint Agnes PSR this year.

There are 18 classes for Grades K-8. the Sadlier Coming to Faith program is taught which is also taught at Saint Agnes School.

Eighteen men and women of Saint Agnes Parish volunteer their time and talent to teach the students. There is also a support staff that help as aides in the classrooms, supervise and help in the office. The Saint Agnes PSR Parents Group sponsors several activities throughout the year including the Teacher/Staff Appreciation Dinner in the Spring. They are also a valuable resource that, along with the teachers and staff, gives input on how to improve the PSR.

In addition to Sadlier's Coming to Faith lessons, the students have the opportunity to participate in the sacraments of the Eucharist and penance an also in seasonal prayer services.

In conclusion, many people are involved in providing the children of Saint Agnes Parish who do not attend Saint Agnes School with religious education in the Saint Agnes Parish School of Religion.

God Bless America!