Catholic Extension has entered their second year in offering grants to parishes to enrich the education of youth and families. The three-year program puts into motion ideas generated from the input of parents and parish leaders. In the first year of the program, three parishes from the Diocese were awarded $15,000.00 each to implement their …
Catholic Extension has entered their second year in offering grants to parishes to enrich the education of youth and families. The three-year program puts into motion ideas generated from the input of parents and parish leaders. In the first year of the program, three parishes from the Diocese were awarded $15,000.00 each to implement their plans in their respective parishes: Immaculate Heart of Mary in Tioga, Mary Mother of Jesus in Woodworth and St. Joseph Church in St Joseph, LA.
In the second year of the program, two more parishes in our Diocese have been awarded the grant. Although their parish listening sessions have not taken place yet, St. Francis de Sales
Church in Echo and St. Rita Church in Alexandria will be hosting their listening sessions at the end of October. During the listening sessions, a facilitator from Catholic Extension will spend time hearing from the parish leaders and caregivers of the parish to generate ideas on how the funding can be used. After the listening session, the parishes submit proposals to Catholic Extension for approval of funding.
This is a great opportunity for parishes that if the financial burden was removed, can implement ideas for parents/caregivers to help improve the catechesis in their parishes.
According to research, many parents and caregivers desire to pass on the Catholic faith to their children, but struggle with the most effective way to do this.
The Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative puts Christian parents and caregivers in direct dialogue with catechetical and parish leaders, helping both sides move toward a plan of action in their church communities. These Catholic Extension Society-funded sessions will be led by a designated facilitator, experienced leaders in ministry who work closely with parents to help them succeed as teachers to their children.
