At Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, religious education means much more than just Sunday School.  We view religious education as an ongoing, lifetime commitment not only to learning about our Catholic Faith, but to sharing that Faith with others.  Our Lady of the Lakes Parish provides religious education for all age levels and all walks of life.

CCD: Our CCD program provides a comprehensive, structured program of religious education for students in kindergarten through 8th grade.  Sacramental preparation classes are 2nd grade (First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion) and 8th grade (Confirmation).  All of our CCD teachers are volunteers who have completed diocesan courses of instruction and received Catechist certification from the Diocese of Pittsburgh. For more information about our CCD program, please contact MaryEtta Filotei (Director of Religious Education) at 724-265-3284 ext. 402, or Kelsey Probst (Director of Faith Formation) at 724-265-4040 ext. 302.

Youth Ministry:  Our parish youth group provides continuing religious education for high school students in 9th through 12th grade, combining discussion of relevant current events with community service projects and activities.  Members of the youth group are encouraged to become involved in parish ministries, activities, and events.  For more information about our youth group, please contact Kelsey Probst (Director of Faith Formation) at 724-265-4040 ext. 302.

OCIA:  The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process through which interested adults and older children are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic Faith and way of life.   For more information about this process, of if you are interested in becoming a Catholic, please contact Laura Smagala, our OCIA coordinator, ([email protected], or 724-713-1453), or call the parish office (724-265-2070, ext. 504).

Vacation Bible School:   Shortly after the close of school each June, our Vacation Bible School (VBS) swings into action with a 5-day session designed to present Jesus to children in a fun-filled way.  Combining lessons and stories from the Bible with a variety of arts and crafts, snacks, and outdoor games and activities, this program is open to children of all faiths, ages 3 - 11.  Many of our former VBS campers and youth group members volunteer their time and talents assisting our CCD staff to make this an educational and entertaining start of summer vacation.  For more information about our Vacation Bible School program, please contact MaryEtta Filotei (Director of Religious Education) at 724-265-3284 ext. 402.

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations.  Baptize them in the name 'of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.'  Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you."  (Matthew 28: 19-20)

These words recorded at the end of Matthew's Gospel are more than just Jesus' final instructions to His apostles before His ascension to His Father in heaven.  They are His ongoing commission to all who wish to follow Him as His disciples to spread the good news of the Gospel. 

By virtue of our Baptism, and strengthened by the Sacrament of Confirmation, each of us is called to give witness to Jesus Christ.  We have a duty to set a good example to others and to teach others, through our words, actions, and way of life, how to follow Jesus.

As Catholic parents, this obligation binds us most seriously with regard to our children.  At the beginning of the Baptism ceremony, the priest addresses the parents as follows:

"You have asked to have your child baptized.  In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training them in the practice of the faith.  It will be your duty to bring them up to keep God's commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor.  Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?"  

Later in the Baptism ceremony, just before the parents and Godparents make the Profession of Faith on behalf of the child to be baptized, the priest again instructs the parents:

"On your part, you must make it your constant care to bring them up in the practice of the faith.  See that the divine life which God gives them is kept safe from the poison of sin, to grow always stronger in their hearts."

Baptism, then, is more than just a one-time ceremony.  It is a lifelong commitment to be an active member of the Church, a commitment sealed by promises to Almighty God.  It is a commitment involving responsibilities that are not to be taken lightly.  And it is a commitment that the child's parents, the child's "first teachers in the ways of faith", will most likely not be able to fulfill without the assistance of a strong, solid Religious Education program.


Jesus saw a vast crowd.  He pitied them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them at great length.  (Mark 6: 34)

The primary focus of Jesus' public ministry was to teach the people about the goodness of God and the promise of salvation.  All of His miracles, all of the healings He performed, and certainly all of His stories and parables had one purpose - to instruct the people in the ways of God and how to gain the eternal life of heaven by following God's commandments.
   

Jesus called for the children, saying: "Let the little children come to Me.  Do not shut them off.  The reign of God belongs to such as these."  (Luke 18: 16)

Jesus had a special concern for the children.  He did not want them to be deprived of the opportunity to learn about the ways of God.  Jesus even went so far as to reprimand His Disciples when they tried to prevent parents from bringing their children to Him.  The children's knowledge of God was obviously very important to Jesus.

Clearly, then, the religious education of our children (and ourselves as well) is not something to be overlooked.  Willed by God as witnessed through the words and actions of Jesus, and sealed by promises made at Baptism, we have a duty and responsibility to see to it that our children receive a proper education in the Faith that we as Catholics profess. 

Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me Your paths.  Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my savior.   (Psalm 25: 4-5)