In our classrooms, the catechists incorporate music, prayer, Bible readings, crafts, and other lessons in order to ensure a well-rounded program for all learners. We have the students do a service project every year in order to teach them about social justice.  Students will experience Adoration, Stations of the Cross, The Mass, praying the rosary, and taking a tour of OLPH Church.  They will learn prayers and other fundamentals of our faith, following the guidelines of the Seattle Archdiocese. 

Sessions for First grade through 5th grades are offered on Wednesday evenings, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Faith Formation Center. 

Topics appropriate to each grade are taught from a curriculum based on the guidelines developed by the Archdiocesan Office of Faith Formation.  Catechists and assistants conduct the classes and we are always receptive to new volunteers. Orientation and materials are provided. 

Ready for First Communion? 
Baptized children age 7 and up (grades 2-5) desiring to receive First Communion enroll in Sacrament preparation during Fall registration. (more information can be found on the Sacraments/prayer page of our website)  At least one parent must be a practicing and fully-initiated Catholic and child must be validly baptized. Please submit a copy of certificate of baptism and your contact information to the coordinator of children’s religious education. 

Come and be a part of our catechist team! 
Would you like to help our parish children deepen their understanding of their Faith? Do you have a passion for spreading the good news of the Gospel? Could you give a few hours of your time each month teaching, praying, and playing with kids? We need you to make our parish RE program happen; all programs are parent/volunteer-led. Come and talk with me if you would like to be a part of this year’s RE team or send me an email at rosales@ic-olph.org. All volunteers must take SEP training annually and have a current background check on file with the archdiocese. Orientation, training and ongoing support provided for all catechists. 

Catechists sharing their experiences with the elementary faith formation program.....

It is such a joy to see the children grow in learning about our Lord and Savior. The sparkle in their eyes when they share their blessings or know the answer to the questions is always worth the time you spend teaching them. It is always fun to revisit the things you have learned and to share that with the children as well as your blessings.-- Loretta Canada (2nd/3rd grade catechist) 

People think they are not "knowledgeable" enough to teach - when it is just sharing what they do know and having the opportunity to learn more about their faith. 

It is the joy of being a disciple and truly spreading the word as we are called to - and the kids are so pure and awesome to work with. In working with the children you truly see the faith we as adults should have as the scriptures say that if we are not like the children .... etc. Their unwavering faith helps to encourage my faith and to remember to look up not at the world when the earthly trials want to bring me down. 

The benefits a catechists receives is the constant learning of the faith and accountability of living the faith as He calls us to. We get to plant the seeds that God had given us - and never knowing who or how we touch lives is the treasures we get to know when we get to join our Father... what a surprise it will be!-- Lisa (post-sacrament class)


For more information please contact Beth Rosales in the parish office at 425-349-7014.