Fall 2007

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the 2007-2008 year of Religious Education at Christ the Teacher Parish. This year we welcome Denise Sanders as our new Campus and High School Youth Minister.  Denise comes to us from Rockford, where she served as the Director of Youth Ministry at St. Rita Parish.  Prior to coming to the Rockford Diocese, she served for two years on the NET Team, traveling throughout the country doing junior high and high school retreats.  We welcome her as she makes the transition to DeKalb.

We are also pleased to welcome Cheryl Lehman to the position of Assistant to the Director.  Previously a third grade catechist, mother of two daughters and step-mom of another, Cheryl is excited about this new step in her own faith development.

Our junior high youth minister, John Tomasula, has entered the Lay Ministry Formation program and has been awarded the Bishop O’Neill Excellence in Catechesis Award.  We are delighted that he is back with us again this year.

The 2007-2008 year marks a big change in our program.  For the first time, Confirmation will take place during the 7^th and 8^th grade years.  This year we are combining the two classes in the Knox Room during Religious Education hour.  

Because they are no longer having required Religious Education classes, the High School program will be Youth Ministry activities and events.  Please consult the schedule booklet for a complete listing.  We are grateful to the college students who are helping to plan and run both the junior high and senior high youth ministry programs. 

The Sunday morning adult “Why Catholic?” program will be held in the upstairs McGinn Room as a small group rather than the larger one we have held in past years.

If you would like to get involved with any of the projects or ministries of Religious Education, please see us. 

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Laura Bird, Director of Religious Education
Denise Sanders, High School Youth Minister