Written in a letter to the episcopate, to the clergy and to the faithful of the whole Catholic church, Blessed Pope John Paul II in 1981 wrote about the role of the Christian Family in the modern world. He states “The ministry of evangelization carried out by Christian parents is original and irreplaceable. It assumes the characteristics typical of family life itself, which should be interwoven with love, simplicity, practicality and daily witness.”  

 The domestic church should provide a real place in which a child learns to live his or her faith as well as understanding it. The first and greatest catechists in any child’s life are the family members with whom he or she lives. Children learn about our faith by observing Catholic behavior, attending Mass each week, praying with them and talking about our faith as you go about your daily life.  

 At St. Theresa of Avila in Salem, the family catechesis supports the spiritual formation of the children at home. Each child is provided with his or her own grade level book through Alive in Christ. Online resources are available to the parents to support them including music, videos and activities. Family sessions are held on the first Sunday of each month for intergenerational learning covering prayer, sacraments, Christian living, and profession of faith. 

If you are interested in joining the program, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

FAMILY CATECHESIS 
(gathering for parents and children) 
1st Sunday of each Month 
9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.