Ministries ~ Education
At St. Mary, we strive to provide the best possible religious education for our parish community. Together, our programs work as a resource, preparing our children, young adults, and adults for the sacraments and continuing to nourish our communities’ faith formation. The Parish Council Education Committee Chair is Aristides Lucas.
Faith Formation K-12 (Religious Education Program)
Catechists, Prayer Aides, Catechist Aides, Office Assistants
As a school community this past year, we joined the parish in focusing on recognizing God’s gifts in our lives and learning how to use them for his service and the good of those around us. It has been a great blessing to see our children grow in their awareness of the Spirit working t
Mission: To assist in our children’s faith formation. There is a large range of responsibilities undertaken by the parish in serving over 1,200 children in their faith formation and sacramental preparation.
Time: Weekly commitment (if possible), plus initial training, including VIRTUS and on-going formation as needed. As much or as little time as you can give is deeply appreciated.
Talent: A love of faith and children is foremost, and a desire to fill a needed role in an environment where Christ is our focus. Training and certification are made available to all to ensure that we are educated in the faith we teach. Volunteer opportunities include; catechists/teachers, teacher aides, prayer aides, child care providers, office and clerical volunteers.
Director: Aristides Lucas, DRE, 540-373-6491
Holy Cross Academy
Tutors, Library Aides, After school care, Art Room Aides, Garden Care, Lunch room and playground volunteers
Holy Cross is blessed to have extremely talented teachers who are always looking for new ways to help our students. All our teachers are certified in the area in which they instruct. Many hold Master’s degrees or are currently enrolled in a graduate program. All our teachers of Religion hold Catechist certification with many at the advanced level. Our faculty members are experienced, dedicated and innovative. Our teachers are supported in all they do by dedicated staff in the office, classrooms, kitchen, maintenance and extended care program. They make our school the wonderful place that it is.We are always happy to welcome additional help to facilitate one-on-one learning or assistance as needed in other areas. If you are called to work with students in any capacity, we would love to have you!
Mission: To provide support for the Catholic education of our children.
Time: Weekly commitment (if possible), plus initial training, including VIRTUS and on-going formation, as needed. As much or as little time as you can give is deeply appreciated.
Talent: A love of education and children is foremost and a desire to fill a needed role in an environment where Christ is our focus. A full spectrum of opportunities are available.
Coordinator: Angie Tomayko, Assistant Principal 540- 286-1600
OCIA: Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
We are blessed with a faithful formation team for adults who are seeking to live the faith, toward the ultimate goal of full sacramental initiation in the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass.
Mission: To facilitate the process of initiating new members into our Roman Catholic community of faith through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Providing personal presence which seeks to accompany Inquirers throughout the process of coming to the Sacraments.
Time: Mondays 7:30-8:15pm, then small group discussion after snacks 8:30-9:15pm; weekly meetings and some other weekend activities, planning meetings.
Talent: An ability to share your love of Christ and the Catholic faith with those seeking to become Catholic. Some teaching and leading of discussion groups is possible, along with priests and other faculty.
Coordinator: Katherine Evans Spanish Coordinators (RICA)
SPRED: Special Religious Education
Mission:The SPRED program serves children and young adults with developmental disabilities such as, down syndrome, autism and learning disabilities. During each session, the students participate in catechesis and joyful activities designed to lead them closer to Jesus, and prepare them to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist) and Penance.
The program will meet for twelve (12) Saturday’s between October-April. For more information and to register contact Katherine Evans.
Contact:Katherine Evans, Assistant DRE
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Vacation Bible School
Mission: To create a fun-filled environment where participants are immersed in a particular Bible theme, where knowledge and love of the Lord and each other are fostered.
Time: One full week in the summer, with planning and preparation in advance.
Talent: A love for young children. Must be energetic, loving and kind-spirited. Teachers, aides and caregivers needed.
Coordinator: Katherine Evans, Assistant DRE