The Newman Center's religious education is a family-based catechetical program, for children ages 4 through 12th grade and their parents. Sessions are held weekly during the ASU academic year. We focus on the church's teaching that parents are the primary catechists for their children, and we (the church community) strive to support them in that role.

We use the Gospel as our guide to catechesis. Each week the catechists use resources to help them plan lessons that pull from the Gospel’s topics that build and inspire discipleship.

Please email Diane Saunders, our director of family catechesis, for more information.

Class Times

Classes are held on Sunday mornings from 9 to 10:15 during ASU's academic year. (We follow ASU's break schedules for winter, spring and summer.) Families are welcome to join religious education classes at any time throughout the year.

 

Sacraments

We offer formation for all sacraments, using the same philosophy of the parent as the primary faith sharer. This means that families work together during formation and we provide guidance, classes and support.

We follow all diocesan policies for preparation, which also includes at least a year of participation in a family catechesis program before children participate in sacrament preparation.

For more information about preparing for First Reconciliation (Confession), First Eucharist (Communion) or Confirmation, please contact Diane Saunders or visit our sacrament pages.

Volunteering

Here at the Newman Center, our mission in part is to help our college students and young adults "strengthen their faith, develop their gifts and grow into passionate, faithful Catholic leaders." With that in mind, we seek to use students and young adults as catechists, aides and team members whenever possible. However, there are many opportunities for any community member who wishes to be involved.

• Catechists: As a catechist, you must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic. You do not need to know all the answers, but you must be willing to commit yourself to living, learning and teaching the values of Christian life and the Catholic faith. All materials will be provided. You will need to be available on Sunday mornings from 8:30–10:30am. You also need to be able to plan a class using the curriculum provided. Finally, you really need to love being with children! We do not have class during any school holidays or breaks.
• Aide: As an aide, you do not need to be a confirmed Catholic; however, you do need to be practicing a faithful life. The commitment to time is the same as a catechist, but you will not be expected to plan or teach a class, though your creativity and input will always be appreciated. You will help to work with children on projects and help with discipline.
• Family Events Team Member: As part of this team, you will help to plan the Advent and Lenten Family Gatherings. We are especially looking for creative, artistic people who like to work with themes. We will meet a few times each semester to plan, and you will be expected to participate in the respective Family Gathering from 9–10:15am.