To Teach:
The final command of Jesus Christ was:
" Teach the good news to everyone. "
We believe that we can best preserve our rich heritage from the past, transmit a sense of community, and pursue our dreams for the future by education. Like our patron, St. Gabriel the Archangel, we have been committed to delivering the message of God. The process begins with our parents and continues through our entire lives.
The 1988 Synod of the Diocese of Green Bay strongly emphasized that role of parent as primary educator. It also stressed the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) as a formative process. Our educational efforts reflect both emphases: we are on a journey and other people, especially family, help us on that journey.
A second emphasis of the Synod was cooperative and collaborative educational efforts within and between parishes.
A third focus in our diocese is "total Catholic" education. We support a parish school and religious education program for our children. We also need a variety of adult formation experiences. The Sunday homily is the single most available form of adult education.
Our Mission:
We are called to share the Catholic message with people of all ages and needs in our parish.
Our Method:
Our education programs must be consistent with our Catholic tradition and present day experience.
Parents are supported and encouraged to play a very active role in the education of their children in both religious and academic spheres, remembering their role as primary teachers. The call is sharing the mystery of Jesus Christ with their children that is part of the baptism ceremony. The baptismal candle is more than a symbol.
We expect St. Gabriel School and Christian Formation Center to provide quality Catholic education in fiscally well-managed programs. The programs should encompass elements of evangelization, catechesis and conversion.
Full participation in the Twin Cities Catholic Educational System (TCCES) will maximize access to Catholic education opportunities for members of St. Gabriel Parish. We need to be part of larger groups.
The special needs of the adult learner must be addressed through quality homilies, a vital RCIA process, and adult learning opportunities designed to fit our varied population.
In any parish with a Catholic School, the school expenses have historically been the biggest item in the parish budget. However, we recognize that education is only one facet of the total parish picture. The expense of that facet must be carefully weighed against the overall good of the parish. We work toward the goals of quality, balance, and availability.
If you would like more information on our church or education programs please contact us at 920-722-4914 or e-mail us at stgabriel@tcces.k12.wi.us.
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