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TO TEACH:
The final command of Jesus 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.
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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.
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A
second emphasis of the Synod was cooperative and collaborative educational
efforts within and between parishes.
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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.
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MISSION:
We are called to share the Catholic message
with people of all ages and needs in our parish.
METHOD:
Our education
programs must be consistent with our Catholic tradition and present day
experience.
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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 share the mystery of Jesus Christ with their children is part of the
baptism ceremony. The baptismal candle is more than a symbol.
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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.
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Full participation in the Twin
Cities Catholic Educational System (TCCES) (http://www.tcces.k12.wi.us) will maximize access to Catholic
education opportunities for members of St. Gabriel Parish. We need to be part
of larger groups.
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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.
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In any parish with a Catholic School, the
school expenses are 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 parish good. We work toward the goals of quality, balance, and
availability.
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