As we begin to plan for the coming academic year we would like to take this opportunity to share the “Vision” that will be guiding our activities here at Sacred Heart of Mary.
First- We have discovered a deeper identity in the word “apostolate“. Traditionally we have identified our activities as “Youth Ministry”, but we have grown to understand that the Church does not exist to strictly “minister to” or “serve” the youth but “to instruct, strengthen, and encourage the faithful to a more fervent life.” Apostolicam Actuositatem (6) This helps us to clarify that our work is not to be inwardly focused but always outward… or Apostolic.
OUR VISION
Catechize our Catholic Youth in order to help them mature in their Catholic faith, thereby nurturing in them the desire to grow in personal and communal holiness.
What does “catechize” mean? Simply put it is “the education in the faith” (CCC5), and to understand what we mean by “faith” we look to the term “deposit of faith” from Dei Verbum, which is ” the heritage of faith contained in sacred scripture and Tradition, handed on in the Church from the time of the Apostles… (CCC84). So in catechizing, we are to hand on the faith which we have received from the apostles.
Our faith is trustworthy and complete. Our responsibility is to first receive it from the Holy Spirit, through the Church, and then pass it on to those whom have been entrusted to us… so that they may do the same.
danmcgarvey
georgeketchel
