Annunciation/Evangelismos Church Catechism School

 

WELCOME BACK SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

Dear Families and Supporters of Annunciation Catechism School,

On behalf of Father John and our teachers, I’m excited to welcome our students back for another great year of learning about their beautiful faith and getting to know their Orthodox peers. On Sunday, September 15, 2024, the first day of Catechism School, Father John will call the youth to the front of the church just before communion to bless the students, after which they will line up to receive and then head directly to their classrooms. This year, we invite parents to drop in the classroom wing after Liturgy ends for a Catechism Open House to meet your child(ren)’s teachers and see their classrooms. The Catechism School year runs from mid-September until the beginning of June, with a few important dates to bear in mind:

• September 15th: First day of Classes
• December 1: NO CLASS, Thanksgiving Break
• December 22: Nativity Pageant
• December 29: NO CLASS, Christmas Break
• February 2: Godparent Sunday
• February 23: Parish Oratorical Festival
• April 18: Holy Friday Youth Retreat
• April 20: NO CLASS, Holy Pascha
• May 25: NO CLASS, Memorial Day Weekend
• June 1: Graduation Sunday

As always, thank you so much to our parish leadership, our families, and the greater Annunciation community for your love and support. It takes all of us working together to build a strong foundation of faith for our children and to raise them up in Christ.

We look forward to a blessed year of learning, prayer, and fun!

With gratitude,
Jacinda Ojeda

Catechism School Director

MISSION

“Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and the stranger that is within your gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord your God, and observe to do all the words of this law."  Deuteronomy 31:12.  

A house must have a foundation to stand firm, and a tree needs strong, deep roots to grow properly. The mission of The Annunciation Catechism School is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for our youth in which they may grow their faith in Christ, learn the traditions and teachings of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, lovingly and enthusiastically live that faith on purpose, become disciples, and experience God’s constant presence in their lives.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” Matthew. 28:19-20

CURRICULUM

Our Church School program follows the recommended texts identified by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which we supplement with various other references, projects, and activities. Our children also learn outside their classrooms by participating in church processions and special services, performing in the annual Nativity Pageant, attending "Ask Father" sessions with our Parish Priest, and collaborating with Annunciation/Evangelismos' various service organizations.

PARTICIPATION

Catechism classes are held each Sunday from September through May and are offered for children in Pre-K (beginning at age four and fully toilet trained by the first day of class) through High School (12th grade).  For younger children, please see our “Little Apostles” pre-Catechism class. Classroom instruction starts immediately following Holy Communion and lasts approximately 45 minutes.  Lessons use innovative and creative teaching methods and follow the Archdioceses' curriculum supplemented by special programs and projects. Children learn best by living their faith with their family at home and with their friends in class, especially as they regularly participate together in the Liturgical and Sacramental life of the Church. Our dedicated teachers provide a welcoming, loving environment for all students. Learning can be, and is, fun! Join us!

• Register your children here: 2024-2025 Youth Ministries Registration
• Teachers and volunteers, please register for your youth safety training through our Archdiocese here: Annunciation/Evangelismos Church Youth Worker Registration

CONTACT

Jacinda Ojeda, Director

 

 

 

 

 

Teachers:

Pre-K & K: Elena Economopoulos
1st & 2nd Grades: Kelly Toumbanakis
3rd & 4th Grades: Angela Gaugler
5th - 7th grades: Debbie Sourias
8th - 12th Grades: Demetrios Papakirk

We always need helping hands to improve our children's program and our service to our community. Please do not be shy! If you want to join this worthwhile effort, please contact Jacinda or Fr. John Johns.

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