Annunciation/Evangelismos Church Catechism School
Youth Safety Registration and Training
CURRENT AND UPCOMING CATECHISM SCHOOL EVENTS AND PROJECTS
To Our Catechism Families and Community Members,
Now that we have wrapped up another year of Catechism School, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for all of the support we've received from the Annunciation/Evangelismos community.
Our students and teachers were thrilled with the newly renovated classrooms, which offered beautiful facilities, comfortable climate control, and new technology to enhance lessons. As always, students learned about their faith not only in their traditional Sunday class time but also through "Ask Father John" Q&A sessions, participation in processions and special services, and attendance at an all-day Holy Friday Retreat. They were blessed to learn from various community members through collaborations with the Homeless Ministry and Choir. It was truly a busy and blessed year!
Thank you to our wonderful teachers and substitute teachers for their faithful dedication; to Father John, George Dalagelis, the PTO, and the Parish Council for their support; and, of course, to the students for their joyful enthusiasm and to the caregivers who bring them to classes each week. Also, a special thank you to Kelly Toumbanakis and Mitch Papakirk, who are stepping back from their teaching roles after many years of faithful service. We appreciate all they’ve done for our students over the past several years!
Finally, congratulations to our high school graduates as you move on to new adventures. Your Annunciation family is very proud of your collective accomplishments!
We are already planning for next year and actively seeking new teachers, substitutes, and teaching assistants for the fall. If you are interested in joining our Catechism School staff, please contact me at catechism@anngoc.org.
Have a wonderful summer, and God bless!
Jacinda Ojeda
Catechism School Director
Holy Friday Retreat
Last week, our Youth Ministries team hosted nearly 40 children for our annual Holy Friday Youth Retreat. This year’s theme was “Come Receive the Light.” Students attended the morning Royal Hours service, gathered for a talk with Father John, and spent the afternoon engaged in lessons and crafts. It was a beautiful day immersed in fellowship, learning, and prayer.
We’d like to thank the many GOYANs who helped out with the retreat, the parents for their generous food donations, and the adult volunteers who graciously gave their time to this important event. In particular, thank you to our Choir Director Jim Papacostas for spending the afternoon teaching a Pascha hymn to our children. What a joy to hear their voices singing “Come Receive the Light” in anticipation of the resurrection!
We are so blessed to have such a supportive community for our youth. May Christ continue to keep all of our children in His light, now and always
District Oratorical Festival
Congratulations to Catechism student Eliana Ojeda, who represented our parish at the Delaware Valley District Oratorical Festival at St. Thomas in Cherry Hill, NJ, last weekend. She shared an informative speech about Saint Marina of Antioch and made her Annunciation family proud. Congratulations, Eliana, and thank you for representing your church!
HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
The Children's Word-Orthodox Christian Network
A weekly newsletter that includes a message, coloring page, and activities on the Sunday Gospel lesson and one of the Saints for the week.
Orthodox Pebbles- A digital collection of high-quality, free, online Orthodox Christian educational resources for young children.
Be the Bee is a video series about finding God in everything, every day.
A collection of icon printables for coloring.
MISSION
A house needs a solid foundation, and a tree requires deep roots to grow. The Annunciation Catechism School aims to create a safe, nurturing environment where youth can build faith in Christ, learn Eastern Orthodox traditions, live their faith with love and enthusiasm, become disciples, and experience God’s presence.
“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 uses texts from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, added with references, projects, and activities. Children learn beyond the classroom via church processions, special services, the Nativity Pageant, 'Ask Father' sessions, and involvement in Annunciation/Evangelismos's service ministries.
PARTICIPATION
Catechism classes are held every Sunday from September to May and are available for children in Pre-K (starting at age 4 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 after Holy Communion and lasts about 45 minutes. Lessons use creative methods and follow the Archdiocese's curriculum, with additional special programs. Children learn best by living their faith at home and school, especially through participation in Liturgical and Sacramental life. Our teachers create a welcoming environment. Learning is fun! Join us!
CONTACT
