SECRETARIAT FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION AND EVANGELIZATION

Catholic schools’ success lies in their mission of blending Christian tradition and values together with the teaching of skills and knowledge. In its fourth year, the Providence Catholic Schools Collaborative, a grouping of four elementary schools, continues to provide an education for inner-city school children. Currently, over nine hundred students benefit from the Collaborative’s ability to pool resources and to create a stronger presence. A newly formed Board of Directors guides the progress and promising future for the schools.

Each year, as a result of your generosity, more high school students receive tuition assistance to study at one of the ten Catholic high schools in our diocese. This opportunity affords them an unparalleled advantage that fosters the drive to academically succeed now and throughout their college experience. Catholic schools throughout our diocese take pride in that 98% of our students complete their secondary education and 95% of those graduates continue their education at the college level.

College students also benefit from the mission of the Secretariat for Catholic Education and Evangelization. The young adults are provided with wisdom, guidance and support throughout their formative years from campus ministries. Every Rhode Island College, both public and private, is staffed with Catholic chaplains.

Thousands of children and young adults from all over the diocese receive religious education instruction within their parishes. All CCD programs are subsidized with Catholic Charity funds. The diocesan office of religious education assists parishes in recruiting and training instructors and provides resources for the classroom. Additionally, each year all instructors are encouraged to take advantage of an educational seminar sponsored by the office.

In response to fulfilling our Christian lives as stewards, more parishioners pursue the call to serve their communities as lay ministers or permanent deacons. The Office of Ministerial Formation hones their knowledge of the faith and church doctrine through formal instruction so they may better serve their parish community. Likewise, diocesan clergy utilize the office as a resource of Catholic education ministry.

Young Adult Ministry has a special focus from this Secretariat. Since 1994, parishes have developed programs for young adults searching for spirituality and community in their lives. A council has been formed to assist parishes in establishing and maintaining these programs. Leadership opportunities are also provided for those interested.

A team of thirty-five members concentrates on conducting the Coming Home, Moving on in Faith and the Called and Gifted missions to area parishes. A fourth mission entitled, Renewed in Spirit, has been recently developed. These missions train volunteers who work to foster a sense of community within each parish.

The ministry to Black Catholics and Hispanic Ministry strive to encourage active participation from each population. Both ministries are challenged to increase leadership and participation for the enrichment of our community. The Office of Black Catholics hosts annual events such as Kwanza and Kujenga and leads the Diocesan Ecumenical Gospel Choir. The population served by the Hispanic Ministry Office has doubled over the last ten years and subsequently, so has the need for greater outreach.

The Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry, with the Regional Youth Centers, Catholic Scouting Programs and Camps, exists to serve all parishes. Opportunities include leadership training, such as the Youth Christian Leadership and Youth Ministry Institutes; spiritual development and formation occasions including retreats, youth congress and weekly prayer meetings and gathering activities like dances, picnics and conferences.

The demands of our daily lives consume us from morning to night. Between family responsibilities and careers, we rarely find time for our own spirituality. The Secretariat for Catholic Education and Evangelization works to reverse that trend and assists individuals in nurturing a personal, stronger relationship for ourselves with Christ. Each area of education and evangelization ensures that our Catholic values permeate our Rhode Island community.

Programs within the Secretariat include: Catholic School Office, Office of Religious Education, Campus Ministry, Apostolate for the Handicapped, Office of Ministerial Formation, Tuition Assistance, Hispanic Ministry Office, Office of Youth Ministry, Regional Youth Centers, Office of Evangelization, Our Lady of Peace Spiritual Life Center, Office of Black Catholic Ministry, Young Adult Ministry.