PARENT`S ROLE

• Foster their children`s moral development through word and example
• St. Mary recognizes parents as the primary educators of their children
• Parents are encouraged to take the central role in educating their children in the Catholic Faith and Gospel Teachings
• St. Mary provides community, support and services to assist parents in this endeavor
• Catholic parents who did not receive all the Sacraments, or parents interested in becoming Catholic are encouraged to explore their own Faith through the RCIA program; please contact the Church Office for complete details at (440) 322-5539.

TEACHER`S ROLE

• Assist parents by teaching basic Catholic Doctrine and Chrisitan principles founded on the Gospels
• All St. Mary teachers have received their basic Catechist cetification, some are Master Catechists
• Knowledge and skills are updated through Religious Education In-Services
• All Parish School of Religion (PSR) teachers and volunteers receive training and mentoring
• All teachers have participated in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland`s Virtus Program

CURRICULUM

• St. Mary follows the Religious Education curriculum guidelines outlined by the Diocese
• Curriculum and texts are reevaluated on a regular basis
• Attendance at Mass plays an essential role in Faith formation
• Students attend Mass regularly, on First Fridays and on Holy Days of Obligation
• Prayer in the classroom is an important part of each school day
• All school prayer services help build the Faith community
• The Blest Are We religious textbook series is currently in use.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS

• American Heart Association "Hoops for Hearts" and "Jump for Hearts"
• Crop Walk
• MDA "Hop-A-Thon"
• Juvenile Diabetes Walk
• Leukemia Society "Pennies for Patients"
• Collection for Red Cross to assist victims of the earthquake in Iran
• Advent Outreach project for Men`s Homeless Shelter at Lorain St. Joseph`s