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Religious Education in the Parish

The parish is the most important locus in which the Christian community is formed and expressed.
- General Directory for Catechesis

For many, the parish is the primary way we understand the Roman Catholic Church. Because of this, the parish's director of religious education (often called DRE) has an important place in planning and providing the resources for all parishioners to deepen their understanding of our faith.

Parish catechetical leaders or DREs, along with the pastor, call catechists to become religious educators. They ensure the ongoing training, resources and supervision of catechists.

Catechists are the women and men who are trained to pass along the doctrines and traditions of our faith within the parish setting. The Diocese offers a comprehensive certification program as well as ongoing training for those called to this ministry.

We invite you to learn more about these important people in our parishes.