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By Mary Ruth Jones, Special To The Bulletin
CLARKESVILLE—At St. Mark Church, religious education is a
yearlong process of catechesis and celebration involving children, youth and
adults. In recognition of Catechetical Sunday Sept. 17, the parish looks back
upon the highlights of religious education during the previous year.
The two main towns in Habersham County are Clarkesville and
Cornelia and the annual Christmas parade in the area alternates between the two
towns. Parishioners of St. Mark Church seized the opportunity to evangelize by
presenting their own float, led by St. Nicholas, in Clarkesville’s parade.
Forty children dressed as angels, shepherds and the Holy Family squeezed under
the manger scene while the pastor, Father Luis Zarama, St. Nicholas, portrayed
by Nikolas Dumas, and parishioners Betty Schulz and Bill Brown handed out over
500 St. Nicholas holy cards to spectators lining the streets.
On St. Patrick’s Day, children in religious education were
visited by St. Patrick, portrayed by Ed McDermott, and St. Brigid, portrayed by
Linda Hall-Pelot, and given a lesson accompanied by treats distributed by Jim
Hamilton, dressed as a leprechaun.
Adults of the parish received a team of catechists and lay
witnesses, led by Joe and Juanita Altschuler, who gave a “Life in the
Eucharist” retreat and seminar focusing on the real presence of Jesus in
the Eucharist. Approximately 35 parishioners and 14 team members spent two days
in prayer, fellowship, reflection and discussion with the express intention of
growing closer to Jesus.
Under the catechetical instruction of Maureen Balbuze, and with
the support and assistance of their parents, eight children in the parish
received the sacraments of first reconciliation and first Communion.
Fifteen youth spent one and a half years preparing for the
sacrament of confirmation under the catechesis of Pam and Jim Hamilton. Father
Zarama presided at the Mass and with the permission of the archbishop was
honored to confirm the class during this Jubilee Year.
Ruth Lammers and her team of catechists led weekly Rite of
Christian Initiation of Adults classes to prepare Ruth Miller, Boyd Carter and
Michael Black to receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. This
celebration was also a special time for five of St. Mark’s youth, Sibonee
Latty and Eliza, Michael, Luz and Adan Miguel, who received the Eucharist for
the first time at the Easter Vigil, following the preparation given by Betty
Schulz in the children’s catechumenate program.
Religious education is an ongoing process. Each year the parish
anticipates Catechetical Sunday, to begin a new time of learning, sharing and
celebrating the Catholic faith and to capture more memories for the year ahead.
Mary Ruth Jones is director of religious education at St. Mark
Church, Clarkesville. |
