This 13th century mosaic of Christ giving us his blessing is located
behind the main altar, Saint Paul Outside the Walls Basilica, Rome.

SAINT MICHAEL'S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM assists the families of this church as they bring their children to a commitment in faith to Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer. Its actions are directed to the following:

To support and reinforce the transmission of our Catholic faith, which is primarily a family accomplishment, through the presentation of God's revelation and the Tradition of the Church.

To introduce our children to an encounter with Jesus in His sacraments and the sanctifying grace flowing from them.

To point the way to personal holiness through cultivation of a spiritual life derived from a lively relationship with Jesus through observance of God's commandments for our living a moral and spiritually fruitful life of generous love and service.

To these ends, the religious education program includes the following activities:

Summer vacation Bible camp for ages 4 through Grade 5

Small class instruction from September to May in the teaching of the Church, following an integrated curriculum selected by the Religious Education Office. Classes are held as follows:

Reception of First Eucharist and First Penance: Preparation for this is integrated into the class instruction program for second grade. Parent/child para-liturgies are held monthly and parent meetings are also held during the year. A ''Eucharistic Retreat'' is held for students and parents in the Spring of the year. The program for grades 3-10 fosters participation in Eucharistic celebration and periodic penance services.

Preparation to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, occurring during the 9th and 10th grade years with candidates confirmed in the Spring of the 10th grade. Classes are held on Sunday evening in the parish center. In each of the grades there is a ''Day of Recollection'' in the parish center. One of the components of the program is Christian Service. The goal of the program is to teach our youth so they may believe in the God of love and mercy, Jesus Christ; to teach them so they may come to know that God's love is accessible to them; and to teach our youth to act on God's gift of love so that they may love and serve others.

A Christmas Pageant for children in Grades K-10. This presents in tableau the gospel story of the first Christmas. The performance is held in the Parish Hall for children, parents, and the entire parish.

May Procession is held on Mother's Day each year to honor our Blessed Mother following the 10:00am Family Liturgy.

Introduction to Christian Action: Children/Youth of the religious education program support the parish drive for food, funds, and clothing for the needy families of two inner city parishes. They participate in the ''Giving Tree'' program which is held during Advent, the ''Mission Bowl'' and ''Easter Basket'' projects which are held during Lent. The 4th graders also participate in special social justice activities e.g., this year they held a ''Baby Shower'' for a family in need who were expecting triplets. The Confirmation Program, personally contributes to a wide range of services and good works, e.g., going into Pine Street Inn once a month and serving the Homeless.

Special activities during the year:

Grade 1	Teaching on Mary
Grade 2	Eucharistic Retreat
Grade 3	Teaching on New Life
Grade 4	Teaching on Social Justice
Grade 5	Sacrament Fair
Grade 6	Scripture Jeopardy
Grades 7 & 8	Mardi Gras
Grade 9	Day of Recollection
Grade 10	Day of Recollection

Library and Resource Center: This office maintains a library and resource center to support individual catechists and the entire program. The library is available to all parishioners.

The program is implemented by approximately 150 church members who serve as catechists, grade coordinators, and supporting personnel in the office, hospitality, Christmas Pageant, Hall and Bathroom Monitors. Student enrollment is 619. Catechists meet four times a year for catechists meeting and training workshops. Volunteers are always welcome and are earnestly sought.

Cost of this program is shared between the parish and the individual families enrolled in the program.

Youth Ministry

This activity of St. Michael's Parish seeks to motivate participation of high school juniors and seniors in the life of our Church. Youth Ministry is run by the young adult membership with assistance from its adult advisors. Its programs blend the spiritual, service and social aspects of Catholic life. Past activities have been quite varied in response to the interests of the membership. Support for personal spiritual development has come from a powerfully moving springtime retreat weekend, the celebration of Mass, and Advent and Lenten activities. Forums with special speakers and open discussion have considered topics of importance to the membership including cults, peer pressure, drugs and drinking, suicide, AIDS, Amnesty International, the Larche movement, Advent and Lent. The forums seek to understand how these issues connect with living a faith life. Service to friends, parish, and community is part of the program, whose members have participated actively in parish Liturgies, supported the Eve of All Saints Special Liturgy, and sung Christmas carols for the elderly, handicapped, and hospitalized. They have conducted fundraising for their projects through bake sales, raffles, and car washes. There is a strong social component to Youth Ministry with good times enjoyed together during ski trips, canoe trips, Las Vegas nights, hayrides, beach parties, Mardi Gras, mystery rides, ice skating, Christmas parties, and senior-farewell parties. Youth Ministry remains open to exploring new ideas and directions. New members and adult advisors are welcome.