ECHO Recently Asked Questions!
During ECHO registration, several questions surfaced, repeatedly. The following information is shared in the hope that it might further enlighten parishioners as to the scope, validity and importance of this faith formation program. If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Lori Lewis at 842-7777. Thank You!
Q. What is ECHO?
Q. What is the point of ECHO?
Q. I pay tuition at St. Joseph School, why should my family participate in ECHO?
Q. Where will we put everyone?
Q. Why do we have to pay?
Q. My child is participating in a sacramental preparation program this year, (1st Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation) do I have to enroll in ECHO?
Q. What is ECHO?
A. ECHO is our new "religious education" program. This program is not just for children. There is a component for every member of the household! Ideally, every time we come to the Church property, there will be something formative available for every age group from Pre-K through the "golden years." top
Q. What is the point of ECHO?
A. The point of ECHO is to promote and to provide for growth,
in knowledge of, and formation in, our faith . . . on a lifelong continuum. This is not a new concept, simply one that has not been particularly well executed in light of societal and cultural changes of recent years. top
Q. I pay tuition at St. Joseph School, why should my family participate in ECHO?
A. Congratulations! What a wonderful choice you have made in affording your child/ren a Catholic education. Indeed a great percentage of our parish budget is designated for Catholic education and the support of St Joseph school. ECHO is not just about education. ECHO is also about our Holy Spirit faith community and the privilege and responsibility of ongoing, life-long, faith formation. That old cliché, "Catholic from womb to tomb," comes to mind! Hopefully, through household participation, we will grow in faith AND share our hopes, dreams, and lives in the context of our Holy Spirit family. top
Q. Where will we put everyone?
A. The logistics are in the works. It is important that you register if you intend to participate in ANY component of the program, so that preparations can be as accurate and appropriate as possible. If numbers support the practice, we will offer each program multiple times to satisfy demand. Beyond that, every effort will be made to insure the safety and comfort of those involved. The new Parkside facility is being designed for the implementation of this type of program model. top
Q. Why do we have to pay?
A. While significant budget dollars are assigned to faith formation, historically, fees have been charged to supplement allocations. (As in all areas of life, prices just keep rising!) This year, tuition fees have been significantly reduced in hopes of initiating a more family friendly program and attracting a greater representative population including teens, the widowed and divorced, senior citizens, visitors, etc. This year, tuition fees are primarily designated for meals. NO, these meals are NOT potluck affairs! Where else can one feed a household of 4 (complete with good food, great fellowship, and inspiring program), four times, for a single payment of $50.00? What a bargain! top
Q. My child is participating in a sacramental preparation program this year, (1st Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation) do I have to enroll in ECHO?
A. Yes. As always, sacramental preparation takes place in the context of the parish formation program. We have not changed this component of the model. In some cases, since our theme for the ECHO year is “sacraments,†attendance at an ECHO assembly may be required of prep families because it is a significant portion of their preparation. All other sessions and activities are meant to compliment family efforts during these special sacramental years! top
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