Announcement of OLS’s Virtual/Hybrid Program
As we continue to walk together in faith, we remain committed to forming our young people as faithful and joyful disciples of Jesus. In a world that is constantly evolving—with new demands on family life, shifting schedules, and rapid advances in technology—our methods of sharing the timeless truths of the Catholic Faith must also adapt, as they’ve always had to, across 2000 years—to teach ‘The same Gospel but with new ardor, new expression, and new methods’ (Pope St. John Paul II). We cannot evangelize tomorrow’s generation with yesterday’s tools alone.
And so, with full support of our pastor, Father Fred, and in partnership with St. Gregory the Great Parish, Bellerose, we are excited to announce the launch of a completely unique Religious Education Program. Parents will now be able to choose between a virtual/hybrid Faith Formation Program here at OLS (online learning), or the traditional in-class model at St. Gregory the Great. OLS will be shifting to our virtual/hybrid model this year (school year 2025/26).
Here is what’s coming through our partnership with St. Gregory the Great Parish
OLS: At-home class; in-person Mass
This virtual/hybrid program at OLS, which uses a program called My Catholic Faith Delivered, enables students to learn at home, at a pace and schedule that works best for them and their families. Attending Sunday Mass—required of every Catholic—will still be required of our young disciples, but families will be able to choose the Mass that best fits their schedule.
Additional Benefits of this New Program
Greater Flexibility for Busy Families
Lessons can be completed on your schedule, whether during the week or over the weekend, allowing faith to be integrated into your unique family rhythm.
A more Effective and Personalized Learning Experience
Digital learning platforms allow students to learn at their own pace, review material as needed and engage with content in a way that is already familiar to them in their ordinary lives.
A Familiar and Engaging Format
Young people today have transitioned to a more visual and interactive learning experience. Multiple studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that interactive, visual, and participatory learning methods often outperform traditional education models. It can have its drawbacks, but when used well it can be a great benefit, because it engages students’ minds and encourages them to think in a way that has become more natural and normative to their daily lives.
Parental Involvement in Faith Formation
This model invites parents to be more directly involved in their child’s religious education—reinforcing that the home is the first and most important school of faith, and the parents are the “first teachers of the faith” as St. John Paul II, Bishop Brenan, and the National Catechetical Directive state.
Consistency and continuity. Unlike traditional models that can be disrupted by illness, weather, or scheduling conflicts, at-home virtual learning keeps formation on track and uninterrupted.
This program has been adopted at other parishes in the Diocese of Brooklyn (and many other dioceses), very successfully.
Here are some of the things people have had to say about My Catholic Faith Delivered, the online learning program
"I give the Faith and Life series my highest recommendation. We teach our children with these texts and encourage others to do the same. It presents the faith with clarity, depth and great beauty."
- Scott Hahn, Theologian, Author, and Professor of Theology at Steubenville.
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Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (former Pope Benedict XVI) has mentioned that Faith and Life is "the best catechetical series in the German language.
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Peter Kreeft, a Catholic philosopher, author, and professor at Boston University, was highly impressed by the program and wrote an in-depth review of it. I’ll include it as the last page of this letter, as it’s fairly lengthy, but a worthy read.
Endorsements from families at other parishes:
"My son and I really enjoyed using My Catholic Faith Delivered for his religious instruction. I sat with him during each lesson and found it to be entertaining and informative. He really enjoyed the puzzles, games and videos. I found the language to be age appropriate and easy for him to understand. The lessons often led to more discussions afterwards. I also found that he would talk about what he learned during conversations with others and would try to "spread the good news".
"I am one of the people who actually like my kids doing virtual classes. It gives us the option of what day my children do their lesson. We are not locked in to attending classes. This is a plus in my view because if my children have a major test on any given day, they can study without the pressure that they need to attend an evening religion class. This is especially helpful in the winter when it is cold, raining or snowing." - Parent of 2 children in Grade 4 Faith Formation curriculum
"This was an amazing learning experience for my children!"
"We loved the program last year and look forward to continuing again next year."
In-class Learning Through our Partnership with St. Gregory the Great, Bellerose
Bishop Brenan has asked parishes to enter into effective partnerships, to share resources and activities with each other. Through our partnership with St. Gregory the Great Parish, parents who would prefer their children attend a traditional in-class Faith Formation program will be able to register for classes there.
The Brooklyn Diocese regularly and strongly emphasizes that parishes adopt a strategy of “Evangelical Catechesis”. Put simply, we are strongly encouraged not only to educate our young disciples, but to inspire and engage them in new and innovative ways through effective teaching strategies. Our goal is not simply to teach about Christ, but to form young disciples who come to know Him through a rich and fundamental understanding of the Catholic faith and the message of the Gospel.
This new chapter in our Religious Education Program reflects our ongoing dedication to this mission. While the format may be different, and while it may seem intimidating at first, our commitment to faithful, meaningful, and Christ-centered formation remains the same.
We are grateful for your support, your openness to this new initiative, and your deep love for the Church and for the faith formation of your children. More details and registration information will be shared in the coming days. T
Please join us in praying for the success of this new program, that it may bear much fruit in the lives of our children and our parish community. May God bless you, and your families.
Most Sincerely in Christ
Tim Haines
Coordinator of Faith Formation
Our Lady of the Snows
Attached below (next page): Dr. Peter Kreeft’s review of the My Catholic Faith Delivered program