Catechism

Teachers

We are your catechism teachers, ranging from different ages and backgrounds, but all focused on one goal: the formation and education of our children, so that they might be brought closer to the depth that is Jesus Christ.

Director of Catechism program: Mrs. Hanaa Kashat

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). I base my whole catechism experience on this passage. Through it, I hope to establish within the students the following:

-Planting the seed of faith

-Teaching from a Christ-centered discipline that comes from a love of Jesus

-Forming a Catholic identity through the understanding and integration of the Word of God”

Co-director of Catechism Program: Ms. Amanda Mary Ayar

“I’d like for all the students to know that they are known and loved by their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who died for their sins on the cross. Each of them are called to follow Christ and to give their lives to Him. Through the students’ attendance of the Catechism classes, the students will learn more about Christ and His Church, and how to be faithful Chaldean Catholic.” -Ms. Amanda Ayar

Kindergarden

The teachers: Mrs. Kawkab & Ms. Amalia Nimo

“I would like to communicate the love of God for them. I want them to know that Jesus loves the little children very much. I plan to communicate while having fun and making memories.” -Ms. Amalia Nimo

1st Grade

The teachers: Ms. Miranda Shakouri & Ms. Samar Sami

“My goal for the year is to teach the children about God’s love and mercy, to introduce them to our way of faith so they may carry it throughout their entire lives, to be passionate about spreading God’s word.” -Ms. Miranda Shakouri

“I want to teach kids about Jesus and help them learn more and more about our Catholic faith so they can base their future on our Catholic faith.” -Ms. Samar Sami

The majority of the lessons are taught from RCL Benzinger’s Faith First Legacy Edition School Student Book: Grade 1.

Description

“With its unique spiral method, Faith First Legac Edition introduces and reinforces the timeless truths of our Catholic faith doctrine, Scripture, and the liturgical year every year on every grade level. Students learn engaging age appropriate doctrinal lessons on all four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church along with in depth Scripture study chapters and seasonal material to help make connections with the liturgical life of the Church. Parent pages in teh student books reach into the home every week and provide ideas for family prayer, faith sharing, activities, and more!”*

*Taken from the RCLBenzinger website.

2nd Grade

The teachers: Mr. Simon Summa & Ms. Raneen Razouki & Ms. Mande Shammami

“This year, I really hope I will be able to show the students how important our faith is. If they leave my class feeling closer to God, it would be a great accomplishment. Building a strong connection early on in life feels amazing.” -Mr. Simon Summa

“I love children and I want this generation to learn our Catholic faith, as well as to know and appreciate what Jesus did for us. I understand that this generation needs a great amount of spiritual guidance. Therefore, I feel compelled to direct them to begin a life that includes Jesus in it. The true meaning of ‘love’ is that when you love someone, your main goal is to get them to heaven. As Catholics, we are taught to love, for God is love. Therefore, I feel that mu love or goal is to get the children to heaven. What better way than teaching them about our savior who is love?” -Ms. Raneen Razouki

“The true meaning of love is that when you love someone, your main goal is to get them to heaven. As Catholics, we are taught to love, for God is love. Therefore, we feel that our love or goal is to get the children to heaven. What better way than teaching them about our savior, who is love.” -Ms. Mande Shammami

The majority of the lessons are taught from RCL Benzinger’s Faith First Legacy Edition School Student Book: Grade 2.

Description

*Taken from the RCLBenzinger website.

3rd Grade

The teachers: Ms. Rashell Elias & Ms. Abbey Lossia

“As 3rd grade teachers, we want to furthermore educate our students about their faith. We want them to be familiar with all the essential qualities a 3rd grader should know, such as the Trinity. Overall, our goal is to send these students to the 4th grade with a closer and stronger relationship with God.”

The majority of the lessons are taught from RCL Benzinger’s Faith First Legacy Edition School Student Book: Grade 3.

Description

“With its unique spiral method, Faith First Legac Edition introduces and reinforces the timeless truths of our Catholic faith doctrine, Scripture, and the liturgical year every year on every grade level. Students learn engaging age appropriate doctrinal lessons on all four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church along with in depth Scripture study chapters and seasonal material to help make connections with the liturgical life of the Church. Parent pages in the student books reach into the home every week and provide ideas for family prayer, faith sharing, activities, and more!”*

*Taken from the RCLBenzinger website.

4th Grade

The teachers: Mr. John Jarbo & Ms. Shanell Elias

“My goal is to help our students grow in their faith by teaching them the importance of understanding the Bible and why we believe in the things we believe in! I also want them to know why it’s important to attend Sunday mass and how it enriches our daily life. I want to built a foundation for the children to be living, conscious, and active Christians through the light of our instruction.” -Ms. Shanell Elias

“I would like to communicate that anything can be done through faith in God. No matter the situation, God will help you get through it.” -Mr. John Jarbo

The majority of the lessons are taught from RCL Benzinger’s Faith First Legacy Edition School Student Book: Grade 4.

Description

“With its unique spiral method, Faith First Legac Edition introduces and reinforces the timeless truths of our Catholic faith doctrine, Scripture, and the liturgical year every year on every grade level. Students learn engaging age appropriate doctrinal lessons on all four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church along with in depth Scripture study chapters and seasonal material to help make connections with the liturgical life of the Church. Parent pages in the student books reach into the home every week and provide ideas for family prayer, faith sharing, activities, and more!”*

*Taken from the RCLBenzinger website.

5th Grade

The teachers: Ms. Rasha Thomas & Joseph Manni

“I’d like to help our students grow closer to Jesus and learn about God’s love. We’re God’s servants, who has used us as his instruments to bring the little ones closer to Him. I’m here to show God and his live to the students. The Holy Spirit uses us to teach his children to know their faith and some day, God willing, become teachers, priests, or nuns.” -Ms. Rasha Thomas

“I’d like to communicate the love of God, and the knowledge that they students are not alone as Christians. We are all one Body and need to take care of each other to better take care of ourselves.” -Mr. Joseph Manni

The majority of the lessons are taught from RCL Benzinger’s Faith First Legacy Edition School Student Book: Grade 5.

Description

“With its unique spiral method, Faith First Legac Edition introduces and reinforces the timeless truths of our Catholic faith doctrine, Scripture, and the liturgical year every year on every grade level. Students learn engaging age appropriate doctrinal lessons on all four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church along with in depth Scripture study chapters and seasonal material to help make connections with the liturgical life of the Church. Parent pages in the student books reach into the home every week and provide ideas for family prayer, faith sharing, activities, and more!”*

6th Grade

*Taken from the RCLBenzinger website.

The teachers: Mr. Paul Abdo & Ms. Lydia Mansoor

“I would like to communicate how great and wonderful the Word of God is. I would like to teach them the meaning and help them understand the Word of God.” -Mr. Paul Abdo

“I woud like to teach the children about forgiveness. In life, I believe this is one of the most difficult things to accomplish. With the love and grace of God, it can be done. God gave up His only Son and forgave us.” -Ms. Lydia Mansoor

7th Grade

The teacher: Mr. Munthir Bahri

“I’d like to first introduce Christ, our savior, to my students. Then, my goal is basically to strenghten our Catholic faith and principles in the hearts of our beloved Chaldean kids so that they will grow equipped with a spirituality and a good knowledge of their faith, love for the Church, and dedicate their lives to the service of God and others. I ask the Holy Spirit to inspire me and help me acheive this spiritual mission successfully so that the Word of God will live in every heart and the name of Jesus will be glorified forever and ever. Amen.” -Mr. Munthir Bahri

“I would like to guide my students to be followers of Jesus in the routine, day-to-day tasks, as well as for them to live discipleship every day. I work for them to have the gift of understanding that helps them know themselves better as they grow in their relationship with God, in addition to an understanding of the nature of prayer and its various forms, its source in the Word of God, and its movements from communion with God interiorly toward comminion with others in and through community life. Finally, I work for them to develop an understanding of and appreciation for the sacraments in worship and in the life of the Church.” -Mrs. Nawal Hubba

8th Grade

The teacher: Mr. Mark Owdeesh & Ms. Hala Hana

“I want to communicate the revealed Word of God and the Church’s Tradition as the greatest treasure. I’d also like to help the students see God’s providence in their life journey.” -Mr. Mark Owdeesh

“‘I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’” -John 13:34-35 -Ms. Hala Hana