“Dear young people, the happiness you are seeking, the happiness you have a right to enjoy, has a name and a face: it is Jesus of Nazareth, hidden in the Eucharist. Only he gives the fullness of life to humanity! With Mary, say your own “yes” to God, for he wishes to give himself to you.”— Pope Benedict XVI



Me with students at Camp Quo Vadis right after messy Olympics! Summer 2019

About Miss Parker (that's me!)

I began teaching Religion at Notre Dame School in September of 2020. I spent the last two years prior to that as the head of Catholic Campus Ministry at Adelphi University, directing programming, teaching faith formation, and leading students in liturgy, event planning, mentoring, community service trips, and more! I am excited to bring these experiences of the faith in action to our classroom this year. All students will be encouraged to actively engage with our faith and to discover Christ’s personal call to greatness for each of their lives. I am also the Curriculum Lead for Religion for the Diocese of Rockville Centre and I am working on my MA in Theology through St. Joseph's Seminary.

What's up this year?
In 5th grade religion, we will dive deep into the sacraments, instilling in your children the truth that God comes to us by so many powerful means so that we can easily embrace Him and experience His love. In 6th grade, we will cover the first half of the Bible, understood as God’s love letter to us, in addition to other topics including caring for our bodies and challenges to our faith. In 7th grade, we will unpack Jesus’s life and mission as revealed in the New Testament to recognize how He calls each of us to a life of love, service, and adventure. I'm also very excited to bring the Ruah Woods Theology of the Body curriculum into the classroom this year. This powerful formulation of Church teaching given by St. John Paul II is the antidote to so much confusion surrounding questions like "Who is God? and "Why am I here?"

My Mission in Christ (and in class)
With the Holy Spirit to guide us, I endeavor to impress upon the students that religion is not about rules but rather about relationship. In fact, the root meaning of the word religion speaks to the bond that God desires to have with each one of your children, and with each one of us: a bond that is unbreakable, personal, and deeply fulfilling. 

As we explore, create, and interact in the classroom, I will challenge your children to ask questions, consider complex ideas, and research ways the faith is being lived out today--through podcasts, music, art, Instagram accounts, movies, athletics, journalism and whatever other hobbies and avenues they are already interested in. 

God Bless You!
Please be assured of my ongoing prayers for you and your families. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at the email address below. May the Holy Family guide you in God’s unending peace, love and grace.

Yours in Christ,

Carrie Parker

[email protected]