Por Anthony Rodriguez, Equipo Editorial de Comunicaciones

(Laredo, Texas) – At San Luis Rey Church in Laredo, Texas, a new year of religious education brings a powerful sign of a parish community committed to forming the next generation in faith. Fr. Ramon M. Zarate, SDB, recently shared the numbers behind this year’s formation program, and they reflect a vibrant community preparing hundreds of young people to take important steps in their Catholic journey.

This year, 334 candidates are preparing for First Holy Communion, 214 candidates are preparing for Confirmation, and 92 catechists are helping guide them along the way. Together, that represents 548 candidates preparing for the sacraments, supported by a dedicated team of catechists who will accompany them as they deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith.

“Although we are a parish without a school, we have always had a large number of kids enrolled in sacramental preparation classes. During the week classes are evenings and during the weekends classes are in the morning and afternoon.”

– Father Ramon Zarate, SDB

These numbers represent more than registrations. Each candidate is a young person learning about Jesus Christ, discovering the meaning of the sacraments, and being invited into a deeper relationship with God and the Church. Behind every classroom, lesson, and conversation is an opportunity to help faith take root and grow.

The Heart of the Parish Mission

A Catholic parish is called not only to gather the faithful for worship, but also to teach the faith and form disciples. Religious education is central to that mission. Through catechesis, prayer, sacramental preparation, and the witness of a faith-filled community, young people learn what it means to belong to the Body of Christ and to live their faith in everyday life.

This mission is deeply connected to the Salesian spirit of St. John Bosco, whose motto was “Da mihi animas, caetera tolle” (“Give me souls, take away the rest.”) Don Bosco dedicated his life to bringing young people closer to God, believing that every young person deserves to be loved, guided, and accompanied on the path toward holiness.

At San Luis Rey, the commitment of 92 catechists gives tangible expression to that spirit. Their service helps make formation possible for hundreds of children and young people. By sharing their time, knowledge, faith, and care, they participate in the Church’s mission to nurture disciples who know Christ and are prepared to follow Him.

A Community Growing in Faith

The beginning of another religious education cycle is an invitation for the entire parish community to recognize the importance of formation. Parents, catechists, clergy, and the wider parish all have a role in helping young people and adults grow in faith. This lifelong journey is not simply preparing them to receive a sacrament or check a box, but encouraging them to continue living as active members of the Church afterward and to help them establish a relationship with our Lord.

The thriving formation program at San Luis Rey is a reason for gratitude and hope. It reflects a community investing in its young people and embracing the responsibility of passing on the faith to the next generation. It is a big responsibility and takes a community to teach and serve the Body of Christ.

Como Fr. Ramon and the religious education team begin this new year, the parish’s prayer is that every candidate will grow in love for Christ, that every catechist will be strengthened in their ministry, and that the entire community will continue to be a place where young people encounter God and experience the joy of belonging to His Church.

As the Salesian family continues its mission of educating and evangelizing young people, San Luis Rey offers a beautiful reminder that the work of formation is at the heart of parish life.

“Saint John Bosco, pray for us! Mary Help of Christians, walk among us and guide us all!”

— Fr. Ramon M. Zarate, SDB