The Religious Education Program recognizes parents as the first educators of their children, and homes as the places where faith begins. Parents share their faith and moral values informally at home, as they prayerfully respond to the events of life. Our office works with parents to provide catechetical teaching for children at home and in the classroom setting. Children truly come to understand the teachings of the Catholic faith when parents are actively engaged in their faith journey.
Grades 1 through 5 meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 – 5:30 PM. Parents may register their children for either the Tuesday or Thursday sessions. Our office will notify parents if available classrooms are filled and no further registrations can be accepted for a particular day. Please note that all class offerings depend on the availability of Catechist volunteers.
Grades 6, 7 and 8 meet on Mondays from 7:00 – 8:00 PM.
Our Sunday classes for Grades 1-8 meet weekly from 9:15-10:15 AM.
Sacraments
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are celebrated in Grade 2 after two years of preparation. As weekly celebration of the Mass is essential to catechetical formation, regular attendance at Mass is vital to sacramental preparation for First Holy Communion.
Lessons continue through Grade 6 when children will be assessed to determine whether they are ready to start the Confirmation program. Confirmation is celebrated in Grade 8 after two years of preparation. Special assignments are to be completed at home with parent supervision and submitted by the due date. Kindly follow instructions for the on time placement of gown orders. The date of Confirmation is determined by the diocese and readily shared as soon as it has been shared with the parish.
Provision of a printed copy of the student’s baptismal certificate is required at the time of registration for First Communion or Confirmation. Copies are needed for students baptized at the Church of St. Mary or another parish.
Special Needs Home or Classroom Study (Grades 1- 8)
Support is available for parents requesting to teach their own child/children using the online portal due to special circumstances such as medical or special education needs. For classroom instruction, please contact our office prior to registration to discuss necessary resources or pick-up/drop-off arrangements that may be needed. Parents are asked to attend all required meetings during the year.
Registering at the time of the sacraments (i.e. spring 2024) is not permissible.
Please note: Class schedules subject to change at the discretion of one's assigned Catechist. Download the 2024-2025 Religious Education Calendar.