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 instructional classes for the children. Children learn best when parents are actively involved in reviewing the information presented in class. All classes meet in the school buildings of the Parish of St. Mary’s.
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.
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. Weekly attendance at Mass is essential and there will be special Masses during second grade to prepare 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. Confirmation workbooks for Grades 7 and 8 are done at home with parents supervision and submitted twice during the year for staff review. A copy of each workbook can be reviewed or downloaded by opening the following links:
Confirmation Interview Readiness
Home Study (Grades 3-5): Parents may request to teach their own child/children due to special circumstances such as medical or special education needs. According to diocesan guidelines a letter explaining the reasons for the request should accompany the registration form. Parents are asked to attend catechist meetings during the year. Children will meet for prayer and discussion in January and May to ensure that progress is being made.
Please note: Class schedules subject to change at the discretion of one's assigned Catechist. Download the 2022-2023 Religious Education Calendar.