OFFICE OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Baptism
Our Pre-School Program PLAYWAYS TO GOD is for children ages 3 years 6 months through Kindergarten and is offered during the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. masses. Children will be accepted in the program on a first come first serve basis and spaces will be limited for each mass.

Preschool (age 3½ & up) and Kindergarten
Our Pre-School Program PLAYWAYS TO GOD is for children ages 3 years 6 months through Kindergarten and is offered during the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. masses. Children will be accepted in the program on a first come first serve basis and spaces will be limited for each mass. It is important for everyone to understand that, because of our limitation on space, we may not be able to take every family/child that would like to attend. For those children and families that we can serve, we want to be able to offer a quality program. The Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist (First Communion) We have a family centered sacrament program for children preparing for Reconciliation and/or Eucharist. If you wish your child to receive either or both of these Sacraments during the coming school year, please complete the registration forms included in this packet for each Sacrament. Children enrolled in a sacrament program must also be enrolled in a weekly catechetical program or as a student at St. Mary's School.

Elementary: Grades 1 – 5
On Sundays our Elementary Program is a scripture-based catechetical program for grades 1 - 5. We offer this Sunday program at two masses: the 9:00 and 11:15. This program will focus on the readings used at mass on Sunday. Your children will come with you to Mass and after the opening prayers, they will be dismissed to go with a catechist to a small group session where they will listen to the Sunday readings especially adapted for children, talk about the gospel message, discuss how it applies to their every day lives and our Catholic traditions. The children will return to their families after the Eucharistic Prayer. There are also four family sessions per year that will meet from 10:10 to 11:00 a.m. in Howley Hall. On Mondays our Elementary Program offers a grade level catechetical program for grades 1 - 5. Our Monday program meets 4:00 - 5:15 p.m. on Mondays. This program groups children in grade level sessions where they will receive instruction from a catechist using a textbook appropriate for their age level.

Christian Initiation of Children (CIC)
We offer a Christian Initiation of Children (CIC) process for children who are unbaptized or baptized but uncatechized within a community. Please contact Terri Trotter at 354-4061x122 for more information about this program.

Middle School / Junior High: Grades 6 – 8
Our middle school / Jr. high program, grades 6 - 8, meets on Monday nights from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in Howley Hall. This is a scripture-based program that includes food, sports, social time, large group activity, small group faith sharing, outreach projects and prayer.

High School/WAV: Grades 9 – 12
WAV (Welcoming All Voices), our high school youth ministry program, meets Sunday evenings after the 6:00 p.m. mass from September through May. WAV is open to all teens from any of the area high schools. The program includes prayer, scripture reflection, retreats, discussion of contemporary moral issues, and community service. Youth with leadership skills are encouraged to become members of the Core Team.

The Sacrament of Confirmation: Grades 10 – 12
We offer the Sacrament of Confirmation to High School Students, who are enrolled in the Youth Ministry Program. The Confirmation program begins in October with an orientation meeting for parents and students. Confirmation Candidates must also be enrolled in and attend Youth Ministry (WAV) meetings.

If you have any questions about any of these programs, please call us at 354-4061 x125.