Religious Education

St. Mary's Religious Education Program Mission Statement

We the people of St. Mary's Parish are dedicated to teach the youth of our parish through the Religious Education Program. Through our volunteer catechists and God's graces we will:
• Help build up the kingdom of God in our students and community through our studies and prayer.
• Dedicate special time and study to prepare for and receive the Sacraments of Penance, Eucharist and Confirmation.
• Help each student recognize the dignity of each person, their values, and help them grow to respect themselves and others.
• Help each student build their faith to witness God's presence in their lives.
• Encourage an appreciation of each student as sharers in the Church's ministries.

St. Mary's Religious Education classes are held weekly for grades one through six on Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Our 7th and 8th grade programs are family based and meet for eight consecutive weeks on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Our high school students (grades 9 - 11) meet on alternate Wednesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The religious education program is directed by a full-time director and by volunteer catechists. The current year's calendar and other information are available from the religious education office at 256-4258 or St. Mary's School web site.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CURRICULUM
Grades 1 - 6 study the "We Believe" series from Sadlier. Themes by grade are as follow:
Grade 1: God Loves Us
Grade 2: Jesus Shares God's Ufe. First Penance. First Communion
Grade 3: We Are The Church
Grade 4: God's Law Guides Us
Grade 5: We Meet Jesus In The Sacraments
Grade 6: We Are God's People by Sadlier and Adventure by Pflaum Gospel Weeklies
Grades 7 and 8 utilize the Discovering series from St. Mary's Press. Parents attend class with their children and we meet as a large group. Our evenings include guest speakers, scripture, instructional break out sessions and engaging conversations.
Texts and topics for 7th grade are:
Meeting Jesus Praying
Dealing With Tough Times Gathering to Celebrate
Text and topics for 8th grade are:
Being Catholic Exploring The Bible Seeking Justice Growing Up Sexually

Grade 9 uses the "Catholic Faith Handbook For Youth" by St. Mary's Press. The focus for this year is on "The Creed". Students are also required to do service hours in preparation for Confirmation. Areas of service work include: faith community, civic community, the elderly and youth.
Grades 10 and 11 use "Confirmed in a Faithful Community" by St. Mary's Press. This is a two year program preparing students for the sacrament of Confirmation. Students are required to write a report on the Saint they have chosen as their Confirmation name. They are required to attend a confirmation retreat. They are also required to write a letter of intent to our pastor on why they would like to be confirmed. They are also encouraged to spend time with their Confirmation sponsor and building that faith relationship.