RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
At Blessed Sacrament Parish, the mission of the Religious Formation Program is to work with families to educate our children in the Catholic faith by engaging them in active learning, and helping them to grow in knowledge and grace in a way that allows them to experience hope in their Salvation and the continued presence of God's love for them. How your children grow in faith will find its measure in how you practice your faith as a family, in talking about God, in reading the Bible, and praying together and attending Mass weekly. We are here to help you in this responsibility and look forward to a great partnership throughout the year.
Our program for catechesis is a two-fold approach using Scripture along with a series of doctrinal themes to teach the basis of our Catholic Faith. This ensures a comprehensive approach to learning the faith, a faith that is grounded in knowing Christ in the mind and the heart, and living it out within the reality of the Church to which we belong. Our own parish "Blue Book" is a source for the doctrine taught in our program. We welcome you to check it out!
Parental involvement is vital to success, and consequently our program is very family-centered. The whole family prepares together for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion, as well as Confirmation. Check out the "Sacraments" page on our parish website for more information. We also offer opportunities throughout the year for our parents and families to learn more about their faith.
For grades K-8, our classes begin on the third Sunday in September and end on the third Sunday in May, taking place on Sunday mornings from 9:30-11:00. High school meets the first two Sundays of every month from 9:30-11:00.
Examples of our group's activities:
1.) Religious formation classes on Sunday mornings from 9:30-11:00 a.m. K-8 meets every Sunday. High school meets the first two Sundays of the month.
2.) High school classes often make freezer meals for the needy, providing an essential ministry to the Good Samaritans.
3.) CCD students host a monthly youth Mass, as well as an Advent Retreat (with Christmas Program), a Lenten Retreat, and Stations of the Cross for both students and the parish as a whole.
4.) Working in conjunction with Youth Group to provide ongoing faith formation, service projects, and fun events for the kids.
Contact Jolene Clearwater at <j_vmeer82@yahoo.com
CLASS TIMES/GRADE GROUPINGS:
Classes are set to begin on Sunday September 16 after the 8:30 a.m. Mass. Class times and grade level groupings are as follows:
Grades 1-2: 9:30-11:00 each Sunday
Grades 3-5: 9:30-11:00 each Sunday
Grades 6-8: 9:30-11:00 each Sunday
Grades 9-12: 9:30-11:00 on the first two Sunday mornings of each month*
*Please note that high school meets on a different schedule than K-8.
FIRST COMMUNION/RECONCILIATION CLASSES:
First Communion/Reconciliation is always a big year. Children typically make their First Communion in 2nd grade. According to Diocesan policy, children must have two years of religious education before receiving these sacraments. For example, that might mean two full years of Religious Formation, or one full year of Religious Formation along with the year of preparation. If your children are older than 2nd grade and have not received the sacrament, we will be happy to talk about the best course of action for preparation.
CONFIRMATION CLASSES:
Confirmation is currently offered starting in 10th grade..
PARISH REGISTRATION AND ADULT FAITH FORMATION:
If you are not officially registered in the parish, please contact the office, or you can also find the parish registration forms on the table in the vestibule. If you plan to have your children enrolled in Religious Formation, you must also register as a parishioner.
Finally, I would like to note that if you are a parent, are not Catholic, and you are interested in learning more or taking the steps to become Catholic, our RCIA program will start up October 28 with a five-week inquiry class. The sessions take place at the same time as our children’s sessions, which are Sunday mornings from 9:30-11:00. Contact the office for info!