Religious Education Programs
Religious Education Office: 203-265-6426
Youth Ministry Office: 203-265-6818
Fax: 203-269-5343
• Registration
Our Religious Education Programs provide a structured approach to Sacramental preparation, knowledge of scripture, prayers, Commandments, and Creed. Family involvement is essential in the teaching of prayers and initiating regular attendance at weekly Mass and the sacraments. Registration takes place from March 15th. through May 15th.
• Classroom Instruction
Classroom instruction is planned for Grades 1-8 - limited only by how many volunteer Catechists we have and the number of classrooms available to us.
A maximum of 12 students are assigned to each class on the elementary level. Grades 1-5 are scheduled on Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Moran Middle School
A maximum of 10 students are assigned to each class at the middle school level. Grade 6, 7 & 8 students meet in the Religious Education Center weekly in the evening from 7:00 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. (Grade 6 on Monday - Grade 7 on Tuesday - Grade 8 on Wednesday) Specific courses are selected from the Parent/Student Handbook and indicated on the course selection sheet during the March registration. The Middle School Classroom program also requires students to participate in a specific large group activity and 8 hours of community service each year.
• Home Study Classes
Home study instruction is planned for Grades 6 thorough 8 when Catechists are available. Groups meet on a weekly basis, according to the Religious Education calendar. Weekly meetings are held in the Catechist’s home on a day and time convenient for the teacher. Groups are planned on a neighborhood basis when possible. A second choice for instruction should be indicated in the event that Home Study is unavailable.
• Individual Family Instruction
This program is available on all grade levels. Students and parents work together at home in a student textbook. IFI students are encouraged to participate in all large group activities. It is the parents’ responsibility to see that textbooks are completed and that the student has an understanding of the material covered. All students are responsible for a prayer review annually. Students in grades 3-8 are also responsible for a written review of the textbook. Supplemental information and assistance is provided by the Religious Education Office upon request.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Liturgy of the Word for Children is designed to include children in the
liturgy and create a sense of belonging. Children who participate are
dropped off at the Religious Education Center. In a classroom, we will
read scripture, have a homily, have an activity relevant to the message
of that day, and offer prayers of the faithful. All of the readings,
homilies, and prayers are geared toward the younger members of the
Church so that they will better understand and appreciate the value
of God's word.
Parents will pick their children up in the Religious Education Center at
the conclusion of Mass.
Children ages 4 through grade 2 are welcome.
• Sacramental Preparation
Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist
First Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist preparation is available for children who have reached the Grade 2 level in public school and who have completed Grade 1 religious instruction. Children preparing for these Sacraments may be registered in the Classroom or Individual Family Instruction program. Special instruction is available for students in Grade 3 and up who have not yet received these Sacraments.
Confirmation
All students who have successfully competed Grade 8 Religious Education and who evidence a serious desire to make a formal confirmation of faith in Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church, are invited to participate in the ‘Moving In The Spirit’ Program of Confirmation Preparation. This is an eighteen month program which begins in the Spring, at the conclusion of Grade 8 instructions. Candidates meet throughout the school year in small faith discussion groups with an adult facilitator. They also participate in special large group activities as well as a 30 hour service project.
Confirmation Individual Family Study
The only difference between this program and the regular confirmation program is that instead of meeting in a small faith sharing group, the student meets one on one with a mentor - usually a sponsor. All other aspects of the program are identical. This program is well suited for the older student or the student who is best served in a more structured setting.
• Peer Ministry
Members are senior high school parishioners who have chosen to serve the younger members of our parish community as peer counselors -- membership includes students from both Sheehan and Lyman Hall as well as students from private and parochial high schools. All students participate in approximately 25 hours of training where they learn to listen, understand and communicate better. More advanced training includes both day and overnight retreats focusing on topics such as alcohol and drug addiction, eating disorders, dating and sexuality, abortion, violence and anger management, peer mediation, teen suicide, self-esteem, friendships and family relationships, etc.
Members of the team use their skills through witness talks at large group gatherings of Grade 6 - 12 students as well as by acting as facilitators at both large and small group meetings.
TNT (Teens and Tweens)
This is a summer leadership camp for students in Grades six through twelve
sponsored by the Youth Ministry Office and held in the Parish Hall the
second week of July.
Based on teen friendly activities designed to "keep it real," the program
includes:
- group games and challenges
- leadership training
- media and music critique
- art (group banner and individual group designed t-shirts
- daily contemprary movie presentations geared to entertain
as well as deepen faith values
- facilitated by senior members of the Peer Ministry Team
Registration takes place from March 15 to May 15.
