Religious Education

The mission of our Parish
Religious Education Program
is to
consistently extend Jesus’ invitation
to discipleship 
and to provide our children
with age appropriate catechesis
guided by a biblical faith,
the teaching of the Catholic Church,
and a clear vision of the Gospel.

This is accomplished by:

Fostering family involvement
Building upon children’s life experiences
Developing personal spirituality
Involvement in liturgical celebrations and prayer
Encouraging religious literacy & moral development
Experiencing faith in a spirit of joy

St. Mary’s Parish Religious Education Program is built on these beliefs:

►Parents are first and foremost the primary teachers. Through the parents, the faith is first handed on.

►The parish is called upon to support and extend the parents’ role.

►The parish Religious Education Program connects the home to the parish, family life to parish life, and family gatherings to parish gatherings.

GENERAL POLICIES

Registration:   

Families must be registered parishioners of St. Mary’s to register in the Religious Education Program. Parish registration cards are available at the rear of the Church, at the Parish Offices or at the Religious Education Office.

Documentation of baptism is required for all new children to the program. If your child was not baptized at  St. Mary’s or St. Frances please include a copy of your child’s baptism certificate with your registration. Those children baptized at St. Mary’s or St. Frances do not need to submit a baptismal certificate as we have that information on file.

All classes meet in the Parish Center. All classes (except K and Grade 1) began the week of Monday, Sept 28^th. Sunday classes began on Oct. 4^th . Start dates for Grade K and 1 will be announced in the bulletin.

In order for us to keep a current listing of students who attend our Religious Education Program, we ask each family to re-register their child/children each year. If we do not receive a re-enrollment form, we will assume your child is no longer attending our program.

ATTENDANCE AND BEHAVIOR

All students registered in the program are expected to attend classes as scheduled.

Absence from class requires a telephone call to the Parish Center.

Advancement to the next grade level depends on attendance at the current grade level.

All students are expected to behave in an exemplary manner while participating in the program.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

Reconciliation (Confession) and First Communion
The sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are celebrated at the completion of Grade 2. Registration for Grade 2 requires attendance in a Parish program (St. Mary’s or another parish) for the previous year.  This is a two year preparation program. Parents are STRONGLY URGED to adhere to the class session that their child’s school is assigned to (i.e. Early or Late).

There will a Grade 2 Parent Meeting on Tuesday, January 5 and Monday January 11, 2010 at 7:30pm at the Parish Center.

Please contact Rosemary Lonborg at 781-545-3335 ext 213 or email rlongborg@stmaryscituate.org with questions.

Confirmation

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is a two year program. Enrollment in the Grade 9 program is upon previous Religious Education attendance.

PLEASE NOTE:  All 9^th and 10^th grade students attending private, Catholic high school must register in the Confirmation program. All 9^th and 10^th grade candidates must attend all scheduled speakers and class times….this includes Catholic High School students.

A letter was sent in September with the 10^th grade schedule. All students must complete 25 Service hours over the 2 year program. Service projects will be discussed during class time and were discussed at the Parent’s meeting on Sept. 27^th.

Please contact Jane Kuklis at 781-545-3335 ext 212 or email jkuklis@stmaryscituate.org with questions.

Tuition Fees:

Our goal is to provide the youth of the Parish with a meaningful and enriching Religious Education Program. We are grateful for your support which allows us to work toward this goal. We maintain a reasonable budget and use your contributions wisely. Please note:

The fees collected by the Religious Education Office provide the program with 50% of its operating budget.

The balance of the costs of the program is supplemented by the entire Parish community through the weekly offertory collections.

Families experiencing financial difficulties are offered free or reduced tuition. Please indicate on your registration form if you need financial assistance.

1 child $90
2 children $160
 3 children $190
4 children $215
Kindergarten $40

St. Mary of the Nativity Religious Education Program Staff:

Grades K through 5: Rosemary Lonborg
Grades 6 through 10: Jane Kuklis
Confirmation and Youth Ministry: Jane Kuklis
Office Assistant: Michelle Gee