When should my child begin religious instruction?

Typically children should begin religious education in first grade and continue through high school.  We offer formal classes for young people in grades 1– 10+.  In addition Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered at the 10:30 a.m. Mass for younger children.
 

What if my child did not begin in first grade or has missed some years?

We believe that it is never too late to experience God’s grace! We offer bridging classes to help students who need it get caught up with their peers. Because each situation is unique we ask that you talk to our Director of Religious Education so we can decide what would be the best way to meet your child’s needs. 

 When will classes be held?

Grades 1-8  Will meet Sunday Mornings from 9 to 10:15 on the Holy Rosary Campus.
Families with children in these grades who may occasionally miss classes due to seasonal sports or just because Sunday morning is not a good time for their family will have an option to do home study. The book and syllabus being used by students attending weekly classes are provided for families and students will be asked to submit an online review each week to help keep them on track with their peers 
 
High School Students meet on Sundays from 11:30am – 1:30pm every 2 to 3 weeks on the Holy Rosary Campus.
Those who are unable to attend at this time should contact our DRE to discuss other options.

When will classes begin?

Families of students in grades 1-5 will meet for the first time on Sunday, September 16 ^th at 9:00 am in the church hall at Holy Rosary. 
Students in grades 6-8 and High School students will meet for the first time on Sunday, September 23rd at 11:30 in the church hall at Holy Rosary. Parents are encouraged to join us for this special kick off which will focus on the Mass. 

How do children prepare for their sacraments?

In keeping with diocesan policy preparation for all sacraments is “free-standing” and “readiness” based.  In other words the preparation process is in addition to regular    religious education classes and occurs when a young person is mature enough to receive the sacraments. All students preparing for sacraments are required to also be enrolled in ongoing religious ed classes or our catholic school.
Children who are ready to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist (usually in second grade around the age of 7 or 8) attend 3 sessions and a retreat with a parent for each sacrament.
High School students who are 15+ who feel they are ready to receive the sacrament of Confirmation will be interviewed and attend 3 workshops and a retreat. A mandatory parent and teen meeting will be held on Sun. Oct. 28 ^th at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Spirit   

How much does it cost?

The suggested donation is $35 per child or $80 per family.  If however you are not able to make this donation please know that we will never turn any family away due to their financial situation!  You know your family finances and we trust that you will do your best to support this important ministry if you are able.
Your donations help to defray the costs to the parish of running a religious education program by covering the cost of books, supplies, copies, food, etc. Additional expenses are paid by the parish.  

What is my role as a parent?

 The church says that you are your child’s first educator in matters of faith and morals. No catechist or teacher, no matter how brilliant, can bring your child to faith without the help and support of a child’s family. On average we will only see your child for 25-30 hours of focused religious education a year while you see you child day in and day out. You have the unique ability to help your child live what they learn in class and at Mass by your example and guidance. 
To help you bring faith into the everyday we will be holding several family events for those whose children are in grades 1-5 called “GIFT” (Growing in Faith Together). These sessions will bring students and their families together to pray, share faith and do fun hands on activities.
For families with students in grades 6-8 we hold “Connect” events which engage teens and their parents in exploring the faith together.   

Want to get more involved?

We are always looking for people to get involved as catechists (a.k.a. teachers), substitutes, hall monitors, etc. The most basic requirements are that you be

• A practicing Catholic
• Enthusiastic about your faith
• Comfortable working with youth
• Able to pass a background check

We will be happy to provide you with the support and training to be successful in this ministry. To discuss your gifts and how you can share them with our young people please contact our DRE.

How do I register my family?

To register, download a registration form, complete it and return it to the Religious Education Office. You may either mail it to the Religious Education Office at 135 Nichols St. in Gardner, or place it in the collection basket in an envelope marked Religious Education.

Is there a registration deadline?

We ask that you register as soon as possible to insure that we have enough teachers, books, etc. for the first day of class.

Want to know more about what will be happening this year?

Please join us at one of our orientation sessions or contact our Director of Religious Education. The first session will be held at Holy Spirit in the church hall at 50 Lovewell St. on Tues. Sept. 11 ^th. The second will be held on Wed. Sept. 12  ^th at Holy Rosary at  135 Nichols St. On both evenings we will meet with parents of children in grades 1-8 at 6:30p.m. and parents of high school students at 7:30p.m.

For more information contact our Director of Religious Education

Maura L. Sweeney
Office: 978-632-0253 religioused@annunciationgardner.org