FAITH FORMATION FOR STUDENTS

GRADES 1 - 9+

St. Paul’s Religious Education programs are focused on nurturing our faith as well as sharing knowledge about God. We feel very strongly that parents are the primary educators of their children; therefore, our program is designed to enhance the foundation that you as parents are already giving to your children.

 Our four basic objectives are interwoven in the curriculum of each grade:

• To bring every student closer to Jesus through the message of the gospels;
• To guide our children in forming values and a moral code in harmony with our Christian beliefs; 
• To develop lives of prayer and worship through the Liturgy and tradition; and
• To encourage and foster a spirit of service to others in our own community and beyond.

We are preparing children for discipleship and citizenship. It is our hope that the parents and parish of St. Paul can work together in partnership to give children the knowledge and example they need to become people who give witness to their Catholic Christian faith. Participation in weekly Mass and prayer in the home are integral to the spiritual growth of children and adults. We hope that the information and teaching they receive from our program supplement what they see and do within the family.

This is our mission, and it is an awesome responsibility. Please pray that together we can accomplish our objectives. The parish is the center of faith formation for Catholics. Every person in your pews, every Catholic in your parish community…child or adult…is on their own journey toward Christ and a life of discipleship.

Grades 1-5

Grades 1-5 follows a preparatory program to introduce children to Catholic principles and values in ways that are age appropriate and fun. We use various components such as catechist textbooks, Bible teachings and readings, games, activities, acts of service and general discussions to promote a close relationship with Jesus and explore their Catholic faith.

Classes are offered on Sunday mornings before the 9:30am mass or on Monday afternoons (with the exception of grade 1). We follow a specific First Penance and First Communion preparation during their grade 2 year with grade 1 also preparing them for these special sacraments. Each year builds on the one before, creating a strong foundation of Catholic values. Our goal is for the children to explore their faith, connect with each other and the teachers, and truly learn to know Jesus in their hearts.

For those not able to attend in person, home-study materials can be provided to families that would like to teach their child at home, or to catch up on missed lessons.

Grades 6, 7, 8

We are pleased to be offering the EDGE program to our Middle School students! We meet on either Tuesday or Wednesday nights from 7 to 8:30pm in the Church Hall.

Grades 9 + All High School Grades

We’re excited to offer 9th Graders the opportunity to participate in our new one-year Confirmation program. Teens meet once per month on Sunday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Church Hall from October through May. Their attendance at the 9:30 a.m. Mass is encouraged as an important element of our program.

For the first time, we’re also offering High School students who have yet to receive the sacrament of confirmation the opportunity to participate our program.

Volunteers

St. Paul's is blessed with many positive role models - faith witnesses who serve as examples of what it truly means to be a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ. We ask you to step forward to share your faith journey through any of our Religious Education Programs. We have rewarding volunteer opportunities as teachers or co-teachers, and substitutes. On-going teacher training and support is always offered.

All volunteers must fill out a “CORI” form and take “Protecting God’s Children” workshop.

Thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement to this Ministry and to St. Paul's Parish.

Sincerely in Christ,

Kristen Monahan, Religious Education Director, PREP Program Co-Ordinator (Gr. 1-5)

Debra Brown, EDGE Program Co-Ordinator (Gr. 6-8)

John Cusolito, PURPOSE/Confirmation PREP Program Co-Ordinator (Gr. 9-10)