R.E. (formerly known as C.C.D.) was instituted to provide a fundamental religious education to those students attending public schools. Students are taught Catholic Christian doctrine in an atmosphere, which reflects love, care, and respect for the uniqueness of each person. The gifts and talents each of us posses are the means through which our commitment to the Christian challenge of service can be fulfilled.

We are called to help our children recognize and develop their gifts and talents. We are called to foster in our children a sense of Christian responsibility and social justice. We are called to be witnesses to our Catholic Faith, to teach by example and to model Christian qualities.

MISSION STATEMENT

To serve God by nurturing in our students, with the help of our parish community and their families, a loving relationship with God and with others. Through guidance in prayer, increasing students' knowledge and understanding of their Catholic Faith and reflecting on ways to be of genuine service, we endeavor to motivate students to accept a commitment of loving surrender to Jesus in our daily journey of faith, hope, and love of God.

SACRAMENTS

The respective teachers under the Director of Religious Education direct preparation for the reception of the Sacraments. Because parents are the primary educators in the religious training of their children, it is important that they work together with the teachers to facilitate this process.

Students in the second grade are prepared for the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist (First Communion). Students in the eighth grade are prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the name given to the process through which adults join the Catholic faith community - the Catholic Church. It is for people who are interested in the Catholic Faith or traditions or who have questions about the Catholic Church. This process continues throughout the year, and there is no established date to start attending the inquiry meetings, which are held every Monday evening from 7 - 9 p.m.

You will not be asked to make any commitment at these meetings, but you will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the Catholic faith. This spiritual journey involves weekly meetings with other inquirers in community with Church members and weekly attendance at Sunday Mass.

Special times and teachers are available for children of catechetical age (seven years and older) to participate in the Catechumenate - to learn about Gospel values in community. Experiences are tailored to their level of understanding so they, too, will be initiated into the community in the same liturgical rites as adults.

Please call the Church office if you have any questions or are interested in attending.