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Religious Education Program

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The Religious Education Program at the Basilica of Saint John is open to all students whose families are registered members of the Basilica. Our program is offered to students in grades kindergarten through grade 12. We meet Wednesday evenings from September through April from 6:15 to 7:30 PM.

The primary goal of our religious education program is to work together with parents so that all children develop a loving relationship with God and grow in his or her understanding, love, and practice of faith to promote true Christian living.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "the role of parents in education is of such importance that it is almost impossible to provide an adequate substitute", and further..."the right and duty of parents to educate their children are primordial and inalienable". Parents' involvement at home, teaching and living the faith, supports and reinforces what we are teaching in class.

The celebration of the Eucharist is the center of the Church's life. We work with all students to help them learn about the Mass and grow in their understanding of the symbolism and significance of the actions and words that are used both by the priest and by the parish community. Classroom learning is no substitute for attendance at Mass each Sunday. Please support our efforts by making sure that your children accompany you to Mass every week. This example of Christian commitment can build values in our children that last a lifetime.

Vacation Bible School--“Cor Jesu Rex” – Prayer
- “Prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward Heaven, it is a cry of recognition and love, embracing both trial and joy.” –St. Therese of Lisieux
  
  When: June 6-10, 2022 - 9am to 2pm M-F
  Where: Basilica of St. John, Des Moines, IA
  ---------------LIMITED to 80 Students
  
  Registration Open April 30-May 30th -- Drop off or Send to the Church Office or CLICK HERE to complete the online form
  
  The School Sisters of Christ the King in Lincoln, NE are leading a week-long Vacation Bible School for students currently age 6-12. Teens age 13-19 are encouraged to volunteer. The Wed. June 8 Teen Night is open to all Teens!
- Religious Education Classes 2021-22 Sign Up
  
  The maximum number of form submissions has been reached. This form is currently not available.
  
  Haga clic aquí para formulario en español
  
  Last Name of Child/ren (complete child's info below) REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION
  
  Please provide information for each parent.
  
  Tithe # Please enter valid data.
  
  Father First/Last Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Mother First/Last Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Street Address REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  City REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  State REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Zip REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a zip code.
  
  Father Phone Number REQUIRED Maximum 20 characters Please fill out this field. Please enter a phone number.
  
  Father Email Please enter an email address.
  
  Mother Phone Number REQUIRED Maximum 20 characters Please fill out this field. Please enter a phone number.
  
  Mother Email Please enter an email address.
  
  Would you like to receive notification by: REQUIRED email text Please fill out this field.
  
  Children live with: REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  If child lives with Guardian, please provide the following information.
  
  Name Please enter valid data.
  
  Address Please enter valid data.
  
  City Please enter valid data.
  
  State
  
  Zip Please enter a zip code.
  
  Contact in case of emergency: REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Relationship to Child (if selected other): Please enter valid data.
  
  Emergency Contact Phone Number REQUIRED Maximum 20 characters Please fill out this field. Please enter a phone number.
  
  Number of Children REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Child 1
  
  Name of child REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Age of child REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter an integer (number).
  
  2020/21 Grade Level REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Has child been baptized? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If so, When? Please enter valid data.
  
  Where? Please enter valid data.
  
  Has child received first communion? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If so, When? Please enter valid data.
  
  Where? Please enter valid data.
  
  Is child preparing for confirmation? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If so, Where? Please enter valid data.
  
  Does the child have allergies or take medications we should know about? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If Yes, please provide information Please enter valid data.
  
  Books/Materials (Check which one you wish to order): REQUIRED Textbook in English and Workbook in English (Gr. 1-8) On-Line Textbook with Workbook and Games (Must have home computer access) (Gr. 1-8) Extra: I want the Textbook in Spanish (only for Grades 1-8) High School Class: In Person for Wednesday RE classes (no materials for 4 Confirmation classes) Please fill out this field.
  
  Child 2
  
  Name of child REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Age of child REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter an integer (number).
  
  2020/21 Grade Level REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Has child been baptized? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If so, When? Please enter valid data.
  
  Where? Please enter valid data.
  
  Has child received first communion? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If so, When? Please enter valid data.
  
  Where? Please enter valid data.
  
  Is child preparing for confirmation? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If so, Where? Please enter valid data.
  
  Does the child have allergies or take medications we should know about? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If Yes, please provide information Please enter valid data.
  
  Books/Materials (Check which one you wish to order): REQUIRED Textbook in English and Workbook in English (Gr. 1-8) On-Line Textbook with Workbook and Games (Must have home computer access) (Gr. 1-8) Extra: I want the Textbook in Spanish (only for Grades 1-8) High School Class: In Person for Wednesday RE classes (no materials for 4 Confirmation classes) Please fill out this field.
  
  Child 3
  
  Name of child REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Age of child REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter an integer (number).
  
  2020/21 Grade Level REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Has child been baptized? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If so, When? Please enter valid data.
  
  Where? Please enter valid data.
  
  Has child received first communion? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If so, When? Please enter valid data.
  
  Where? Please enter valid data.
  
  Is child preparing for confirmation? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If so, Where? Please enter valid data.
  
  Does the child have allergies or take medications we should know about? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If Yes, please provide information Please enter valid data.
  
  Books/Materials (Check which one you wish to order): REQUIRED Textbook in English and Workbook in English (Gr. 1-8) On-Line Textbook with Workbook and Games (Must have home computer access) (Gr. 1-8) Extra: I want the Textbook in Spanish (only for Grades 1-8) High School Class: In Person for Wednesday RE classes (no materials for 4 Confirmation classes) Please fill out this field.
  
  Child 4
  
  Name of child REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Age of child REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter an integer (number).
  
  2020/21 Grade Level REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Has child been baptized? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If so, When? Please enter valid data.
  
  Where? Please enter valid data.
  
  Has child received first communion? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If so, When? Please enter valid data.
  
  Where? Please enter valid data.
  
  Is child preparing for confirmation? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If so, Where? Please enter valid data.
  
  Does the child have allergies or take medications we should know about? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If Yes, please provide information Please enter valid data.
  
  Books/Materials (Check which one you wish to order): REQUIRED Textbook in English and Workbook in English (Gr. 1-8) On-Line Textbook with Workbook and Games (Must have home computer access) (Gr. 1-8) Extra: I want the Textbook in Spanish (only for Grades 1-8) High School Class: In Person for Wednesday RE classes (no materials for 4 Confirmation classes) Please fill out this field.
  
  Child 5
  
  Name of child REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Age of child REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter an integer (number).
  
  2020/21 Grade Level REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Has child been baptized? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If so, When? Please enter valid data.
  
  Where? Please enter valid data.
  
  Has child received first communion? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If so, When? Please enter valid data.
  
  Where? Please enter valid data.
  
  Is child preparing for confirmation? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If so, Where? Please enter valid data.
  
  Does the child have allergies or take medications we should know about? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If Yes, please provide information Please enter valid data.
  
  Books/Materials (Check which one you wish to order): REQUIRED Textbook in English and Workbook in English (Gr. 1-8) On-Line Textbook with Workbook and Games (Must have home computer access) (Gr. 1-8) Extra: I want the Textbook in Spanish (only for Grades 1-8) High School Class: In Person for Wednesday RE classes (no materials for 4 Confirmation classes) Please fill out this field.
  
  Payment:
  1 child - $50.00
  2 children - $75.00
  3 or more - $100.00
  4 Confirmation classes - $0.00
  Please send check or drop off cash to the parish office
  
  Submit
  
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- RELIGIOUS EDUCATION schedule
  
  Religious Education 2021-22
  Basilica of Saint John
  Wednesdays from 6:15 pm to 7:30 pm
  
  August
  25        Wed. Registration 5-8pm in school
  28        Sat. Registration after Mass
  29        Sun. Registration after Mass
  September
  8          NO CLASS-Teacher Meeting 6:15pm
  15        RE Class BEGINS
  22        RE Class
  29        RE Class and Parent 1^st Communion Meeting
  October
  2          Sat. 7pm Parent Confirmation Meeting
  3          Sun. 12:30pm Parent Confirmation Meeting
  6          RE Class
  13        RE Class
  20        RE Class and Confirmation Session (P Hall)
  27        RE Class
  November
  3          RE Class
  10        RE Class
  17        RE Class and Confirmation Session (P Hall)
  24        NO CLASS—Thanksgiving
  December
  1          RE Class
  8          RE Class and Holy Day Mass
  15        RE Class
  22        NO CLASS—Christmas Vacation
  29        NO CLASS—Christmas Vacation
  January 2022
  5          NO CLASS-Teacher Meeting 6:15pm
  12        RE Class
  19        RE Class and Parent 1^st Communion Meeting
  26        RE Class and Confirmation Session (P Hall)
  February
  2          RE Class
  9          RE Class
  16        RE Class
  19        Sat. Confirmation Retreat (tent.)
  23        RE Class
  March
  2          RE Class and Ash Wednesday Mass
  9          RE Class
  16        NO CLASS-Spring Break Week
  23        RE Class
  30        RE Class and Confirmation Session (P Hall)
  April
  6          RE Class
  13        NO CLASS-Holy Week
  20        RE Class
  27        RE Class—Last Class
  29        Friday First Reconciliation-7pm
  30        Practice for First Communion- 10am
  May
  1          Sunday 10:30am Mass and First Communion
  
  ********************************’*************
  Tentative Dates for Confirmation (April 28^th or 21^st)
  Confirmation is for Year 2 Students in High School
  First Communion is for Year 2 students in Second Grade or higher
- kindergarten - grade two
  
  We offer a traditional approach to Catholic Education in a classroom setting. The best preparation at home is for families to attend Mass regularly and help students learn their prayers. Preparation for 1st Communion must include completion of 1st and 2nd grade or at least two years if you are an older student. The minimum age for participation in First Holy Communion is 7 years of age.
- grades three - eight
  
  Students in grades three through eight further their learning of the Catholic faith and deepen their relationship with God through prayer. Students are offered many additional resources to further their learning in all areas of our faith including the Mass, the sacraments, the Ten Commandments, the liturgical year and the Bible. Each year builds on the teaching of the previous year.
- religious education for high school
  
  Our high school class, grades 9-12, is held each Wednesday evening from 6:15 to 7:30 PM in the church hall. The majority of these students are also preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation. Four Confirmation sessions are included during the weekly Wednesday night class time. Students must attend this two year program.
- sacramental programs
  
  During the course of our program much emphasis is placed upon preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession), Holy Eucharist (Communion), and Confirmation. Eligibility to receive the Sacraments includes completion of a minimum TWO YEAR PROGRAM at the Basilica of Saint John. If you are new to the Basilica, your child must have been enrolled in a religious education program in your previous parish.
- first holy communion
  
  First Holy Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of May each year. Children must already be baptized. After a two year study program, they will receive First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
  
  The first year of sacramental preparation focuses on learning about the Catholic faith and developing a deep and loving relationship with God. The second year of their religious education builds on the teaching of the first year and prepares them to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion.
- confirmation
  
  Preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation is provided through eight classes over a two-year period. Students in public school are expected to attend both the weekly religious education classes and the two-year Confirmation preparation classes prior to being confirmed. Preparation for this sacrament cannot begin earlier than ninth grade and students cannot be confirmed prior to tenth grade.
  
  Eligible students must be baptized and have received the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion prior to receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. Students are required to choose a sponsor for Confirmation. The Confirmation sponsor must have completed the 16th year of age and be a practicing Catholic. The sponsor cannot be a parent or your Baptismal sponsor.
- Contact
  
  Margaret Stastny
  
  Director of Faith Formation
  
  515-244-3101 ext 204
  margaretsbasilicaofstjohn.org
- Schedule
  
  Religious Education Classes are every Wednesday from 6:15 - 7:30 PM for all ages. Call Margaret at 515-244-3101, ext. 204 for more information.