August
21 Wed. Registration 5-8 p.m. in SchoolSeptember
4 NO CLASS-Teacher Meeting 6:30 p.m.October
2 RE ClassNovember
6 RE ClassDecember
4 RE ClassJanuary 2025
1 NO CLASS - Happy New Year!February
5 RE ClassMarch
5 NO CLASS - Ash Wednesday Mass 7 p.m.April
2 RE ClassMay
2 First Reconciliation 7 p.m. in the church Haga clic aquí para la página en español 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. |
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.