Sacraments
Baptism: Children in the program who have not received the sacrament of Baptism may do so after one year of instruction. Parents must attend the Baptism class held by the parish which is held once a month. Children who have been baptized with the rite of another Christian faith will be formally received into the Roman Catholic Church through a Profession of Faith. Parents should attend the Baptism class as well. In addition to the class, parents must meet with the Director for an interview prior to the baptism. The baptism for older children will be held in January on a Sunday afternoon.
First Reconciliation (Penance): To foster the necessary understanding of faith at a child’s particular age level, a minimum of two full consecutive years of instruction is to precede reception of the sacraments. Religious readiness, not chronological age or school grade, will determine a child’s preparedness to encounter Christ in a sacramental celebration. This decision of readiness rests with the parents and the child in dialogue with the catechist and the parish priest. Parents should attend the workshop in November to enable them to prepare their children at home prior to the First Penance Celebration in January.
First Eucharist: Preparation of a child for Eucharist should be the cooperative effort of the parents, catechists and pastor. Each has a significant role to play. The guideline for two full consecutive rules of instruction applies. Parents are vital in helping children identify feelings of belonging and unity through the living of everyday faith. Parents should attend the Saturday morning workshop in March to enable them to prepare their children at home. First Communion is celebrated as a parish celebration the second Saturday in May.
Confirmation: The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in high school. Two full consecutive years during high school are required in order for the teen to feel properly prepared to receive the sacrament.
Parents should be aware that the Confirmation process is built upon the years of formation prior to entering high school. Children should not be denied this connection to the church in elementary and junior high years.
Admissions
Registration online must be completed for each child in the program by a parent or guardian. A copy of the baptismal certificate must accompany the application, even if the child was baptized at American Martyrs. We request that families in SRE be registered with American Martyrs Parish.
Registration takes place in March for the following school year. All students must re-register each year and will not be assigned to a class until the process is completed.
The registration fee is $100per year, $150 per family. Fees are waived for the children of SRE teachers since they are volunteers sharing so much of their time and faith. In case of financial need, contact Patti Williams as no family will be denied religious education because of inability to pay.
Parents must attend the orientation meeting in the fall before their children are assigned to a class. These dates are available at the time of registration in the spring.
Children with Special Learning Needs are welcome and will be included in our programs to the extent possible and comfortable for them., If your child is diagnosed with a special needs after registration is completed, please notify Patti Williams in writing concerning the IEP and special needs and concerns. A meeting will be arranged as soon as possible to offer any additional support and contacts.
Please identify legal concerns and document them in writing. Address all concerns and submit copies of supporting documents to the DRE and/or pastor immediately.
First Reconciliation (Penance): To foster the necessary understanding of faith at a child’s particular age level, a minimum of two full consecutive years of instruction is to precede reception of the sacraments. Religious readiness, not chronological age or school grade, will determine a child’s preparedness to encounter Christ in a sacramental celebration. This decision of readiness rests with the parents and the child in dialogue with the catechist and the parish priest. Parents should attend the workshop in November to enable them to prepare their children at home prior to the First Penance Celebration in January.
First Eucharist: Preparation of a child for Eucharist should be the cooperative effort of the parents, catechists and pastor. Each has a significant role to play. The guideline for two full consecutive rules of instruction applies. Parents are vital in helping children identify feelings of belonging and unity through the living of everyday faith. Parents should attend the Saturday morning workshop in March to enable them to prepare their children at home. First Communion is celebrated as a parish celebration the second Saturday in May.
Confirmation: The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in high school. Two full consecutive years during high school are required in order for the teen to feel properly prepared to receive the sacrament.
Parents should be aware that the Confirmation process is built upon the years of formation prior to entering high school. Children should not be denied this connection to the church in elementary and junior high years.
Admissions
Registration online must be completed for each child in the program by a parent or guardian. A copy of the baptismal certificate must accompany the application, even if the child was baptized at American Martyrs. We request that families in SRE be registered with American Martyrs Parish.
Registration takes place in March for the following school year. All students must re-register each year and will not be assigned to a class until the process is completed.
The registration fee is $100per year, $150 per family. Fees are waived for the children of SRE teachers since they are volunteers sharing so much of their time and faith. In case of financial need, contact Patti Williams as no family will be denied religious education because of inability to pay.
Parents must attend the orientation meeting in the fall before their children are assigned to a class. These dates are available at the time of registration in the spring.
Children with Special Learning Needs are welcome and will be included in our programs to the extent possible and comfortable for them., If your child is diagnosed with a special needs after registration is completed, please notify Patti Williams in writing concerning the IEP and special needs and concerns. A meeting will be arranged as soon as possible to offer any additional support and contacts.
Please identify legal concerns and document them in writing. Address all concerns and submit copies of supporting documents to the DRE and/or pastor immediately.