Religious Education

Pastor's Notes from Fr. David Carter about Religious Education and the Sacraments (Issued 9/1/19) - Read here

At the baptism of our children we promise to educate them in the tenets of our faith. Here at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul we take that promise very seriously. The goal of catechesis is to foster a living, conscious and active faith in Christians of all ages. RE classes are held September through May starting at age 3 through 12th grade, in person on Sundays from 10:15 - 11:15 am. 

We do not charge for our classes. We ask your willingness to help out with the classes when needed.

Parents are the primary educators of their children, and our RE program is a supplement for that. But, on the other hand, the Sacraments of Initiation are not done on an island; they are communal sacraments, and usually they are done together in a class (in a group). We don’t do individual Confirmations or First Communions on request. 

First Holy Communion is offered in 2nd grade. Any child that has reached second grade is eligible to join our First Holy Communion class. Note that preparation for First Holy Communion begins in first grade.

In keeping with our Diocesan policies, Confirmation is offered in 6th grade. Any child in 6th grade or higher is eligible to join our Confirmation class.

We require class attendance during our Sunday Religious Education program for at least the year leading up to their Sacrament. If a student moves to the Parish mid-year, we will require verification from their previous parish that they have been attending class there.  

Confirmation Class Page

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (ages 3-5)

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a program for our 3, 4 and 5 year olds. This is a Montessori-based program for children that provides a simple, synthesized, profound involvement with the Gospel and with the liturgical life of the Church. This class is offered within our Religious Education program as well as through the St. Ambrose Homeschool Co-op. 

Because of the high demand for the CGS class, we are only able to accommodate ages 4 and 5 on Sundays. There is a separate class for 3-year-olds on Fridays from 4:30-5:30 pm. The Friday class is also open to 4-year-olds.

Curriculum for Grades 1 and up

We are using the Spirit of Truth curriculum by Sophia Institute Press for the 2021-22 school year for Grades 1 and up. 

Register Here
for RE classes (pre-K to 12) and other youth programs. Registration is needed again for this year even if you registered last year.

September 11, 2022 - First Day of RE classes 
October 9, 2022 - No class Fall break 
November 1, 2022 – All Saints Day - children come to 6:30pm Mass in saints costumes; procession and candy afterwards.
November 27, 2022 – No class Thanksgiving weekend
December 18, 2022 – No class Christmas break
December 25, 2022 – No class Christmas break
January 1, 2023 – No class Christmas break
January 8, 2023 – RE classes resume
February 11, 2023 – Father-Daughter Dance at 6:30pm 
March 19, 2023 – First Penance between Masses 10:15-11:15
April 2, 2023 – No class Palm Sunday
April 9, 2023 – No class Easter
May 14, 2023 – No class May Crowning
May 21, 2023 – Last day of class for for Atrium, KG, 1st gr, 3-12th grades
May 28, 2023 - No class Memorial Day weekend
June 4, 2023 - First Holy Communion class only 
Sat., June 10, 2023 – First Communion retreat 9am-12:30
June 11, 2023 - First Holy Communion at 9:00 & 11:30 Masses on Corpus Christi
Sun., July 2, 2023 - Confirmation at 9:00 Mass (TENTATIVE)
(Alternate dates for Confirmation:  June 18 or June 25 9:00 Mass; awaiting Bishop's schedule.)


Contact our Director of Religious Education, Florence Porter for more information.
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