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.

Because of the current social distancing requirements, our 2020-21 classes will be scheduled as follows:

• Sacramental Preparation classes for First Holy Communion and Confirmation are being held in person at our previously established on Sundays from 10:15 - 11:15 am. A virtual option will be provided for students who need it.
• For students not preparing for sacraments, online classes and home activities are being offered at other times (not Sunday mornings) to be announced by the teacher after consulting with the families.
• For all in-person classes, the health and safety measures in effect for our diocese will be followed, similar to the provisions for attending Mass. See Coronavirus Measures for more information.

We do not charge for our classes. At this time we do not need snack donations since we cannot offer snacks. However we ask your willingness to help out with the classes when needed.

Any child that has reached second grade is eligible for First Holy Communion. Any child in 6th grade or higher is eligible for Confirmation.

* Here at the Basilica we do require class attendance during our Sunday Religious Education program for the year leading up to their Sacrament. If a student moves to the Parish mid year we will require confirmation from their previous Parish that they have been attending class there. During this time of pandemic, an option to participate in the class virtually will be available if needed.

Congratulations to our  2020 English Confirmandi! (See commemorative leaflet here.)

Confirmation Class Page

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherdis 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. While we are not able to offer these classes in person during the pandemic, we are planning to prepare videos for the children to watch, with activities sent home to the children.

Register Here
 for RE classes (pre-K to 12) and other youth programs. 

September 13th – First day of RE classes
November 1st – All Saints Day - children come to Mass in saints costumes
November 28th – No class Thanksgiving weekend
TBA – Confirmation Retreat 9am-3pm
December 12th – Confirmation (10am Spanish Mass)
December 19th – Confirmation (10am Low Mass)
December 20th – Confirmation (9am English Mass)
December 27th – No class Christmas break
January 3rd, 2021 – No class Christmas break
February 8th – Father/Daughter dance 6:30pm following 5:30 Mass
March 21st – First Communion Penance between Masses 10:15-11:15
March 28th – No class Palm Sunday
April 4th – No class Easter
May 9th – No class May Crowning
May 16th – Last day of RE classes
June 5th – First Communion retreat and reception 9am-12:30
June 6th – First Communion at 11:30 Mass
July 5th – July 9th - VBS dates 

Contact our Co-Directors of Religous Education, Danielle and Michael Stradley, for more information.
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