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. Religious Education (RE) classes are held September through May starting at age 4 through 12th grade, in person on Sundays from 10:15 - 11:15 am.
** The 4 and 5 year old class is full. Parents can contact Florence Porter to be placed on waiting list.
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 baptized 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.
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. 3-year-olds who register will be added to a waiting list, and will be admitted to the preK class if/when space becomes available during the year.
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 10, 2023 - First Day of RE classes - Begin with Adoration in the Basilica
September 24, 2023 - 10:30-11 Parent Meeting in Varallo Hall
October 8, 2023 - No class Fall break
Wed., November 1, 2023 – All Saints Day - children come to 6:30pm Mass in saints costumes; procession and candy afterwards.
November 26, 2023 – No class Thanksgiving weekend
December 17, 2023 – No class Christmas break
December 24, 2023 – No class Christmas break
December 31, 2023 – No class Christmas break
January 7, 2024 – RE classes resume
February 10, 2024 – Father-Daughter Dance at 6:30pm
March 3, 2024 – First Penance between Masses 10:15-11:15
Wed., March 13, 2024 – Children's Stations of the Cross 4-4:30pm
March 17, 2024 – Easter Vigil 101 for RCIC parents 10:30-11am
March 23, 2024 - RCIC Retreat 9am-12pm
March 24, 2024 – No class Palm Sunday
March 31, 2024 – No class Easter
May 12, 2024 – No class May Crowning
May 19, 2024 – Last day of class for for Atrium, KG, 1st gr, 3-12th grades
May 26, 2024 - No class Memorial Day weekend
May 29-31 or June 5-7 2024 (TBA) - VBS 8:45-11:45am (4-year-old-rising 5th graders. 6th graders and up are welcome to help! Adult volunteers needed)
Sat., June 1, 2024 – First Communion retreat 9am-12:30pm
June 2, 2024 - First Holy Communion at 9:00 & 11:30 Masses on Corpus Christi
Sat., June 29, 2024 - Confirmation Retreat 9am-12pm*
Sun., June 30, 2024 - Confirmation at 9:00 Mass (English) & 1:30 Mass (Spanish)*
* Confirmation schedule is subject to approval by the Diocese
Contact our Director of Religious Education, Florence Porter for more information.
Contact Us
Dear Parents and teachers,
- Classes start on Sunday, September 10th at 10:15!!!!
- Register online if you haven't done it yet. Those who were registered last year: just enter your children's names and grades...I will fill the rest!
- Registering early gives me a chance to find enough teachers for all the children
- CONFIRMATION is in 6th grade . Older children who have not been confirmed need to sign up!
- 3 yo children are ON A WAITING LIST, they will be attending as soon as I have teachers!
- There are no Friday afternoon classes for 3-5 yo this year.
- children attending Atrium on Friday morning with the St Ambrose co-op will be on a waiting list for Sunday morning atrium: it's the same program, and I need to give priority to the children who come on Sundays only.
Do you want to know more about your faith?..Consider teaching it!!!!!
- TEACHERS NEEDED: 1st, 3rd and 4th grade. Curriculum is provided with lots of options for subjects and activities. 1st grade will be using a new curriculum, from the same publisher but closer to the Liturgical calendar and VERY TEACHER friendly!
Please prayerfully consider sharing your faith with the little ones!!!!!!! If every Sunday morning is a big commitment.....consider teaming with a good friend, and share the teaching!!!!!
Our diocese offers free online classes for teachers through Franciscan University. This is done by very talented teachers, at your own pace, and offers a wealth of resources.
I am looking forward to welcoming back all your families!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Florence Porter
Director of Religious Education
Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul