Religious Education
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Religious Education Classes
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. -
First Holy Communion and Confirmation Preparation
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 (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. 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.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.
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Registration
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. -
Calendar for 2023-24
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
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Welcome from the DRE, Florence Porter
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
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Accompanying Our Children On Campus
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Events
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Saturday, October 21, 6:30 AM - 11:00 PM
All middle school youth are invited to Holy Fire on October 21, 2023. Holy Fire is a middle school event like no other that will challenge the youth to embrace their baptismal call and the powerful Gospel of Jesus through dynamic talks, peer witnesses, inspirational praise and worship, and rich experiences of the Eucharist through Adoration and Mass. The Diocese of Knoxville Youth Ministry Office is organizing complimentary transportation to this event in Nashville, TN. Click for details and registration.Read More -
October 27 - October 29
High school juniors and seniors are invited to the SEARCH retreat the weekend of Oct. 27-29 at Christ St. Therese of Lisieux in Cleveland. The focus of the retreat is three-fold: Motivating the youth to seek a personal relationship with Christ. Getting young people involved with their respective parishes. Promoting leadership.Read More
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Daddy-Daughter Dance Feb. 11, 2023
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News
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Registration is now open for our RCIA & Mystagogia programs for Becoming Catholic, as well as Religious Education for preK through 12th grade; Youth Group for 6th through 12th grade; and Youth Schola for 2nd grade and up. VOLUNTEERS are needed in these programs at all levels – leadership, teachers, assistants, substitutes, and sponsors. Click for more info.Read More -
Our 2022-23 Annual Stewardship Appeal has begun. This appeal is to support the regular operation of our parish through Offertory giving. It is separate from the Under One Roof campaign to replace our roof and heating & air conditioner systems. We are aiming for 100% participation in our Offertory by all parishioners. The pledge will be conducted during Mass on October 22 & 23 (Click to view and submit the pledge on our Stewardship page at any time.) Thank you for your generous support for our parish.Read More -
Lorelei Truett (6/3/2007 - 12/2/2021) LOVED to read, and especially the classics. As part of Lorelei's legacy, her family is establishing a lending library for our Basilica parish. As the library is being started, the Basilica Catholic Motherhood group and any other interested parishioners are invited to review the proposed book lists. If you have any concern about any of the books, email [email protected] with the name of the book and the concern. We would like your feedback by July 13. Click for the book lists and more information.Read More -
Joseph Shramko, a teen in our parish and an NDHS student, suffered a serious fall on April 8, 2022. He began a lengthy healing process from several brain injuries, including rehabilitation at Shepherd Center in Atlanta. Six months since the accident, he returned home in Chattanooga to complete rehab and the family was finally reunited! Joseph continues rehab and has returned to high school and is doing well taking two classes. The Shramkos ask our prayers for Joseph's full functional recovery, especially through the intercession of Fr. Patrick Ryan. Click for updates, ways to help, and to access Joseph's Caring Bridge site.Read More -
Select the title to view a list of our regular scheduled ministry activities, and then click the name of the particular ministry for more information. Please note that parish activities on campus are limited during the coronavirus outbreak. However, many of our groups have resumed on-campus and others are continuing to meet virtually, outdoors, off-campus, etc.Read More
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VBS 2021: Go to Joseph!
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