Our Religious Education Program is a flipped classroom approach. Families learn at home electronically, then return to the parish to practice what they are learning about the Faith. In a traditional classroom, the teacher presents material and children go home to practice by completing homework. In the flipped classroom, children learn at home, then return to practice what they learned.
Details for preparing for First Communion and Confirmation will be provided separately.
Benefits
We’ll be following Church law and guidelines. Religious Education standards and practices are actually set by Church law, something that many people don’t realize. For example, Church law says that if someone isn’t practicing the faith (ie, going to Mass) and doesn’t plan to, the sacraments (First Communion, Confirmation) shouldn’t be celebrated for that person. Not only a period of preparation is required, but participation in the Faith is required as well. (Church Law §§226, 773-777, 843)
Families will actually experience how great it is to be Catholic, not merely hear about it. Limiting children to Religious Education class but never having them experience parish life (such as Mass and other liturgical celebrations) is similar to telling a child they’ve joined a soccer team, but they’re not allowed to play soccer. We don’t go it alone in our relationship with God. Catholics have the spiritual richness of the Sacraments and the parish community to help us grow closer to God and have more fulfilling lives.
But Wait, There’s More! Adult Faith Formation
Opportunities for adults to study Scripture and learn more about being Catholic are offered by access to Formed.org, to which all parishioners have a free subscription, and small group discussions via Zoom, for convenience sake. Look for information in the parish bulletin.
