REGISTRATION FOR PRE-K THROUGH GRADE 8 IS CLOSED.

CHECK BACK IN SPRING 2023 FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE
2023-24 PROGRAM.


Dear Religious Education Families,

We welcome everyone to a new and exciting year of Family Religious Education.  It is an honor and great joy to be a part of the St. Aloysius staff and most importantly, to serve the needs of our parish community. Haz clic aquí para leer esta carta en español. 

Allow me to take a moment and reference the words of the most brilliant religious educator (in my humble opinion) of our time, Dr. Gabriel Moran.  In undertaking any work, the first question to ask is the purpose or aim of the work.  The purpose of studying history is to understand the past. The purpose of a political speech is to persuade voters. Religious Education is unusual in that it has two distinct and equally important aims.The two aims, most succinctly stated, are (1) to teach people to practice a religious way of life and (2) to teach people to understand religion.   For you and me, that would be the Catholic religion. This will be our starting point, to connect our heart and head during our faith journey together. 

Having been a part of the world of Religious Education for over thirty years, one topic I heard over and over again is simply stated, "The home is the critical faith formation institution.  Children and youth primarily derive their values from the home."  Our program of Religious Education is, therefore, designed to assist and support parents whose influence is primary in the religious development of their children.  Our exciting new Religious Education model will connect parents, children in grades K-8, staff members, parish organizations, as well as catechists for six sessions from September through April. One of our long-time parents as well as a catechist, Julianne Grosso, called this model, "TEAM CHURCH."  I think that describes our new model to a tee.  

Click here to view the dates and times of the program: Religious Education Calendar.  As mentioned in the email of June 23, each session is 90 minutes.
Please choose the time frame on the registration form that best fits the needs of your family's schedule.

Catechist Information
Catechist's may deduct $125.00 from the registration fee.  Check the box on the registration form.  Please contact the Religious Education Office if you are interested in volunteering as a new catechist, co-catechist or aide.

SACRAMENT PREPARATION
 
Confirmation Preparation
The young people of our parish, who have completed Grade 8 in Religious Education or in Catholic schools, are welcome to begin the preparation process culminating with the celebration of Confirmation in the spring of Grade 9.  Registration for Confirmation preparation will be available shortly.  Parents and future candidates are requested to attend a family gathering on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at 1:15 PM in the church. Details to follow after Labor Day. 

First Reconciliation & First Eucharist (Communion) Preparation
After the completion of one full year of Religious Education, children in grade 2 or older may begin preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.  We will begin with a family gathering on Sunday, October 23, 2022, at 1:15 PM in the church.  Details to follow after Labor Day. 

Thank you for your support of our Religious Education Program.

Sincerely,
Catherine Gibbons, PhD