| Information for Parents | |
| Volunteers |
Information for Parents
One of the most important tasks of our Catholic family is the faith formation of children. While parents are the primary formers of a child’s faith, the St. Thomas Religious Education Program supplements what the children learn at home. Our religious education program serves close to 1,200 children in grades 1 through 10.
| Registration |
| Tuition |
| Curriculum and Text |
| Safety Program |
| Home Taught Program |
Religious education classes take place from September to the end of March or early April, depending on the number of days off during the year. Grades 1–6 meet weekly in 60-minute sessions, for an average of 24 classes. Grades 7–10 meet every other week in classes that last an hour and fifteen minutes for an average of 12 classes.
Registration for the following school year takes place from February through the end of April. Before the registration period begins, each registered family will receive a registration package through the mail. We request you return the registration form within six weeks.
If a child is beginning grade one and the family is new to the parish, we ask that a parent visit the Religious Education Office personally, bringing the child’s baptismal certificate. If the child has been attending religious education in another parish, we also ask that a parent visit the office in person, bringing the name of the previous parish. The Religious Education Office is located in Villanova Hall. Please call 978-658-6040 in advance.
Families that register within the first six weeks will receive the regular tuition rate:
· One child: $75.00
· Two children: $100.00
· Three or more children: $125.00
For registrations that are returned in week seven through 12, a late fee of $10 per child will be charged.
Beyond week 12, the Religious Education Office is not able to accept registrations. Those who miss the cut-off date have two options:
· Enroll in another parish’s religious education program. However, please be aware that many parishes have instituted cut-off dates.
· Wait until the following year and enroll in double registration. This means that, in addition to attending classes, the child would take part in a catch-up program at home, using information provided by the Religious Education Office. At the end of the year, the catch-up work is reviewed by the director of religious education. When the director approves the work, the child advances to the next grade.
Grade 1
Curriculum: In Grade 1, the children learn that we are special people and that God is love. We open the year with a welcoming Mass on the first Sunday after religious education classes have begun. During the year, the children are asked to learn their prayers, including: The “Our Father,” “Hail Mary” and “Glory Be.” When they have learned their prayers, they receive a certificate and a pin. First-graders also go on a tour of the church to familiarize them with the altar and tabernacle and to teach them about St. Thomas.
Text: We Believe. Published by William H. Sadlier, Inc.
Grade 2
Curriculum: We Belong. This is the critical year when the children prepare for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. The year begins in September with a We Belong Mass, during which the parents are asked to renew their baptismal vows and promise to bring their children to Mass. The children receive a crucifix, which they are asked to wear when they attend Mass as a symbol to the larger community that they are preparing for the sacrament of Reconciliation. In December, the children receive First Reconciliation and are given a Eucharistic pin, which they wear as a symbol to the larger community that they are now preparing for the sacrament of First Eucharist. A favorite event of the second-graders is Jesus Day. This is an afternoon of workshops, singing and activity during which the children learn of the connection between Baptism and the Eucharist. The day ends with supper and a small gift.
Text: We Believe. Published by William H. Sadlier, Inc.
Grade 3
Curriculum: We are Church.
Text: We Believe. Published by William H. Sadlier, Inc.
Grade 4
Curriculum: The Eight Beatitudes
Text: We Believe. Published by William H. Sadlier, Inc.
Grade 5
Curriculum: The sacraments and commandments
Text: We Believe. Published by William H. Sadlier, Inc.
Grade 6
Curriculum: The Old Testament.
Text: We Believe. Published by William H. Sadlier, Inc.
Grade 7
Curriculum: Jesus and the Sacraments
Text: Book 1, Jesus; Book 2 Sacraments. Published by Brown-Roa Publishing Media
Grade 8
Curriculum: God and Morality
Text: Book 1, God; Book 2, Morality. Published by Brown-Roa Publishing Media
Grade 9
Curriculum:
The director of religious education uses the scriptures as a reference point to cover a variety of subjects.
Text: No formal text.
Grade 10
Curriculum: Preparation for Confirmation takes place in grade 10. During this year the students attend a retreat and three Masses as a group.
· The Mass that takes place at the beginning of the year includes the Blessing of the Candidates. The priest calls the candidates forward, and each is blessed. In this way, the young people are expressing to the rest of the community that they are prepared to be fully initiated into the Church.
· During the first Sunday in Advent, the Confirmation candidates attend the Rite of Choice Mass. This Mass emphasizes that this is the year of discernment and the young people are prayerfully considering the promises they are making.
· In January, the students attend a full-day retreat in the church. The topic is The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The day ends with Mass.
· On the first Sunday in Lent, the students participate in the Calling to Confirmation Mass, during which they are asked if they are ready to continue on. Confirmation takes place on a Saturday in late March or early April.
Grades 1–6 take part in a two-lesson safety program. Parents have the option of not having their children attend these lessons if they choose without affecting the child’s absentee rating.
Some parents may choose, for a variety of reasons, to teach religious education at home. The Home Taught program is available for grade 1 and for grades 3–9. Grades 2 and 10 are sacramental preparation programs and must take place at the parish.
Families that sign up for the Home Taught program are given course materials to use throughout the year. At the end of the year, the work is reviewed by the director of religious education. When the director approves the work, the child advances to the next grade.
The gift of faith is a true blessing, a blessing we multiply when we pass that faith along to the children in our lives. We are deeply grateful to the volunteers who continue to give of their time and talent to the Religious Education Program. If you would like to join them, we would be delighted to have you. Volunteers serve in the following categories:
· Teachers
· Teachers Aides (age 17–18)
· Hall Monitors
· Office Support Staff
To sign up, please call the Religious Education Office at 978-658-6040.
Back to top
