Welcome to Religious Education at Saint Columba Parish.
For Youth (Grades 1-11)
Thank you for entrusting your children to us. We are here to support you as your child’s first catechist, to fulfill your promise made when you presented your child for Baptism.
Our Religious Education Program includes special liturgies, faith instruction, prayer, sacramental preparation, family sessions and community service. Our goal is to provide a welcoming environment that will challenge students to learn, experience and develop a strong relationship with Jesus Christ and grow as members of the Christian community.
Registration
Registration in the parish is a Pre-requisite to entering the Religious Education Program. When registering for Religious Education classes please submit the following documentation:
Baptismal Certificate and if applicable, record of previous religious education and sacraments received. Children will be placed in a grade corresponding to their grade in school if they have successfully completed prior religious education classes. If your child has been away or received no formal religious education, they are welcome and will be placed in a mentoring program for a full year to be placed at grade level the following year.
Program Fee
The program cost is $60 per student, not to exceed $180 per family. There is an additional fee of $20 for students registering for grades 2 & 11 due to additional sacramental expenses. If payment is not possible, please contact the Director of Religious Education or the Pastor. No family is ever turned away!
Celebrating the Sacraments
All Christian education finds its source within the sacramental life of the Church.
First Holy Communion
St. Columba’s First Communion Program is a two-year process beginning in grade one and celebrated in the second grade. Preparation prior to First Communion includes: regular Mass attendance; one parent meeting; special liturgies; and a retreat day for both parent and child.
First Reconciliation
Reconciliation precedes First Communion and celebrated at St. Columba in the second grade, usually in the fall. Preparation prior to First Reconciliation includes: regular Mass attendance; special liturgies; and a retreat day for both parent and child.
Confirmation
St. Columba’s Confirmation program is a two-year process beginning in grade 9. Confirmation is celebrated in grade eleven. Students who have not attended a religious education program in grades 1-10 will be required to participate in a mentoring program to obtain basic knowledge of the material covered in those grades.
Note: Parochial students must register and attend parish instruction for sacramental years. Gr.2 & Gr. 11.
Absences
Consistent attendance and active participation in class and at Mass on the weekend and on Holy Days is expected. Students with five or more unexcused absences within the year will be expected to attend make-up sessions according to the number of classes missed. For those in sacrament preparation, it may result in a delay of receiving the sacrament.
Classes meet on the following days.
Gr. 1 & 2 Sunday 8:50a.m.-9:50a.m.
Gr. 9 & 10 Sunday 11:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
Gr. 3 & 4 Monday 3:00p.m.-4:15p.m.
Gr. 7 Monday 7:00p.m.-8:00p.m.
Gr. 5 & 6 Sunday 8:50a.m. - 9:50a.m..
Gr. 8 Monday 7:00p.m.-8:00p.m.
Gr. 11 Tuesday 7:00p.m.-8:15p.m.