Welcome to Religious  Education at Saint Columba Parish.
For Youth (Grades 1-11)

The program is made up of a dedicated group of volunteers with a strong focus on service to the church and the community.   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.  
We pray that this year will be an enriching one as your child(ren) begin to or continue studying our faith.  

Registration

Registration in the parish is a Pre-requisite to entering the Religious Education Program.  Families should call the rectory office 508-755-0408 to register into the parish.

New Students

Once registered into the parish, please register at the Religious Education Office with 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 provided that they have successfully completed prior religious education classes or participate in a review program offered at St. Columba.

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 is celebrated in the second grade.  Preparation prior to First Communion includes: one parent meeting; special liturgies; and a retreat day for both parent and child.

First Reconciliation

Reconciliation precedes First Communion and is celebrated at St. Columba in the second grade, usually in the fall.

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 review program and/or meet with the Director of Religious Education/Pastor to demonstrate a 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. Whatever is taught at home and in the classroom must be reinforced by our presence around the Table of the Lord..  If a student has three or more absences, the student and parent will be asked to meet with the Religious Education Director to discuss a way to work with families to resolve the problem.  For students in sacramental years, sacraments may be postponed to the following year. With every  absence, the work is to be made up. If your child is sick and will not be attending class, please call the  Religious Education Office (508)-755-0601.

Home Study

It is strongly recommended that students attend one of our regularly scheduled classes, however, we do realize that is not always possible.  In those rare occasions home study is available.  Home Study is not available in sacramental years.  (gr. 1,2,9-11).  A grade specific class syllabus with assignments will be given to the student
in September.  Completed work is due monthly.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES MEET ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS

Gr. 1 & 2       Sunday      8:50a.m.-9:55a.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. - 9:55a.m.. 
Gr. 8             Monday     7:00p.m.-8:00p.m. 
Gr. 11           Tuesday    7:00p.m.-8:15p.m.