2020-2021 Class Schedule & Registration Information
Registration
As we all adapt to our new “norms”, we in the office of Children’s Ministry are working diligently to adapt our program to the COVID-19 safe instruction environment. Information about our prior years’ programming remains here for your information. Expect classes to begin in late September 2020 with varied offerings for children ages 3-Grade 12.
(Information below from program offerings prior to COVID-19/2020)
Ages 3 & 4 Little Christians: Sundays during the 9:00 am Mass
Little Christians classes are based on age level by September when classes begin. We have one class each of 3 and 4 year olds. Space is limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis once registration begins in July. Children are taken by their parents to the classroom and are picked up in the Parish Hall at the conclusion of the liturgy.
We ask that there be a parent helper in the classroom every week. A Parent Helper schedule will be emailed to you at the beginning of the year in September. If you can’t make your scheduled Sunday, please contact another parent on the list to switch with them. You will also receive a Parent Helper reminder email the week before you are scheduled.
Kindergarten & 1st Grade: Sundays from 10:30-11:20 am (English language), 12:30-1:20pm (Spanish language)
Kindergarten continues where our Little Christians classes left off, and grade 1 builds the foundation for a child’s preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist the following year. A child’s participation in Sunday Liturgy becomes increasingly important at this age.
Parents should help children learn basic prayers, develop an appreciation for the Sunday Liturgy, and foster a desire to prepare for and receive Reconciliation and Eucharist in 2nd Grade.
Second Grade: Sundays from 10:30-11:20 am,
12:30-1:20pm (Spanish language)
The entire year is focused on religious education of varying themes. Children enrolled will benefit from instruction, even if choosing not to celebrate the sacraments of 1st Eucharist or 1st Penance. For many children, however, they have reached the age of reason and are ready to prepare to receive the sacraments of 1st Eucharist and 1st Penance. Children receiving the sacrament of Baptism, are also welcomed to join class, to prepare, with adapted curriculum and readiness activities.
During the first half of the year, children will have opportunity to concentrate on preparing for 1st Reconciliation. A communal reconciliation service for the children is offered in January. During the second half of the year, children prepare for 1st Eucharist, which is celebrated in May.
“Since the family is intimately involved with the formation of a child’s moral conscience and ordinarily integrates the child into the wider ecclesial communities, parents should be involved in the preparation of their children for this sacrament (Penance), so that they can affirm and reinforce frequent participation in the sacraments. They orient the child toward God and encourage continual growth in the understanding of God’s mercy and love” 28 National Directory for Catechesis, no 36, B, 2,p.135
“Children’s preparation for first reception of the Eucharist begins in the home. The family has the most important role in communicating the Christian and human values that form the foundation for a child’s understanding of the Eucharist. Children who participate with their family in the Mass experience the Eucharistic mystery in an initial way and gradually learn to join with the liturgical assembly in prayer”22 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, National Directory for Catechesis (2005), no 36, A, 3a, p.126
Grades 3-5: Sundays from 10:30-11:20 am
12:30-1:20pm (Spanish language)
Children continue to learn about our Catholic faith and how God calls each of us to live out that faith daily in our lives. Parents continue to support the faith development of their children in the home and ensure that what is taught in the Sunday classroom is lived during the week. Mass attendance is crucial in building childrens’ relationship with Christ. Preparation is provided for children receiving the sacraments of Baptism, 1st Eucharist &/or 1st Penance.
Note: Grades 6-12 Spanish language classroom style catechesis offered Sundays from 12:30-1:20pm.
Serve with Us!
We use up to two catechists per classroom. Please consider being one! We are looking for adults who enjoy working with children and have a desire to share their Catholic faith. The activities and crafts are already planned.
Coordinators may be present on Sundays to help support the needs of the catechists as they arise during class. This includes monitoring the hallway, assisting in the Catechist Room, and taking children to the Parish Hall at the end of class for pick-up by parents. All catechists and coordinators must be compliant with diocesan requirements for child protection, completing a background check and attending a Virtus presentation (www.virtus.org).
Middle and high School students are also welcome to serve as aides in each classroom.
For more information contact: Erica Shortridge, Coordinator of Christian Formation by email or through the Parish office 434-973-4381 x114
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Inclement Weather
Watch Channel 29 (WVIR) or listen to 1070 AM (WINA) for cancellation information. Cancellations are also posted on the HOME page of this website, and a message added to the Parish phone system (973-4381). As always, parents should use their discretion taking into account weather in their area, distance traveled to church, etc.