Please read all information below and call the RE Office (508-839-6800) to schedule an appointment to register your child for class for the 2018-2019 year. Registration is handled in person, because we want to become acquainted with the family of each child.


The first catechists in any child’s life are the family members with whom he or she lives. What happens at home – both positive and negative – provides lessons for life. In the family, faith is shared as part of the unfolding of daily life. The home or “domestic church” provides a real place in which a child learns to live his or her faith as well as understanding it.

Our goal is to create a program of lifelong faith formation that is centered in and flows out of the events of Church life. It embraces all ages and generation, promotes faith growth at home and promotes participation in Church life.
 

REGISTRATION

Registration for ALL new and returning students entering grades 1-12 will be held in the Parish Center. Please complete the form and return it IN PERSON with the fee of $50 per child or $115 family maximum.  There is a supplemental fee of $20 for Confirmation preparation.  

NEW REGISTRATION

We gladly welcome all families who are new to St. James Religious Education Program.  Those who are registering a child for the first time, please bring a COPY OF THE CHILD’S BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE IF THE CHILD WAS NOT BAPTIZED AT ST JAMES.

GRADES 1 & 2

meet on Sunday morning from September to April:  from 9:00 to 10:15.  This schedule allows children and their families to attend the 10:30 Mass together. 

GRADES 3-5

meet on Monday afternoon from 3:30 to 4:45 PM from September through April. 

GRADES 6-8

Meet during the summer for a 5-day intensive learning experience. There are also Monthly Gathering Days beginning in September running through May of 75 minutes length.  Some Gatherings are with an additional 30 minute Service Activity.  Sixth Graders will will choose from two monthly offerings as will grades 7 & 8. Each grade is offered a retreat.

HIGH SCHOOL

 Core classes are offered Sunday evenings, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM for ten classes in both a Fall and a Winter/Spring session. In order to be admitted to Confirmation preparation, students must complete four core courses: Faith & Identity, Church, Jesus & the Gospels, and Morality as per The Bishop's Framework Program. Attendance at all classes is considered a priority.
 

SACRAMENT PREPARATION

 
RECONCILIATION (Penance)—Children who have completed the 1^st year of religious education are invited to participate in Reconciliation Preparation in the fall.  Weekly classes for the children and two parent sessions are on Sunday mornings.  We invite other children in grades 3-6, who have not yet received the sacrament, and their parents, to take part in a preparation program.  We usually celebrate the sacrament in November.
 
EUCHARIST—Children will meet weekly during the winter and spring on Sunday morning with their teacher, and parents will meet occasionally for a presentation designed to provide a deeper understanding of the sacrament.  On the day of the parent meetings, there will also be a special celebration at the 10:30 Mass.  First Eucharist is offered at a Sunday Family Mass in May.
 
CONFIRMATION—Students who have completed the high school program (or 2 years at a Catholic High School) begin preparation in May.  Candidates will participate in a variety of sessions:  classes (Sunday evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the fall), service activities, sponsor meetings, and a retreat offered here at Saint James. The celebration of Confirmation is in the late fall.

CHILDREN'S LITURGY
During the 10:30 AM Mass on Sunday and open to all children up through 5th grade. There are two groups, one for the younger children and one for elementary school aged.

ALTAR SERVICE
Training is provided.

VOLUNTEER HELP NEEDED!!

We are a volunteer-based program and are in need of teachers, aides, small group leaders, substitutes, crossing guards, etc, etc.  We ask every family to give some time to our program.    Please complete and return the volunteer form attached to your child’s registration form.