Parents: the Primary Catechists​​

“Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule. The home is well suited for education in the virtues. This requires an apprenticeship in self-denial, sound judgment, and self-mastery-the preconditions of all true freedom. Parents should teach their children to subordinate the ‘material and instinctual dimensions to interior and spiritual ones.’ Parents have a grave responsibility to give good example to their children. By knowing how to acknowledge their own failings to their children, parents will be better able to guide and correct them.” (CCC 2223)

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I teach my children about faith at home. Why do they need formal classes?

• The parent’s role as “first teacher” is irreplaceable. Parents teach and bear witness to Catholic faith, morality, prayer and religious  practice through their example in word and action. However, the Church also recognizes a need for a formal, comprehensive and systematic religious education concerning the faith.  Our parish provides a religious instruction program approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to all its school age children. It consists of age appropriate and approved Catholic faith curriculum.

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Should I enroll my child in CCD classes each year?

• Yes. The religious curriculum that children receive in their Parish Religious Education (PRE) classes builds upon itself from year to year. Even if you do not plan for your child to receive a sacrament during the current school year, the content of what your child will learn will help them grow in their faith and enter into deeper communion and intimacy with the person of Jesus. 

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Are CCD classes required in order for my child to receive the Sacraments?

• Yes. If you want your child to receive a sacrament (Baptism, First Communion, First Penance, Confirmation), then they must enroll and regularly attend CCD classes, in order to adequately prepare for that sacrament. 

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My school age child has not been baptized. Can I still enroll them in CCD? 

• An assessment and determination of religious education programming needs for non-baptized school age children is made in consultation with the pastor on case by case basis. Contact our CCD Coordinator to discuss your situation.

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When and where is CCD held?

• CCD classes are held on Sunday Mornings before mass from 8:30-9:40AM at St. Mary's church.

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How do I enroll my child in CCD? 

• ​Registration for the 2023-2024 year is currently closed.  If you are new to the area or to the parish, completely fill out the registration form as soon as possible so we can plan our classrooms accordingly. Ensure your child and parent information is accurate. The child’s parent or legal guardian must sign the form.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our CCD Coordinator @ jwier319@gmail.com   Download the 2023.2024 Registration Form here.

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​What is the fee for enrolling my child in CCD?

•  $60 for one student; $120 for two students; $160 for three or more students

• Non-Parishioners:   Download and complete the Religious Education Transfer Form