Religious Education Process Overview

Where does my child belong in St. Joan of Arc’s Religious education process?

Excellent question! Sometimes there can be a fair amount of confusion surrounding this question, so allow us to help. We have a three-year RE/Sacramental Prep process designed to help entire families grow in their Catholic faith together.

Please find below an outline of our three-year program.

Year A: Parent Evangelization & Catechesis

All new incoming parents desiring sacramental preparation for their child are required to attend a year-long adult religious education class before sending their child to the parish for instruction. The classes meet weekly for two hours, and at least one parent is expected to attend regularly. Dates and times of classes will be provided upon registration.

Year B: Parent & Child Evangelization/Catechesis

Returning for their second year of instruction, parents may now enroll their child in religious education classes. Typically, this first year of in-class instruction for the child is spent presenting them with a more complete picture of salvation history, in addition to preparing them for the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Year C: Parent & Child Evangelization/Catechesis

Returning for a third year of instruction, parents may once again enroll their child in religious education classes, leading to their Confirmation and First Eucharist.

Rationale Behind Parent Component

The Church is very clear about the importance of parent involvement in the religious formation of children. “Parents are the first and most important educators of their children, and they also possess a fundamental competency in this area: they are educators because they are parents.”

From this, it is apparent that the Church recognizes the tremendous influence parents have in the life of their children. In fact, it is up to parents to introduce their children to the person of Jesus Christ and to help foster an intimacy with Him as they grow and mature. St. Joan of Arc is dedicated to assisting you in fulfilling this most important of tasks. Therefore, at least one parent is required to attend a weekly adult enrichment class of their own during the first year of formation, and then again in years 2 and 3 while your child is in class. Parent classes are held in English and Spanish, and promise to help provide the necessary tools for successfully passing on the Catholic faith to your children.