At St. Mary's we view religious education as a total parish experience involving not just the child, but also parents, families, catechists, and priests that form our parish community of faith. We believe that religious education is getting to know Jesus and learning what is expected of one who chooses to follow him in the Catholic tradition.  Our program reflects an integrated learning experience, composed of catechesis, prayer, sacramental preparation, traditional Catholic doctrine, biblical studies, liturgy, community building, and other dimensions of vibrant Church life. Through the light of faith, we hope to develop in those entrusted to our care a deeper relationship with God.

The faith we possess is a gift from God. It is our responsibility as parents, catechists, clergy and the entire parish community to nurture the faith of our children. If the child does not see religion in action in the home and is not attending the Sunday Eucharistic Celebration, then the child will not recognize it in class one hour and fifteen minutes a week.  In order to develop the faith life of our children effectively, we all must diligently and continuously work to expand our own relationship with God.

Living the Catholic life is not simply done by going to Mass regularly or attending religious education classes. It is a lifestyle that is to be witnessed every day by what we say and what we do at home, at school and at play.

The PSR classes meet on Sunday mornings from 10:10-11:15am in St. Mary's Central School. 

Parents Responsibilities

• Mass Attendance: An integral part of our Religious Education Program is that our students attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation and participate fully in an essential part of the sacramental life of the Church. Learning in class can be truly effective only when one meets the Lord sacramentally at the altar.  All students are required to hand in a weekly Mass assignment.
• Homework: Homework is an important part of classroom instruction; it reinforces the material presented to the student and provides an opportunity for family involvement. It is the parents' responsibility to see that children are prepared for class, and have completed projects and/or assignments. Students should come prepared each week with textbook, pen, pencils, and whatever the catechist has requested of the class.
• Communication: When a parent experiences a problem with his/her child in the classroom experience, we ask that the parent call our office immediately to remedy the situation. Frequently parents can become concerned over a child/catechist relationship, a statement made by the catechist in the classroom in reference to Church teaching, or a disciplinary action which has taken place. Please call the Directoe of Religious Education at the Parish Offices at anytime, even if you feel you are presenting a problem situation. We sincerely ask you to call and discuss any concern with us.

Attendance Policy

Religious Education Classes should take top priority over all other programs and activities as these classes are integral to your child's growth in faith.  Please note that no student will proceed to the next grade level if he or she is absent for more than five class sessions.

Absenteeism: Weekly attendance in the program is a must if proper instruction and learning is to take place. If a child is absent, a note which explains the reason for the absence is to be brought to the classroom catechist the following week. This note must carry the date of and the reason for the absence, and the parent's signature. The note is to be written on note paper and enclosed in an envelope. It is expected that all homework and assignments will be made up when a child is absent.
Please note: If a child has been absent for an excessive number of times, the parent will be called to discuss the problem.

Tardiness: Every time a child enters a classroom late, he/she interrupts the lesson which the catechist has planned. We ask that you exert every effort possible to have your child in class on time. The catechist will keep a record of tardiness. If a student is repeatedly tardy, the parent will be called to discuss the problem.

Procedure for walkers and carpooling: If your child will be walking or in a carpool during this school year, a note indicating such (including drivers' names) must be sent in to the catechist at the first class. This note will be kept on file for the entire year. A note is also required any time your child will be picked up by anyone other than the person who normally holds this responsibility. No student will be dismissed to anyone other than his/her parent unless permission to do so has been given in writing.

For your child's safety, it is essential that he/she not be dropped off more than ten minutes before and picked up no later than ten minutes after scheduled class time. The parish cannot guarantee supervision beyond these times.

It is ESSENTIAL that EVERY parent complete and return a Medical Emergency Form EACH YEAR. Please be sure to notify the Religious Education Office of any change in emergency contact person or phone numbers throughout the year.

For more information about our PSR program, please contact Michal Zabrecky, the Director of Religious Education.