Religious Education Program
St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi Parish offers a Religious Education Program for Elementary Students (grade primary to six). The focus of the program is to involve the family unit in the life of their child’s faith formation, and in the life of the community in which they worship.
The program will recognize:
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the Sunday Celebration of the Mass as the centre of our Catholic faith;
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the presence of our families in the celebration of our Sunday liturgy;
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the parents/guardians as the primary educators of their children;
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the role of the Religious Education Program in supporting parents/ guardians in sharing their faith with their children through our classes, Children’s Liturgies, and some special Parish events for our students; and
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the role of the worshipping community in celebrating the presence of these young people within our community.​
BI-WEEKLY CLASSES
Students from grade primary to six will gather for class, generally, on every second Sunday (please see schedule) to grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith. Classes will be held on Sunday mornings.
St. Catherine’s Church - Sunday morning 10:00 - 10:45 am
St. Stephen’s Church - Instead of bi-weekly classes, St. Stephen’s will host three mini-retreats for grade P to 6 students. Retreats will be held after Sunday Mass from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Check the bulletin for details.
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SPECIAL PARISH GATHERINGS
There will also be opportunities provided for all students to come together at some special gatherings during the year.
CHILDREN’S LITURGIES
As a Parish Family, we gather to celebrate Mass every Sunday. To assist younger members of the community to more fully understand the gospel message of the day, special Children’s Liturgies will be held, generally, on every second Sunday (please see schedule). This liturgy is designed for children as young as three or four.
After the Introductory Rites of the Mass, students will leave Mass to hear the readings of the day from the Children’s Lectionary or to do an activity on the gospel message, and to discuss the lesson of the day with Catechists. Students and Catechists will rejoin the Mass during the collection.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
First Eucharist/First Reconciliation – In addition to the regular program, an interactive book is provided to students in Grade Two preparing for these sacraments.
CHILDREN’S BULLETINS
Bulletins, specifically designed for younger members of the community, will be available from September to June. These weekly bulletins will “bring home” the message through pictures, stories and activities based on the readings of the day.