religious education Supports parents in living their faith with their children Overview Welcome to St. Martin’s Religious Education Program. Volunteer catechists and parish staff help prepare candidates and their families to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Class schedules and parent meetings vary by grade. Grade 1: The Parent Educator Program starts the formal education. After completing a four-week theological background course, the parents instruct and prepare their children at home weekly. The children attend monthly “celebrations” on Saturday mornings. Grades 2 – 7: Weekly catechetical instruction continues in a classroom setting. The children participate in a variety of learning and prayer experiences. Approved religion texts are used with other support materials. Grade 8: Classes move to catechists’ homes to offer students a more relaxed and open atmosphere, creating an environment more conducive to sharing, discussion, and growth. Family Liturgy Join us at our Family Mass offered each Sunday (September – June) at 9:00 am. It offers a special welcome for children of all ages, and our Children’s Choir leads the singing. We celebrate a special Liturgy of the Word monthly with readings and homily special chosen for young children. Seasonally our parish children participate in special Masses (such as Christmas) and also Masses hosted by children in a specific grade. SACRAMENT PREPARATION Reconciliation and Eucharist    Sacrament preparation is offered to the children and parents of St. Martin’s School and those participating Religious Education classes. This includes enrollment liturgy for children and parents, paraliturgies, and special celebrations, and three parent meetings. First Eucharist Program Registration   The First Eucharist preparation program encompasses two years. All children are expected to complete the first and second grade programs, supported by parental involvement and active family participation in St. Martin’s parish. Attendance in the first year program is required for admission to year 2. Children attending St. Martin’s School will fulfill these instructional requirements within their classroom studies. Confirmation     Formal preparation for this sacrament begins in grade 7, with Confirmation usually conferred in the fall of grade 8. It is expected that all children will have attended religious education classes from grade 1. In addition to weekly classes, there are Formation evenings, a petitioning ceremony, service projects, Sponsor-Candidate meetings, and two parent meetings. After Confirmation the program continues through most of the grade 8 academic year.