Religious Education

        COVID-19 Updates:

Classroom learners: The last class was April 18th.  Thanks for your flexibility this year!  Enjoy the spring and summer.  Hopefully we all return to the classroon setting in September.

Remote/ homeschool learners:  Any completed work can be dropped off at the Rectory durning normal business hours: Monday- Thursday 9-5 and Friday 9-4.  Paula, the religious education administrator, will make sure they get to your child's catechist.
                                                                                

Religious Education/ Faith Formation

Our parents, families and extended families are the first teachers (Catechist) of your child(ren)'s faith.  Your daily life experiences and how you handle situations can send messages on your values and morals as an individual and as a family member.   Your love is your child(ren)'s first taste of Jesus' love for them.

We invite you to allow us to add to your child(ren)’s education in a more formal setting with our Religious Education Program.  We have a dedicated team of volunteer Catechists (teachers of the faith) willing to share their time to enrich your child(ren)’s life with scripture, lesson plans & prayer. 

Back to school is looking different for many this year!  So too with our Religious Education Program.  In order to respect each family and there unique situations we will be offering both classroom learning and homeschooling.

Our calendar year begins in October and comes to a close in April.
Our candidates for First Communion will receive the sacrament on Sunday, May 8th.  Our Confirmation candidates will be confirmed in the spring.  

Children registered in the classroom program in grades 1-6 will meet in the Parish Center weekly (according to the calendar) from October - April on Sunday mornings from 9:45- 11:00 AM and families are encouraged to attend the 11:15 AM Mass to join with our church family in the celebration and thanksgiving of the Eucharistic feast.

Children registered in the classroom program in grades 7-10 will meet in the Parish Center weekly.   Effective Novemeber 22nd they will start meeting on Sunday mornings from 9:45-11;00AM.

Families in the homeschooling program will need to pick  up and drop off completed packets at the scheduled dates.

Confirmation candidates meet throughout the calendar year typically on Sunday evening.  Times will vary depending on whether we are meeting with candidates from other parishes or just candidates from St. Cecilia's.  

At different times throughout the year, we offer faith enrichment programs in the Parish Center.   Visit our website and check our bulletins for announcements of when these programs are occurring.  

  

Check out what is happening on the Diocesan level.  They are offering many virtual events to keep you engaged.  See the link below!

Virtual Middle School Bible Study (grades 6-8) begins October 18th.  Check link below for more information

Virtual Youth Nights (High School) Trivia and Theology begins October 4th.  Check the link below for more information.

Virtual Theology on Tap is a gathering for young adults (ages 18-39) that provides an informal and laid-back atmosphere to meet other young adults, encounter Christ, and dive deeper into various topics and real-life issues that relate to our faith. Whether you are devout in your faith or haven't set foot in a church in years (or never!), Theology on Tap is the perfect place for you! All are welcome!
 
Ascend for young adults (ages 18-39)is an evening of praise and Eucharistic Adoration normally held on the first Friday of the month.  (All participants are required to social distance- unless from the same household and wear masks)

Teens & Young Adults (18- 39 years young) check out what is happening in the Diocese https://www.neworcester.org/young-adult-ministry