Saint Ann Religious Education Handbook 2015
Welcome to the St. Ann’s Religious Education Program. I pray that this year will be one of growth and peace in your
family’s faith journey
Mission: At Saint Ann’s we firmly believe that faith formation is a continuous lifelong process. We seek to create an
environment where students and their families can experience a sense of community where they are encouraged to learn the
truths of the Catholic faith, celebrate the Sacraments, and grow closer in a personal relationship with Our Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ.
Programs Offered:
Grades K-7 (*please see below for a new program for Grades 5-7):
Classes are offered every Tuesday afternoon beginning in mid-September and continuing through the end of April.
Classes are held at Saint Ann Academy from 4:30-5:30pm. (calendar will be posted on the website soon)
Sacramental Preparation:
First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion:
 Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist is a two-year process that begins as a student enters
their first year of Religious Education. In year two, students from both public and parochial schools will join
together for the immediate preparation for each sacrament.
 Preparation involves the entire family:
o Weekly Mass attendance is required of all student in our Sacramental Program
o Parents/guardians are required to attend two parent meetings, one held in early September and the
other in January.
o During the immediate preparation period: October – December for First Reconciliation and from
February to May for First Holy Communion – Parents/guardians will be required to complete with
their child, faith formation lessons at home. Details will be provided at the Parent Meeting in
September.
o Students are also required to attend two retreats one in November and one in March.
Confirmation:
 Confirmation Preparation is a two-year process. Currently our Confirmation class includes students who are
in both 8th and 9th grades.
 Classes meet roughly every other Sunday from 4:00pm – 5:30pm.
 Weekly Mass attendance is required of all students in our Sacramental Program
 Students who are absent must make up their lesson
 Students are required to attend two retreats, one in their first year of preparation, and one in their second
year
Faith Formation, however, is not just for sacramental preparation. Our program spans all eight grades with many
opportunities for celebration and service. *In fact this year, we are pleased to be able to offer an “alternative” faith
formation program for Grades 5-7. Our hope is that this alternative program will help working parents who find it
difficult to get their child(ren) to class each week and to allow time for these students to participate in after school
programs. This alternative program will have a shorter calendar year, 16 weeks versus the traditional 25 and meet
from 6:30-7:30pm with just a few requirements. If interested in this shorter evening program, please contact me for
details.
Registration:
All students must be registered members of Saint Ann Parish. Both Parish Registration forms and Religious Education
Registration forms can be found on the parish website: stannblackrock.com or in the Rectory Office.
Our registration period begins on May 1
Please note: If you are in need of a payment plan, please contact the office before July 1, so higher fees don’t apply.
 If received by July 1: one Student: $50; two students: $75; family maximum: $100
 If received after July 1: one student: $75; two students: $100; family maximum of $125.
Sacramental fees of $50 per First Communion Student or $75 per Confirmation Candidate need to be added to your
tuition fees when registering. Sacramental fees cover the costs of certificates, programs, craft items, food and
Confirmation gowns.
Parents of new students: please submit a copy of your child(ren)’s baptismal certificate (if they were not baptized at
Saint Ann’s) at the time of registration. If a new student has completed religious education classes elsewhere, proof
of attendance and dates for Sacraments already completed are needed.
Volunteer Opportunities: This program would not survive without the dedicated volunteers who have heard God’s
call to spread the Good News of the Gospel to others. Please prayerfully consider the following:
 Catechists (must be over 18 years of age)
 Substitute Catechists (over 18)
 Catechist Aides (Adults or students grade 7-12)
 Hall Monitors
All adult volunteers are required by the Diocese to attend Safe Environment Training (VIRTUS). There is no
charge for this class. Tuition is waived for volunteer’s children. Please call the office for more information.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or our Pastor, Father Lynch.
God’s peace be in your heart and home,
Diane Scott