The parish community of St. Patrick Church of Merna is dedicated to developing and maintaining a religious education program that aids parents in the development of the Catholic faith of their children...a living, growing faith which will permeate daily life and lead to lives based on the scriptural teachings of Jesus Christ.
The goals of this portion of our religious education program are promoted through a continuous curriculum for preschool through high school. Our catechists and assistants are parents and other dedicated parishioners who volunteer their time and services. The children meet in a classroom setting and are taught through well-planned lessons, prayer, classroom activities and special programs and projects.
This is a strong family-based program set in Catholic doctrine and tradition. We recognize parents as the children's first and foremost teachers of the faith and therefore expect involvement of parents at all levels of their children's religious education.
Sr. Rita Ann is the parish Director of Religious Education. Sister, along with the help of coordinators and an active Religious Education Committee, administer the program.
Classes meet during the months of September through May. Registration for classes is held in the spring or as new parishioners register.
KidSpot
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KidSpot was designed with your 3, 4, and 5 year old in mind!! It is lectionary-based, age appropriate, hands-on, community building program. Give your child the opportunity to make “church friends” and experience the Gospel story through creative drama, music, art activities, games and so much more!! KidSpot ‘kicks off’ in late September, runs through May during the first Saturday 4:30pm Mass and Sunday 9am Mass. Registration fees are $90 per child. For more information, contact Becky Skibo (662-7361, ext. 22).
Grades 1-5
The children meet according to grade levels each week on:
Tuesdays 5:00 - 6:00 pm
or Wednesdays 5:00-6:00 pm or 6:30-7:30 pm
The program is based on Scripture, prayer and doctrines of the Church as they relate to the children's lives. Each week parents are asked to complete the "Family Time" pages in their child's workbook which will preview the lesson to be learned in the upcoming class. Our goal is to help the children grow in their faith as Catholic Christians. This takes place in the environment of the Christian home as well as in the larger community of Church. The fee is $90 per child. For more information, please contact Bobbi Hassel at 662-7361, ext. 25.
Grades 6-12
Please go to the youth ministry page for information concerning grades 6-12.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is offered each summer for children ages four through nine.
Sacramental Preparation
Second grade students are prepared for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. First Holy Communion liturgies take place shortly after Easter.
Children in grades beyond Grade 2 who have not received the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and Eucharist, have the opportunity to be prepared for the reception of these sacraments upon the request of their parents. Each year the sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated in a communal setting with students in grades three through high school.
Confirmation Preparation Program: Confirmation classes are held every other year beginning in October and ending in May. This program is open to any high school student who has not yet been confirmed. Most students participate in this program during the 9th or 10th grade. Classes are held on Wednesday nights from 7:30-9:00 pm throughout the school year with the Confirmation Liturgy to be scheduled on May 6th at 7:00 pm. An independent service project, an outline of a book and vocabulary, resume of your saint, and interview is required and expected to be completed by the end of April. Students must be registered YM members to participate in the Confirmation Preparation Liturgy Program.
Policy for Class Cancellations Due to Weather
If for weather reasons classes need to be canceled, the decision will be made by 2:00 pm that Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon and will be called into radio station WJBC and WIHN fm and also posted on the church website. Parents and teachers are asked to tune to the radio or check the website for information rather than calling the parish office. If Unit 5 has cancelled school for the day, or dismissed early due to inclement weather, classes for Religious Education will also be cancelled for that day.
Preschool class cancellations will not be announced. If no teacher is in the classroom when you come to church, please take your child to Mass with you.
Contact
Parish Office at (309) 662-7361 |
