Religious Education

Pastor's Notes from Fr. David Carter about Religious Education and the Sacraments (Issued 9/1/19) - Read here

At the baptism of our children we promise to educate them in the tenets of our faith. Here at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul we take that promise very seriously. The goal of catechesis is to foster a living, conscious and active faith in Christians of all ages. Religious Education (RE) classes are held September through May starting at age 4 through 12th grade, in person on Sundays from 10:15 - 11:15 am. 

We do not charge for our classes. We ask your willingness to help out with the classes when needed. Ways to volunteer include: teacher/assistant, sub, sponsor, VBS, receptions, and more. 

Parents are the primary educators of their children, and our RE program is a supplement for that. But, on the other hand, the Sacraments of Initiation are not done on an island; they are communal sacraments, and usually they are done together in a class (in a group). We don’t do individual Confirmations or First Communions on request. 

First Holy Communion is offered in 2nd grade. Any child that will be 7 by September 1 is eligible to join our First Holy Communion class. Note that preparation for First Holy Communion begins in first grade.

In keeping with our Diocesan policies, Confirmation is offered in 6th grade. Any baptized child in 6th grade or higher is eligible to join our Confirmation class.

We require class attendance during our Sunday Religious Education program for at least the year leading up to their Sacrament. If a student moves to the Parish mid-year, we will require verification from their previous parish that they have been attending class there.  

Confirmation Class Page

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (ages 3-5)

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a program for our 3, 4 and 5 year olds. This is a Montessori-based program for children that provides a simple, synthesized, profound involvement with the Gospel and with the liturgical life of the Church. This class is offered within our Religious Education program as well as through the St. Ambrose Homeschool Co-op. 

Curriculum for Grades 1 and up

We are using the Spirit of Truth curriculum by Sophia Institute Press for the 2024-25 school year for Grades 1 and up. 

Register Here
for RE classes (pre-K to 12) and other youth programs. Registration is needed again for this year even if you registered last year.

Wed., August 14, 2024 - 6:30-8pm RE Teacher Meeting with Fr. Carter in Varallo Hall
September 8, 2024 - First Day of RE classes 
September 2024 (date and location TBA) - 10:30-11 Meeting for parents of First Holy Communion & Confirmation students
October 13, 2024 - No class Fall break 
Fri., November 1, 2024 – All Saints Day - children come to 6:30pm Mass in saints costumes; procession and candy afterwards.
December 1, 2024 – No class Thanksgiving weekend
December 22, 2024 – No class Christmas break
December 29, 2024 – No class Christmas break
January 12, 2025 – RE classes resume
February 16, 2025 - No class President's Day weekend
February 8, 2025 – Father-Daughter Dance at 6:30pm 
March 16, 2025 - No class Spring break
March 30, 2025 – First Penance between Masses 10:15-11:15
Wed., April 2, 2025 – Children's Stations of the Cross 3-3:30pm
April 6, 2025 – Easter Vigil 101 for RCIC parents 10:30-11am
April 12, 2025 - RCIC Retreat & First Confession 9am-12pm
April 13, 2025 – No class Palm Sunday
April 19, 2025 - Easter Vigil practice and Mass (RCIC)
April 20, 2025 – No class Easter
May 4, 2025 – Last day of class for for all 
May 11, 2025 – May Crowning
Sat., June 20, 2025 – First Communion retreat 9am-12pm 
June 22, 2025 - First Holy Communion at 9:00 & 11:30 Masses on Corpus Christi
Sat., June 28, 2025 - Confirmation Retreat 9am-12pm*
Sun., June 29, 2025 - Confirmation at 9:00 Mass (English) & 1:30 Mass (Spanish)*

* Confirmation schedule is subject to approval by the Diocese

Contact our Director of Religious Education, Florence Porter for more information.
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