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. RE classes are held September through May starting at age 3 through 12th grade, in person on Sundays from 10:15 - 11:15 am. 

We do not charge for our classes. We appreciate snack donations, and we also ask your willingness to help out with the classes when needed.

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. 

Any child that has reached second grade is eligible to join our First Holy Communion class.

Any 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.  

Congratulations to our December 2020 Confirmandi and our June 2020 Confirmandi!

Confirmation Class Page

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (ages 3-5)

Catechesis of the Good Shepherdis 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. While we are not able to offer these classes in person during the pandemic, we are planning to prepare videos for the children to watch, with activities sent home to the children.

Curriculum for Grades 1 and up

We are using the Spirit of Truth curriculum by Sophia Institute Press for the 2021-22 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.

September 12, 2021 - First Day of RE classes 
November 1, 2021 – All Saints Day - children come to 6:30pm Mass in saints costumes; procession and party afterwards.
November 28, 2021 – No class Thanksgiving weekend
TBA – Confirmation Retreat 9am-3pm
December 11, 2021 – Confirmation (10am Spanish Mass)
December 18, 2021 – Confirmation (10am Low Mass)
December 19, 2021 – Confirmation (9am English Mass)
December 19, 2021 – No class Christmas break
December 26, 2021 – No class Christmas break
January 2, 2022 – No class Christmas break
February 5, 2022 – Father/Daughter dance 6:30pm following 5:30 Mass
April 3, 2022 – First Communion Penance between Masses 10:15-11:15
April 10, 2022 – No class Palm Sunday
April 17, 2022 – No class Easter
May 8, 2022 – No class May Crowning
May 22, 2022 – Last day of RE classes
June 18, 2022 – First Communion retreat and reception 9am-12:30
June 19, 2022 - First Holy Communion on Corpus Christi


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