Religious Ed

Youth Religious Education

“The definitive aim of Catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but also in communion and intimacy with Jesus Christ.”
—Pope John Paul II

St. Catherine of Siena parish takes this commission to heart. Our Religious Education department encourages youth to participate in the life of the Church and in prayer through the following programs.

Monthly Program

• Monday Session: 6-8 p.m.
• Wednesday Session: 6-8 p.m.

Click for Registration Information

Family religious education is offered for parish families on a monthly basis during the school year. This program supports the parents in their role as the primary educators of their child. Varied teachings are offered to parents while youngsters receive grade-based instruction. Parents are comitted to teach their children the remaining weeks of the month. Regular attendance of all family members is required.

Sacramental Programs

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

This is a two-year, required program of Religious Education beginning in First grade.

Students in the second grade prepare for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. There are additional preparation meetings in second grade. A mini-retreat will be held in the spring. First Reconciliation traditionally is celebrated in January and First Eucharist in May.

Confirmation
Confirmation preparation begins in the sixth grade. Students attend a preparation meeting and practice Christian life by fulfilling service hour requirements. In seventh and eighth grade students continue to attend preparation meetings and retreats. Confirmation is celebrated in spring of eighth grade as the Bishop’s schedule permits.

Bible Camp Program

Camp Saint Catherine is a fun-filled vacation Bible school experience held in July for children entering grades K-6. Campers participate in daily Mass, learn scripture verses, sing songs and make craft projects. We are usually blessed to have the Quakertown Fire Department provide water activities during one of the days of camp. Adults and youth entering seventh grade and up are encouraged to volunteer to help as counselors.

Curriculum

In addition to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Catholic Bible, St. Catherine’s religious education curriculum is based on the Alive in Christ series of textbooks. This series has a variety of online resources for families and catechists such as chapter review, games, story time and much more.

Catechists

Our Religious Education Program is dependent upon generous volunteers who make a difference in the lives of the children of our Parish by sharing their time, talents and faith. Please consider joining our staff as a catechist/teacher, aide or substitute. Thank you!

Registration Process

All children must be registered with the Religious Education Office to receive instruction and the Sacraments.
Please complete your registration forms and return it with the $150.00 per family registration fee.

Note: No child will be denied religious instruction due to financial issues.

We request that you provide a copy of sacramental certificates and attendance records for religious instruction received at another parish. The forms should be returned to the Religious Education Office.

Religious Education Forms

Please complete a Registration form for each child and one Emergency Contact form per family. Return them to the Religious Education Office.