We are offering in-class faith formation classes for All Grades 1 through 10 in the fall beginning in September of 2024. Our Kick-Off meeting is mandatory for parents. We will provide all the text books necessary and we will provide to each family for their use a St. Joseph's New American Bible, revised edition. Together we want to form your children's faith. The curriculum and dates are as follows:
Confirmation Grades 1 & 2 : Kick-off meeting is Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 5:30. Our schedule will be posted, but we are pleased to offer two sessions: Sunday and Monday evenings. Remember, once selected, the student will have to stick with the day they have chosen, and they will not be permitted to toggle between sessions.
We are happy to provide two options, but remember once a student makes an option they will have to remain with that through the school year. The two options are now Sunday and Monday evenings. See the detail schedule and dates in the margin to the leftOur curriculum includes the "Chosen" program from Ascension Press. This program is designed to launch the children into their faith journey. Text books will be provided and a St. Joseph's revised edition of the New American Bible will also be given to each family.
Middle School Grades 6,7 & 8: Kick-off meeting is Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 5:30.This program is from Ascension Press and has 5 classes covering the essentials of the Holy Catholic Mass, and an introduction to the Bible. Text books will be provided and a St. Joseph's revised edition of the New American Bible will also be given to each family.
Generally, the classes will be Sundays the time to be finalized. If we are able to secure more Catechists for the program we may offer a second option, however, our current enrollment does not support a second class. See the detail schedule and dates in the margin to the left.This year we have adopted a family format, and we believe that this will not only edify our children, but create an faith filled atmosphere at home too. Our program will be robust, and is designed to help your family cope with your hectic schedule. Our families meet together only once a month in-person(generally the first Monday of the Month at 4:30 for dinner and God)
Students preparing for the Sacrament of Holy Communion and Reconciliation will also come one other day, students by themselves, for Sacramental preparation.
This year ALL 2nd and 3rd grade students will receive Holy Communion and Reconciliation, as we have moved those Sacraments to the age of reason- 2nd grade. But those in 2nd grade last year will receive it this year. Going forward this Sacraments will be received in 2nd grade.
Children in in grades 6 thru 10 will follow a traditional format or classroom program using the various resources from Ascension Press. They will be provided the license giving them access to Ascension Press' various videos that answer many questions that students worry or think about. The have wonderful videos from Father Mike Schmitz and Chris Stefanick that parents will even find they enjoy watching and learning from.
These students will meet twice a month, and we will have two options for the confirmation class offering two sessions: Sunday or Monday evenings for confirmation grades. Once selected the students will have to stay with that options and will not be permitted to toggle back and forth between sessions, as the classes will be at different paces and managing attendance would be difficult. However, we are still seeking catechists to staff both options.
Currently we only have 2 options for the confirmation grades, and only one for the middle school. Please note, we may have to consolidate the classes if the class size is disproportionate, e.g. only one or two students in one session versus a dozen in the other).
This schedule is subject to change, as we will add and subtract to/from the programs, so please keep referring to this schedule to ensure your information is current.
Above is the Religious Education online Form, click on it and please fill out the registration form completely and Click "submit." We are working to provide online payment for tuition, but in the meantime you can pay by check made payable to Our Lady of Mercy, 19 South Canal Street, Plainville, CT 06062.
Mandatory Parent and Student In-person meeting once a month
These students and families, except children receiving Holy Communion, will also participate in a very short (half-hour) activity follow up via zoom. These Zoom meetings are once a month and the times will be at the family and catechists' convenience.The Family Format requires parental participation
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Special Notice for Children receiving SacramentsIf your intent this year is to receive a sacrament like Holy Communion, Reconciliation or Confirmation, you must attend classes as well as Mass on Sunday. Please be sure to sign-in your attendance in the gathering space notebook.
The Schedule of Religious Education for class is currently under construction for the 2024/2025 school year. We have conformed the OLM Religious Education schedule to meet the Plainville public school system's schedule. Further, we may make changes to this schedule to reflect upcoming events or changes to our program as they occur. Please be sure to refer to this schedule frequently to have the most current information, as we will add and subtract to it over time. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.