St. Stephen Religious Education Program
Religious Education Mission:
The St. Stephen Religious Education Ministry strives to enrich and challenge the lives of our adults, young people and children. We will provide them with the education and examples necessary to become faithful disciples of Jesus Christ in a loving and caring Christian community and in keeping with the vision statement of the Austin Diocese; and all those who are called to serve in the catechetical ministry of the church will work together to carry out our specific religious education goals:
- Provide quality educational resources for all children, youth and adults;
- Meet and respect children and youth at their individual levels of understanding and faith develop development;
- Integrate prayer, Scripture and service;
- Welcome and involve parents in the religious education of their children;
- Provide instruction and preparation for the receiving of the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation; and
- Provide opportunities for service to the community at large through a variety of different programs.
Program Information
The St. Stephen Religious Education program currently serves more then 150 students. The Religious Education Program is open to all students age 4 years – high school. Classes are divided by grade level. Each class is taught by an experienced catechist and one aide.
Religious Education classes meet on Wednesday evenings. Sacramental classes meet on Sundays. A small meal is served every Wednesday evening for all students and their parents. The meal is prepared by both parents and volunteers and consists of hot dogs, grilled cheese nachos or something similar. Donations are accepted
| Activity |
Location |
Time |
| Class: 4 years - 5th grade |
Classrooms |
5:30--6:30PM |
| Dinner for Students and Families |
Parish Hall |
6:30--7:30PM |
|
Middle School Class: 6th - 8th grade
|
Classrooms |
7:00--8:0PM |
| HS Youth Class: 9-12th grade |
Marian Room |
6:30--8:00 PM Includes dinner
|
Registration:
To register a student for Religious Education classes a parent/guardian must complete a current registration form. A copy of baptismal record required for students participating in sacramental classes.
Religious Education Classes: A donation for supplies and materials is strongly encouraged
$30 per student
$50 per family
Sacramental Classes: A donation for supplies and materials is strongly encouraged.
$30 First Reconciliation/ First Communion Classes
$60 Confirmation Classes
First Reconciliation:
- Baptism is a prerequisite for the reception of the sacrament of First Reconciliation.
-
Students have to be at least in second grade to receive the sacrament of First Reconciliation.
-
Parents/Guardians must be registered members of the parish or have a letter of permission from proper pastor.
-
Family must be attending Mass on a regular basis. (minimum of 6 months)
-
Students must attend the required Religious Education classes on Wednesday evenings and the required Religious Education classes for the preparation of First Reconciliation.
-
A Parent/Guardian must present a copy of their Baptismal Certificate of the child to receive First Penance for our records if not done previously.
First Communion:
- Baptism and Penance/Reconciliation are prerequisites for the reception of the Sacrament of First Communion/Holy Eucharist.
- Parents/Guardians must be registered members of the parish or have a letter of permission from proper pastor.
- Family must be attending mass on a regular basis. (minimum of 6 months)
- Students must attend the required Religious Education classes on Wednesday evenings in addition to the required Religious Education classes for the preparation of First Communion.
- A Parent/Guardian must present a Baptismal Certificate of the child to receive First Communion/Holy Eucharist for our records if not done previously.
Confirmation:
- Parents/Guardians must be registered members of the parish or have a letter of permission from proper pastor.
-
Family must be attending mass on a regular basis. (minimum of 6 months)
-
Students must attend the required Religious Education classes in addition to the required Confirmation classes.
-
A Parent/Guardian must present a copy of their Baptismal Certificate of the student to receive Confirmation for our records if not done previously.
-
The age for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation will be the early years of high school, between 14 and 16 years.
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A minimum of two years of formal religious education in a parish or Catholic school program precedes preparation for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
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Students must fulfill the requirements concerning attendance of classes and of retreat as deemed necessary and appropriate by the pastor, DRE and catechist of St. Stephen Catholic Church.
