Religious Ed - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

"Let the Children come to me and do not prevent them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

- Matthew 19:14

We have taken the time to answer some common questions that we are often asked during they year. Please take a few minutes to look over this brochure. Hopefully you will get your questions answered.

Registration

When does registration for classes in the fall take place?

Registration for the Children's Religious Education Program is from July 1 to August 31.

Who needs to register?

All new and returning students must register each year including rising eighth graders.

What must I do to register?

Pick up the registration packet. Read over the information carefully. If you are new to the parish you must first register as a parishioner before enrolling your child in the RE program. All new students must also submit a copy of their baptismal certificate with the registration form.

I do not live in the parish boundaries, can I still register my child here?

No, our program is only for parishioners. You should register at the parish where you live. Remember, if there are schedule conflicts, God will bless you and your children for making their faith formation the priority.

Why do you need a copy of my child's baptismal certificate?

It is necessary to have record of each child's baptism before administering any other sacrament. Baptism is the gateway to the other sacraments through the removal of original sin, outpouring of sanctifying grace, and by bringing us into the family of God. In addition, the Church of Baptism must also be notified when one receives a sacrament as they continue to keep record of all the sacraments one receives.

Why do you want my email address?

If you are anything like us then email is probably the easiest way for others to reach you and for you to quickly respond to them. We think email is the best means to communicate. Email also helps us cut down on slow, expensive, bulky mail! We will be sure not to send you needless information that just wastes space and we will also keep your email address secure.

Do you have a website?

Yes, our website is www.stfrancisdesalescatholicchurch.org. You can find all updated information pertaining to the RE Program online. Just go to the Religious Education page.

What is the class schedule?

Classes are held on Sunday mornings and weekdays after school. For complete up-to-date information on class times and schedules please visit our web site and check out the Religious Education Calendar.

Where are classes held?

Classes are held at Loudoun Valley High School on Sundays and at the Church during the week.

K-8 Program

Do you have a pre-k class?

No, our program begins with kindergarten.

So, I am signing my child up for RE that is all I have to do, right?

Not quite. The Christian family has the fundamental mission and primary responsibility for faith education. The Second Vatican Council states,

"Parents should regard as their proper mission the task of transmitting human life and educating those to whom it has been transmitted. They should realize that they are thereby cooperators with the love of God the Creator, and are, so to speak, the interpreters of that love. Thus they will fulfil their task with human and Christian responsibility, and, with docile reverence toward God, will make decisions by common counsel and effort" (Guadium et Spes 5).

This means that children's formation in the faith takes place first and foremost in the home and through your living example. Parents must witness, teach and pray with their children on a regular basis. And bring Christ to all that you do as a family.

How can I as a parent be more involved with what goes on in their Religious Ed classes?

Pope Benedict XVI said, "The Christian family - a little 'domestic church' - and the larger family of the Church must develop the closest collaboration, above all as regards the education of children." We are a team! The Pastor, DRE, Religious Education Office, and catechists are here to assist you in the education of your children. We are always trying to find new and useful ways to connect you to what is going on in class. Look out for weekly parent letters from your child's catechist, email updates from the RE staff, and up to date information on the web site.

Is there a class for my child who is in high school?

There is a class offered for students in high school who still need to receive First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation. This class will also double as a class for all high school students who want to continue studying our Catholic Faith or need a refresher. Please contact the RE office for more info.

Sacramental Preparation

I have a child who I would like to enroll in the program who is not yet baptized, what do I do?

There are two options, depending on the circumstance the pastor may find it better suited to baptize the child after he/she has been properly instructed for the sacrament. There is also a class called RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children), this class prepares the children for Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.

When will my child go to First Reconciliation?

First Reconciliation takes place during second grade in January.

How is First Reconciliation celebrated?

For your child's First Reconciliation you will come to the Church as a family. The children will have an individual confession. Family members are also invited to receive the sacrament at this time.

When do I pay the Sacramental Preparation Fees?

The fees are due in the early Spring. You may also pay them at the time of registration. You can pay online through Parish Giving. See web site.

When will my child receive First Holy Communion?

First Holy Communion takes place during second grade in May.

Can I just sign my child up for Religious Education in second grade, and skip the first two years?

No, the Diocese advises that children have two years of preparation before First Holy Communion. We strongly recommend that children be enrolled in Religious Education for first grade.

I have an older child who has not received First Holy Communion, what do I do?

If you have a child in third grade or older who has not made their First Holy Communion we recommend for he/she to either join a second grade class or the RCIC. We would also have them complete the first grade text either during the summer or at the start of the school year.

Why is Confirmation a two-year program?

Our Confirmation program begins in the seventh grade, candidates are confirmed during spring of eighth grade. Over the two years of preparation candidates choose their sponsors and Confirmation Saint, they also work on completing 20 hours of service. We feel this helps students get the most out of Confirmation.

What are "Service Hours"?

Opportunity to share in the mission of the Church through works of service. And imitate Christ who came to serve, not to be served.

What's the deal with all of these requirements?

The requirements for Confirmation were set in place to ensure that the youth preparing for Sacrament of Confirmation are provided with the opportunity to grow in a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian. Moreover, we strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church -as well as the parish community.

Volunteer Opportunities

What opportunities are there for me to volunteer in the Religious Education Program?

We are always in need of faithful catechists, classroom aides, substitute teachers, parking lot & hall monitors, and intercessors.

Do I have to do any special training to volunteer?

All of our volunteers who have significant contact with children most complete a Background Check and attend a Safe Environment Training Seminar.

I have already completed a background check with a different organization, is that enough?

No, they do not cross over. You must complete the background check for the Arlington Diocese. You only have to do this once for the Arlington Diocese.

Who can be a catechist?

Catechists should be persons who love and live the Catholic Faith, and desire to share the Good News of Christ with others especially our youth. Catechists are witnesses of Christ to those whom they teach. Pope Paul VI wrote, "Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he listens to teachers it is because they are witnesses."

What are the benefits of being a catechist?

Catechists find their role in the Church very rewarding as they hand on the Faith that was given to us from the Apostles, and make disciples for our Lord Jesus Christ.

RCIA & Adult Education

What does the Church offer for adults?

As Catholics, we are on a life-long journey to know, love, and imitate our Lord, Jesus Christ, more and more. For this reason, continuing education in the faith is essential to our lives as adults. Right now our parish is offering a variety of Bible Studies for the fall, as well as a RCIA/Adult Education class taught by Father Escalante.