ELEMENTARY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Contact: Rebecca A. Yoch, Religious Education Coordinator
yochfamily@bak.rr.com

Formerly known as CCD, we now refer to the religious education of our children as ERE—that is—Elementary Religious Education. Every parish offers some kind of religious formation program for children as this is a critical part of our young people’s spiritual formation process.

At St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish, we have an AT HOME Religious Education Program which is based on the belief that “parents are the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith.” With no classrooms to use until our multipurpose facility is built, children in grades first through fifth are taught at home.

Parents have the opportunity to select a day and time during the week when they can instruct their children with materials provided by the parish. Parents keep track of their teaching on a Lesson Log which is turned in at the end of the year along with their Student's Activity Textbook for a certificate of completion. To track student progress from the parish standpoint, each weekly chapter follows the AT HOME calendar and on Sunday, the student receives, completes, and returns a Sunday Review Sheet for that particular chapter. Monthly parent/student get-togethers at the Seton Ministry Center held on calendared Sundays from 1:00 to 3:00 PM completes the program.

Preparation for First Communion
A two year catechesis of preparation is required for the reception of First Eucharist. Children registered in their second year of the AT HOME Religious Education program should be baptized (a copy of the child's baptismal certificate is required) and be completing weekly Activity Textbook Chapters and Sunday Review Sheets. Parents again prepare their children for First Communion in the spring of their second year after attending the parent doctrinal/informational meeting and teach their student from an approved textbook. Attendance at the student/parent meeting is also required for final catechesis and information. First Communion is celebrated on the Third Sunday of Easter at Mass.

Preparation for First Reconciliation (Confession)
A two year catechesis of preparation is required for the reception of First Reconciliation. Children registered in their second year of the AT HOME Religious Education program should be baptized (a copy of the child's baptismal certificate is required) and be completing weekly Activity Textbook Chapters and Sunday Review Sheets. Parents again prepare their children for First Reconciliation in the fall of their second year after attending the parent doctrinal/informational meeting and teach their student from an approved textbook. Attendance at the student/parent meeting is also required for final catechesis and information. First Reconciliation is celebrated at the Seton Ministry Center on a Saturday in mid-December or early January, depending on the Liturgical and AT HOME Calendars.