What is Religious Education?

Religious Education includes preparing children for Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation at the request of their parents.  It is commonly referred to as Sunday School, Catechism or CCD.  Religious Education is also a major component of Catechetical Ministry; it is the formal teaching of Christ’s message in the Church.  Catechists work with children, teenagers and adults.

Is Religious Education required for all Catholic children?

Parents who wish to baptize and raise their children in the Catholic faith must educate their children in the religious practices of the Catholic Church.  If your child attends a Catholic school, he or she does not need to attend Sunday school classes so long as the child is enrolled in a Catholic school until the 8th grade.  If your child, for some reason, attends a public school before their 1st year of high school, he or she will then need to attend regular Sunday classes.  Otherwise, if your child attends a public elementary and/or middle school, it is in your and the child’s best interest to enroll in Sunday School.

Only in preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation must ALL Catholic students, regardless of being in a public school or not, attend regular Confirmation Classes.

How do I register my child and where will my child go for classes?

To enroll your son or daughter in Sunday classes, click here to go to our Registration Page.  There you will find all the necessary forms to print.  The new Catechetical year begins in August and ends in May, however, you may mail or drop off your enrollment form to the Sacred Heart Parish Office at your convenience.  Classes are usually held in the Maryknoll Elementary School buildings.  More specific information is disclosed just before the beginning of the new school year.

How do I volunteer to be a classroom aide or catechist?

We are more than happy to accept help in educating our children in their faith.  Please fill out the quick survey below and our coordinators will contact you.