About Third Year
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For students entering Religious Education for their third year of preparation and are in 3rd or 4th grade in school. Children should have received the sacraments of baptism and Reconciliation.
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Program OverviewChildren in their third or fourth year in elementary school who have successfully completed their first and second year of formation attend Third Year religious education classes on a weekly basis, typically beginning in October and ending in May. The curriculum focuses on how the Church leads us in worship, the steps of the Mass, and receiving Jesus for the first time in the celebration of Eucharist. Children learn the Nicene Creed and receive their First Eucharist (communion) during the Catechetical year (dates announced at parent meetings).
Our catechists are a dynamic and committed group of volunteers serving over 1,900 children and teens. -
Program Requirements
To enroll parents must have provided a copy of the child’s birth and baptism certificate. Children attend a total of 26 sessions throughout the catechetical year. To successfully complete the year children may have no more that 3 absences. Absences may be “made up” or excused when parents make contact with the catechist to complete the make up work. However, any more than 5 absences and the child will be dropped from the program. All students are required to attend a Protecting God’s Children® course conducted during regular class time. Parents sign a Code of Conduct.
Children must also attend a Eucharist Retreat with their parents. birth and baptism certificates and/or transfer letters may be required if transferring from another parish. -
Required Parent MeetingsAll parents should be attending Mass on a weekly basis. Third Year Parents attend the following meetings and retreats:
1. Eucharist Parent Meeting:
2. Parent/Child Eucharist RetreatCeremony dates will be announced at the parent meeting. Non attendance at the required meetings may cause receipt of the sacrament to be postponed.
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St. Paul the Apostle......has ongoing faith formation for all grade levels.
4th Grade— Ten Commandments.
5th Grade—Beatitudes and the Sacraments.
6th Grade—The Bible. Children receive their own Bible at the year end Mass.
Jr. High—Morality, The Trinity, Sacraments, God, Jesus and The Church.
9th Gr. Faith Formation— the basics of our faith, being a peacemaker, morality, etc.
Confirmation 1—Sophomores year in High School who have been baptized, received Reconciliation and First Communion. Service hours and retreat(s) required.
Confirmation 2—Juniors in High School who will be age 16 by confirmation day; must have completed Con 1 requirements. Students are interviewed for readiness prior to being confirmed. Service hours and retreat(s) required.