Religious Education Classes 2024 – 2025
The Cathedral of St. Thomas More offers religious education classes for students in grades 1-12, who attend public or other non-Catholic schools, to prepare them to receive the Sacraments of First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. The Cathedral recognizes that as parents, you are your child’s primary teacher of Faith, and is dedicated to assist you in raising your children in the Catholic faith by offering a variety of program and activities. Together, it is our goal to teach the children of our parish to love as Christ loves and to serve as Christ serves.
Apply to be a Catechist Application to be a Catechist
Registration
Cathedral parishioners and returning students are given priority for Religious Education enrollment. Non-parishioners will need to bring a letter from the parish Pastor granting the family permission to enroll in our Religious Education program. Tuition payment plans and scholarships may be available.
Registration Form
Religious Education classes is now open. For additional information,
please contact Benjamin Paczak, Director of Faith Formation, at 703-525-1300 ext 26
or email him at BPaczak@cathedralstm.org
Class Time and Location
Our in-person classes will be held on Wednesdays from 6:45-8:00 pm, beginning on Sept 18, 2024. Classes will be held in the Cathedral of St. Thomas More School.
Fees
The cost of the program is $100.00 – $180.00 per student. Additional fees for sacramental years will be separate.
Required Documents
An original Baptismal certificate is required for all new students and must be provided at the time of registration. Students entering Sacramental years, must also provide an original baptismal certificate. If your child is not baptized, please contact the parish office before registering.
Sacramental Years – First Holy Communion and Confirmation
Because each year builds on the next year of faith formation, students must attend at least two consecutive years of Religious Education before a grade/age-appropriate Sacrament is administered. Traditionally, baptized children receive First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion in grade 2, and higher. Confirmation is received in 9th grade and higher. A student must show evidence of desire and preparation for a Sacrament.
Students in Sacramental years will receive additional information about requirements after registering.
Volunteer to Help
Do you love your Catholic faith? Are you able to work with children? Are you willing to dedicate a few hours each week to their faith formation? If so, please prayerfully consider one of the following positions:
Catechists: Teach and witness the Catholic Faith during the Classroom Sessions.
· All catechist positions will be supported with resources and training from the Religious Education staff.
Aides: Assists the Catechist with attendance, classroom activities, homework, prayers, and student discipline.
High School Aides: High School students who help with classroom activities such as quizzing students on required prayers, preparing and setting up the classroom for activities, and supporting the catechist in teaching the lessons.
Program Helpers: Adults who support the program by monitoring the doors, escorting late-arriving children to class, patrolling the hallways during class for safety, and serving in any non-teaching capacity.
Substitutes: Volunteers who are willing to be called on an as needed basis to serve as a catechist or Aide.
All Religious Education volunteers must become compliant with the Diocese of Arlington Child Protection Policy, to include a background check and VIRTUS seminar. VIRTUS a hyperlink: https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/child-protection/virtus/
Questions
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Parish office at 703-525-1300.
