Religious Education
Catechetical Ministry
he primary mission of the Church is the Proclamation of the Good News of Our Lord Jesus Christ. To fulfill this mission, Our Lady of the Valley offers religious education programs to children teens and adults. Parents are encouraged to be faithful to their promise of Christian education for their children. While our young catechists thrive in knowledge they truly grow when good examples and role models are active and alive in their home environment. Children receiving the sacraments for the first time must be regularly practicing their Catholic faith, be enrolled and attending religious education classes for at least two years.
The Religious Education schedule is as follows;
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Grades 1-5 Wednesdays or
Grades K-5 Tuesdays or Thursdays 4:00 to 5:30 pm
Grades 6-8 Mondays from 6:30 to 7:45 pm
Youth Group/Confirmation 1 and 2 meet EVERY Wednesday 6:30-8:30
Registration in the Religious Education program is necessary each year in order to keep parish records current. A Certificate of Baptism is required if the children have not been baptized in Our Lady of the Valley Parish. Once this certificate is presented, it is not required in subsequent years. Tuition is $35.00 a year per family to cover materials. Classes begin in September and complete in April. Calendars are made available to keep families informed of meetings and other special events. In the interest of children/teacher interaction, every effort is made to limit class size to ten where possible. We also try to keep an aide available for assistance in the lower grades. Grades normally run parallel with the students' regular school grades. Normally, when a first grader begins regular school, he/she should begin formal Religious Education classes. Consistent attendance is the key to the effectiveness of religious formation. A two-year preparation for all sacraments is required. The reception of the Sacrament of the Eucharist will be made in May of the second grade year. The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) will also be received during this year.
Confirmation classes for High School age students are held each Sunday from 2:45-3:45 pm in The Holy Family Center. The Confirmation candidates are encouraged to participate in the Youth Group that follows the Family Mass. While the 2 year Confirmation classes prepare these young men and women for strong Christian lives, the Youth Group helps to prepare them to handle life issues and challenges.
.Important Dates regarding Religious Education will be listed here in the future