WELCOME TO OUR 2025-2026 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM!

The Religious Education program at St. Patrick Parish supports parents and children in growing a deeper love for Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith.

Registration for the 2025-2026 School Year is Open from July 1–September 14!

Grades 1–6

Children in Grades 1 through 6 use the Finding God series by Loyola Press to learn about Catholic prayers and practices as well as God’s plan for salvation. Grade 2 students also prepare for and receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

Grades 7 & 8+: Confirmation Program

Students in Grade 7 and above begin a two-year journey toward the Sacrament of Confirmation which is received in the spring of the second year. Confirmation 1 (Grade 7) and Confirmation 2 (Grade 8 or older) meet together on Sunday evenings. 

High School Youth Ministry

All high school students are invited to be a part of a small group that meets regularly under the guidance of two trained adult mentors for fellowship and discussion. For more information, please contact us at reled@stpatrickstoneham.org.

Please read through the program details below to understand our offerings for this year.

FOUNDATION IN FAITH: GRADES 1-6

Our Religious Education program offers flexible options to support families while nurturing a strong foundation in the Catholic faith. Families with children in Grades 1–6 may choose between in-person classes or a homeschool option, allowing them to select the format that best fits their needs. 

In addition to regular instruction, all students enrolled in the program—both homeschool and in-person—are asked to participate in the following:

• Family Mass:
  Each grade will take part in leading a 10:00am Family Mass once during the school year. Students will serve in a variety of roles during the liturgy, including Lectors, Ushers, Offertory Collectors, and Bulletin Distributors.
• Christian Service Hours:
  Students in Grades 1–6 are required to complete 2 to 4 hours of Christian Service, with the specific number of hours depending on the grade level. Please refer to the Christian Service PDF for further details.

In-Person Class Details:

In-person classes provide an engaging, community-based environment for students to explore their faith in the classroom, with the added benefit of using the church spaces to enrich their learning.

• Class Expectations:
  Students are expected to read the assigned sessions prior to each one-hour class. This preparation allows class time to focus on deeper discussion of key topics while reinforcing a solid understanding of the material.
• Class Schedule: Full calendar available in September.
• Grade 2: Weekly on Mondays from 4:00pm to 5:00pm, with approximately 20 classes from October through mid-April. Classes may vary slightly due to holidays.
• Grades 1 & 3-6: Bi-weekly, approximately twice a month, totaling around 12 classes between October and mid-April. 
• Missed Classes:
  If your child misses a class, he or she is asked to make up the material using the homeschool method. Please refer to the In-Person Class Parent Instructions and Missed Class Parent Instructions PDFs for further details.

Homeschool Details:

We understand that not all families can attend in-person classes due to scheduling or distance. The homeschool option allows flexibility while still providing a structured faith formation experience.

• How It Works:
  Homeschool families will use the Loyola Press Finding God book to complete all 25 sessions. Parents and children will read the session together, discuss the content, and complete a short online quiz to ensure understanding. 
• Completion Tracking:
• After reading each session, students must complete an online quiz consisting of 8–14 questions. Quizzes may be retaken as needed until a perfect score of 100% is achieved. Once the score is reached, parents are asked to log the completed session using either the Paper Homeschool Log or the Google Form Homeschool Log.
• Flexible Start & End Dates:
  Families can begin homeschooling at any time after registration, but all work must be completed by May 31, 2026 (Grade 2 students must finish by April 26, 2026).

GROWING IN FAITH: CONFIRMATION PREPARATION PROGRAM

Confirmation 1 (Grade 7) and Confirmation 2 (Grade 8+)

The Confirmation Program at St. Patrick Parish is a two-year preparation program open to all students in Grade 7 and above who have completed prior Religious Education, either through a parish-based program or a Catholic school curriculum. The program consists of 25 lessons over 2 years. For this year only, Grade 8 or older students will be enrolled in Confirmation 2.

This program is designed to guide students who already understand the basics of their faith toward a deeper understanding of what it means to live as a young Catholic. Through both large-group sessions and small-group discussions, candidates will explore how to respond to God’s call, live out their faith, and build a supportive community of young adult Catholics to accompany them through high school and beyond.

Students enrolled in a Catholic Middle or High school need only attend Confirmation 2.

• Class Schedule Confirmation 1 and 2:
  Day/Time: Sunday evenings, 7:00–8:15pm, following the 6:00pm Mass October through mid-February
• Mass Attendance Requirement: All Catholics are bound by divine law to attend Mass every Sunday, which includes all confirmation candidates.
• Once a month from October through February, candidates and parents/guardians will be asked to attend the 6:00pm Mass together on a designated Sunday to help foster a sense of community within the program. 
• Christian Service Requirement:
  All Confirmation 1 and 2 students must complete 5 hours of Christian Service per year.

Please note: There is no homeschool option for Confirmation preparation. 

Confirmation 1 (Year One)

• Confirmation 1 is for Grade 7 students. 
• Confirmation 1 students will join Confirmation 2 students for large-group sessions, and then break off into small groups for peer-based discussions.

Confirmation 2 (Year Two)

• Confirmation 2 is for Grade 8 or older students.
• Students in Confirmation 2 will attend large-group sessions with Confirmation 1 students, followed by small-group discussions. Additionally, Confirmation 2 students must turn in all required paperwork and assignments by the deadlines (see Confirmation Handbook, available in October 2025) and attend a Confirmation Retreat at the parish on March 1, 2026.

The Confirmation ceremony will take place in Spring 2026 (exact date to be determined).

RETURNING TO RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Catching Up to Grade Level

We understand that some children may have missed a year or two of Religious Education due to family circumstances, relocation, or the impact of COVID. We warmly welcome these families to contact the Religious Education office by email. Together, we will create a customized plan to help your child get back on track for receiving the sacraments.

Called to Be Catholic Program

Students wishing to be Confirmed, but who have missed several years of Religious Education, may be eligible for the Called to Be Catholic program.

• This is a home-based, independent program that must be completed prior to receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.
• Students may complete this program either alongside the regular Confirmation program or during the summer.

Catching Up to Grade Level Fee

There is a $100 fee for participation in either the Catching Up to Grade Level or Called to Be Catholic program.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE REQUIREMENT

All Religious Education students are expected to complete Christian Service, which involves volunteering or fundraising in support of the Corporal or Spiritual Works of Mercy.

• Please refer to the Christian Service PDF for:
• Grade-level hour requirements
• Annual service opportunities offered through the Religious Education Department

This requirement is intended to help students experience the joy and fulfillment of helping others and living out their faith through action.

CATECHISTS AND VOLUNTEERS

We invite you to help nurture the faith journey of our parish children! If you're interested in volunteering, please email the Religious Education Office or indicate your interest on the Google Registration Form.

Ways to Volunteer:

• Catechist:
  The primary teacher of the class. Catechists receive full curriculum materials and ongoing support.
• Classroom Volunteer:
  Assists the catechist by helping students, supporting classroom activities, and encouraging positive behavior.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Completed volunteer application with references
• Annual CORI background check
• Protecting God’s Children training (if not already completed)

Please note: The number of students we can welcome each year in class depends on how many volunteers step forward.

PROGRAM FEES

Grades 1–6

• 1 Child: $175
• 2 Children: $315
• 3 or More Children: $450
  Includes a Finding God textbook for each student.

Confirmation Program

• Confirmation 1 (Grade 7): $200
• Confirmation 2 (Grade 8+): $250
  Confirmation 2 is a flat fee covers all costs associated with the Confirmation Ceremony.
  Please note: No sibling discounts apply to the Confirmation Program.
  

PAYMENT OPTIONS AND FINANCIAL AID

• Installment Plans:
  Available for all registration fees, including Confirmation.
  See the Payment Page for details.
• Financial Assistance:
  Available upon request.
  Please email the Religious Education Office to request a Financial Aid Application.
  

Thank You for Joining Our Religious Education Family!

We look forward to walking with you and your child on this lifelong journey of faith formation. Your presence enriches our parish community, and we are blessed to support you every step of the way.