Religious Education
Religious Education Classes
Classes meet Sunday mornings from 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. Check the Religious Education Schedule for the appropriate year for specific dates.
Registration for Catechesis & Religious Ed
Registration is ongoing. Please fill out the necessary forms below as soon as possible. Forms are emailed directly to the DRE.
The parish is the center of faith formation for Catholics. Every person in your pews, every Catholic in your parish community…child or adult…is on their own journey toward Christ and a life of discipleship.
Catechesis Classes Grades PreK3-6 & Religious Education Grades 7-8
Our young people are an important part of every parish. They are not just the future adults of the church, but even now they are trying to live as His followers in their families, schools and parishes. Even now they are trying to learn more about their faith and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and the church so that they can be His witnesses to all they meet. Even now, they can use their gifts and talents to serve others within and outside the parish community.
St. Patrick's offers Catechesis Classes for ages 3 thru 6th grade and Religious Education for grades 7th & 8th on Sunday mornings from 9:05 to 10:15 a.m. in the school.
For ages 3 years old through 6th grade there is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. It is an "atrium" atmosphere with hand-made articles such as puzzles, wooden figurines, items represented on the altar, etc. to help the scripture readings come to life for the children. A particular scripture, sacrament, or key liturgical moment is taught to the children with the appropriate materials available for the children to touch, manipulate and reproduce the lesson learned. Most importantly, it is a way for the children to "fall in love with God." This program is based on the Montessori method of teaching.
For grades 1 thru 8, there is sacramental preparation and age appropriate lessons to understand the scriptures, sacraments and key liturgical moments called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC).
1st Grade - The focus is the HOLY TRINITY.
2nd Grade - Sacramental Preparation
3rd Grade - Christ Our Life-The CHURCH is the focus
4th, 5th & 6th Grade - The Plan of God, the Structure &
Meaning of the Mass with the Sacraments;
An indepth Discovery of the Bible
7th Grade - The Story of Jesus
8th Grade - The History of the Church
Sacrament Preparation for 1st Communion & 1st Reconciliation
All Sacramental Preparation children experience the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd approach. Children receive presentations and are encouraged to work with the hands-on materials used in these presentations. Ultimately, they meditate together with their parents on key Bible verses in preparation for the Sacraments.
Confirmation Preparation (High School)
Through the Sacrament of Confirmation we renew our baptismal promises and commit to living a life of maturity in the Christian faith. Greater awareness of the grace of the Holy Spirit is conferred through the anointing of chrism oil and the laying on of hands by the Bisshop. Confirmation is the sacrament that gives us the Holy Spirit in order to incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words and deeds.
Our teens may sign up for the Confirmation classes, which is a two year process beginning in the 9th grade. At the end of their second year (10th grade), if they have met all the requirements set forth, they will receive their sacrament of Confirmation in the Spring. Our Confirmation students should also plan to attend the LifeTeen on Sunday evenings as well. For more information see our Youth Ministry page or contact DeNeise Thomson at 361.244.0929.
High School Youth Ministry
They are endeavoring to become their best selves and to discern God's future plan for their lives. To help our young people in this, the parish offers opportunities for catechesis and discussion in the Catholic faith, fellowship, fun, worship and service through our Youth Ministry Program. The Youth Ministry Program is open to all the youth of the parish from grades 6 through 12. Each group is led by a team of adult volunteers. See the Youth Ministry page for more information.
Adult Religious Education
This is for all adults who are interested in learning more about their faith. It is hosted by Sr. Avelina and Marian Rose Swetish, meets every Sunday morning that the Religious Education program meets from 9:05 to 10:15 a.m. in the teacher's workroom in the School. Call 361.855.7567 for more information.
Why Go?
• To ask those questions that have been on the back of your mind for a long time
• To enrich your knowledge of our Catholic faith-fill up heart
• To help you teach your children the faith
• To be part of our faith community
• Free Coffee and Snacks
• Babysitting Available in Youth Center
