​SAINT JUDE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

 General Program Information

Children’s catechesis (K-9), which begins in the home, continues in the wider parish community in a more formalized setting. This catechesis incorporates doctrine, worship, scripture, and service presented at an age-appropriate level. All classes are held at St. Jude Parish in the school. Program Policies are reviewed at the beginning of each school year.
 
Our structured Religious Education program is Christ centered and the curriculum is based on the Diocese of Bridgeport’s Religion Curriculum Guidelines. Students are expected to be familiar with the stories of the faith and to know and understand the basic glossary of Catholic terms, prayers, liturgical symbols and gestures for their grade level. This BASIC PROGRAM of faith is a continuous program for Grades K thru Grade 9 (Confirmation). Children missing a grade level are required to make-up the missed grade with their family.
 
CHILDREN'S CATECHISIS SACRAMENT PROGRAM: Sacraments involve a personal relationship with Jesus and an active relationship with the parish community. Sacramental Catechesis and Celebration are the responsibility of the entire parish community. Suitable catechesis is to be given before the celebration of each sacrament. The Sacrament Catechesis should always involve the family. The Family is the Primary Catechist. First Reconciliation is celebrated in the fall of Grade 3.  First Eucharist is celebrated in the spring of Grade 3. Confirmation is celebrated in Grade 9.
 
SPECIAL NEEDS: This program is created to help our parish children with special needs. The children are assessed and a program is designed to fulfill their needs. Parent involvement is a must. St. Catherine Academy provides support and direction to parishes in the Diocese in developing an education plan for children with special needs.
 
VOLUNTEER POLICY: Our Religious Education Program is dependent on a volunteer network. We ask each family to sign up for three volunteer hours to help in the classroom. We ask Adults and high school teens to volunteer as Catechists. Please complete the registration form section for volunteering and support your Religious Education Program. Please see the over-all Religious Education Schedule, to make your selection. You may select any day or time that suits your schedule.
The volunteer section is on the Religious Education registration form. This form is completed annually so file updating can take place. We ask you to volunteer at this time.
 
 
SAFE ENVIRONMENT: Safe Environment – Help protect all of our children:
« Attend a 3 hour Virtus seminar “Protecting God’s Children”.
«Read The Diocese of Bridgeport Safe Environment Handbook 2015.
« Authorize a Background Check.
« Read and sign off on the “Executive Summary for Lay Volunteers”.
« All volunteers must comply.
 
 
Religious Education Office
All Confirmed Catholics are invited to share in the ministry of Religious Education
St. Jude Parish, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT 06468        
203-261-6788   religious.education@stjuderc.com