Religious Education Information
Faith Formation Information
School of Religion: Our school of religion involves children from grades Pre/K through high school. Children may register in the program throughout the academic year (September through May). We meet on Sunday mornings from 9:15-10:30 AM in Camino Hall (two buildings west of The Immaculata). We also have music together at 9:00 AM for those who arrive early. We have a wonderful program made possible by the commitment and enthusiasm of some very fine catechists. Our program includes bringing in Catholic culture to enrich what is in our books – study of the saints, the Rosary, activities during Advent and Lent, a children’s Way of the Cross during Lent, Jesus Day for First Communion children, and a May crowning. Students are expected to attend Mass every week.
We prepare children for First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation. And we offer youth activities and service opportunities throughout the year.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word: We have Children’s Liturgy of the Word on most Sundays during the 11:00 AM Mass. This takes place in Maher Hall during the academic year and in Founders Hall during the summer months. Children return to church for the Mass part of the liturgy. Children do not need to be registered to participate in this.
Infant Baptisms: Baptisms generally take place the third Sunday of the month after the 11:00 AM Mass. We offer Baptism preparation seminars the first Tuesday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in Madonna Hall. While there is no registration fee, we ask that parents and sponsors register for the class ahead of time. It is suggested that parents call about three months ahead of time to arrange for a Baptism.
Parish Mini Retreats: We offer quarterly mini retreats for the entire parish, using the whole community catechesis model. The retreats include lunch with discussion question, presentations for Children, Jr. High, High School, and Adults followed by a closing prayer service. Childcare is provided for children from ages 1 to 5.
Safe Environment
All of our volunteers have undergone a background check, and there is a requirement that two adults who have had background checks be present in each classroom.
Youth Program
Our high school youth program consists of both preparation for Confirmation and a youth program for service and social activities.
Confirmation Preparation
Our Confirmation program generally will take two years. Students move through each phase according to their readiness based on attendance, self evaluations and interviews. The program is set up as follows:
Journey: The first phase which lasts one year for most students. Journey is just that – a journey into our Catholic faith where students discuss Church teachings based on a textbook and current events that pertain to Catholicism.
Formation: Formation is generally the 2nd year of preparation and consists of six months of lectures on Catholic theology. Students are expected to enter into discussion as well.
Reflection: Reflection is the six weeks of immediate preparation for Confirmation. The mandatory Confirmation retreat takes place during this time.
Walking-the-Walk: Walking-the-Walk is a four week commitment that generally takes place after Confirmation where the newly confirmed learn about poverty and hunger and do at least one service project.
Students are expected to attend Mass each week. Students are required to know a number of prayers before being Confirmed. Reflection students may not miss any classes. Confirmation tales place during the Easter season, a date determined by the Bishop.
Youth Gatherings
High School
We have a mix of adults and teens to serve as the core team for our high school youth program.
Youth events generally take place twice a month. Our goal is to have one service activity each month and another gathering to just have fun together or attend a specific event.
We attend the Diocesan Youth Day event in the spring as well as Youth Day at the LA Religious Education Congress.
Contact Anne Rising at (619) 574-5702 for additional information – Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, or e-mail arising@sandiego.edu.
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