Programs for Children

CATECHISM:
Preschool to Grade 6

Our catechism program meets in the “atrium,” a special room devoted to the religious life of the child.  We use the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based religion program. To learn more about this program, please download our information and registration package (see right). 

For the 2011-2012 our Catechism program is held on two dates: Wednesday mornings 9:30-11:30 AM and Thursday afternoons 4:00-5:30 PM.

Catechism Classes begin:

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

and Thursday, September 15, 2011.

Family Sessions

Occasional family sessions are held throughout the year, usually on a seasonal theme (Advent, Lent, All Saints, Christmas, etc.).

Catéchisme des enfants en français (NEW)

Holy Cross is pleased to offer Level I Classes in French this fall. Interested persons should submit completed forms as soon as possible or call Sister Bibiana at 233-7367 or Louise Fillion at 237-4415.

THE SACRAMENTS:
Baptism, Reconciliation, First Communion & Confirmation

Preparation for the sacraments does not take place during catechism classes but in a separate program that includes the parents.  Children may register for both programs.

In the Sacramental preparation at Holy Cross, a child’s initiation into the Catholic Church is completed in one big year with the reception of three sacraments - reconciliation, confirmation and first communion.

The process begins in September and culminates in May/June at a celebration held with the Archbishop where the children are confirmed and receive their first communion. First reconciliation takes place before Christmas.

Our program is family-based, meaning that parents are integrally involved in the preparation.  A parent or godparent attends the sessions with the child and works at home with a family book.  While children need to be at least in grade 2, the program is not tied to any grade level, but is based rather on the question, "Is my child ready?” In fact, we encourage you to wait until grade 3 unless your child is especially anxious to receive the sacraments.  There is no need to rush your child.  We offer this program every year.   Because of the serious time commitment on the part of parents, you might also ask yourself, “Is my family ready”?

Confirmation

A confirmation program for older children who have had first communion but have not yet been confirmed is scheduled as needed.

There will be a parent meeting for those whose children will be preparing for the sacraments on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at 6:30 pm in the church basement. Classes for those who will register and attend the meeting will begin on Wednesday, October 5, 2011.