Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church

The mission of the Religious Education program is to partner with parents in the religious formation of their children's spiritual, emotional, social and religious education needs.  The greatest gift we give our children is their Catholic heritage. Their ongoing growth in the knowledge of their faith and how to live it out is crucial in developing a life-long commitment to an active sacramental life. As such, children should participate in classes from Kindergarten through High School. 

The RE program for elementary and middle school is for all parish children not attending Holy Rosary Academy.  Classes are held weekly, September through May, on Sunday mornings from 9:30 AM to 10:50 AM in the school building.   

Sacramental Preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation

• Baptism:  After the age of 7, a child needs special instruction before receiving the Sacrament of Baptism.  The parents need to contact the office to make arrangements. Usually the classes take place in March prior to the Easter Vigil.  These children’s Baptisms are celebrated the Sunday after Easter.
• First Holy Communion:
  • It is parish policy that a child needs to have completed one year of religious education in a Catholic school or in a religious education program prior to preparing for the Sacraments of First Penance and First Eucharist.
  • The Sacrament of First Penance is celebrated prior to the Sacrament of First Eucharist.
    
    •  Special Sacramental Preparation classes are conducted on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. from November through April.  These classes are in addition to the parochial school or Sunday Religious Education classes.
    • Registration Fees:
      1 Child: $40.00
      2 Children: $55.00
      3 or more Children: $70.00

• Celebration of First Penance
• Celebration of First Holy Eucharist-  This takes place in late April or early May.
• Parental Participation in the Preparation:  Parents are required to participate in classes and/or meetings as part of their child(ren)’s sacramental preparation.  Please contact the office or continue to check the website about upcoming classes.
  

The Archdiocese of New Orleans requires that the youth candidate for Confirmation participate in a two year preparation program.  This program includes weekly classes, retreat opportunities and service projects. 

Classes for Confirmation students are held October through April. Classes are held Sunday evenings from 5:45 until 8:00 (including attendance at 6:00 PM Mass).

RCIA for Children

Children of adults participating the RCIA process are prepared for the Sacraments of Initiation according to need and age.  Parents need to consult the program director for details.

What Is a Catechist?

• The definition of a Catechist is one who “echoes the Word of God”.   The Sacrament of Baptism calls us to a life of holiness and service.  The catechist chooses to fulfill this call through the ministry of teaching the faith to children and youth.  It is the response to the great commissioning of Jesus Christ to “Go, therefore, and teach all nations…”  (Matthew 28:19).
• The commitment to this valuable ministry varies with the program.  Most are weekly commitments September through May.  It is one of the most exciting ways to spread the joy of living the Catholic Christian life.
• The rewards – they are eternal!
  • Stewardship is giving that which has been entrusted to you – your precious Faith – and handing it on to future generations.
  • Receiving the joy of being a strong, positive influence in the formation of young lives who live in the midst of an un-godlike culture.
  • Seeing God through the innocent and uncomplicated eyes of children.
  • Growth in your faith through ongoing catechist enrichment and education opportunities.

Director of Religious Education

To inquire about any of the Religious Education Programs or the opportunity to become a Catechist for any of the programs, please contact the parish office.