Enrollment Under Way At St Rose Religious Ed

St Rose Parish is urging parents of children, especially those entering first grade this fall, to register immediately for the religious education program.

Registrations are being taken at the Religious Education Office any day, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm.

The parish offers a religious education program that begins at age 4. There are prekindergarten and kindergarten classes for those who choose to get a head start and a high school program for students in grades nine through 12 who are interested in the “varsity” team.

Call or visit the religious education office for more information about these or other classes. The office number is 426-2333.

The formal religious education program begins with first grade and goes through each elementary and middle school grade level to eighth grade; each year building on the previous year’s learning. First grade is a very important year in religious education because during this year students begin to build a strong foundation for their faith. This foundation then leads into the initial preparation for receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist (otherwise known as Confession or Penance, and Communion).

According to Pam Arsenault, director of religious education, the first grade classes and participation at weekly Mass “help build strong Catholic apostles of God,” and each year of class that follows continues to build the strength and knowledge that the children learn to use in everyday life situations as they grow.

This year’s Vacation Bible School theme, “Son Games,” was focused on Christian discipleship. The lessons that the children learned centered on “joining in” and becoming apostles on God’s team; “teaming up” and learning that all God’s children are members of a big team; “getting strong” and finding strength from God to follow his instructions; “keeping on” and staying faithful during tough times and challenges; and “celebrating” all the good things God gives the members of his team. The children learned that being a member of a team requires continued commitment and practice, just like any team sport they may be part of. At St Rose, being part of God’s team is what the religious education program is all about, Mrs Arsenault said.