Children's Religious Education

Our Religious Education Program for Children and Adults

One of the commitments parents make when they baptize their child in the Catholic faith is to teach their children about the faith.

However, they are not alone in this religious formation of their children. The local parish is there to assist them through a progressive stage of religious education.

The purpose of religious education classes is to help your child come to know the reality of God and His son, Jesus, in their life.

This is done through a comprehensive understanding of the Bible, prayer, the sacraments, the Mass and understanding the teachings of the Catholic Church. 

For adults, it is to help them connect the Scriptures with Catholic teachings, so they can apply it to their daily lives, and pass that on to their children.

Because there are two Catholic parishes in Greenwood, we combine our resources. Classes are held each Wednesday evening at Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Supper begins at 5:30, followed by classes beginning promptly at 6:00.  Parents are encouraged to stay for the adult Bible study, where our speaker "breaks open the Word" to have a better understanding of the Scriptures used for that upcoming Sunday.

Religious education classes begin in pre-K, and extend throughout high school. Here is the typical progression for our Religious Education classes with our children:

Pre K and Kindergarten: presenting a basic introduction of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; learning basic Catholic terms and gestures, such as the Sign of the Cross, use of blessing oneself with Holy Water and other liturgical postures.

First, Second and Third Grade: learning our basic prayers, and preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion

4th through 7th: a continued understanding of the Bible, Catholic morality and basic Catholic teachings regarding Social Justice and service to others.

8th through 12th: Lifeteen is an opportunity for Catholic youth to join in fellowship, faith sharing and prayer experiences.  It is also a time when our students prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.