St. Mary's Southside

"Where All Are Welcome"!

224 Franklin Street | Elmira, NY | 14904 | Rectory: 607-734-6254 | Fax: 607-733-8890
 

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Religious Education

CLASSES FOR FALL 2007 BEGINS IN SEPTEMBER.
TO REGISTER CALL THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE - 734-5220.

St. Mary's Religious Education programs consist of two groups:
        Grades 1 through 5     -and-     Grades 6, 7, and 8.

Classes for Grades 1 through 5 are held Sunday mornings from 9:00 - 10:15 am, using a lectionary curriculum, along with Catholic Identity.  We follow the school calendar.

Classes for Grades 6, 7, and 8 meet for two hours once a month, usually on a Sunday from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm and follow a youth ministry model incorporating education, spiritual, social and service components.

The Sacramental Programs are also under the direction of the Religious Education Office.  We have restored the order of sacraments, so any child who presents themselves for First Eucharist will also receive their Confirmation.  This is usually in the 2nd grade. 

First Penance is celebrated at the 4th grade level, or sooner per parent request.

If a parent presents a child for Baptism at the age of 7 or above we offer the RCIC process.  This process is a weekly program that is lectionary based.  (Click the RCIA button to read more about this process.)

For all our programs, parents must be registered in our parish. All students who wish to participate in CYO programs must attend Religious Education or attend Catholic School.

We prepare and celebrate the Sacrament of Penance, Eucharist and Confirmation each school year under the direction of the Religious Education Office.  Sacraments are celebrated according to readiness of the student.  One of the criteria for readiness is that the child complete one year of Religious Education classes BEFORE preparation begins.