Religious Education
“Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it.”
–PROVERBS 22:6
Family-Based Religious Education
Our approach to Religious Education at Mother Teresa follows the A Family of Faith model by the Sophia Institute. The program involves monthly adult classes led by Father Simpson, where parents learn about Catholicism. The parents can then pass on their knowledge and faith to their children at home. We believe that by teaching families as a whole, we can strengthen the faith of both parents and children and build a stronger Catholic community. The cost of the program is $50 per family per year.
First Communion Preparation
First Communion preparation takes place when your child is in 2nd grade. These preparation classes run concurrently with our family-based religious education program. Children in 2nd grade will participate in additional classes designed to help them prepare spiritually and sacramentally for receiving Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time. When you register your child for our religious education program, they are automatically enrolled in First Communion preparation if they are at the appropriate age. For questions about the program, please reach out to our Religious Education Coordinator, Jennifer Turner.
Confirmation Preparation
Confirmation preparation takes place when your child is in 7th and 8th grade. This is a two-year program that runs concurrently with our family-based religious education program, helping young people deepen their faith and prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. When you register your child for our religious education program, they are automatically enrolled in Confirmation preparation if they are at the appropriate age for the Sacrament. For questions, please contact our Religious Education Coordinator, Jennifer Turner
** Please note that the 2026-27 school year will be the last year for 8th graders to have a one-year Confirmation program.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We invite all children K-8th grade to participate in our Religious Education Program.
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A 90-minute parent session is held near the beginning of each month, helping parents deepen their own knowledge of the Catholic faith. Both parents are highly encouraged to attend.
Two 30 to 45-minute at-home lessons are to be completed per month, with additional activities to help make the Catholic faith a part of your family’s daily life.
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The program runs from September through May. A calendar for the year will be provided at the first parent session. Your family will determine when to do the two monthly lessons at home, on your family’s schedule, and at your child’s level.
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Specific preparation to receive these Sacraments is separate from A Family of Faith, and additional information will be provided. However, families who have children who will receive one of these Sacraments this year must participate in A Family of Faith. The $50 per family per year fee includes all the materials for Sacrament Preparation.
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If your child is over the age of our normal Sacrament classes but has not received a sacrament such as First Reconciliation, First Communion, or Confirmation, please reach out to our OCIC (Order of Christian Initiation for Children) program. OCIC is specifically designed to help children catch up on sacraments they may have missed. Contact Steve Banks, our OCIC Lead, at banksds61@gmail.com, and he will work with you and your family to ensure your child receives the Sacraments in a supportive and faith-filled environment.
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Parent guide and children activity books (1 book per child registered): These complimentary materials will be given to your family at the first parent meeting.
Catechism of the Catholic Church: An online version can be found at https://www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/flipbooks/catechism/
Holy Bible: Catholic edition, Revised Standard Version
To learn more about Religious Education at Mother Teresa, please contact Jennifer Turner.
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