...Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:14

Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children in the faith, prayer, and all the virtues. They have the duty to provide as far as possible for the physical and spiritual needs of their children.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2252

Welcome to St. Joseph Religious Education Program

Faith formation begins within the family and our parish religious education program is a support for the foundation that is provided with the family in the home.  Faith formation is a life long process that includes involvement in the life of the parish.  Your active presence at St. Joseph Cathedral strengthens and affirms the whole church community that we are all welcomed into through baptism.

What you can do

We ask your cooperation as parents and as the primary teachers of your children in the ways of the faith in:

• Faithful participation in weekend Mass with your children.
• Particpation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation with your children.
• Praying with your children at home and teaching them the basic prayers of our faith.
• Giving as much priority to religious education as you give to other activities of your children.
• Attending any scheduled sessions for parents.
• Cooperating in matters of discipline.
• Parent volunteering is welcome.

Registration

• Your family must be registered in St. Joseph Cathedral Parish.
• You must complete a Religious Education Program registration form before your child may begin classes.
• Fees are $35.00 for the first child, $10.00 for each additional child with $60.00 maximum per family payable at registration.
• Scholarship funds are available if needed.

Calendars 2011-2012

• Grades 1, 3, 4 & 5
• First Reconciliation / Eucharist
• Faithways Grades 6, 7 & 8
• Confirmation

Meeting Times

• The first year, First Communion Class  and grades 3-5 meet on Sundays from 9:30-10:15 am  in the Cathedral Parish Center.
• Grades 6-8 meet on Mondays from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Cathedral Church Hall.
• Grades 9-10 meet on Wednesdays in St. Anne - St. Augustin Parish Hall.
• The First Eucharist/ Reconciliation sessions meet during the 8:30 am Mass on Sundays.

Cancellation of Classes

Cancellations for weather will be announced on radio station WZID, 97.5 FM and scrolled on WMUR-TV.  Cancellations may also be posted on the Cathedral website.

If Manchester public schools are canceled or have early dismissal because of weather, religious education sessions also will be canceled.

Discipline

We strive to maintain small classes where our catechists are able to give individual attention to each child. None of our volunteer catechists is expected to manage a class with a lot of disruptions from students.  Any child who finds it difficult to be cooperative in class should ask to discuss matters with Mrs. Lang.

Emergency Procedures

• In case of illness during class, parents will be called to come pick up their child.
• Emergency/fire drills will be conducted periodically during the year so that children will know where to go in case of an emergency.  Parents will be notified to pick up their children in case of a building emergency.
• Parents should call the rectory office to update any change address or phone numbers.

Questions?

Please call Colleen Lang at the Cathedral Rectory, 622-6404 or send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it