We welcome you to St. Bernadette Religious Education Program. It is our joyful task to serve the families of the Shrine Church of St. Bernadette who attend our public schools.

Every child's spiritual formation begins at home at the side of their parents. It is there that parents exercise their primary role – to lead their family in the ways of God. Each Catechist is totally dedicated to the aim of Catechesis: To develop understanding of the mystery of Christ; to accept his unconditional love; to grow in a personal relationship with Jesus and to live as a true disciple who give oneself in loving service to others.

What sets this school apart from other schools? We serve the Spiritual and Sacramental needs of the families who attend the local public schools. Our teachers/catechists give of themselves weekly to help our children grow in God's love.

How to enroll children? 2008 Registration will begin sometime in June. Check for updates in the bulletin and in the Parish News on the website. We will also have registration dates in September.

What is required? Original Baptismal certificate (which will be returned to you). Proof of residency (phone bill or electric bill) and family must be registered parishioners, please bring you envelope number with you. If you are transferring you child from another program a letter of transfer is needed.

How to become a Catechist? See Sr. Gina for information on the classes that are needed.

When are classes? Classes are on Wednesday. Grades 1-5: 2:05pm to 3:15pm
Grades 6 & 7: 3:30pm to 4:50pm. Program consists of 30 classes and children are allowed three excused absences. A calendar with the scheduled classes is given out in September. .

Sacramental Celebrations, All the sacraments have a two year preparation.

• The Sacrament of Reconciliation and Eucharist is celebrated in the second grade. Each child is required to have received Baptism. Each child is required to attend the weekend liturgies with their family and attendance at all the Religious Education classes are mandatory.
  
  A Retreat Day for the children is conducted by the teachers and staff prior to First Eucharist. Parent meetings for both sacraments is need in order for the children to be adequately prepared.
  
  Reconciliation is celebrated in the winter and Communion is celebrated the first Saturday in May.
  
  
• The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in the seventh grade. Each candidate is required to have received Baptism, Reconciliation and Eucharist and have completed all grades previous most especially the Pre-Confirmation class.
  
  A Confirmation Enrollment and Parent Commitment Liturgy is celebrated in the fall where parents present their child to the Christian Community. This is a mandatory component as also is attendance at weekend liturgies and parent/sponsor meeting; Confirmation Retreat and a parent/sponsor meeting is also a requirement. There is also 30 hours of Christian service.
  
  Confirmation is usually in the spring on a date given to us by the bishop.