Children’s catechesis (1-8), which begins in the home, continues in the wider parish community in a more formalized setting. This catechesis incorporates doctrine, worship, scripture, and service presented at an age-appropriate level. Our parish also provides spiritual and educational opportunities for children ages 3, 4, in an unstructured program called God’s World. All classes are held at St. Jude Parish Center in the school. Class assignments and sessions are based on grade and the public school attending. Families provide transportation to and from class. Directions, Parking Lot Manners and Program Policies are reviewed in the September letter.

Our structured Religious Education program is Christ centered and the curriculum is based on the Diocese of Bridgeport’s Religion Curriculum Guidelines. Students are expected to be familiar with the stories of the faith and to know and understand the basic glossary of Catholic terms, prayers, liturgical symbols and gestures for their grade level. This BASIC PROGRAM of faith is a continuous program for Grades 1 thru Grade 8. Children missing a grade level are required to make-up the missed grade with their family.

Sacraments involve a personal relationship with Jesus and an active relationship with the parish community. Sacramental Catechesis and Celebration are the responsibility of the entire parish community. St. Jude School children and Public School children study and celebrate together. Suitable catechesis is to be given before the celebration of each sacrament. The Sacrament Catechesis should always involve the family. The Family is the Primary Catechist. Sacrament Catechesis is offered to students already participating in the Basic Program.

God’s World is a pre-school program designed to help little children experience God in their everyday lives. The program is designed to include prayer, song, arts/crafts and knowledge at an age appropriate level.

1. Children are put in class by age. The classes are taught by volunteer parents and high school students.
2. All classes are held at the Parish Center on Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. Classes are about one hour.
3. There are approximately 16-20 classes scheduled.
4. This program is funded by donations from the participants and parish subsidy.
5. Registrations are taken in the Summer/early Fall.
6. For more information, call the parish office at 261-6404 or the R.E.O. at 261-6788.

Please complete the registration form section for volunteering and support your Religious Education Program. Please see the over-all Religious Education Schedule, to make your selection. You may select any day or time that suits your schedule. The registration form is completed when you register your children.

The volunteer section is on the Religious Education registration form. This form is completed annually so file updating can take place. We ask you to volunteer at this time.

We hope the information above was helpful. Call us at 203-261-6788 for a more detailed explanation of our Programs & Policies.