Jesus said, “Let the children come to Me and do not hinder them;
for to such belongs the kingdom of Heaven.”
~ Matthew 19:14
Religious Education Classes for Grades Pre-school – Grade 9
Parish School of Religion (PSR)
We offer religious education classes for children in Pre-K through Grade 9, Sacramental Preparation for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation. We also offer Intermediate Sacramental Prep (ISP) for older children who have not yet received sacraments. Registration for our Religious Education Program (Parish School of Religion – PSR) is now open for 2023-2024!
We have a variety of ways to register:
- Online – To pay with a credit or debit card or from your bank account, visit https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/org/831
or Use this QR code: (You do not need to sign up for Faith Direct.)
2. Pick-up a printed copy from the black drop box located outside under the portico and return it along with payment.
3. Print the forms CLICK HERE Return completed forms to the Parish Office in person or by mailing to;
St. Polycarp Church
55 Ransom Lane
Smyrna, DE 19977
Checks should be made payable to St. Polycarp Church. Please write “PSR” on the memo line.
Your registration is not complete until the Registration Form along with payment has been submitted and we have received completed Annual Consent & Release Forms (one for each child) and the Student Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement (one per family). No child will be denied religious education due to inability to pay.
ANNUAL CONSENT AND RELEASE FORM
Student Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement
Mrs. Erica Taylor, Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE)
(302)653-4101
dre@saintpolycarp.org
Judy Lamborn, Assistant to the CRE
(302)653-4101
assistdre@saintpoycarp.org
Schedule of Classes
September through First Week in May
P/K to Grade 4 – Sundays 9:00 am to 10:15 am
Grades 5 to 8 – Tuesdays 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm
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Confirmation Class – Sundays 5:30 – 7:00 pm – See Calendar below
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2023-2024 Calendars
2023-2024 Sunday Calendar, Grades PK – 4
2023-2024 Tuesday Calendar, Grade 5 – 8
2023-2024 Confirmation Class Calendar
SACRAMENTS
FIRST EUCHARIST: First Grade Children – Did you know that in order to be eligible for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist in Grade 2, your child must have completed 1st grade religious education or Catholic school in the coming school year?
CONFIRMATION: Students typically receive the sacrament of Confirmation in 9th grade. There are attendance requirements that must be met prior to beginning prep classes which include attendance in religious education classes in previous years.
If you have an older child who has missed receiving the sacraments in these grades or have a student that will be entering grades 7 or 8 and have not been attending religious education, call our office at (302) 653 – 4101 or e-mail dre@saintpolycarp.org for more information about our Intermediate Sacramental Program (ISP).
Homeschool parents or those who have children in Catholic school – If you have a child old enough to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist or Confirmation and are interested in information about our Parish School of Religion program, please contact our office at (302) 653 – 4101 or e-mail dre@saintpolycarp.org
Do you have a Catholic friend, neighbor or family member whose children are not receiving the religious formation that is vital to the lives of preschoolers through 9th grade? If so, be a Catholic ambassador by inviting them to register their children in our PSR. Sometimes all it takes is a friendly invitation to generate the spark that brings a family back to the Church and parish.
At St. Polycarp Parish School of Religion (PSR) we serve children in pre-kindergarten through ninth grade. Sacramental preparation is offered for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist (2nd grade), and Confirmation (9th grade). Our PSR community recognizes parents as having the primary responsibility for the religious formation of their children. Our catechists (teachers) work collaboratively with parents in teaching children the Catholic faith. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to our mission of teaching children the Catholic faith and the joy of knowing Jesus. In the words of Pope Francis, “Each child is a masterpiece of God’s creation, made in His own image, destined to live forever and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect.” We provide a compassionate learning atmosphere of peace as an alternative to violence. We strictly enforce the policies that ensure a safe environment for our children, entitled “For the Sake of God’s Children.” Throughout the year there are many opportunities for community service including serving the poor and providing support for children in mission areas around the world. Rooted in the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” Grades P/K – Grade 5 use the Sadlier “We Believe” textbook series.
Kids and God: Helpful Tips for Parents If you are more likely to be doing yard work or attending a sporting event on a Sunday morning, than attending Mass, and if most dinners in your home begin without grace, do not worry—you are not alone. But, you are also not alone in your desire for a richer faith life in your family. Not sure how to get started? Commit to these four basic to-dos for the upcoming school year.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Our Program
Our Core Curriculum
Grades 6 -8 use St. Mary’s Press
Grade 9 uses Ascension Press “Chosen” text.Family Faith Building Tips
Building Strong Catholic Families
Forms
Christian Formation Office
Erica Taylor
Coordinator of Religious Education
dre@saintpolycarp.org
302-653-4101
Judy Lamborn
Assistant to CRE
assistdre@saintpolycarp.org
(302) 653-4101