There are many gifts that parents give their children: education, food, clothing, and shelter. How much more important is it to give them the gift of morals, values, and a way to live life in the everchanging, more challenging secular world in which we live?
The Church, meaning the parish, is responsible for ensuring that children of catechetical or school age are offered training and formation in the fundamental tenets of our faith. There is so much to teach children from our Tradition and traditions, including the truth found in the Sacred Scriptures, the Bible.
Faith formation is lifelong, but it starts with foundations in the elementary grades through middle school and then into high school youth ministry. Trained volunteer catechists and a youth minister make religious education and youth ministry at St. Anthony Parish possible. Our first and foremost goal is to create a warm, welcoming environment for young Catholics to learn, experience, and explore their faith. We strive to provide religious education that not only equips our students with knowledge of Catholicism, but allows them to build friendships and have fun while they learn.
Please scroll down to find information about specific age groups.
Parents can enroll their daughters and sons as early as kindergarten to learn about Jesus, learn basic faith concepts, and become more familiar with the faith life of the parish. In our C.R.E.A.T.E. classes (Community Religious Education Appealing to Everyone), children gather in small grade-level groups where they are guided toward a deeper relationship with God and come to more fully embrace what prayer, mercy, and compassion mean. Colorful resources, active discussions, and fun activities enliven their learning.
First Communion Students in first grade will begin their first year of preparation in class, while students in second grade will receive the Sacrament in the spring after their second year of prep. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be celebrated for those second graders that are receiving their First Communion in the spring. LEARN MORE: RECONCILIATION | EUCHARIST
We offer religious education in all other elementary grades so children can continue to grow in the Catholic Christian faith. The classes are an extension of the children's participation in Sunday Mass.
Grades K to 5 are meeting Tuesdays, 4:00 to 5:15 pm. For the 2021-2022 year, our program will began with an orientation meeting and class on Tuesday, October 12 from 4:00pm to 5:15 pm
REGISTER HERE
NOVA gives St. Anthony middle schoolers their own safe, fun place to participate in solid Catholic community, get answers to their questions about faith, and, most importantly, experience Jesus in a profound and personal way.
NOVA uses Life Teen’s Edge program, which speaks to the physical, psychological, cognitive, relational, and spiritual maturation of middle school youth. It meets these teens where they are and helps them relate to their world.
This group meets on every other Wednesday, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
REGISTER HERE
High schoolers, join a fun and exciting youth ministry experience with OASIS. Meet weekly with other teens to engage in thought-provoking group meetings, activities, retreats, and religious education. Experience a cooperative environment where you are encouraged to speak your mind, discuss the topics of the day, and worship together.
OASIS operates as an outlet, a venue, and a haven for local teens to celebrate, pray, and experience God. We welcome everyone into this space as a sanctuary from the rest of the world.
Confirmation The Confirmation program is a two-year program in which the first formation year is spent in Youth Ministry. Confirmation is celebrated every odd year at St. Anthony Parish; students that will be freshmen in the 2022-2023 school year, or older, will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in spring 2023. LEARN MORE: CONFIRMATION
This group meets Sundays from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
REGISTER HERE
To register, download the appropriate forms, below. Please turn in your completed forms at the church office. Forms are also available in the church vestiblule turnstile.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION SIGN-UP FORM
YOUTH MINISTRY SIGN-UP FORM
CONFIRMATION SIGN-UP FORM
Registration fees are payable at the church office.
** If you are registering in the religious education program for the first time, please be prepared to present a copy of your child’s Baptismal certificate.**
Questions? Please contact the PARISH OFFICE
Children age seven years and older may prepare for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC). Contact Jean Rummelhoff or the PARISH OFFICE
A CALLING TO BECOME AN ALTAR SERVER It's time to call upon our children to come back to church and to be engaged in the life of the parish by becoming altar servers. We are calling upon boys and girls who have already received First Holy Communion to register for this program. Parents, please help your children to do so if they express a desire to become an altar server by submitting their names to the parish office. We are aspiring for a life-giving and vibrant liturgy. Your kids will have an important role in it!