The School of Religion exists to provide sacramental preparation (First Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation - and in some cases, Baptism for students who were not baptized as infants) as well as continuous, on-going Religious Formation for students in Kindergarten through 8th grades. The Blessed Sacrament Parish Religious Education program strives to communicate the Person and message of Jesus Christ in the context of the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. The goal of the School of Religion is to "put students not only in touch, but also in communion and intimacy, with Jesus Christ." (General Directory for Catechesis, #80) In order for this to be effective, the parents are always considered the first and primary catechists (or teachers) of their children. The Religious Education program can only be a complement and support to their efforts at home. In no way is the School of Religion meant to take the place of our weekly obligation to attend Sunday Mass, whereby we receive the living and true God, Jesus Christ, in the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist.
"Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God." -Luke 18:15-17
We warmly welcome children of all ages and abilities for sacramental preparation! Please do not feel put off if your child is older and has not received the sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and/or Confirmation. Moreover, we offer inclusion (as well as individual, one on one, catechesis upon request) for students with special needs. Every child is welcome here at Blessed Sacrament.
The Prayer of St. Francis de Sales
Be at peace.
Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life;
rather look to them with full hope as they arise.
God, whose very own you are,
will deliver you from out of them.
He has kept you hitherto,
and He will lead you safely through all things;
and when you cannot stand it,
God will bury you in his arms.
Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;
the same everlasting Father who cares for you today
will take care of you then and everyday.
He will either shield you from suffering,
or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace,
and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.
Amen
All classes take place ONLINE (for the first semester-Starting in October, and MAY return to in-person, depending on CDC Guidelines. Classes usually would take place in Blessed Sacrament School.
Classes are:
Sundays: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Pre-K - 8th grade.
Pre-K through Grade 5 are in 20 minute sessions on line
6th-8th Grade sessions are 40 minutes on-line
Tuesdays: 4:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. K - 8th grade.
Pre-K through 5th Grade are in 20 minute sessions on-line
6th-8th Grade are in 40 minute sessions on-line
CATECHISTS AND VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS ARE NEEDED IN THE FOLLOWING GRADES
1st Grade & 5th Grade on Sundays
ALL GRADES except CONFIRMATION CLASS
on Tuesdays!
TO LEARN MORE about becoming a teacher or aide for the School of Religion, please click here.
TO SIGN UP as a catechist or aide, scroll down to fill out the form below, please click here.
Office of Religious Formation Staff
Jane Baily, Director of Religious Education
jbaily@blessedsacramentdc.org
202.449.3989
Rosalie Days, Coordinator for Baptism & First Communion Prep
rdays@blessedsacramentdc.org
202.449.4618
Heather Kuduk-Hsu Adminastrative Assistant for Children's Faith Formation
hhudukhsu@blessedsacramentdc..org
(202) 449-3974
You can find out more about the book your child will be using in the School of Religion this year. Check out these websites for scope and sequences, parent pages, activities you can do at home, and online prayer experiences.
Top 10 Ways to Parent Your Child in the Faith
Catholic Online Resources for Parents
Parent Guides for Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization
Grade Level Glossaries:
Kindergarten Glossary
1st Grade Glossary
2nd Grade Glossary
3rd Grade Glossary
4th Grade Glossary
5th Grade Glossary
6th Grade Glossary
7th Grade Glossary
8th Grade Glossary