Religious Education and Catechesis
All the Christian faithful, since they are called by baptism to lead a life in keeping with the teaching of the gospel, have the right to a Christian education by which they are to be instructed properly to strive for the maturity of the human person and at the same time to know and live the mystery of salvation. Parents, since they have given life to their children, have a most grave obligation and possess the right to educate them. Therefore, it is for Christian parents particularly to take care of the Christian education of their children according to the doctrine handed on by the Church.
The duty and right of educating belongs in a special way to the Church, to which has been divinely entrusted the mission of assisting persons so that they are able to reach the fullness of the Christian life. Since true education must strive for complete formation of the human person that looks to his or her final end as well as to the common good of societies, children and youth are to be nurtured in such a way that they are able to develop their physical, moral, and intellectual talents harmoniously, acquire a more perfect sense of responsibility and right use of freedom, and are formed to participate actively in social life. In each parish, the pastor has particular care for the Catholic education of children and youth. Pastors have the duty of arranging everything so that all the faithful have a Catholic education.
The parish community continues to be the prime mover and preëminent place for catechesis. The vocation of the parish is to be a fraternal and welcoming family home, where those who have been baptized and confirmed become aware of forming the People of God. In that home, the bread of good doctrine and the Eucharistic Bread are broken for them in abundance, in the setting of the one act of worship; from that home they are sent out day by day to their apostolic mission in all the centers of activity of the life of the world.
The duty and right of educating belongs in a special way to the Church, to which has been divinely entrusted the mission of assisting persons so that they are able to reach the fullness of the Christian life. Since true education must strive for complete formation of the human person that looks to his or her final end as well as to the common good of societies, children and youth are to be nurtured in such a way that they are able to develop their physical, moral, and intellectual talents harmoniously, acquire a more perfect sense of responsibility and right use of freedom, and are formed to participate actively in social life. In each parish, the pastor has particular care for the Catholic education of children and youth. Pastors have the duty of arranging everything so that all the faithful have a Catholic education.
The parish community continues to be the prime mover and preëminent place for catechesis. The vocation of the parish is to be a fraternal and welcoming family home, where those who have been baptized and confirmed become aware of forming the People of God. In that home, the bread of good doctrine and the Eucharistic Bread are broken for them in abundance, in the setting of the one act of worship; from that home they are sent out day by day to their apostolic mission in all the centers of activity of the life of the world.
Religious Education Notes
- Parents must be parish members, complete the registration form, and pay the fee on or before the first night of classes.
- Classes for grades 1-8 are held roughly two to three times a month from 6:00–7:15 pm.
- First Class begins on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 6:00 pm in Church.
- If you have questions call the RE office at 715-423-1251 or email at [email protected].
Parent Participation
Please email or call me to let me know which area you would like to volunteer. (All adults in a classroom including visiting parents must have completed the Safe Environment Requirements)
- Catechist (Teacher) - for the 2024-25 school year tuition fee for one child will be waived.
- Co-Catechist - Willing to teach with another adult.
- Catechist Aide- Assists in classroom
- Substitute Catechist
Religious Education Registration Signup
Welcome to the Rapids Catholic Youth Ministry program for the 2024-2025 year. This year, Our Lady Queen of Heaven, St. Lawrence, SS. Peter and Paul, St. Philip, and St. Vincent de Paul will offer three collaborative High School programs to choose from. Classes will be held on St. Lawrence, St. Vincent de Paul, and SS. Peter and Paul campuses.
Class Options
Registration. Please register online by clicking the button below. If you prefer to register on paper, please contact me at [email protected]. All tuition fees are due by September 3. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you encounter any issues during registration.
Communication. To keep parents updated, we will send a reminder email about classes the day before the class is scheduled. In case of weather closures, we will email the day of class.
Service. All high school students are required to complete eight service or ministry hours. This is not just a requirement but a chance for our students to contribute to their community and learn valuable life skills. If a student has not already obtained one, service hour record sheets will be given out at the first class. Service is a program requirement, and completion of that service is necessary. Failure to complete service hours may delay next year's registration or Sacraments.
Attendance is a requirement. If an absence occurs, parents must email me to let me know before the absence. For some classes, make-up work will be given and must be completed before the next class.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime. I look forward to meeting you all.
Sacramental Prep Requirement. High School youth must attend one year prior of Faith Formation Classes either in the Catholic School or at Religious ed. in order to be eligible for 10th grade Confirmation Sacramental Prep.
Class Options
- First Wednesday of each Month, September 4 – May 7, from 6:00-8:00 PM. at St. Lawrence Parish.
- Family Faith formation on the Second Wednesday of each Month, September 11 – May 14, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, at St. Vincent de Paul. (NOTE: a parent or guardian must attend classes with the teen.)
- Twice a Month on Sundays, September 15 – May 18, from 4:30 -5:45 PM. at SS. Peter and Paul Parish.
Registration. Please register online by clicking the button below. If you prefer to register on paper, please contact me at [email protected]. All tuition fees are due by September 3. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you encounter any issues during registration.
Communication. To keep parents updated, we will send a reminder email about classes the day before the class is scheduled. In case of weather closures, we will email the day of class.
Service. All high school students are required to complete eight service or ministry hours. This is not just a requirement but a chance for our students to contribute to their community and learn valuable life skills. If a student has not already obtained one, service hour record sheets will be given out at the first class. Service is a program requirement, and completion of that service is necessary. Failure to complete service hours may delay next year's registration or Sacraments.
Attendance is a requirement. If an absence occurs, parents must email me to let me know before the absence. For some classes, make-up work will be given and must be completed before the next class.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime. I look forward to meeting you all.
Sacramental Prep Requirement. High School youth must attend one year prior of Faith Formation Classes either in the Catholic School or at Religious ed. in order to be eligible for 10th grade Confirmation Sacramental Prep.