Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.

Matthew 28:19-20

Program Overview

The person and message of Jesus provides the foundation upon which a life of faith, hope and love is built. As a community of faithful, we are called to proclaim and teach God’s word, celebrate the sacred mysteries and serve others. The religious education program of Sacred Heart Church serves to educate the children of the Parish in Grades K-10 in our shared Catholic Faith, in conformity with the teachings of the universal church. In accordance with the Diocese of Worcester guidelines, Sacred Heart Parish provides instruction for children in both the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Sacramental Preparation. The Parish program runs from October through April each year. Volunteer catechists teach classes of 6-10 children on a weekly or bimonthly schedule, either in their homes or in the religious education offices.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION - In accordance with the Diocese of Worcester guidelines, the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist are conferred in grade 2 and the Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred in grade 10. The curriculum for these grades consists solely of a program of sacramental preparation. These programs prepare the candidates for the initial celebration of and a continued fuller participation in the sacramental life of our parish community. Each sacramental candidate must demonstrate an age appropriate knowledge of our Faith before beginning these programs

Grade 2 Sacramental Requirements – In order to be eligible to receive the sacraments, all candidates for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of the Eucharist must

Grade 10 Sacramental Requirements – In order to be eligible to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, all candidates must

HOME TAUGHT OPTION - Parents of children in grades 1 and 3-9 have the option of teaching in the home. Parents will be provided with a home school guide, to facilitate the teaching process. Children who are taught at home are required to complete unit examinations on a timely basis and submit them to the religious education office for review.

PAROCHIAL SCHOOL STUDENTS - Children who attend a Catholic parochial school are not required to participate in the parish religious education program, except for the Grade 2 and Grade 10 sacramental programs. All children wishing to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, the Eucharist (First Communion), and Confirmation, through the Parish, are required to participate in the Parish’s sacramental preparation programs and should register in the spring prior to entering Grades 2 or 10.

Although parochial school students do not receive a majority of their direct religious education through the Parish, they are an integral part of the overall Parish family. In order to foster a sense of Christian community, which is so important to our Faith, parochial school students are expected to attend all appropriate grade level events.

ABSENCES/REQUIREMENTS FOR PROMOTION - Education in our Faith is an ongoing process, which requires regular class attendance. Children with significant absences over the course of the year must demonstrate a mastery of the course material before they will be allowed to progress to the next grade.

LATE ENROLLMENTS - Individual programs of study may be necessary for any child who (1) initially began a course of religious education, but has not attended for several years (2) Did not receive one or more sacraments or (3) who has never been catechized. Children in Grade 7 and older who have never received formal religious education or who have not received one or more of the age appropriate sacraments will be referred to the Parish’s RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program.

GRADE LEVEL EVENTS - Children in all grades are required to attend an annual grade level retreat. These retreats allow the children to explore certain areas of our Faith in greater detail. All retreats will be held in the Bell Tower Room. All parents will receive a retreat schedule at the beginning of each school year.

PROGRAM EVENTS - In addition, to grade level retreats, there are four program events held each year: a Mass to celebrate Catechetical Sunday in September, an Advent Service, a Lenten Service and a Religious Education Mass of Thanksgiving in June. All families will receive a calendar of program events at the beginning of each school year.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS - We are more than happy to accommodate any child with special needs. Parents are asked to please notify us of your child's specific condition.  If he/she requires a one-to-one aide at school, the parents may need to provide one for him/her to receive their religious education in a class setting.   One-to-one aides must be approved by the religious education office and CORI checked by the church.

BEHAVIOR - Children are expected to behave appropriately when in class or at grade level events. In the event that your child’s behavior becomes a problem, a conference with the parents will be initiated by the appropriate grade level coordinator.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES - Registration begins in May and continues until the Religious Education Mass of Thanksgiving in June. Families who register after this date cannot be guaranteed a place in a class and will have to home teach their child(ren) for that academic year. All families must complete a registration form, which is available at www.sacredheartmilford.org or by calling the religious education office at (508) 473-1036. A baptismal certificate is required for all new students.

The registration fee is $60 per student or $120 per family. The education of our children in our Faith is an essential mission of our Parish. No child will be denied access to the Parish’s program due to financial concerns. Contact the appropriate grade level coordinator - full and partial assistance and payment plans are available through the Parish.

Any outstanding prior registration fees must be paid by the families or waived by the religious education office before a family can register for a new year.

Religious Education Program Information

Amy Donahue
Coordinator – Grades K-6

Donna Niro
Coordinator- Grades 7-10

ccdoffice@sacredheartmilford.org

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish
5 East Main Street
Milford , MA 01757

Rectory: (508) 634-5435
Religious Education Office: (508) 473-1036