Religious Education at St. Scholastica: Children and Parents Formed in the Faith Together

The statistics are startling. It seems that a new study comes out almost every week, detailing the declining numbers of people, especially youth, who consider themselves to be “Christian.” There is a battle for the hearts and minds of young people, in a world that often seeks to tear them away from faith.

With this in mind, the Church places a special emphasis on the teaching of young children, often through religious education programs. And in these times of COVID-19, Director of Religious Education Peggy Morrow has been creative in giving our children and families opportunities to grow in their faith and relationship with God.

This year, the formation for our youngest parishioners, birth through second grade, has transitioned to a family catechesis model, A Family of Faith. A Family of Faith provides parents with the necessary resources and support to share the faith at home with their children, while also offering opportunities for families to come together in community. Each month, the parents receive formation and guidance via Zoom, in how to best implement the two lessons they will share with their families.

“Kids know their faith when it’s practiced at home,” Peggy says. “The families I know who are all still Catholic are the ones who pray together and talk about [the faith] as a primary mover and shaker of the family life. Maybe they read Bible stories together, maybe they look at the Catechism together, play a faith-based game, or watch a FORMED movie or visit Mother Cabrini’s shrine. Faith is part of what they’re doing every day, day in, and day out.”

Also, families will have the opportunity to come together in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament at Children’s Adoration one Sunday a month, as well as a fun social event with other families. These events will all take place on Sunday mornings, with the necessary safety and social distancing precautions in place.

“Having your family participate in the faith community, sharing their faith with other families is important,” Peggy says.

Those preparing to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist — typically children in the third grade, and under certain circumstances up until the fifth grade — will gather in person on Tuesday evenings. These classes will provide hands-on opportunities for students to grow in their understanding of the faith, deepen their relationship with God in prayer, and prepare to receive the graces of the final Sacraments of Initiation. Last year, the youth participated in a virtual saint fair, made salvation history movies, and more.

“Here they are, in third grade, at the age of reason, where they have a greater sense of right and wrong, good and evil, and they’re getting infused with that extra grace to help them choose the good,” Peggy says. “It’s just a beautiful thing to watch them receive that extra boost — they need that extra grace to stand firm in the faith.”

For children who are already fully initiated — fourth and fifth grades — post-Confirmation formation classes are offered on Tuesday evenings, as well. These sessions will focus on empowering children to grow in virtue, understanding God’s design for their lives, and becoming “spiritual champions.”

Peggy hopes that this year, families embrace these opportunities to grow closer to the Lord together. She encourages parents to prioritize sharing their faith with their children, both at home and within our parish community, through A Family of Faith events and religious education classes.

“Your children are the only thing that you can take with you to heaven,” Peggy says. “Instead of striving for sports scholarships to get into universities, think a little more longterm, making it to eternity with your children. Those other things — they are nice, but in the long term, the eternal realm, you want to be with them in heaven.”

If you would like more information, or to register your child in our Religious Education program, please contact the parish office at 303-828-4221 or email Peggy Morrow at REdirector@stscholasticaerie.org.

A Family of Faith community events take place on the fourth Sunday of the month, on our new property.

A Family of Faith community events provide an opportunity for families to have fun with others in our parish, while building their faith.