Q: Where will the classes be held?

A: Middle School Ministry, PREP and SPRED will be held at the Giles Campus. Traditional Religious Education will be on the Ascension campus. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Family RE will be on both the Ascension and St. Giles campuses. Additionally, preparation for First Communion, Reconciliation, and Confirmation will be held on both the Ascension and St. Giles campuses.

Q: If I am a member of Ascension and St. Edmund Parish, can my child attend Religious Education on the St. Giles campus?

A: Yes. Any child can attend any Religious Education offering and location.

Q: If I am a member of St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles parish, can my child participate in sacramental preparation on the Ascension campus?

A: Yes. Families can choose the sacramental preparation that is best for their child and the family schedule.

Q: How do I best choose a Religious Education class for my child?

A: There are a number of considerations. How does my child best learn? How much structure does my child need? How involved do I, as a parent, want to be? What day and time allow for consistent participation? To help sort this out or find out more information about a particular program, contact the RE Office.

Q: Does this unification of Religious Education change my current status as a parishioner at a particular parish?

A: No. Where a person is a parishioner is not impacted by this unification.

Q: How is this paid for?

A: The Religious Education tuition helps cover some of the program costs. As a vital ministry in the Catholic Church, Religious Education is supported by both parishes. As in years past, there will be opportunities for families to help defray the program costs via small fundraising projects in the upcoming year.

Q: Is there a benefit to volunteering in the Religious Education program?

A: Yes! Adults have the joy of sharing their faith and witnessing the students grow in theirs. Volunteers in our programs are participating in creating the Church of the future. Additionally, catechists, assistants, table leaders, and mentors can receive a discount on their tuition.

Q: Is Spirit and Light: A Catholic Collaborative for Living Faith just Religious Education?

A: No. The unified Religious Education is a part of Spirit and Light, but the collaborative also includes adult faith formation, evangelization, and other opportunities. An example is Faith and Fellowship, which is adult catechesis for those with severe mental illness.