Programs - Children

Religious Education at St. Thomas is dedicated to sharing and deepening the Catholic faith with Parish children of all ages as well as helping parents carry out their faith formation roles and responsibilities.

CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) is a program intended primarily for Catholic children who attend public schools. Some Catholic children attending Catholic schools are also eligible. For additional information, eMail Margaret Brokaw at stareligiousedu@gmail.com.

Classes are offered each year September through April for the following age groups:

• Children - 3, 4, 5 years of age + kindergarten (Sunday only)

• Children – elementary grades 1, 2*, 3 (choice of Sunday or Tuesday)

• Children – elementary grades 4 + 5 (Sunday or Tuesday)

• Children – middle school grades 6, 7, 8 (Sunday or Tuesday)

*Second semester study for Grade 2 children focuses almost exclusively on the study and appreciation of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist, preparing them to make their first Confession and receive their First Holy Communion.

**The Pflaum Gospel support pieces offer a liturgically-based, discussion-based approach/introduction to Jesus in the gospels and help prepare children (and hopefully their families) for the upcoming week’s Mass readings. Format follows story, moral, problem, answer in the Gospel.

Sacramental Class – As appropriate, for children who haven’t yet been catechized, this annual class helps prepare them for receipt of respective sacraments.

Throughout the school year, special events are organized. Among the memorable activities are:

Pre-Halloween, All Saints project – from parade and dress up for the younger children to skits and party for the middle schoolers.

Advent - a season during which the children are encouraged to reflect who they are called to be and to exhibit generosity. In conjunction with the Parish Giving Tree program, the children collect items and help stuff stockings for the needy in the parishes supported by St. Thomas the Apostle at Christmas.

Christmas Eve Children’s Mass - a true re-enactiment of the Nativity story. Children attend and participate in the Mass as stars, angels, shepherds, animals, Wise Men and Mary and Joseph.

Lent - a season where the children are made aware of the beauty of sacrifice…contributing portions of their allowances In order to provide Easter baskets for at-risk youth at John Valenzuela Center on Tucson’s South side.

Each summer this one-week long program is offered for children ending Kindergarten through 5th grade.

A unique theme is selected to engage children and encourage them in their Catholic faith through a combination of fun and learning. Each day the children will experience Bible stories, participate in simple science projects, enjoy snacks, play great games and - through it all - discover God's promise and His life-saving love! 

Camp hours are 9:00 AM - Noon

Next up? VBS 2020! For more information, contact Margaret Brokaw at 520-577-8782, extension 124.