Programs - Children (2024 - 2025)

At the core of the Catholic Faith is a deep and meaningful relationship with the person of Jesus Christ.  Our catechism classes are designed to create opportunities for encounters with God.  Our goal is for our students not to just know about Jesus, but rather to know Jesus, personally, and desire to be his disciples!

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish offers weekly religious education classes of all children in grades Pre-K through 8. We use the Word of Life curriculum, a combined project from Ignatius Press and the Augustine Institute.  Our focus is to make catechism engaging, meaningful, and fun!

We understand that each family is unique and has different needs.  Therefore, we offer three options:

• Sundays, 8:30 – 9:20 AM
• Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 PM
• Homeschooling

Registration Fee: $50 first child; $25 for each additional child.

Register your children online for the upcoming school year:

2024 - 2025 RE REGISTRATION/PAYMENT FORM 

Contact Rob Weierman, Director of Religious Education for scholarship assistance or additional information:  [email protected]. 
 

The Church teaches that parents have the primary role in the formation of their children. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2223).  Therefore, our program is designed to aid parents in this role.  Parents are expected to be active participants in the instruction of their children.  This expectation should not be seen as a burden, but rather an opportunity to share God’s love with your child and to grow closer in and through God’s love.

Homework:  Since our weekly classes are only 50 minutes to one hour long, there will be weekly at home family activities.  These activities are designed to provide opportunities for children and parents to talk about and live the faith at home.  Again, this should not be burdensome or perceived as chore, but rather as an opportunity to share God’s love.

Parish Involvement:  All of our ministries rely on volunteers, which means we will not be successful in our mission and ministries without your help and involvement.  Parents are expected to be involved in the life of the parish.  This can be through volunteering as a classroom aide or signing up to help out at one of our events.  It can include being involved in the liturgy as a lector or being part of the hospitality team at Mass. We need active Catholics in our parish for it to be fully alive!  There are numerous opportunities for you to get involved.  [Get Involved Button linked to Flocknote signup.]
 

Infant Baptism: Please contact Erin Lacomb for more information at 520-577-8780, extension 109 or [email protected].

Child Baptism:  Once a child reaches the age of reason, which in the Catholic Church is considered to be the age of 7, it becomes necessary for the child to receive instruction prior to receiving the sacrament. 

If your child is 7 years of age or older and would like to be baptized, we will work with your family to identify the best path to prepare them.  Contact Rob Weierman for more information at 520-577-8780, extension 124 or [email protected].

First Reconciliation and First Communion: Our students prepare to receive first reconciliation and first Holy Communion in 2nd grade.  Preparation is part of the regular 2nd grade curriculum.

If your child is 8 years of age or older and hasn’t received the sacraments, we will work with your family to identify the best path to prepare them. Contact Rob Weierman for more information at 520-577-8780, extension 124 or [email protected].

Confirmation:  Our students receive the sacrament of Confirmation in high school. Classes are offered on Wednesday evenings using the Ascension Press Chosen program. 

Anyone who is 18 or older, is baptized, and would like to be confirmed would be considered an adult and should register for the Adult Confirmation class.