Religious Education at Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys is centered on the fundamental teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Saint Anselm’s “Faith Seeking Understanding,” is a primary inspiration. That is, faith underlies our spirituality, but one who possesses true faith also possesses a passionate desire to understand that faith. Hence, our obligation to nourish that need and enflame that desire. It is also our firm belief that a child will have greater difficulty remaining faithful to Catholicism without having first a firm intellectual foundation in the basic tenets of the faith. One cannot pledge their heart to something they don’t understand! Therefore, the program relies on the “Faith and Life” series published by Ignatius Press. This catechetical series, in our evaluation, offers the most substantial doctrinal content of any major catechetical series available in the United States. The series provides a challenging course, which reaps tremendous rewards for children who learn it. It is our firm belief that Jesus Christ gave the Keys of the Kingdom to Peter and, in turn, to all of his successors: the popes of the subsequent centuries. Therefore, it is important that any catechetical series used is not just technically “in conformity,” but in strong and loving conformity with the office of Peter, which guarantees the purity of the message of Jesus Christ for all centuries.

Religious Education is conducted at Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys for grades K-9. Before all else, children are expected to follow all precepts of the Church, which includes Holy Mass every Sunday. Any family not committed to this most basic of commandments not only breaks the Law of God but actively raises their children to disrespect God. If a child grows up complacent about respect to God and His Church, then respect for parents and civil law will be the next casualties, as is so widely evident in today’s society.

Children must attend mass every Sunday at Saint Marguerite’s to gain credit for the CCD year, but more importantly, to live the faith they are taught. They will never know how important Jesus is unless they grow to know, love, and commit to His Holy Bride, the Church.

Children normally receive First Communion in 2nd grade and Confirmation in the late fall of their ninth grade year. Children must participate in 7 hours of extra preparation for both the sacraments of Penance/Reconciliation and First Communion. First Penance always precedes First Communion as mandated by the Holy See. Learning basic prayers is required before receiving the sacraments. Parents are directed to work with their children at home on all the basic prayers, as well as the individual chapters of the catechetical book. For Confirmation, children must attend an overnight retreat, write short essays on their chosen saint and the importance of confirmation to their Catholic faith, and perform certain hours of service to the Church and community. Above all, they should demonstrate a serious desire to receive and commit to the privileges and responsibilities of confirmation.

Most children are not involved in a sacramental year, yet they undergo, with the help of dedicated teachers, assistants, and prayer tutors, a serious religious formation that focuses on the sacraments and the importance of them in our daily lives. The Eucharist and Holy Mass are primary teaching objectives each year, and emphasis is also placed on regular confession, which highlights the critical need for repentance, forgiveness and grace that transforms every person who cooperates with God’s infinite love. Each child also meets weekly with a prayer tutor, who evaluates the child and charges them with one or two promulgated prayers to learn and integrate into their personal prayer life. Included are the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Guardian Angel, Act of Contrition, Memorare, Prayer to Saint Michael, and more.

Parents are strongly encouraged to work with their children on their prayers. At parent- teacher meetings parents are instructed in their child’s program for that particular year. They are also given a written outline of the entire year, in question format, which allows the parent in a brief span of time to review the weekly lesson with their child. This interaction not only reinforces the children’s instruction but also the parent’s, as well as strengthens the ability of parents and children to freely talk about their faith in a knowlegeable and intimate way.

Children are required to meet every week for class. If a child misses more than three classes they must begin making them up with their teacher. Children who miss a large amount of class time without makeups will repeat the year. Medical difficulties or other unusual situations such as split families are handled with compassion and alternative solutions with the director of religious education. No one who sincerely seeks the Lord is ever turned away.

Children who reenter religious education after several years of absence will either be placed in a lower grade; or, may enter their own grade only through completing additional work under the supervision of the DRE. Children who enter religious education at an older age, but still need first confession and first communion, will enter an additional workshop of sacramental preparation.

All children must submit a copy of their baptismal certificate prior to acceptance into the program. Recently relocated families must furnish proof of prior religious education in their previous parish.

Snow days will be announced on popular radio stations such as 98Q and WLAD. If school is snowed out, then CCD is cancelled that same day.