Religious Education 2021-22 School Year & Registration
The St. Mary Religious Education program will offer in-person classes this fall. We are looking forward to welcoming students to classes after a year of learning at home. We will continue to follow all Covid safety guidelines, as issued by the Diocese of Kalamazoo. Currently, masks are recommended for in-person instruction, and additional recommendations may be made at any time. As always, we will plan and work with the safety of our children and catechists in mind. Classes will begin the week of September 12. 

An online registration form is available HERE.  If you would like your child to participate in religious education, please complete the form by September 8 so that we can plan accordingly.  Online classes or packets are available for those who may be unable to attend in-person classes.  
 
Schedule for 2021-2022  
The following class schedule was created with class size and catechist availability in mind.
· Kindergarten-Grade 3:  Sunday mornings from 10-10:50am (between Masses) beginning September 12. Click HERE for a complete schedule.
· Grades 4-7:  Tuesday afternoons from 4-5pm beginning September 14. Click HERE for a complete schedule.
· Grade 8 (Confirmation):  Sunday afternoons twice a month from 12:30-2:00pm:  beginning September 12. Click HERE for a complete schedule.
· High School Youth Ministry:  On Thursday, September 30 at 6pm, Fr. Craig will offer a special Holy Hour geared toward high school students from both St. Mary & St. John, and those in the RCIA program.  We invite all high school students to attend! The Holy Hour will be held in the St. Mary Parish Hall. A barbecue will be held immediately following adoration in the parking lot. This will be a great opportunity for high school students to pray and socialize together!  In order to help us plan, please RSVP to Sara Rodgers at (269) 781-5656 or stmaryschoolofreligion@gmail.com
 
Sacramental Preparation Information
Preparation for First Penance (Confession), First Holy Communion, and Confirmation is included within the context of the Religious Education Classes.  Typically, students would receive First Penance and First Holy Communion at the end of the second grade year.  Confirmation is received at the end of the eighth grade year. 
Students must be enrolled for a minimum of two years of religious education classes prior to receiving a sacrament.

High School Youth Ministry
Our High School Youth Ministry group is open to all parishioners grades 9-12.  

For further information, please contact Director of Religious Education Sara Rodgers at (269) 781-5656 or stmaryschoolofreligion@gmail.com

WELCOME TO R.C.I.A – The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults . . .
a Journey of Belief, Truth, and Faith!
Fr. Craig, with guest speakers, inspiring video clips, and engaging discussions, leads all in an exploration of the Catholic Faith. Classes meet every Thursday at 7pm in the Parish Hall and they will begin sometime in late October 2021. We will practice safe social distancing and follow all guidelines from the Diocese. ALL adults (post high school) are welcome. Please bring a Catholic Bible and Catholic Catechism if you have such. If not, they will be provided. For more information contact Carol DiBiaggio, R.C.I.A. Coordinator, at 269 967-2919 or Trinitas@att.net.

Discover the Catholic Faith for the First Time
or
Rediscover Your Catholic Faith!
 
 

This group meets on Tuesday nights at 7pm to discuss the upcoming Sunday Gospel reading. Meetings are held in the St. Monica Room in the St. Mary School Building. Please contact Karen Bess with questions: karen.bess60@gmail.com  

This groups meets weekly on Saturday mornings at 7am in the St. James Room to pray and discuss Gospel readings. Questions? Please contact Jim Dyer at: jdyer@net-link.net

Click the links below to learn about Catholic School opportunities within the Diocese of Kalamazoo:

Diocesan Catholic Schools Website

Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools Website