Parish/Religious Education for 2020 and 2021:

For our 2020-2021 program, please contact Fr. Greg after July 15, 2020.  We are not accepting any applications until July 15, at which time application forms and information letters will be available (but not before). Next Fall’s schedule and general information, however, can be found here after July 1, 2020.

Because of the situation with the pandemic and the protocols we have to follow in our Church, we are currently redesigning our process for next year’s Religious Education Program. Our Fall classes may be taught on Zoom, but we will have to wait and see.  Check back with us at the beginning of July.

Registered active parishioners who have been regularly attending our parish Masses and programs, (and have contributed financially to the parish on a regular basis) will have first preference for enrollment. However, there will be a limited number of openings for non-parishioners and non-active St. Patrick’s parishioners. Attendance of the child together with one parent is mandatory for every session. Requirements for 2020/2021: At least one parent, but preferably both, must have a comprehensive, thorough understanding of English. And, even more importantly, the child must clearly understand and speak English. The minimum age for First Communion is 8 years old and the Third Grade (by the first day of class - American system) and for Confirmation it is 14 years old and the Ninth Grade (by the first day of class). We will also be increasing the homework for the weeks in between the classes.  In 2020-2021 we will only be taking a maximum of 20 students for First Communion.

St. Patrick's Catholic American Community (Chiesa di San Patrizio) offers Religious Education Classes in English for students ages 6 through early teens, plus their parents. We have moved from a class-based school to a family-centered workshop, meeting once or twice a month. If allowed given the pandemic, our classes will meet at the newly renovated space at St. Patrick's Church, and in the parish hall and library below the Church;  otherwise the classes will take place via Zoom. These two hour workshops meet on a Saturday from 3:30 to 5:30 PM from September to May, for a total of 11 sessions. (The times may need to be staggered if we need to offer these classes on Zoom). Each workshop is followed by a Family Mass (held at 6:00 PM in St. Patrick's and livestreamed on Zoom and later posted on Facebook), in which each class takes responsibility for readings and prayers on a rotating basis. While children are in class, parents have a special required class of their own that will assist them in home teaching during the weeks between workshops. One English-speaking parent (they can alternate or both can attend, but it is helpful if both understand English) must attend all sessions. All children and parents who wish to apply for the sacramental programs are required to meet with Fr. Steve before being accepted (these meetings take place AFTER application has been made, and will be done on Zoom.  These appointments take place between July 16 and September 12, 2020).  

Children's classes are taught  by deacons and seminarians from the North American College. There are generally two First Communion classes (age 8+) of approximately 9-10 children each. The Confirmation class (age 14+) contributes 12 hours of community service as part of their classroom requirement.  We also have non-sacramental classes for children in grades 1 through 8, who are either not old enough yet to receive First Communion and Confirmation or have already received First Communion. Adult classes are taught by Fr. Steve Petroff and our new Vice Rector, Fr. Joe Ciconne, plus special guest speakers. All participating parishioner families must be registered members of the St. Patrick Catholic American Community, attend all classes as well as regularly attend Sunday Mass at St. Patrick's Church. There is a separate fee rate for non-parishioners and non-active parishioners in the sacramental classes. If parents themselves have any questions about our program or for an application you can contact Father Steve. (after July 15, 2020)

The calendar for the 2020/2021 school year is below: 

Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24: Children's Pageant Mass at 4:30 PM; Vigil Mass at 7:30 PM (with Christmas Carol Concert at 7:00 PM); Christmas Day Masses: 9:00 AND 10:30 AM.

For other Adult Religious Education Opportunities outside of St. Patrick's Parish, please contact The Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas, at www.laycentre.org