Parish/Religious Education for 2021-2022

To apply for our 2020-2021 program, please email our Parish Secretary after July 19, 2020. We are not accepting any applications until July 19, at which time application forms will be sent out upon request (but not before). Fall 2021 schedule and general information is posted below.

Due to improvements in the pandemic situation in Italy, we hope to be able to welcome students back to classes in person this fall; however, this situation is far from certain. We do anticipate our first class session (September 18) will be held via Zoom as repairs will be underway in Tara Hall. But subsequent classes should be in person. We do expect that masks will be mandatory for all students and parents, as well as social distancing – which will limit the number of students we can accept.

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 2021/2022: At least one parent, but preferably both, must have a comprehensive, thorough understanding of English. Even more importantly, the child must clearly understand and speak English. Students for First Communion must be at least 8 years old and in the 3^rd Grade (by the first day of class – American system) and for Confirmation they must be at least 14 years old and in the 9^th Grade (by the first day of class). In 2021-2022 our maximum number of First Communion students will be 20 students.

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. Our program follows a family-centered workshop model, meeting once or twice a month. If allowed by pandemic safety protocols, our classes will meet in the newly renovated space of Tara Hall (below the church), as well as designated spaces in the church. Otherwise, classes will take place via Zoom.

These two hour workshops meet on a Saturday from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM from September to May, for a total of 11 sessions. Each workshop is followed by a Family Mass (held at 6:00 PM in St. Patrick's and livestreamed on Zoom), 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 via Zoom. Appointments to take place between July 28 and September 3, 2021).  

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 (depending on COVID protocol). We may also offer 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. These classes will depend on interest and health protocols.

Adult classes are taught by our Rector, Fr. Steve Petroff, our 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. To request an application, please write (after July 19) to: Rosanna Shedid at If parents have questions about our program, you may contact Father Steve (after July 28, 2021).

Please CLICK HERE for our 2021/2022 school year calendar. 

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