Welcome to the Saint Clare’s Children’s Catechesis page! Catechesis classes are available for children from Kindergarten until 11th Grade (*exception is for 12th Grade Seniors only need Confirmation and/or First Eucharist, but have previously been Baptized, and received the Sacrament of Confession.)
Sacramental Preparation
All children must be baptized, or preparing to receive the Sacrament of Baptism in order to be in the Religious Education classes. If a child, under the age of 7 Is not baptized, please sign them up for Baptism Classes with Joe Lukaszewski (jlukaszweski@stcpaz.org or 623-975-5612).
We are currently working on a program for unbaptized children 7 years of age and older.
The Diocese of Phoenix follows the Restored Order. This parallels more closely how the Early Church prepared for Sacraments. Sacramental Preparation begins in second grade with preparation for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation.
** All children must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation BEFORE proceeding to The Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Eucharist.
In Third Grade, the child will begin to prepare for the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Eucharist. It is a two year Sacramental Process.
Sacramental Celebrations
First Reconciliation Preparation:
The celebration of your child’s First Reconciliation will typically be in February and/or early March (Official dates to be determined).
Confirmation and First Holy Eucharist Celebration:
Each year we offer 3 days and times to the Diocese of Phoenix. They contact the Vicar Priest, who will confer the Sacraments, and coordinate a date. It is typically a Saturday in May at 10:00am (Official dates to be determined).
Curriculum
Currently, we are using the Spirit and Truth Parish Edition Series by Sofia Institute. If you would like more information on the curriculum, please visit the Textbook website: sophiainstituteforteachers.org/shop/spirit-of-truth/parish-edition
Classes Offered
We offer the following classes:
- Kindergarten-1st Grade
- 2nd-3rd First Reconciliation Preparation
- 3rd Confirmation and First Eucharist Preparation
- 4th-6th First Reconciliation Preparation
- 4th-6th Confirmation and First Eucharist
- 4th-6th Continued Post Sacramental Catechesis (for children, who have completed all their Sacraments)
- 7th-11th First Reconciliation Preparation
- 7th-12th Confirmation and First Holy Eucharist Preparation
Schedule
Classes begin in September and run till the end of May. We follow the Dysart School District Schedule. There are no classes on:
- Dysart School Fall Break
- Veteran’s Day
- Christmas Break
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- President’s Day
- Dysart School Spring Break
- Diocese of Phoenix’s Easter Break
Class Day and Times
The 2023-2024 classes are taking place on Wednesdays in the Social Hall at either 4:00-5:30pm or 6:00-7:30pm.
*Days and Times are subject to change depending on construction of the new building)
Registration
Registration for the 2023-2024 Religious Education year is open from July 10 - August 22. Please download, fill out, and return the forms to the parish office not later than Tuesday, August 22. There is a mandatory parent meeting on Wednesday, August 30 at either 4:00pm or 6:00pm in the Hall.
*We will need a copy of your child's Baptism certificate that has been issued within the last 6 months, if we do not have a copy already.
Fees can be paid by cash or check in the office or by going to membership.faithdirect.net/AZ1084.
One time giving instructions:
- Click the Faith Direct Link
- Click "Make a One-Time Gift Now"
- Click "PAY 2023-2024 Religious Education Fees"
- Add your card information and click "Process Gift Now"
- Print a copy of your payment confirmation to submit with your registration form
