Welcome to 2017-2018 Faith Formation for the youth of our parishes.

“I believe in order to understand, and I understand to believe better” (St Augustine; Catechism 158).
 
When we learn about God and what He has revealed, we open our eyes and come to
understand and believe what God teaches, thus we open our hearts to grow to love God more. The Athens Catholic Community Religious Education Program helps our children and their parents understand and believe better.
 
Summer has ended and the new school year has begun.  Our children encounter many different values and beliefs.  By studying our Catholic Faith, we come to understand our world better and more importantly the teachings of Jesus.  These teachings help each to believe better!  Our catechists strive to create faith filled classrooms of understanding. Come join us.
 
Below contains important information about Religious Education for Pre-K through 8^th grade students and Confirmation preparations for the 5^th through 8^th grades in 2018.
 
Religious Education Options
Pre-K through 8^th grade Classroom Study: (preferred)
Families who enroll their children in the Religious Education Classes/Youth Group provided by the parishes are designated Classroom Study. Each family pays a small tuition fee.
 
Classes meet September-April on Sunday mornings at Christ the King in the Holy Family Center and Church buildings located at 75 Stewart Street, Athens. The KICK-OFF for the classroom program is Sunday, September 10, 2017.
 
10:00 Program: Pre-K & K classes meet in classrooms located off the Gathering Space in
Christ the King Church during the 10:00 AM Mass.  Drop off and pick up is in the classroom

11:00 Program:  Kindergarten – 8^th grade classes begin at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Church.
Classes are held in the Church building and the Holy Family Center. All students gather in the church for an opening session then proceed to assigned classrooms led by catechists. Classes end at 12:30 PM.
 
Pre-K -12 grade Home Based or Home School Families:
Families choosing to provide complete education for their children at home according to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church are designated Catholic Home School Families. Families who choose to provide their children’s Catholic Religious Education at home are designated Home Based Study. Parents are the catechists. Families are responsible for purchase of curriculum materials. Reports to the DRE are required who then passes information on to the Pastor.
 
Confirmation Prep Program:
In spring 2017, Bishop Monforton set into place a mandate that the Sacrament of Confirmation is to be conferred by the age of reason.  In our Diocese, the Diocese of Steubenville this means that youth are to be confirmed by the 5^th grade.  Confirmation preparation for students currently in grade 5-8 begins in fall of 2018.  Additional information will be forthcoming as the Diocesan Office of Christian Formation gives direction. Preparation will be completed in the regular Religious Education Program, 2018-2019 year.
 
The current Confirmation Candidates of St. Paul and Christ the King are in grades 9 & 10.
This group of teens, who are in the second year of preparation, will continue their gatherings as schedule to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in spring, 2018.
 
To register your family for Religious Education
Please use the link on the parish website http://athenscatholic.org/religious-education-registration
 
 
ACT (Athens Catholic Teens)
Exciting NEW group for Teens 13+ to gather to have fun, join in service, be challenged, and continue their participation in Parish opportunities to grow in faith. Contact The Youth Group Team at youthgroup@athenscatholic.org for more information.
 
 
Contact: Nancy Denhart, Director of Religious Education  ndenhart@athenscatholic.org