Faith Formation in our parishes reaches all ages.  The Religious Education Program assists in providing Catholic students, along with their families, a quality and doctrinally accurate Catholic Education under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Total family involvement is encouraged to enable family members in acquiring a broader informed understanding of Creed, Liturgy, Sacraments, Scripture, Life in Christ, Morality, Spirituality and Church History.  The classroom option provides a fun, educational experience in a safe environment, in accordance with diocesan guidelines. The home based options provide guidance, materials and supervision as needed. 

 
 
Religious Education Options
In all options, the catechist directs the student according to the curriculum guidelines published by the United States Council of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Diocese of Steubenville.
 
Pre-K through 8th grade Classroom Study (preferred):
Families who enroll their children in the Religious Education Classes/Youth Groups provided by the parishes are designated Classroom Study.
 
Classes meet August-April on Sunday mornings.
10:00 Program: Pre-K and Kindergarten classes are held during the 10:00 a.m. Mass at Christ the King, in the Church building. 

11:00 Program:  Kindergarten – 8 ^th grade classes begin at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Church.
Classes are held in the Parish Center and in the church building.  All students gather in the church for an opening session then proceed to assigned classrooms by catechists.  Classes end at 12:30 p.m.
 
Pre-K -12 grade Home Based or Home School Families:
Families who choose to provide their children’s Catholic Religious Education at
home are designated Home Based Study. 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. 
Parents are the catechists; resources are available.  Families are responsible for purchase of curriculum materials.
 
Confirmation Prep Program:
Confirmation preparation classes are held monthly on the second Sunday or Tuesday of month at 7:00 p.m.  There are two retreat weekends, summer service and summer faith experience/camp. Students in grade 8, 9 and above prepare this year for reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation in Spring 2018.
 
NOTE:  Students in the eighth grade will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in Spring 2018.
Current 8th grade students are expected to participate in the 11:00 Religious Education program in order to study Theology of the Body in preparation for Confirmation. 
 
 
For more Information contact:
Nancy Denhart, Director of Religious Education
ndenhart@athenscatholic.org
740-592-2711 or 740-590-3302