Religious Education

Dear Parish Family,

Religious Education at St. Mary of the Annunciation is dedicated to supporting parents in their God-given role as the first and most important teachers of the faith. Through faith-filled instruction, sacramental preparation, and opportunities for spiritual growth, we strive to help children and teens deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and become active members of the Church.

Our program provides the diocesan-required formation for children enrolled in Religious Education and offers preparation for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. In addition, we sponsor youth group activities, Vacation Bible School, and formation and training opportunities for catechists and volunteers who serve our parish community.

The vitality of our Religious Education ministry is made possible through the generous dedication of volunteers. Catechists, classroom aides, office assistants, sacramental preparation teams, and many others share their time and talents to nurture the faith of our young people. We invite all parishioners to prayerfully consider how they might serve and help strengthen the future of our parish. If you feel called to be part of this ministry, we would be grateful to hear from you.

Peace and blessings,

Leslie Ray-Beirne

Saint Mary of the Annunciation's religious education program adheres to the requirements of the Diocese of Richmond and utilizes the following curriculum:

Pre-k - 1st: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
2nd - 5th: Our Sunday Visitor - Alive in Christ
6th, 7th, 8th & 9th - Life Teen
10th: Today's Catholic

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CALENDAR
2026-2027

Pre-K - 5th Grade - Class Time: Sundays 11:15AM - 12:45PM (Parish Hall)
10th Grade - Class Time: Sundays 11:15AM - 12:45PM (Conference Room)
6th - 9th Grade - Class Time: Sundays 2:15PM - 4:15PM (Parish Hall)

2nd Grade
Sacrament Schedule

Reconciliation Workshop #1
Reconciliation Workshop #2
First Holy Communion Workshop #1
First Holy Communion Workshop #2
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 10:00AM MASS

6th - 9th Grade Schedule

10th Grade Schedule

PLEASE NOTE:

The social hall will be closed during religious education classes. This is due to VIRTUS safety requirements and our need to adjust classrooms and use the central area for classes or activities that cannot be accommodated by our classrooms. All families and groups are invited, and encouraged, to socialize in the Narthex area. The Narthex area is an appropriate location to socialize and gather up until 10 minutes before Mass starts. At 10 minutes to Mass time, individuals should become focused on preparing for Mass and entering into prayer.

Our catechists are parishioners of St. Mary's who have volunteered their time and talents toward the religious education program. All catechists strive to share and educate the youth of our parish about the Catholic faith. Each catechist has been VIRTUS trained and has completed a background check.

TUITION:

$40.00 per student
$50.00 per student - 2nd Grade Students Only

1st GRADE & 9th GRADE ARE REQUIRED PRE-SACRAMENT CLASSES
The sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion occur in 2nd grade unless otherwise planned. The sacrament of Confirmation occurs in 10th grade unless otherwise planned.

Sacrament classes require separate preparatory sessions and/or retreats as well as parent/student meetings with the priest to discern readiness for the upcoming sacrament. Sunday classes cannot substitute for the preparatory sessions.

The Richmond Diocese requires a minimum of 39 hours of religious education each year. St. Mary's meets that requirement through the above calendar. However, the year may be extended due to cancelled classes for situations such as hazardous weather closings.

Additionally, attendance requirements are enforced for each grade. Students are allowed to miss a maximum of 5 classes before they have the potential for being required to repeat their grade level.

For more information, please Contact Us!