The main purpose of our parish Religious Education Program is to enable the children to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus. We presently have approximately 1,100 children enrolled in religious education.  Many dedicated parishioners enable us to do this by their presence as catechists in the following programs. We are always in need of volunteers in this most important ministry. If interested, please contact the Religious Education Office here.

SACRAMENT PROGRAMS

Grade 2 celebrates FIRST EUCHARIST in the Spring. This is a two year program.
Grade 8 celebrates CONFIRMATION in the Spring. This is a two year program.
For further information regarding our parish Religious Education Program, or to register your child for religious classes, please contact S. Mary Jane and staff here.

Director - S. Mary Jane Coleman, RSM

Class Schedules

Kindergarten; age 5

Tuesday - 4:15 to 5:15 PM (weekly) Levels 1 through 6
                 7:30 to 8:45 PM (every other week) - Levels 7 & 8
Wednesday - 4:15 to 5:15 PM (weekly) Levels 1 through 6
Thursday - 4:15 to 5:15 PM (weekly) Levels 1-6 Kindergarten
Children with Special Needs - weekdays or Sunday morning

One-on-One Classes - Catch-up classes for children who are not on grade level of religious studies.

Admission Policy – We welcome all who seek our Catholic – Christian faith and lifestyle without reference to color, nationality, disability or economic standing.

Arrival – All students, Kindergarten,
Levels 1 – 8, enter the building via the Auditorium. Outside doors will be opened just 15 minutes prior to the start of class. Doors are locked five minutes after classes begin; students who arrive after doors have been locked are asked to enter the building by the flagpole on Mayfair Road.  Upon arrival all late students must report to the receptionist in the Religious Education office.

Dismissal - Levels 1 – 6 Parents meet students in Auditorium.  Exit by main NHPRd doors only.

    • K Use south (grotto) door of building.
    • Levels 7 – 8 Exit via Auditorium side doors or front door on Mayfair Road.  Please designate a specific area on the parish grounds where you will meet your child(ren).

Notre Dame Religious Education may not be held responsible when a child deviates from their parent designated method of transportation

Safety – The Safety of All Children is the responsibility of all of us.  We ask you to keep younger children with you at all times – not allowing them to run in the Auditorium or in the parking lots. Please drive carefully around the parish buildings.  Backpacks on wheels are not permitted at any time.

Parent Responsibility – Please give equal interest and time to your child’s religious studies as you would give to his/her other school subjects.  This includes reviewing your child’s lesson, as well as preparation/assignments for the next religion class; praying with your child(ren) and responsible attendance at Sunday Mass and the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.  In Sacrament Preparation (Level 2 and Level 8) attendance at all Parent programs/meetings is mandatory.  Students must remain in religion class for their full time of instruction.

Absenteeism – Please make Attendance at Religion classes a PRIORITY. Sports games/practices, outside classes, parties need to be scheduled at times other than religion class time. If a child is sick/absent, please call the Religious Education office (437-5604) on the day of class.  If your child has a prolonged illness or unusual situation which will prevent her/him from attending religion class regularly, please inform the Religious Education office as soon as possible. More than three (3) absences during the school year is considered serious. Excessive absences may prevent a student from advancing to the next level.  If a serious reason arises and you must take your child from class early, please send a written note to your child’s catechist. A parent must personally come to the Religious Education office to pick up their child.

Curriculum                   Publisher and Text
K, Levels 1,3,4,5,6,& 7 Benziger -Christ Jesus, the Way
Level 2                         Benziger -First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
Level 8                         Loyola Press – Confirmed in the Spirit
                                   “Visions” -weekly lectionary magazine

Communication – The Religious Education Office communicates via phone calls, mail and notices sent home with your child(ren).

Inclement Weather – In case of inclement weather on the day of your child’s religious instruction, PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES:

  • If local public schools are closed, Religious Education classes will be canceled.
  • If inclement weather occurs during the school day and it becomes necessary to cancel Religious Ed classes, we will:
    • Notify your child’s school to have this information announced.
    • Have it broadcast on these stations
      • NEWS12 -LONG ISLAND
      • WOR RADIO  -710 AM
      • WCBS RADIO -880 AM
      • WINS RADIO -1010 AM

Our answering machine will also carry this message.

Custody Concerns – Any family with concerns about child custody issues must send any requests they have concerning their individual child(ren) to the Religious Education Office in writing. If a custodial parent requests in writing that we do not release their child to a non-custodial parent, we will do our best to honor the request, but have not power over the child’s actions.  Non-custodial parents will be given access to unofficial copies of student’s records, and catechists will be able to discuss the student’s progress unless a court order providing otherwise is filed with the administrator.

Liability of Program – Our Religious Education Program provides a safe environment for students to come and learn. We are in compliance with the Diocesan Code of Pastoral Conduct.

Discipline Code – All students must show appropriate respect for catechists and other students.  Behaviors that will lead to penalties include: fighting, pushing, hitting; inappropriate language or behavior; running in the building; willful destruction of property; any verbal abuse of others.
Consequences of inappropriate behavior include:

  • First offense    -being sent to office
  • Second offense -parents contacted by phone and in writing
  • Temporary suspension from class
  • Removal from program; parents must provide religious study at home followed by an appropriate grade level test

Health Issues – If your child has unusual medical conditions (allergies, medications, etc.), please inform the Religious Education Office. In the event that a medical situation occurs, minimal first aid (band-aide, ice pack) will be administered and parents will be notified when deemed necessary.  Please be sure that we have your updated home, business and cell phone numbers.