The Religious Education Ministry provides religious education for children who do not attend the Parochial school system. Classes are held from September to May.

Mission

The mission of our Religious Education Program of Seven Sorrows Blessed Virgin Mary Parish is to encourage our students to deepen their knowledge and love of our Catholic faith, our rich heritage and many traditions, so that they may participate more fully and consciously in the life of the Church. This way they will grow in their understanding of the values that Jesus the Lord taught and demanded from all His followers, in an effort to live them today. It is our hope that this process will be enriched and strengthened through the involvement of parents by enforcing the practice of daily prayer in the home and by coming regularly to weekend Masses. Collecitvely, this will bring all of us to a deeper love of God and a deeper love for others by instilling in your child a yearning to serve the needs of those less fortunate than ourselves.

The basic philosophy of the Religious Education Program is to participate with the parents in teaching their children to know, love and serve God. This is done through various educational activities which strengthen faith and give it direction so the children may grow in their faith to Christian maturity. Our Religious Education Program attempts to provide experiences which create an atmosphere through which students will develop their own faith.

We encourage parents and guardians to consider the importance of a child's spiritual education as they grow. 

Program Requirements

The Religous Education Program takes children through preparation for First Penance, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Children must regularly attend Religious Education for two consecutive years in order to receive the Sacraments of First Penance, First Eucharist (grades 1 & 2), and Confirmation (grades 7 & 8).

Parents should contact the Director of Religious Education if their child has missed years of religious education.

Special meetings for parents are scheduled as the children prepare for these Sacraments. Attendance is necessary for parents to effectively help their children prepare for these sacraments.

In order to best teach their students, catechism teachers are encouraged to become certified in Religious Education. Workshops are provided by the Diocese for teacher trainings.

A fee is charged for program costs. Attendance is taken. This program is structured so that the child attending receives the fundamentals of the Catholic religion.

For more information, please contact Ray Kerwin, Coordinator of Religious Education at 717-944-2386 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Program Handbook and Forms

2011-12 Religious Education Family Handbook
2011-12 Religious Education Letter and Registration Form
Excuse for Absence