Every year, nearly 150 English-speaking children from our region participate in our faith education classes, learn about their faith, and prepare for their First Communion and Confirmation.
Our Religious education Program offers classes for elementary school children every year from their first introduction in Level 1 all the way through to their Confirmation.
Our program
Children can start with Level 1 as soon as they enter grade 1 and must complete Levels 1 and 2 before doing their First Communion in Level 3. Children new to the program who are in grade 2 or lower should register for Level 1.
If your child has not done any classes, has not received their first communion, and is in grade 3 or higher, contact our program coordinator at :
[email protected] to find out what your options are.
This year children will continue to work through the “Be My Disciples” workbooks at home with their parents for Levels 1,2,4,5, from October to the end of May but children will have to attend classes at church 6 times throughout the year from October to May.The book provides the children with a good understanding of their faith. Prayers and traditions of the Catholic church give families an opportunity to come together as a community by attending mass once per month and integrating their faith into their lives.
One Day Bible Camp
Our One Day Bible Camp which is held in the spring, on a Saturday from 9:00 am to 2pm was a great success the past two years , so we plan on having it again in May 2024. A full day of activities and games based on Bible messages and Christian values is offered. Attendance is mandatory and we count on the help of parents volunteers. If you have older children who need to do community service, we could use their help. Contact the coordinator.
Attending Mass
Children registered in the Be my Disciple program (level1,2,4,5,) must attend mass with their families once per month between October and May. They must also bring their workbooks with them in order to have them stamped by the person responsible at the parish. Please note that attending mass is mandatory in order to proceed to the next level.
First Communion and Confirmation
Once children have completed Be my Disciples levels 1 and 2, they are ready for sacramental preparation in Level 3 where they will learn about and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and their First Communion.
And once children have completed their First Communion, they pursue the second part of the program leading to their Confirmation. This involves 2 more years of Be my Disciples classes (Levels 4 and 5) to give them an even deeper understanding of the basics of our faith adapted to their age which serve as a prerequisite for Confirmation.
First Communion
and Confirmation classes
Children registered in our First Communion and Confirmation class will have to attend classes during the week. This year the classes for First Communion will be held online (Zoom) on Monday evening, every second week between January 2025 and May 2024. The classes for Confirmation will be held at church Monday evening and Thursday evening every second week between January and April 2024
Attending Mass
Children registered in First Communion and Confirmation classes must attend mass with their families twice per month between January and May. They must also bring their workbooks with them in order to have them stamped by the person responsible at the parish. Please note that attending mass is mandatory in order to receive the sacraments
What is required of
the parents?
TThe religious awakening which takes place in the home is irreplaceable. Holy Cross gives parents an important opportunity to share your own faith with your children. Attending Mass is also vital to their spiritual growth.
Parents are asked to attend an online general information meeting at the beginning of the session to discuss the upcoming season. And all parents are required to attend three additional online meetings that may help them in their spiritual journey, so that through them others can be helped.The three additional meetings are held at the church.(Françoise Cabrini, Rosemère) You will find the dates on the schedule.
Fees:
Levels 1, 2, 4 and 5 : 100,00$ the workbook Be my Disciples and the One Day Bible Camp included.)
First Communion Sacramental Preparation : 150,00$ 8 in-class sessions and workbook included)
Reconciliation: First confession is done at Françoise Cabrini on a Saturday morning at the end of the year, just before receiving the sacrament. Check the schedule for the date.
Confirmation Sacramental Preparation : 150,00$ (8 in-class sessions and workbook included)
Registration for 2024-2025 for level 1,2,4,5, First communion and confirmation is now available