St. Augustine Parish

Religious Education

35 Essex St., Andover, MA 01810

Phone: (978) 475-0050

Bridget Rao, Director Religious Education; brao@staugustineparish.org

Janice Zackular, Lead Teacher, Grade 1-3; jzackular@staugustineparish.org

Peggy Coleman, Coordinator, Grades 4-6; pcoleman@staugustineparish.org

Katie LeBlanc, Confirmation Director; kleblanc@staugustineparish.org

Lisa Evans, Receptionist; reinfo@staugustineparish.org

Parent Handbook

For grade specific information and schedules of classes by grade click on the appropriate link below:

The Religious Education Office of St. Augustine Parish offers a complete and comprehensive basic religious education program for students in grades one through 10. The program services over 1300 students which reflects the involvement of nearly 800 families.

The goals of the program are four-fold:

to teach the message of Jesus
to build up the community of Catholic believers
to develop authentic lives of prayer and worship
to foster a spirit of service to others within the Christian community and beyond

Over 150 volunteer catechists minister to the youth of the parish each year. They are supported by a staff which consists of a director and 2 coordinators. Catechists meet regularly to discuss curriculum, teaching strategies and enrichment. Efforts continue to offer professional development opportunities to each teacher via Archdiocesan certification programs.

Ever cognizant of the fact that parents are the first catechists, the program is designed to make connections between what is taught in the classroom and its application to living a true Christian life. Parents are urged to take full advantage of the life of the parish by attending Sunday Liturgy with their children.

For parents who are considering home schooling their children for Religious Education, please thoroughly and carefully read the Archdiocesan guidelines. If after, thoroughly reviewing these guidelines, you would like to home school your child(ren), please contact the Religious Education Office to make the appropriate arrangements.

Attention Parents

There is absolutely NO parking in the emergency drive-through lanes next to the Center for Education and Ministry.

Click here for cancellation policy due to inclement weather.

Registration 2010-2011

It is that time of year again when we turn our thoughts to Religious Education! Our experienced team of Coordinators will be working to ensure your children have a meaningful experience of their faith. Last year our students were more involved in the Sunday Liturgy and participated in many social projects. This year we will continue to develop other ways to extend our students spiritual journey.

Registration may be mailed in or dropped off at the Religious Education Parish Offices. Processing will begin June 16.

For a schedule of classes, click here. Please note that Confirmation 1 will now take place on Tuesday evening. The program will begin in late September and run through mid-April. Class assignment information as well as the calendar for the year will be mailed to you in late August.

PLEASE REMEMBER

Much of our regular communication is via email so to work efficiently we need you to write your current email address legibly on the registration form!
A Baptismal certificate must be included along with the registration form for all those enrolling in Grade 1 and for all those new to the program. If your child was baptized at St. Augustine Church, Andover, please provide us with the day, month and year of the baptism.
Classes are filled on a first come, first served basis (Grades 1- 8) according to the day the COMPLETE registration materials are received.

Classes will only run if there is sufficient student enrollment, volunteer teachers and classroom space.
No one will be denied participation in the program due to financial constraints. Please call the Religious Education Office to make arrangements 978 475 0050

Children who have completed the second grade but have not received the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion may enroll in our Sacramental Preparation program.
All teachers and volunteers must have completed an annual background check (CORI), signed a copy of the Code of Behavior and undergo ne a “one time only” Protecting God’s Children training program
Home schooling is not an option for First Holy Communion and Confirmation students. See the Archdiocesan Guidelines for homeschooling here.

For the registration form, click here

Our program serves nearly 1200 students and in order to run effectively we need many volunteers. Please give prayerful thought and consideration to teaching as an individual or part of a team. The Religious Education staff offers support, enrichment and teacher training. Reduced fees and a joyous sense of achievement are available to all who would like to be catechists!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.