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Religious Education Program
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The St. Mary’s Religious Education Program provides our children and adolescents with ongoing faith formation, spiritual encouragement, and development of the understanding and practice of being catholic in the world today. As always, parents are the primary educators of their children, and the Religious Education Program serves to support and enhance their important mission. The programs strive to incorporate meaningful learning experiences designed to inform, guide and celebrate understanding of the Catholic faith. Children actively participate in prayer, worship, and service to others.
At St. Mary’s Parish, we place significant emphasis on the integral role of Mass in faith formation. Accordingly, all CCD students are kindly expected to attend the ten o’clock Mass (grades K-4) or the five o’clock Mass (grades 5-9). All of our religious education, or catechesis, is built around the belief that Mass must be our priority.
We will also be engaging the children in various ways: reading, singing, altar serving, collecting, etc. This simple act has been proven to help our children feel part of the Mass and stay engaged in their parish.
St. Mary's Religious Education Program covers three areas of faith-filled learning. These areas include grade Preschool - 4, grades 5 - 11 and adult Bible study.
In adherence with the Life Teen approach, our mission is to provide a nurturing environment for youth, fostering strong Catholic community ties and facilitating a profound connection with Jesus. We aim to empower students to become lifelong disciples, providing them with the necessary tools for an enriched faith journey.
Registration information for Faith Formation can be found here.
Baptismal Records
If your child was not baptized at St. Mary's Church, or if we do not have a copy of their Baptismal certificate, please email a copy to Mrs. Bagge or mail to:
St. Mary's Office of Religious Education
86 Mechanic Street
Westfield MA 01085
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Volunteer with our Faith Formation Program and make an impact!
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Preschool - Kindergarten
Designed for children aged 1-4, our program takes place during the 10 o’clock Mass following the homily. As these young learners are not yet ready for communion, they participate in activities and prayers tailored to their age group in the lower church. Parents can engage in the Liturgy of the Eucharist, concluding the Mass before picking up their child downstairs.
(Duration: Liturgy of the Eucharist)
1st Grade
Tailored for first-grade students, class convenes after the ten o’clock Mass in the Parish School classrooms. Here, children delve into foundational prayers, explore components of the Mass, and deepen their understanding of our Catholic Faith.
(Duration: Ten o’clock Mass + 45-minute Class)
2nd Grade
Our second-grade students, will engage in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of the Eucharist. After the ten o’clock Mass, they gather in the Parish School classrooms to explore the Eucharist through scripture, stories, and interactive activities. This sacramental year includes a Spring First Communion retreat. At year's end, they receive the Eucharist, complemented by a First Reconciliation experience.
(Duration: Ten o’clock Mass + 45-minute Class)
3rd Grade
Third graders undertake a comprehensive journey through the various facets of the Mass, delving into its significance and structure. In addition, they explore the concept of saints and their relevance in our faith journey.
(Duration: Ten o’clock Mass + 45-minute Class)
4th Grade
Fourth graders embark on a journey through the Sunday Readings and the profound teachings of the gospels. Their exploration extends to understanding Jesus' life and applying these teachings to their own lives, alongside further exploration of Mass components and faith devotions.
(Duration: Ten o’clock Mass + 45-minute Class)
Special provisions will be made for children past the age of third grade who have not received their Sacraments.
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Grade 5 - 6
Our "Junior EDGE" program caters to fifth and sixth graders, focusing on the Bible as a foundational resource. Themes include prayer, Eucharist in scripture, and the life of Jesus. This Bible-centric curriculum is accompanied by small group discussions and meets in the High School Cafeteria.
(Duration: 45-minute Class + Four o’clock Mass)
Grade 5 - 6
"EDGE" serves as a Life Teen program tailored for middle schoolers (grades 7 & 8), combining faith talks with real-world applications. Topics encompass Adoration, Saints, mass comprehension, and other pertinent subjects. A mix of talks and small group discussions characterizes the session, held in the High School Gym at four o’clock.
(Duration: 45-minute Class + Four o’clock Mass)
Grade 9+
Our Grade 9+ program, aligned with Life Teen principles, focuses on deepening understanding of sacraments, theology, mass, catechism, prayer, and the lives of saints. It also delves into the significance of Confirmation, allowing students to make informed decisions about their faith. Attendees are required to participate in CCD Sunday masses and complete service hours. The program includes talks and small group discussions, with a special emphasis on Confirmation preparation. Meetings are held in the Lower Church.
(Duration: 45-minute Class + Four o’clock Mass)
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Children's Choir
St. Mary's Children's Choir is led and instructed by Mr. Lepage, Music Director. Choir rehearsal is held each Sunday 11:00 - 11:45 am and takes the place of the traditional classroom learning. The Children's Choir will sing at the Sunday 10:00 am Mass once per month
The Children's Choir is open to students grade 6 - 8. Sign-up for choir while completing the registration form.
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During the school year, we hold two on-going Bible Studies, one on Wednesday mornings (9:30) and one on Wednesday evenings (7:00). These studies cover a wide range of Bible books and are open to all teens and adults. The studies are always free with students only paying for books. For more information contact Mrs. Joanne Bagge.
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