Sunday Morning Religious Education

Faith Formation Component
All youth, grades K-12 are invited to participate in Holy Trinity’s Religious Education program.  Classes begin in mid-September and finish in late May.  Classes are held each week on Sunday mornings between 10:10 a.m.-11:15 a.m.  We deliberately structure our program at this time, so that families may attend Mass before or after class together.

We have nearly 800 children in our program, and more than 80 dedicated volunteers serve as catechists. Our catechists are parents of RE students, married and single parishioners, college students and high-school helpers. We follow the curriculum that has been approved by the Archdiocese of Washington.

Our primary textbook is the Finding God series from Loyola Press. We provide catechists with ongoing training throughout the year and our resource library is stocked with an array of resources and equipment they can use supplement the lesson plans. As an Ignatian parish, we strive to ensure that Ignatian spirituality is woven throughout the program at age-appropriate levels. For instance, children may learn to pray the Examen, discuss the concept of “Magis” or learn about the life of St. Ignatius Loyola and Ignatian saints as part of their curriculum.

We ask that each family contribute five hours of volunteer time to the RE program. This can be done in many ways: as a catechist, a substitute, a room parent, an office helper, a special-event helper and more. Click here to learn about being a catechist or substitute.

The Calendars and Resources page has several calendars that outline events for the coming RE year. Please make a note of the important events for your children’s classes.

Enrollment for 2020-2021
Enrollment for RE classes is done completely online and consists of three parts: registration in My Own Church, completing a supplemental form of additional information and online payment. Enrollment is open now.

Click here to register for Sunday Morning Religious Education

Enrollment Fees for 2020-2021
We can only place children in classes where we know we have catechists. We need parents to serve as catechists and substitutes in all grades. If you complete all three parts of the enrollment process by May 31, we will guarantee your section and placement in a class. After that date, we will place your child(ren) where space is available.

Complete enrollment between April 1 – May 31 — $200/child
Complete all steps by May 31 and we will guarantee your child’s placement and section assignment. Fee: $200/child

Complete enrollment between June 1 – August 1 — $300/child
Complete the process between June 1 and August 1, and we will guarantee your child’s placement but NOT a section assignment. $300/child

Complete enrollment after August 1 — $300/child
After August 1, children will be placed as space and catechists are available. Fee: $300/child

First-time families may register at any time and pay $200/child regardless of the registration date.

Liturgical Component
We want to engage children in the Mass so they understand it, and participation is the way to make this happen. We want them to understand that their actions and gestures are meaningful and help them learn what it means to be a responsible (and responsive) member of the assembly.

Children in 3rd and 4th grades participate in scheduled Ministry Days at the 9 a.m. Masses. The children serve as ministers of hospitality, serving as greeters, ushers and gift-bearers.

Click to see the calendar of Ministry Days for this year.

Children in 5th through 8th grades participate in a class Mass, where they have both hospitality and liturgical responsibilities, including serving as lectors.

Click to see the calendar for Class Masses this year.

Please be sure to note when your day is and make it a priority. Through this type of learning, your child will become comfortable with “full and active participation” in his or her faith.

3-5 Year Old Bible Story Hour

This program introduces and explores well-known Bible stories through the use of story-telling, hands-on activities, music and drama.  Story Hour is held on designated Sundays throughout the year from 10:15am-11:15am, Big Room of Lower School.  During this time, parents are encouraged to attend the Adult Faith Formation presentations.

Click to see the calendar for Children’s Bible Story Hour this year.