Elementary Religious Education (ERE) - General Information
Whether or not you have attended St. Columban’s Elementary Religious Education (ERE) in the past, we welcome you to another year of exploring our Catholic faith.
ERE meets on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 pm–8:15 pm. Volunteer Catechists teach grades 1–8 in the school building, next to the church. The program begins on September 12th, 2007, and it runs through the first week of May. The cost is $50 per student, and all students who do not receive Catholic education at their school are invited to join us. Additional forms are available in the hall rack in church or online at www.stcolumban.org. Questions or concerns can be directed to Terri Kerley, Director of Religious Education, at 683-0105 x118.
How Do I Sign Up?
Simply fill out the registration form and return it with a check to St. Columban for $50 per student by September 1st! We also need a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate if they were not baptized or received First Communion at St. Columban. If you need additional forms they are available in the hall rack in church or online at www.stcolumban.org.
What Will My Child Need?
The fees cover all supplies and the book: Call to Faith. We suggest they bring a folder to keep any papers they might have.
What’s new this year?
Big thanks to everyone who filled out the end of the year survey. It was a big help in guiding us in the direction we need to go in order to improve our program. Here are some of the changes and things that won’t change: The survey says…
- We will continue to use the ERE abbreviation to represent this program. Very few wanted to change the name.
- The day will continue to be Wednesday and in the future we will look at changing possibly the time. But this year it will stay the same.
- Fr. Larry will be visiting each class as well as being there at dismissal to acknowledge and chat with parents as they leave.
- Look for more speakers and Master Catechists to teach lessons to the different classes. We will continue to have opportunities for prayer and special evenings devoted to certain liturgical celebrations. We might even try to do a field trip!
Is there a special class time for 1st Graders?
We realize that 8:15 might be too late for some first graders. So First graders have the option of having class on Wednesday evenings (7:00-8:15) OR meeting on Sunday mornings (during the 9:45 mass). Just check which you would prefer on the registration form. Kindergartners are part of our Sunday morning Preschool and have a different Registration Form. They also meet during the 9:45 mass with the 3-4 year olds classes.
Have You Ever Considered Being a Catechist?
St. Columban has terrific catechists who love working with children and bringing God’s message of love to them. Some teach their own child’s class while others don’t even have children in the program. They’re people who care about making a difference to the children in our parish. However, our program is growing and we need more Catechists to meet the need. Have you ever considered this ministry? Do you want to share your gifts with us? We provide all the teacher guides, resources and help to run your class and make it special. Parents, college students, or retired – all are welcomed as well as teaching pairs that would share a class. If you are interested, mark the registration sheet or call Terri Kerley at 683–0105 ext. 118.
Did You Know?
…We have two new staff members? Scott Mussari, is our new Director of Faith Formation and our new Youth Minister is Maria Meyers.
…There is an ERE Advisory Board that meets to keep the program aware of school issues, and new ideas and suggestions on how to keep improving our program? If you would like to be a part of this group please contact Terri Kerley at 683-0105 ext 118.
…Each teacher will send home a syllabus or calendar of chapters and topics they will be covered each week? This way you will know what you missed if your child cannot is absent.
…All parishioners, including ERE students, are invited to play on any St. Columban sports team? Registration information will be sent to all students via e-mail, or feel free to check out St. Columban’s Boosters: www.stcolumbanboosters.org
…E-mail has become a wonderful tool for ERE? It enables us to keep you updated with what is being taught in the classes and reminds you of meetings, upcoming parish events, sport registrations, and any changes or updates to the calendar.
…To check out the new bulletin board when you enter the building? It highlights our program, and the wonderful things that ERE students do. Please let us know if you have information that can be added.
…“Catechesis for All” evenings allow the whole family to come and explore a common topic? Several of these evenings are planned throughout the year. More details to come!
Sacramental information for Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation will be sent home in October.