The Religious Education program accepts its responsibility as co-educators with the family and the Church to provide a solid faith formation for children.

During the Second Vatican Council, the Church reaffirmed that parents are the first teachers of their children in the ways of the faith. Parents are called to serve as role models of inspiration for their children through their own prayer life, education in faith, and in support of the Church. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule. The home is well suited for education in the virtues” (CCC 2223)

The Religious Education program of a parish is designed to provide support for, not to replace, parental responsibility. The parish, through volunteer catechists, parish staff, and the pastor, works as a team with parents to ensure proper catechesis in the faith. Here at St. Anthony Claret, we provide God’s children with a sound program through the use of the Faith and Life series and the Didache series to help them become true disciples of Jesus Christ.

The program here at St. Anthony Claret has four main goals:

1. To present the Catholic Faith accurately, authentically, and completely, consistent with the age and readiness of the students.
2. To provide a loving and respectful atmosphere where children can develop their faith.
3. To foster a clear sense of Catholic identity and an appreciation of Catholic beliefs, values, prayers, practices, and sacramental celebrations.
4. To create an atmosphere of interdependence between administration, catechists, parents, and students that promotes mutual respect, concern, and preserves the integrity of the Catholic faith.

We look forward to working with you to help your children know, love, and serve God.

K-8 Classes

• Wednesday, 5:15-6:15pm
• Wednesday, 6:45-7:45pm
• Sunday, 9-9:50am
• Sunday, 11-11:50am 

Please contact the Religious Education office for more information at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 High School Classes

• Wednesday, 6:45-7:45pm
• Sunday, 4:45-5:45pm, followed by 6pm Mass and 7:30pm Youth Ministry 

Please contact the High School Confirmation program for more information at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The youth ministry program provides a space where the teens of the parish can grow closer to God and where they can make new friends while sharing the joy of the faith!

The Youth Ministry begins with Religious Education classes, and continues with fellowship activities. Middle School teens will meet on Saturday evenings from 6:00 pm – 7:30pm every other week, and High School teens will meet every Sunday after 6:00pm Mass. A monthly calendar will be published in the parish bulletin every week.

Preparation for the Sacraments is an integral and important part of the Religious Education Program. Celebrations of the sacraments provide the immediate family and the faith community an opportunity for reflection and renewal. Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist is a two-year requirement. Formal instruction usually begins in the 1st grade and concludes in the 2nd grade. Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation along with Baptism and the Eucharist. The process of preparation for Confirmation takes place over a three-year period beginning in the 9th grade.

Parental involvement in the sacramental preparation of children is of the greatest importance. Parents are required to take an active role in the faith journey of their child.

It is the parents’ responsibility to:
• Nurture the spiritual life of the child,
• Encourage an active family prayer life
• Regularly attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of obligation
• Participate in ALL parent meetings and conferences
• Encourage open dialogue and discussion about faith issues and what the child is learning in class
• Read parent letters, religious education handbook, and review take home materials
• Ensure that the child is completing any homework assignments
• Ensure child has mastered required prayers

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

A process designed to help adults who wish to be baptized in the Catholic faith, and baptized adults who desire to receive Eucharist or Confirmation in the Catholic Church to experience Catholic faith life through study and support. The group meets throughout the year and are received into the church during the Easter Vigil.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC)

Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) is intended for children, not baptized as infants, who have attained the use of reason and are of catechetical age.  They seek Christian initiation either at the direction of their parents or guardians or, with parental permission, on their own initiative.

The RCIC preparation at St. Anthony Claret Parish is a three-year journey.  It is marked by several steps, including the liturgical rites of acceptance into the order of catechumens, the rite of election, the penitential rites or scrutinies, and the celebration of the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and holy Eucharist. 

Happy the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Registration for RCIC occurs during RE registration the first week of August in the parish office and following all weekend Masses the first, second, and third week of August. Classes are held on Sunday at 11am, followed by 12 noon Mass.  For more information, contact the RCIC office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .