Religious Ed – OUR LADY OF LOURDES CATHOLIC CHURCH

GOAL

Our Lady of Lourdes Religious Education process strives to develop and cultivate the Faith in every area of life of the child, young adult and adult of the Parish. Faith is a life-long process and is not accomplished quickly, nor is it complete after a certain number of years. Knowledge of one’s religion and living out of one’s faith is ongoing. Growth and change are an integral part of the process.

Catechesis educates the child and young adult in the living Faith of the Church and is designed to help at each stage of human development. Teaching the Gospel values encourages a harmonious development of the spiritual, intellectual, moral, physical and social skills of each child, young adult and adult.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of our Religious Education Program at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish is to enrich and challenge the lives of our young people with the Gospel message by word and example, in a loving and caring Christian community.

Our program recognizes that parents are the primary educators of their children in the ways of our Faith. With this in mind, our objective is to assist the children in recognizing our commitment, as a historical people, to the mission of Jesus. The elements of service, teaching prayer, Sacraments and community are part of the continuous tradition of the Catholic Church. We strive to affirm and supplement, but never replace, religious education in the home.

Believing that religious education is a lifelong process, it is necessary for children to attend formal classes every year. The Religious Education process awakens faith through discovery and understanding of God’s active presence in our lives while attempting to elicit a free and loving response of that faith from each child, young adult and adult.

CLASSES

Weekly classes are offered for students in 1st through 12th grade. The program begins in September and continues for approximately 26 weeks. The sessions are held in the Christian Formation Center. Pre-registration and a copy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate are required.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Religious Education Office at 561-483-2440 Ext 1429

2024-2025 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM

REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 1, 2024

The Religious Education Program at Our Lady Lourdes invites you to enroll your children for the preparation of the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Sacramental preparation is a 2-year process in the Diocese of Palm Beach. The first year of preparation will be either First Holy Communion I or Confirmation I. The second year of preparation will be either First Holy Communion II or Confirmation II.

Requirements For Registration

Family must live within parish boundaries (between Glades Rd & West Hillsboro Blvd AND Everglades and Boca Rio Rd) OR be registered parishioners for a minimum of 6 months.
A copy of your child’s baptismal certificate, if not baptized, a copy of the birth certificate.
At least 50% of registration fee due upon registration.

Religious Education Fees

- - - - $100 (1 child)
        $200 (2 children)
        $250 (3 children)

Sacramental and Office Fees

- Applies only to 2nd year of preparation.
- Holy Communion $50 per child
- Confirmation $50 per child

Ways to Register

Walk-in Monday thru Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Download a Printable Registration Form and hand deliver it to the Parish Office with the required documents and deposit.

Class Schedule

Wednesdays

4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. – 2nd thru 5th Grade Communion Classes Only
6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. – 2nd thru 12th Grade Communion and Confirmation Classes

Child must be at least in 2nd grade for first year of Communion preparation and in 9th grade for first year of Confirmation preparation.

The Religious Education classes are tentatively scheduled to start as follows:

Confirmation I & II – September 11th

- - - - 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Holy Communion I & II – September 18th

- - - 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and
    - 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

If your child is 8 years old or older and needs Baptism, contact the Parish Office at 561-483-2440 after your child has begun Religious Education classes to schedule the baptism.

If you have any questions, please call or email the Religious Education Office at 561-483-2440, ext. 1429 or dre@lourdesboca.org.

Once you’ve registered your child, you must add dre@lourdesboca.org to your email contacts to receive our communications. This will prevent our emails from ending in your spam/junk folder.

THE BREAD OF LIFE

First Communion

“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Mt. 19:14)

Children receive the Bread of Life for the first time from Fr. Eddie. We share in their joy as it radiates throughout the Church reminding us that our Church is alive and vibrant.

May the Holy Spirit wrap them in God’s love and nurture their spiritual growth throughout their lives.

SEALED WITH THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SIRIT

Confirmation

“Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.” (2 Tim. 1:14)

On Saturday, March 4, 2023, we celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation. Thirty-three teens renewed their Baptismal promises, and the Holy Spirit was conferred upon them by the laying on of hands and anointing with the oil of Chrism by Bishop Barbarito. They were sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and strengthened for service to the Body of Christ. Congratulations to our 33 confirmandi! May God bless you as you continue your Christian life.

Mon, Tues, Thurs:
9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 1:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

BECOME A CCD CATECHIST

Please consider volunteering in our Religious Ed program during the next school year. We are always in need of teachers, assistants, office help, and traffic monitors. Teen Helpers are also needed. Help bring our children closer to Jesus. We will train you.

If you have any questions please contact the Religious Ed office at 561-558-1429 or complete the contact form below.

Serving at the Altar and assisting the Priest at Mass is an awesome privilege that allows children who have made their first communion to grow closer to God and serve the Church. Altar Servers get a “behind the scenes” look at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass that few others will ever have. It is a great honor and a commitment on the part of the server and their families.

Anyone who is interested in serving should contact the Parish Office at 561-483-2440 to sign up for training

All children, grades 2 through 6, are invited to join the Children’s Choir that sings at the 9:30 am Mass on Sundays. The Choir practices weekly on Wednesdays at 5:20 pm.

Contact the Religious Education Office for more information.