Religious Education

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Overview

The Religious Education program at Queen of Apostles serves students in kindergarten (at least 5 years old) through high school. Together with your child’s catechist, we welcome this opportunity to assist your son or daughter in living the Christian life: learning to pray, knowing the Bible and learning Scripture, and preparing for the sacraments.

The first day of Religious Education is the second Sunday in September and the last class is the first Sunday in June. Classes, taught in English, are held on Sundays at Queen of Apostles School (4409 Sano Street) from 9:00 to 10:15 AM. Students and their families may attend Mass before or after Religious Education class.

Registration

Religious Education registration opens in late April and closes in early September. Register early to ensure enrollment in the respective grade because some classes reach capacity. Students will be assigned to the Religious Education class that parallels to his/her school grade; if your student is attending 3rd grade in public school, he/she will be assigned to the 3rd grade Religious Education class.

Because each year builds on the next year of faith formation, students must attend at least two consecutive years of Religious Education before a Sacrament is administered and have no more than three absences in the school year. Generally and based on the baptized student’s desire and preparation, First Penance/First Holy Communion is received in grade 2 and higher and Confirmation is received in grade 8 and higher. Parents of unbaptized children under the age of 7, please contact the parish office at 703-354-8711.

If you are interested in registering your child for Religious Education class, please stop by the Parish Office (4329 Sano Street) to complete a registration form and pay tuition, or print and complete the form below and bring it to the office. Also, please bring a copy of your child’s baptismal (if applicable) and birth certificate.

Tuition is $70 for 1 child, $120 for 2 children, and $150 for 3+ children in the same family. A $20 fee for registrations received after August 1 or for non-parishioners is imposed. Tuition does not include fees associated with First Communion, Confirmation, and Sacraments of Initiation.

Catechists/Aides

If you are interested in sharing your love of the Catholic faith by serving as a volunteer catechist or aide in Religious Education, please contact the Parish Office, or e-mail s.gray@queenofapostles.org. We welcome your willingness to become involved with this ministry! Catechists also have the opportunity to participate in half day retreats, attend the Catechetical Conference, and enroll in the Diocesan Master Catechist Training Program. All adult volunteers, 18 years and older and not in high school, who work with youth are required by the Diocese of Arlington, Office for the Protection of Children/Young People to complete Virginia Background Check paperwork (notary to sign one of the pages) as well as to attend a VIRTUS seminar within 45 days of starting volunteering. The adult volunteer packet is available from the parish office.

Coordinator: Karla Aleman

Phone: (703) 354-8711

45 hours...

Serve as a Catechist for 2.5 hours per week, which includes preparation for the class, rehearsals when applicable and retreats if applicable.

Other ways to help:

Assist with office work: During the summer months to prepare for the school year; and at other times of year to help with phone calls, preparation of registration forms, and letters and calls to parents. On Sundays, adult and youth volunteers assist during the school year assist with registration, setup and teardown, and room monitoring.