Religious Education

Religious Education Registration for 2023-2024 is NOW CLOSED! 
The Religious Education program at Queen of Apostles serves students in Kindergarten (at least 5 years old) through High School.

Parents are the primary teachers of their children. To assist families in the important mission of living the Catholic faith, our catechists and aides assist parents in leading their child(ren) to become disciples of Jesus. 
Our Religious Education Program is intended for lifelong Catholic faith formation and it is not only for receiving sacraments. The program is designed to be continuous from kindergarten/grade 1 through high school. Skipping years between sacraments does not allow for adequate faith formation.


Frequently Asked Questions

Will classes be in-person?

Yes, in-person classes in English for the 2023-2024 School Year will be held on Sundays from 10:30-11:45am, between September 2023 – May 2024 at Queen of Apostles School (4409 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA).

What does the curriculum look like?

Students will have regular homework to complete. The minimum grade required to advance is 70%. Students are expected to master the prayers at his/her grade level in addition to knowing the prayers taught in previous years. Mastering prayers can only be done through repetition. Praying regularly as a family will help children say, read, and write the prayers.

When can students receive the sacraments?

Each Religious Education school year builds upon the previous year of faith formation, therefore, students must attend at least 2 consecutive years of Religious Education before a Sacrament is administered. A student is to show evidence of desire and preparation for a Sacrament and not have more than 3 absences during the school year. Generally, baptized children receive First Penance/First Holy Communion in grade 2 and higher and Confirmation in grade 8 and higher.

Homeschool families with children preparing for Sacraments this upcoming school year are asked to contact the parish office at 703-354-8711 ext. 11 or email k.aleman@queenofapostles.org

See below sections for more information on each sacrament.

How can I register and pay?

Registration for the 2023 – 2024 Religious Education school year is now CLOSED.


Receiving the Sacrament

Generally, desiring and prepared unbaptized students over the age of 7 years old who have attended no less than two consecutive years of Religious Education, receive Baptism or the three Sacraments of Initiation during the Easter season. The pastor and the child’s catechist will determine if the student is ready to receive the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass.

Parents and their children who are in their second year of preparation and are older than 7 years who but have not been Baptized will be required to attend a mandatory meeting. During this meeting important information will be discussed.

Requirements for a Sponsor:

Must be a Catholic of Good Standing; is at least 18 years old or older; received the Sacraments of Baptism, Penance, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation; if married, must be married in the Catholic Church; attends Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation

Students and their godparents are also to attend a number of Rites and Scrutiny’s during Mass from December-March.

The Rite of Election will be held at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More on the Sunday after Ash Wednesday.

Attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation is expected. Students are not to have more than 3 absences in the Religious Education school year and are to complete homework and participate in class assignments.

Sacrament of Confirmation

Generally, desiring and prepared students who are baptized, have made First Penance (Reconciliation/Confession) and First Holy Communion, receive the Sacrament of Confirmation during the eighth grade or high school. The student is to attend no less than two consecutive years of Religious Education before Confirmation, show evidence of desire for the Sacrament, complete all homework and projects, attend the retreat, and be recommended by the pastor/catechist for Confirmation.

A mandatory Confirmation meeting is required for all Religious Education students, 8th Graders from Queen of Apostles School, and the students from the Ghana Community with their parents. During this meeting important information about the requirements and documents necessary will be discussed.

Requirements for a Confirmation Sponsor:

Must be a Catholic of Good Standing; is at least 18 years old or older; received the Sacraments of Baptism, Penance, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation; if married, must be married in the Catholic Church; attends Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation

For Confirmation, there must only be ONE person as a Sponsor.

The Confirmation Liturgy is scheduled by the Diocese of Arlington. The Confirmation Mass is expected to be held in the Spring 2024.


Sacraments of Penance and Sacrament of First Holy Communion

Generally, desiring and prepared baptized students in grade two and above receive the Sacraments of Penance and First Holy Communion. The student is to attend no less than two consecutive years of Religious Education before these Sacraments and show evidence of desire.

School families should confirm the date and time of First Penance with the school teacher or front office.

First Penance for Religious Education students is usually scheduled for February.

First Holy Communion Masses are usually held in May.

Religious Education parents have meetings with the priest to discuss details about these Sacraments.