St. Thomas More Newman Center Catholic Education Program (CEP)
· Liturgy of the Word for Children at the 9am Mass, Pre-k through 5th
· Elementary Religious Education Pre-k through the 5th grade
· The EDGE; religious education for grades 6-8
· Sacramental Preparation
· Family Activities
· Liturgy of the Word: Children are dismissed before the readings during the 9am Mass to listen to the Sunday scriptures at the own level of understanding. Parents or guardians must volunteer at least twice a year to be Word Leaders, or help monitor the sessions.
· Elementary Religious Education: Meets on Sun. Mornings 10:15-11:15am and Wed. Evening 6:45-7:45pm, September through the end of April. The cost of the program is $40 per child with a cap of $80 per family.
· The EDGE: Our Middle School/Junior High program, a spin-off of the popular Lifeteen High School program, is geared specifically for this age group. EDGE nights are every Wednesday during the school year, September through the end of April, 6:30-7:45pm. The cost is $40 per child.
Sacramental Preparation: First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
· First Reconciliation preparation begins in the Second Grade, with a mandatory parent’s meeting held in September. Although preparation for this sacrament is family-based, the second grade catechists support and enhance the learning experience in the classroom. Our First Reconciliation Service is in November. There is a fee for the child’s workbook and materials.
· First Eucharist preparation also begins in the 2nd grade. The program is family centered but also supported by the catechists in the classroom. Parents must attend the Parent’s Meeting in January. Families attend a Banner-Making/Station’s Night in the spring where they learn more about the sacrament and also make a personal banner for our First Eucharist Mass. Children must also interview with the priest. There is a fee for the materials.
Family Activities:
· Children’s Christian Art Festival: Held in November, this family-friendly event is a favorite offering several different craft opportunities, many suitable for Christmas gifts! There is no charge and refreshments are available throughout the evening.
· Christmas Pageant and Celebration: With almost 100 children and adults involved, our pageant is a wonderful reenactment of Christ’s birth. Children can be part of the cast, play in the orchestra, work on the crews, or sing in the choir. Parents guide cast members, help with costumes, work with the choir, etc…. Following the pageant, everyone is invited for a delicious potluck meal.
· Family Game and Activity Nights: Once or twice a year, these fun nights get our families up and moving! Healthy snacks are also provided.
CEP information is published in a monthly newsletter called “Highlights” as well as in the church bulletin.
Parents can volunteer in the CEP program when they register their children. Catechists must be practicing Catholics and must have attended the Virtus “Protecting God’s Children for Adults” Workshop.
Contact: Molly Wright, DRE
Molly.Wright@newmancentercolumbia.org