Saint Agnes Family Catechesis
Saint Agnes offers religious education through a monthly Family Catechesis program. Families gather on the second Wednesday and most fourth Wednesdays of each month to deepen their knowledge of the Catholic faith and prepare for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.
This program is open to all parish families and is designed especially for children who are not enrolled in Saint Agnes School but wish to participate in organized catechetical instruction.
Registration
The Family Catechesis registration form can be found here or below. Please note that you may need to click through multiple pages of the registration form to answer all questions and complete the registration process.
Sacramental registration for First Holy Communion and Confirmation will open at a later date and will require separate sacramental registration forms.
All families preparing a child for First Holy Communion or Confirmation must complete both the Family Catechesis registration and the appropriate sacramental registration form.
about the Program
Classes
Children are divided into the following grade-level classes:
1st & 2nd Grades
Students prepare for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion using the New Saint Joseph First Communion Catechism.
Preparation for First Holy Communion is a two-year program. Families are asked to register both their 1st-grade and 2nd-grade children so they can complete the full preparation required to receive the sacrament.
Second-grade students are also required to attend the First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion sacramental preparation evenings as part of their formation.
3rd, 4th & 5th Grades
Students study the New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism, Book One.
Instruction follows a three-year cycle covering:
The Creed
The Commandments
The Sacraments and Prayer
6th, 7th & 8th Grades
Students prepare for Confirmation using the New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism, Book Two.
Confirmation preparation is a three-year program. Families are asked to register their 6th-grade and 7th-grade children, in addition to those in 8th grade, so they can complete the full preparation required for the sacrament.
Like the younger grades, instruction follows a three-year cycle covering:
The Creed
The Commandments
The Sacraments and Prayer
In addition, eighth-grade students must complete the following Confirmation requirements:
Attend the Gifts of the Holy Spirit sacramental preparation evening
Complete the required service hours
Prepare a project on their Confirmation saint
Pass a written examination
Participate in a Confirmation interview
Meet with their sponsor for two faith-filled discussions
Activities AT Home
Each month, families receive activities to complete at home between Family Catechesis sessions. These assignments reinforce the lessons taught during class and encourage continued faith formation within the family. A portion of each monthly gathering is devoted to reviewing these activities.
Attendance
At least one parent is required to attend Family Catechesis with their children each month. Family Catechesis is not a drop-off program.
The only exception is for Confirmation students, whose sponsor may attend in place of a parent.
Because the program meets only a limited number of times each year, regular attendance is essential. Attendance is recorded each month. If your family or child must miss a session for a serious reason, please notify the Family Catechesis Coordinator, Mrs. Katie Marquardt, in advance.
CATECHISTS & VOLUNTEERS
Family Catechesis classes are taught by the clergy of Saint Agnes together with dedicated parent volunteers.
Parents interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact familycatechesis@churchofsaintagnes.org to learn about available opportunities.
All volunteers must be current with the ArchdiocesanEssential Three (E3) requirements before serving.
Typical Evening Schedule:
Schedule subject to change.
6:30 PM – Families gather in Schuler Hall for a clergy-led catechetical presentation, prayer, and announcements.
7:15 PM – Students break into grade-level classes.
8:00 PM – Dismissal.
Important Links:
Questions?
If you have any questions about Family Catechesis, sacramental preparation, registration, or registration, please contact:
Mrs. Katie Marquardt
Family Catechesis Coordinator
Email: familycatechesis@churchofsaintagnes.org
You may also contact the parish office for additional assistance.
