Religious Education

Religious Education Office

695 Stevens Avenue

Portland, ME 04103

207-797-9509

Email:  sjosephdre@netscape.net

Hours:

Monday - Friday: 9 AM to 12 Noon

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Director:

Mrs. Denise Reynolds: Grades K-8

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Classes:

Grades K - 5:

Sunday: 8:45 to 9:45 AM

Grades 6 - 8

Sunday: 4:00 to 5:00 PM

CLUSTER 28 SCHOOL

Saint Brigid School, 695 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME 0103 offers a well-rounded academic and spiritual formation to students from pre-kindergarten through grade eight. The curriculum includes religious instruction and liturgical celebrations, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, music, art, physical education and computer technology. Sports and other extra-curricular activities are incorporated into the school program.

Families who are registered and contributing members of St. Joseph Parish are offered a tuition discount, with the Parish making up the difference. Others pay the full tuition rate.

The School Board meets monthly with the Pastor and Principal to advise them on the policies, programs and activities of the Parish school. Membership on the Board is by invitation. Members serve three-year terms.

The Home and School Association conducts social and fund-raising activities for the benefit of the school. All parents of our students are included in the Association, along with the school's faculty and staff. Executive Board members are elected for a two-year term.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (CCD) FOR CHILDREN

Grades K through 5 meet on Sundays from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., Grades 6 through 8 meet on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. Instruction includes preparation for the sacraments, doctrine, moral values, bible study and Church history.

First Penance, First Communion and Confirmation are celebrated in Grade 2. Confirmation preparation sessions are held in the spring of the year for older children who have not yet been confirmed. Parents are involved in the sacramental preparation process.

Volunteer teachers are always welcome, with training provided.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) RCIA is a process for preparing adults for full membership in the Catholic Church. Sessions are held from early September through May, with the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil liturgy. An experienced Parish team, together with an individual sponsor for each candidate, guide the participants through the process of initiation.

The RCIA process is open to...

• those who have never been baptized;
• those have been baptized in another Christian denomination; or
• those who have been baptized Catholic but have not celebrated first Eucharist

Baptism Preparation. Parents who have scheduled the baptism of a child are asked to attend one evening session in preparation for the sacrament. A team of parishioners conducts this one-hour session and assists at the baptismal ceremony on the last Sunday of each month.

Marriage Preparation. In addition to their meetings with a Parish priest, engaged couples must attend a Pre-Cana program in preparation for the sacrament. These programs are held on several Saturdays at St. Paul Center, Augusta, ME.

For those who are unable to attend on a Saturday, a parish program is available, conducted by married couples in their homes over a period of five weeks (one evening each week). We are always looking for additional married couples who are willing to help young people prepare for marriage by taking them through this program.

Disciples In Mission. The Parish sponsors a number of small groups who meet during Lent to read and discuss the Scriptures. A core team composed of the group leaders supervises this program. New members are welcomed, and new groups are formed when necessary.

Other Adult Education Programs. From time-to-time throughout the year, short courses in religion and spirituality are offered for adults in the Friary meeting room, usually on Sunday evenings. These courses are designed especially for those who teach religion in the Parish, but are open to all adults - parishioners and non-parishioners. They are always announced ahead of time in the Parish Bulletin.