St. Patrick WP Parish Religious Education Program celebrates parental involvement by assisting parents in their obligation of teaching their children/youth to become Disciples of Christ. By sharing and passing on our Catholic faith and love of God, we strive to create an environment, which fosters spiritual growth and provides the opportunity for students to acquire knowledge of Church teachings as well as experience a personal relationship with God.
The Parish School of Religion (PSR) offers religious education to the children of our parish – Kindergarten through Eighth Grade through a home-school based program and meeting biweekly/monthly throughout the school year. PSR follows the guidelines as set forth by the Diocese of Cleveland through the guidance of our pastor, Fr. John Pfeifer, and the help of volunteer catechist(s). All material used is in conformity with the U.S. Bishops. All of our catechists (teachers) are volunteers who are VIRTUS trained and willing to share their faith with the children of our parish. Catechists are equipped with the materials and resources needed to properly instruct our children. St. Patrick's PSR Program utilizes the appropriate grade level of Christ Our Life by Ignatius Press.
Our PSR and Sacramental Program for First Communion/First Reconciliation is handled in both first and second grade PSR, therefore creating a two-year minimum of instruction before receiving these two sacraments. Celebrating a sacrament for the first time is an important step in the life of a child as a Catholic Christian. Similarly, Confirmation preparation has a two-year minimum instruction before receiving and is a part of 8th grade PSR.
In recognizing parents as the primary religious educators of their children, therefore, sacramental preparation relies on the cooperation of family for preparing the children for First Reconciliation and First Communion. Parents also have the responsibility to see that their child attends Mass each Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation.