The parish community of St. Patrick Church of Merna is dedicated to developing and maintaining a religious education program that aids parents in the development of the Catholic faith of their children...a living, growing faith which will permeate daily life and lead to lives based on the scriptural teachings of Jesus Christ.

The goals of this portion of our religious education program are promoted through a continuous curriculum for preschool through high school. Our catechists and assistants are parents and other dedicated parishioners who volunteer their time and services. The children meet in a classroom setting and are taught through well-planned lessons, prayer, classroom activities and special programs and projects.

This is a strong family-based program set in Catholic doctrine and tradition. We recognize parents as the children's first and foremost teachers of the faith and therefore expect involvement of parents at all levels of their children's religious education.

Sr. Rita Ann is the parish Director of Religious Education. Sister, along with the help of coordinators administer the program.

Sacramental Preparation

Second grade students are prepared for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. First Holy Communion liturgies take place shortly after Easter.

Children in grades beyond Grade 2 who have not received the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and Eucharist, have the opportunity to be prepared for the reception of these sacraments upon the request of their parents. Each year the sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated in a communal setting with students in grades three through high school.

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