School of Religion

Important VIRTUS Information for St. Anna’s
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Beatitude and the Mustard Seed

The Religious Education Ministry is focused on the educational process rooted in the Traditions and Scripture of the Catholic Church. Through our knowledge of the Beatitudes and the story of the Mustard Seed, we are able to start modeling the Catholic Practice of Faith for our Children, allowing the Good News to resonate the love and acceptance of our brothers and sisters. CC 1728/pg. 429: The Decalogue, the Sermon on the Mount, and the apostolic catechesis describe for us the paths that lead to the Kingdom of heaven, Sustained by the grace of Holy Spirit, we tread them, step by step, by everyday acts. By the working of the Word of Christ, we slowly bear fruit in the Church to the glory of God.25 (Bear Fruit like the Parable of Mustard Seed in Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, and Luke 13:18-19) CC1728/In Brief: The Beatitudes confront us with the decisive choices concerning earthly goods; they purify our hearts in order to teach us the love God above all this.

The Sacrament of First Reconciliation is normally celebrated in the winter of Grade 2. We require attendance in grade 1 as a prerequisite to entering the 2nd grade sacramental preparation year. Special programs are offered for children in higher grades who need to be prepared for this sacrament.

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion is normally celebrated in the Spring of Grade 2 on a Sunday afternoon. We require attendance in Grade 1 as a prerequisite to entering the 2nd grade sacramental preparation year. Special programs are offered for children in higher grades who need preparation for this sacrament.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred upon young people in the tenth grade and older who express a desire for this sacrament of initiation. Youth seeking the sacrament of Confirmation must have successfully completed the 7th & 8th grade in the School of Religion or attend a Catholic High School. St. Anna’s has a two year Confirmation preparation program which begins in the ninth grade and concludes in the Spring of the tenth grade. Students must successfully complete both the 9th and 10th grade, demonstrate readiness by their regular Sunday worship and regular attendance at School of Religion classes. Students in the 9th grade will be expected to complete 10 hours of community service. 10th grade Confirmation candidates will be expected to complete 20 hours of service and attend an overnight retreat. All requirements to be met will be explained at a parent/candidate meeting.

School of Religion Education Forms & Calendars

2022-23 School of Religion Calendar 2022-23 Registration Packet Download

Safe Environment Policy of the Archdiocese of Atlanta

In accordance with the U.S. Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the program Protecting God’s Children – Teaching Touching Safety (commonly referred to as “Virtus”) is used in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Students in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade participate in one or two safety lessons in their first year and once they move the next grade group. The Safe Environment training for Adults of the Archdiocese of Atlanta includes training in how to recognize, prevent and report abuse. All employees, and volunteers who regularly work with minors, receive this initial training, as well as ongoing training and background screening. The Code of Conduct, Sexual Abuse Policy, Ministerial Standards for Clergy, Educators and all Working with Children and Vulnerable Individuals, Social Media Policy as well as the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People are available at the diocesan website, http://www.archatl.com/ministries-services/safe-environment/grades-k-12/. An overview of the children’s training, parent, guide, and lesson plans are also available on the diocesan website.