Religious Education

Registration for the 2025-26 Religious Education classes is now in progress.

Religious Education encompasses the faith formation of our entire parish community. Our children learn and grow in their faith, and adults endeavor to continue in this learning process throughout their lives. If parents need assistance or have questions, please contact Vanessa Madera, Parish Ministry Director - Religious Education by calling (505) 629-4212 or via e-mail at vmadera@smdllp.org

Please note: Registration for Religious Education classes is available online only. Registrations WILL NOT be accepted after Monday, August 11, 2025. If you need assistance, feel free to contact Vanessa Madera.

This year ALL classes will be held at the Msgr. Jerome Parish Hall. To register click on the appropriate link below:

Non-Sacramental Religious Education Registration

Santa Maria de la Paz offers religious education (pre- and post-sacramental) beginning with Pre-K through 7th grade. Children can start as young as 5 years of age.

FEE

The fee is $35.

SCHEDULE

We offer one session on Sundays from 8:00am—9:15am. These classes begin Sunday, August 24, 2025.

REGISTRATION

Click on the link below for on-line registration for non-sacramental (pre- and post-) religious education classes.

Non-sacramental

Sacrament of First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion

Preparation for First Holy Communion is a two year process (Yr 1 and Yr 2). As per the Archdiocese, First Holy Communion is received in the 3rd grade or age eight or nine. Children who have reached the 3rd grade and have received the Sacrament of Baptism are eligible to receive the Sacrament of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion if they have completed a pre-requisite year of religious education. If not at Santa Maria de la Paz, proof or instruction from another parish must be provided. Please note: A recently issued (within last 6 months) Baptismal Certificate may be required by the Parish office from First Holy Communion children.

FEE

The fee for the 2nd grade year (1st Year Holy Communion) is $35 and the fee for the 3rd grade year (2nd Year First Holy Communion) is $70.

SCHEDULE

First Communion classes are held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00PM to 7:30PM at the Parish Hall. The Tuesday evening classes begin on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

1st Year First Communion classes for Spanish speaking children are held on Sunday mornings from 10:00am to 11:15am. The Sunday morning classes begin on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

There will be a MANDATORY parent orientation on Friday, August 22, 2025 in the Msgr. Jerome Parish Hall at 6:00pm. Registration must be completed prior to orientation.

REGISTRATION

Click on the appropriate link below for on-line registration for the First Holy Communion Religious Education program.

First Holy Communion Yr 1 First Holy Communion Yr 2

MY FIRST EUCHARISTIC BOOKLET

Click here to download My First Eucharistic Booklet. [To set up your booklet, print using "2-sided or duplex printing", "flip on short edge", and "landscape orientation". Fold the printed pages down the middle.]

Haga clic aquí para descargar Mi Primera Eucaristía Folleto. [Para configurar el folleto, imprimir utilizando "2 caras o impresión a doble cara", "voltear en borde corto", y "orientación horizontal". Doblar las páginas impresas por la mitad.]

First Holy Communion Important Dates
(Dates and times TBD)

All Saint's Day

Eucharistic Adoration - Holy Hour

Mass of the Lord's Supper (Holy Thursday Mass)

First Holy Communion Candidates Testing

Children's Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Scapular Investiture

May Crowning

First Reconciliation

First Holy Communion Rehearsal

First Holy Communion

OCIA for Children

If your child is older than 7 (seven) years of age and has not been Baptized, the child must be enrolled and participate in The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults Adapted for Children. This also applies to older children who have not received their First Holy Communion. OCIA for children is a 2-year catechetical program. The first year is designated as OCIA-1 and the second year as OCIA-2.

FEE

The fee for OCIA-1 is $35 and the fee for OCIA-2 is $70.

SCHEDULE

OCIA-1 classes for children are held on Sunday mornings from 10:00AM to 11:15AM at the Msgr. Jerome Parish Hall. Classes begin on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

OCIA-2 classes for children are held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00PM to 7:30PM at the Msgr. Jerome Parish Hall. The Tuesday evening classes begin on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

There will be a MANDATORY parent orientation on Friday, August 22, 2025 in the Parish Hall at 6:00pm. Registration must be completed prior to orientation

REGISTRATION

Click on the appropriate link below for registration for the OCIA for Children program.

OCIA-1 OCIA-2

Adult Religious Education

Since our children do not learn in isolation, but rather with their families, we ask that parents participate in one of the virtual programs offered over the course of the year in addition to helping their children with religious education at home, praying daily, and attending Mass regularly. The Adult Religious Education schedule for the 2025-26 school year is currently in the development stage. It will be published in the bulletin and available here once finalized.

PLEASE NOTE: The Archdiocese of Santa Fe policy mandates that all volunteers attend the Abuse Awareness Training for Adults. Click on SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING to take the Abuse Awareness Training on-line.

sesiones en espanol

La tarea del ministro catequistico de la parroquia ofrece oportunidades para enriquecer, y formentar su fe.

Frequently Ask Questions:

For what grade levels does Santa Maria de la Paz offer Religious Education?

The Sunday Religious Education program is offered for grade levels K-7th grade.
Is there a fee for Children’s Religious Education?

The fee for parishioners of SMDLP is $35. There is an additional $25 fee for children who are receiving the Sacrament of First Eucharist.
Are all parents required to attend Adult Religious Education sessions?

Although we strongly suggest that all parents attend the adult sessions, only the parents of the First Communion children are required to attend.
My child is receiving his First Communion. Is he required to have a prerequisite year of Religious Education classes?

Yes. All children who are receiving the Sacrament of First Communion are required to have a prerequisite year of Religious Education classes.
My child attends Santo Nino (or St. Michael’s) is he required to attend Sunday classes as well as First Communion classes? What about the prerequisite year?

No. If your child attends a private Catholic school, he is not required to attend Sunday classes or attend the prerequisite year prior to First Communion.
I would like to teach Religious Education classes. What are the requirements?

You may contact Sr. Mary Gianna, Director of Evangelization & Family Catechesis at familylife@smdlp.org about donating your time of teaching our faith to younger generations. PLEASE NOTE: All volunteers are required to attend an Safe Environment training per the Archdiocese of Santa Fe policy. Contact the Santa Maria de la Paz office for training dates or call Annette Klimka, Safe Environment Coordinator, at the Archdiocese offices at (505) 831-8144.