Children's Faith Formation
Helping children encounter Jesus Christ, grow in their Catholic faith, and prepare for the Sacraments.
2026-2027 Faith Formation Program๏ปฟ
Welcome
At St. Rita in the Desert, our Faith Formation program partners with parents to help children grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith.
Through prayer, Scripture, engaging lessons, and preparation for the Sacraments, children are invited to encounter God's love and build a strong foundation for lifelong discipleship.
We use the Word of Life curriculum from Ignatius Press and the Augustine Institute, providing authentic Catholic teaching in a format that engages both students and families.
Program Information
Welcome to a new year of Religious Education!
Registration continues every Sunday after all Masses in the Verhagen Building.
Important Reminder
Families with children preparing to receive a sacrament this year must bring the following physical certificates to complete registration:
- Baptism Certificate (First Communion & Confirmation candidates)
- First Communion Certificate (Confirmation candidates)
Class Times
K–5th Grade, OCIY, & Confirmation
Sundays
When: 2-4pm
*Family Rosary: 3:30-4pm
Middle & High School RE
Wednesdays
When: 5-6:30pm
We look forward to partnering with your family as we help our young people grow in faith and deepen their relationship with Christ.
*Parents are kindly encouraged to join their children
Religious Education Pricing Sheet
Religious Education tuition is based on the number of children enrolled in your family.
Sacramental preparation fees are separate from annual Religious Education tuition.
| # of Children | K-12 OCIY | Sacrament Class Fee per child (Supplies & Resources) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $60 | 1 Sacrament - $20 |
| 2 | $120 | 2 Sacraments - $40 |
| 3 | $180 | 3 Sacraments - $60 |
| 4 | $230 | 4 Sacraments - $80 |
| 5+ | $280 | 5 Sacraments - $100 |
2026|2027 Important Religious Education Dates
August
Sunday, August 2
Mandatory Parent Meeting & Open House
2:00–3:30 PM
Sunday, August 9
First Day of Classes
K–5th Grade, OCIY & Confirmation
2:00–4:00 PM
Wednesday, August 12
Grades 6–12
5-6:30 PM
Youth Group
6-8 PM
Saturday, August 15
Solemnity of the Assumption
(Holy Day of Obligation)
November
Sunday, November 1
All Saints Day (Observed)
Sunday, November 8
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Observed)
March
Saturday, March 6
Mandatory Parent & Child First Reconciliation Workshop
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
April
Saturday, April 24
Mandatory Parent & Child First Holy Communion Workshop
2:00–4:30 PM
May
Saturday, May 22
St. Rita Feast Day & End-of-Year Family Potluck
Friday, May 28
Mandatory First Holy Communion Rehearsal
5:00–6:00 PM
Saturday, May 29
First Holy Communion Mass
Confirmation Mass
Date to be announced by the Diocese.
Please Note: Classes are not held during Vail School District holidays and breaks. Families will be notified of any schedule changes throughout the year.
Parents Are the First Teachers of the Faith
The Catholic Church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith. Our Faith Formation program is designed to support and assist families as they grow together in their relationship with Christ.
๏ปฟWe believe faith is most effectively formed when children see it lived at home, celebrated at Mass, and reinforced through parish life.
Pre-K & Kindergarten
Our Pre-K and Kindergarten Faith Formation program introduces young children to God's love through age-appropriate lessons, Bible stories, prayer, music, activities, and the lives of the saints. In a warm and nurturing environment, children begin building a lifelong relationship with Jesus while developing an understanding of the Catholic faith.
Using the Word of Life curriculum from Ignatius Press and the Augustine Institute, students explore Scripture, the liturgical seasons, sacred art, and salvation history through engaging lessons designed for a variety of learning styles.
Parent Portal
Parents receive access to the Word of Life Parent Portal, which includes videos, family activities, liturgical calendar resources, explanations of sacred art, and additional Catholic resources to help continue faith formation at home. Because parents are the primary educators of their children's faith, these tools are designed to support your family's spiritual journey throughout the year.
Program Information
Grade: Pre-K & Kindergarten
Meeting Time: Sundays • 2-4pm
*Family Rosary: 3:30-4pm
*Parents are kindly encouraged to join their children
Middle School Faith Formation (Grades 6–8)
As children grow into their teenage years, they begin asking deeper questions about faith, purpose, and the world around them. Our Middle School Faith Formation program helps students strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ while exploring the Catholic faith through Scripture, discussion, and real-life application.
Using the Word of Life curriculum from Ignatius Press and the Augustine Institute, students discover how faith and reason work together to reveal God's plan for their lives. Lessons encourage critical thinking, meaningful conversations, and practical ways to live the Gospel each day.
Family Resources
Faith formation doesn't end in the classroom. Students and parents have access to the Word of Life digital resources, providing videos, activities, and faith-building materials that encourage continued learning and meaningful conversations at home.
Program Information
Grades: 6-8
Meeting Time: Wednesday • 5-6:30 pm๏ปฟ
First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion
Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is typically a two-year journey beginning in first grade. Throughout the program, children grow in their understanding of God's love, learn the foundations of the Catholic faith, and prepare to receive these beautiful Sacraments with confidence and joy.
We understand that every child's faith journey is unique. Whether your child is beginning preparation at the traditional age or later in elementary, middle, or high school, we offer age-appropriate formation designed to meet them where they are.
Preparation Options
- Grades 1–3: Two-year sacramental preparation beginning in first grade.
- Older Elementary Students: Age-appropriate classes with a specialized second-year sacramental program.
- Middle School Students: One-year intensive sacramental preparation.
- High School Students: Individualized preparation based on each student's faith background and needs.
If you're unsure which program is right for your child, we're here to help. Please contact Geraldine Durman, Director of Religious Education, and we'll gladly help place your child in the program that best fits their individual needs.
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Questions?
๐ง dre@stritainthedesert.org
Religious Education Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Our RE Team
Director of Religious Education (DRE)
Youth Ministry
Mrs. Isabel Christie
Confirmation Leader
Scholarships are available. Please contact us for additional information.
