Santa Maria del Popolo offers three programs for religious education: RICA (for adults), Youth, and SPRED. For any questions related to the educational experience at Santa Maria del Popolo, please contact the Coordinator of Religious Education.

Adults (RICA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (18 years and older), RICA, is designed for everyone who would like to grow in faith and knowledge of the Catholic Church. This program will serve you if you are interested in becoming Catholic or for Catholics wishing to complete their Sacraments. Please contact the rectory for a schedule of classes.

Children and Youth

Santa Maria del Popolo offers Religious Education program in English and Spanish. The classes take place on Sunday for 1st to 8th Grades. The programs offered include: Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. If you have a child (grade 3 and up) with little or no religious education, we offer a two year special program.

Registration

    Come to the rectory office to register between July 6th, 2011 - August 26th, 2011. Registration requirements include:

  • completed registration form
  • copy of baptism certificate
  • copy of birth certificate (only if your child has not been baptized)
  • tuition and book fees (you may pay with check or cash)

Class Schedule

    The program is scheduled for September 11th, 2011 - May 13th, 2012. It consists of two sections: Class and Mass. Half of the grade is to attend in the classroom. The other half is to attend the Mass.

  • The classes are Sundays from 9:00 A.M. to 10:15 A.M.
  • The Mass follow the classes at 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.

Sacraments Celebrations Schedule

    See below for the details:

  • Confirmation: May 5th 2012 - Bishop George Rassas
  • First Communion: May 19th, 2012
  • First Reconciliation: April 30th, 2012
  • RCIA: April 7th, 2012 (Easter Vigil)

Special Religious Education (SPRED)

SPRED is a network of services in about 70 parish centers for the develoopmentally disabled. Each center serves a particular age group: children, adolescents, yough adults, and adults. Santa Maria del Popolo is proud to serve the Adult group. Each center has a chairperson, a leader catechist, an activity catechist, and "helper catechists". Each session with the developmentally disabled include an activity, a lesson, and a sharing of food. SPRED uses the symbolic method of instruction. Each session with the developmentally disabled persons is preceded by a catechist preparation session. SPRED sessions are held Mondays, from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM.