Religious Education
The purpose of Religious Education is to teach the truths of the Catholic faith, learn to apply them to our daily lives, and to grow closer to God. We use a variety of experiences to make our faith come alive for the children and youth of St. Joseph Parish.
Classes
Tuesday, Grades 1-5: 4:10 PM - 5:20 PM
Tuesday, Grades 6-8: 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Sacrament Preparation
The Bridgeport Diocese requests that a child complete a minimum of two years of religious education before reception of a Sacrament.
First Penance | Grade 2
In addition to regular Tuesday Religious Education classes, there are five additional required sessions in the Fall on Sundays from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
First Eucharist | Grade 2
In addition to regular Tuesday Religious Education classes, there are five additional required sessions in the Spring on Sundays from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Confirmation | Grade 7
Tuesday 7:00 AM - 8:15 PM (September - March)
(Confirmation ceremony is scheduled in accordance with the Bishop's schedule once available)
Click here to view prayers students will need for their grade level
Tuition and Registration
TUITION
Tuition for the 2023-2024 Religious Education School year are as follows:
- $180 for one child
- $250 for two children
- $300 for three or more children
- For returning families, there will be a $25 late fee for registration/payments received after July 1st
*Payment is due in full at the time of registration unless otherwise discussed with the Religious Education Department.
Click here to download and complete the 2023-2024 Tuition Agreement Form
See "Payment Instructions" below for options and instructions for making your payment.
For Confirmation and 1st Sacrament students, the fees (due later in the school year) are as follows:
- $50 for 1st Sacrament
- $75 for Confirmation
REGISTRATION
For all parents enrolling children in our Religious Education Program, please note the following:
- Your family MUST first be registered as parishioners at St. Joseph Church in order register your child/children in our Religious Education Program. If you are not yet registered parishioners, please visit the Rectory or Religious Education Office to complete a registration form for your famliy.
- If you are enrolling a child in our program for the first time and he/she was NOT baptized at St. Joseph Church, you must provide us with a copy of his/her baptism certificate.
- All students currently enrolled in our program will be advanced to the next grade level each year.
- There is a mandatory parent meeting in September; you will receive a letter with the meeting details approximately one month before the meeting.
- Tuition must be paid in full at time of registration.
Payment Instructions
We offer several options for paying tuition for our Religious Education Program and we accept cash, check and credit card as forms of payment.
- Enclose a check made payable to St. Joseph Church with your completed registration form and return via mail; please note "Religious Education" in the memo section of your check.
- Visit the Religious Education Office and pay in person. If paying in person by credit card, please call the office at (203) 924-9677 in advance to arrange.
- Pay online using our online giving/payment system by reviewing the instructions below and then clicking on the blue "GIVE" box in the lower right hand corner of this page.
Click here to review the instructions for paying tuition online
Religious Education Office
203-924-9677
RelEd@sjcshelton.org
Office Hours
September - April
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday (when in session)
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
May - August
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(office closed on Thursday & Friday)
Staff
Ms. Marilyn Blodgett
Director
Mrs. Patty Van Sickle
Co-Director
