religious education

Class Schedule and Language: Classes are offered in English, bilingually, or in Spanish. Sunday classes are held from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. (English and bilingual) and from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. (Spanish). We may also have classes during the week, including in the afternoon. The number of groups, class times, and days will depend on the number of volunteer catechists available and the catechists' preferred language. Preparation: Two consecutive years of formation are required to receive the desired sacrament. Age/Grade Level: First Communion: Your child must be at least in 1st grade at the time of registration. Confirmation: Your child must be in 8th grade or higher, or be 14 years old at the time of registration. Unbaptized children 7 years and older may enroll in the RCIA special program.

Confirmation and/or Eucharist: If you are a baptized Catholic (over 18 years of age) and wish to receive the sacrament of Confirmation/First Communion, please submit all required registration documents and register during the registration period. Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist: If you are not baptized or are a non-baptized Catholic (over 18 years of age) and wish to be initiated into the sacraments, please contact the religious education office.

Attendance: In class: If your child arrives 15 minutes or more late to class, it will be counted as an absence. Only 3 absences are allowed. Students with more than 3 absences will not receive annual accreditation. Similarly, if your child is preparing to receive a sacrament and misses more than 3 classes, they will need to repeat Year 2 of preparation. Attendance is extremely important. Absence = the student is not physically present in class. Sunday Mass: You and your child are required to attend Mass on Sundays and at all obligatory Masses (Masses of Obligation). This is a vital part of everyone's religious formation, regardless of age. It is essential that students participate in the liturgical life of the parish through weekly Mass attendance. Each student will be given a copy of the Monthly Mass Attendance Form, which must be submitted to the office by the date indicated on the calendar. If your child attended Mass at St. Barbara, you must approach the designated ushers and have their card stamped immediately after leaving Mass. If your child did not attend Mass at St. Barbara, you are asked to complete the report found in the last section of Mass Attendance. Community Hours: Confirmation candidates must complete 20 hours of service before receiving the sacrament. These hours must be completed primarily in the parish(es) of the diocese. Example completion below: Confirmation Candidates Year 1 of Preparation: 10 Hours of Service; Confirmation Candidates Year 2 of Preparation: 10 Hours of Service; *20 Hours of Service*. Sacrament Sponsors: Must be able and willing to fulfill this role. Their life must be consistent with the faith, i.e., they attend Mass every Sunday, receive Holy Communion, and go to Confession frequently. The sponsor's life must be in accordance with the teachings of the Church. You may visit your godchild. The candidate's father or mother cannot be their godparents. First Communion: N/A Confirmation: The godparent must be chosen by the candidate according to the following requirements: - Only one godparent - Must be over 18 years of age - If single, this person must NOT be living in a common-law relationship. In addition, they must have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion (proof of all three sacraments will be required). If married, they must be married in the Catholic Church and must bring a marriage certificate from the church. Parent Classes: Every Sunday, while your child attends in-person classes, you must attend the parent classes held in the parish hall. PLEASE DO NOT MISS THEM. At these meetings, you will be given all the information and details about the celebration of the sacraments your child will receive. We will also inform you of the deadline for submitting all the required documents. Parents/candidates, please ensure that ALL requirements are submitted by the indicated deadline. Failure to do so will require the candidate to receive the sacrament at another parish or wait until the following year. If you are unable to attend the parent course on Sunday, you may attend on Mondays or Thursdays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Parent attendance is mandatory on either date. Only three absences are permitted.

First Communion: Godparents are not required for a child to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. However, we understand that many cultures have the tradition of involving godparents, who may or may not be the same as the child's baptismal godparents. While this tradition is welcome, it is not a requirement for the sacrament. Confirmation: Confirmation godparents play an essential role in guiding the baptized and confirmed on their faith journey. They support them in living according to the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Church, helping them grow in holiness and remain steadfast in their faith. Godparents help guide the baptized for the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion) and encourage them to live their faith. As spiritual mentors, they become part of the candidate's extended family, setting an example of a faithful Christian life. Requirements to be a godparent or sponsor: Be at least 16 years old. Be spiritually mature and capable of fulfilling the role. Be a practicing Catholic who serves as a role model of faith. Attend Mass regularly and live according to the teachings of the Church. Cannot be the parent of the person being baptized or confirmed. Must have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion. If married, only one godparent/sponsor is allowed. If married, the marriage must be in the Church. If married, only a marriage certificate (sacrament) is required.

The DCYC (Diocesan Conference of Catholic Youth) is an exciting weekend where high school students from across the diocese come together to grow in faith and friendship. The weekend includes dynamic speakers, moving prayer and worship, interactive workshops, and fun community experiences, all focused on a deeper encounter with Christ. Dates: January 30 - February 1, 2026. Location: Waco, Texas | Waco Convention Center. Who can attend: High school students only (grades 9-12). Registration deadline: November 23, 2025. This is a great opportunity for our youth to be inspired, renew their faith, and connect with other Catholic youth. Click below to learn more and register.