Letter from DRE

A Letter from Director of Religious Education Olga Johnson:

Dear St. Alphonsus Parishioners,

As you probably have heard by now, Bishop Duca asked us to lower the age of confirmation to the 7^th grade. In order to satisfy this request, I have attended meetings with the diocese, met with Fr. Jason, the confirmation coordinators, and catechists on how best to move forward. With a gradual change of age, our program will also require change to reflect the needs of the families participating. Active parent and sponsor participation will be key to our success in this transition.

 After much planning here is how we will transition Confirmation to the 7^th grade:

2025-2026: 9^th, 10^th and any remaining 11^th grade

2026-2027: 8^th and 9^th grade

2027-2028: 7^th and 8^th grade

2028-2029: 7^th grade

Candidates, according to Diocesan guidelines, must be registered members of St. Alphonsus Parish or have written permission from your Pastor prior to the registration deadline.

Candidates must be involved in an ongoing Religious Education Process either at St. Alphonsus, another parish, or in a Catholic school (verification required).

Confirmation preparation will convert to a one-year process. Our classes will continue to be on Sundays, starting with Noon Mass and ending at 3:30 pm. Candidates will be fed after Mass. Candidates will be required to attend every session and a retreat. Sponsors will be required to attend 2 sessions, attend the parent meeting and parents are required to attend a parent meeting.

The changes in Confirmation preparation will require us to modify Parish School of Religion as well. Classes will now be offered on Sundays and Wednesdays.

We are excited about the opportunities that these changes will bring. But we need your help to succeed in bringing quality religious instruction to your children. We need more volunteers for all of our programs. We will need additional instructors, mentors, and administrative assistance. We will provide support and training to all volunteers. So, we ask that you prayerfully consider gifting your God-given talents to our children as they learn and grow in our faith.

 If you are interested or know someone else willing to help, please contact the Faith Formation Office at 225-261-4644. 

Olga Johnson

Director of Religious Education