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Education

CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE (CCD)

    - ELEMENTARY and MIDDLE SCHOOL

Students in grades one through eight can participate in a year long program of religious education which meets once a week. This education is to be an extension of what children learn at home, through prayer, attendance at Mass, the Sacraments, and service.

Students in grades three through seven have the option of religious education for two weeks in the summer with four follow-ups during the year.

For more information, please contact the Religious Education Office.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS

Through RCIA, those adults who are unbaptized, those who have not practiced the faith, and those who have never received Eucharist, Reconciliation, or Confirmation may continue their faith journey with the community of St. Margaret Mary. In the fall the process begins with an inquiry period during which candidates discern if this is the direction that God is leading them. After the inquiry period a more intense preparation for the sacraments of initiation takes place, culminating with reception of the sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass. Parish members wishing to reinforce their Roman Catholic beliefs are welcome to participate in the RCIA program.

CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR CHILDREN

A program similar to the RCIA program is available for children of school age.

For information about either program, please contact the Religious Education Office.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS

Catholic School Applications

Parishioners should call the schools of interest and visit if possible. Many schools have an annual open house in the fall. Once a decision is made, the parents should enroll their children by completing the school’s application or registration forms. Financial aid may be available by contacting each individual school

Pastor Verification Form

All Catholic elementary students, prior to enrolling or re-enrolling each year in their respective schools, should obtain a signed Pastor Verification Form and present it to the principal of their school. This form indicates that the student’s parents/guardian are registered participating members of St. Margaret Mary Parish. Completion of this process will ensure that the student receives the lowest tuition rate of the school.

Local Catholic Schools

A comprehensive listing of Catholic schools in Allegheny and Beaver counties is available in the St. Margaret Mary Parish Handbook. Contact the parish office for more information.

CHILD CARE

The mission of the St. Margaret Mary Child Care Center is to provide a Christian environment where children will feel safe, comfortable, and secure away from home. This provides an opportunity for children to learn to interact and share; to respect themselves and others; to establish a good self-image; to develop mentally, emotionally, and physically; and most of all to have FUN!

Day care (licensed by the PA State Department of Public Welfare) is available for preschool and young school age children Monday - Friday, 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM all year long, with certain holiday exceptions. Drop-in day care is also available. Diocesan approved preschool and kindergarten classes are available Monday through Friday in two sessions (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM) and (12:30 PM - 3:00 PM). For more information, please contact the St. Margaret Mary Child Care Center.

SPECIAL NEEDS

One goal for people with special needs is to prepare them for the sacraments of Eucharist, Confirmation and Reconciliation as far as each one is capable of understanding. The placement of the special needs child will be determined by the available catechists and resources that will best meet the student’s needs. For more information please contact the Religious Education Office.

YOUTH MINISTRY/HIGH SCHOOL

High school students in grades 8 through 12 are offered an integrated program of instruction and youth ministry. Through use of an informal coffee house session, students discuss various aspects of their faith. A retreat for youth may be available once a year. Occasional Eucharistic liturgies, prayer services and opportunities for the sacrament of reconciliation are celebrated. To foster adolescent development of the “whole” person, socials, service projects, outings and sports are also planned.

The high school coordinator prepares a calendar of all the above events which is distributed to students at the beginning of each semester. All are encouraged to participate in youth ministry and attend as many activities as they possibly can. For more information, please contact the Religious Education Office.

YOUTH MINISTRY/HIGH SCHOOL

All are welcome to join our High School Youth Ministry at St. Margaret Mary Parish. Our vision is simple. Create a loving atmosphere and faith community where high school Teens can discover their relationship and journey with Christ as a Catholic person!

Youth Minister – Bob Summers (Insert Bob’s Picture)

Featured upcoming event Summer Mission Trip to Hartford Ct. 41 of our High School Teens will be leaving this summer to serve The poor and less fortunate. They will be joining with 200 other teens From around the country to make a difference, and grow in their faith. Please pray for the journey for our teens.

Winter Musical coming December 4, 2015

Get ready to enjoy the real meaning of Advent/Christmas When adults and teens of St. Margaret Mary perform “In Search of the Christ Child.” This is a musical reflection on The Joyful mysteries of the Rosary. Written by our youth minister Bob summers, the hope is to give our parish family the opportunity to enter into a deeper sense of the Christmas season. All are welcome from grades 4-Adults to be in the cast. Information Sunday is September 20th at 4pm in the Church. Rehearsals start in October.

YOUTH MINISTRY/MIDDLE SCHOOL

GLOW God Love’s Our World Our Vision and goal at Middle School is to get and stay connected to our Catholic faith through fun and faith formational events. Welcome all grades 6-8 of the Fall year. Our Middle School Teens created our Name GLOW this past year. We have been Enjoying great participation at our featured events of the past year. We Look forward to another great year ahead. Our kick-off for the new Middle school year will be on Saturday, August 29. Mark it on your Calendar. Pay attention for more details and how you can register your teens for the Upcoming Middle School Ministry year.