Every year, nearly 150 English-speaking children from our region participate in our faith education classes, learn about their faith, and prepare for their First Communion and Confirmation.
Our Religious education Program offers classes for elementary school children every year from their first introduction in Level 1 all the way through to their Confirmation.
A Renewed Approach:
The 5 Essentials of Christian Life
Our program is built around five foundational pillars:
Prayer
Formation
Fellowship
Service
Mission
These essentials guide each child to grow in faith both at church and at home, fostering a deeper relationship with God, the Church, and others.
How the Program Works
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Levels 1 & 2: 8 in-person sessions
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Levels 4 & 5: 9 in-person sessions
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Lessons follow the Be My Disciples program, with a binder used in class and online learning tools at home
Children are also expected to attend Mass following each Sunday session, and bring their booklet to be stamped as a record of participation.
Our Catechism program (2025-2026)
At Holy Cross Parish, our program supports children ages 6 to 12 in their journey of faith, preparing them to receive the sacraments of Christian initiation in a structured, engaging, and family-oriented environment.
Program Levels and Age Groups
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Level 1 (ages 6–7)
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Level 2 (ages 7–8)
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Level 3 – First Communion (ages 8–9, after completing Levels 1 and 2)
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Level 4 (ages 9–10)
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Level 5 (ages 10–11)
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Level 6 – Confirmation (ages 11–12)
Important Notes:
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If your child is 8 or 9 years old and has not completed Levels 1 and 2, they must begin with Level 2 before preparing for First Communion.
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If your child is 9 or older and has not yet received First Communion, they may register for Level 4 and will receive First Communion and Confirmation together at the end of the program in Level 6.
FestiFaith
End-of-Year Celebration
Our end-of-year celebration, FestiFaith, will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Children from Levels 1, 2, 4, and 5 will gather for a joyful day of festive Mass, prayer, recognition, and fellowship.
Each child will receive a certificate of participation, and several will be specially honored based on the 5 Essentials of Faith.
Attendance is mandatory. We welcome parent volunteers, and older youth are also invited to help with the event. To offer your support, please contact the program coordinator.
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Attending Mass
An Essential Step in the Journey
In accordance with program guidelines, children enrolled in Levels 1, 2, 4, and 5 of the Be My Disciples program, First communion and confirmation are invited to attend Mass with their families immediately following each Sunday catechism session, from October to May.
This practice is an important part of our approach based on the 5 Essentials of Christian Life, especially prayer and community life.
Children must bring their catechism booklet to each Mass, where it will be stamped on-site as a sign of their participation.
Attending Mass is necessary in order to continue progressing in the program and helps children live their faith in a meaningful and communal way.
First Communion and Confirmation
A living journey of faith, rooted in community
From Foundations to Sacraments: A Journey of Faith
At Holy Cross Parish, our catechetical journey is designed to accompany children step by step as they grow in their faith and prepare to receive the sacraments.
Children begin with the Be My Disciples program, completing Levels 1 and 2, where they are introduced to the foundations of the Catholic faith through prayer, teaching, and active life in the Church. Once these first two years are complete, they move on to Level 3, where they begin their sacramental preparation.
In Level 3, children prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and their First Communion, deepening their understanding of forgiveness, the Eucharist, and Christ’s presence in their lives.
After receiving First Communion, children continue in Levels 4 and 5, where they grow in a deeper understanding of the faith adapted to their age. These two years are a vital part of their spiritual journey and serve as essential preparation for Confirmation.
Finally, in Level 6, children receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, completing their initiation into the Church and being sent forth, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, to live and witness their faith.
First Communion
and Confirmation classes
A New Participatory Format: “In Service to My Community”
New this year: each child will receive a participatory booklet called In Service to My Community.
This new format invites children to actively discover their place within parish life through simple and meaningful service.
Each child will take turns participating in various roles during Mass, based on their age and comfort level, such as:
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Altar server
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Cross or candle bearer
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Reader
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Greeter
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Coffee Sunday helper
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And more forms of active community service
Through this experience, children learn the value of serving others, sharing joy, and being part of a living Church. It’s a meaningful way to connect faith with action from an early age.
Program Details
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Start date: Sunday, October 5, 2025
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Total sessions: 10 gatherings, from October to June
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Schedule: Sunday mornings, in person at the church
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Mass attendance with the family follows each session
Children must bring their catechism booklet to each Mass, where it will be stamped as a sign of their participation and progress.
Children registered in First Communion and Confirmation classes must attend mass with their families twice per month between January and May. They must also bring their workbooks with them in order to have them stamped by the person responsible at the parish. Please note that attending mass is mandatory in order to receive the sacraments
Attending mass
What Is Expected of Parents
The awakening of faith that takes place at home is irreplaceable. At Holy Cross, we deeply believe that parents have a vital role in their children’s spiritual journey.
Attending Mass regularly as a family and living out the faith at home are essential ways to help your child grow closer to God.
General Information Meeting – For All Levels
At the beginning of the year, all parents, regardless of their child’s level, are invited to attend a general in-person information meeting.
During this session, we will go over:
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the overall structure of the program,
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the calendar for the year,
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the teaching materials being used,
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and the general expectations of the parish.
The date of this meeting is listed in the program schedule.
Spiritual Parent Meetings – Confirmation Only
Parents of children registered in the Confirmation program are also asked to attend three additional in-person meetings, which will be held at Sainte-Françoise Cabrini Church in Rosemère.
These gatherings are designed to nourish the parents’ own faith journey, so they can walk alongside their children with confidence, joy, and spiritual depth.
Attendance at these meetings is necessary, and a special section in the child’s booklet is provided to mark parent participation.
The dates for these meetings are included in the yearly calendar.
New for 2025–2026: The White Mass
All children registered in the religious education program, along with their families, are warmly invited to take part in a special White Mass on Saturday .
This unique celebration is a step-by-step teaching Mass, designed to help families better understand the beauty and meaning of the Eucharist and each part of the liturgy.
Children will take on active roles during the Mass (readings, procession, offertory, etc.), and a special stamp will be added to their booklet at the end of the celebration.
Attendance is required for all levels, as this Mass is an essential part of this year’s faith formation journey.
Fees:
Levels 1, 2, 4 and 5 : $100.00 – Includes the Be My Disciples workbook and participation in the FestiFaith end-of-year celebration
75$ for second child of the same family
First Communion Sacramental Preparation : 150,00$ – Includes the catechism workbook and 10 in-person sessions held from October to June.
75$ for second child of the same family
First Reconciliation will take place at the end of the year. Please consult the schedule for the exact date
Confirmation Sacramental Preparation : 150,00$ Includes the catechism workbook and 10 in-person sessions held from October to June.
75$ for second child of the same family
Please consult the schedule for the exact date.
Registration for 2025-2026 for level 1,2,4,5, First communion and Confirmation available NOW
Registration is now open for Levels 1, 2, 4, 5, as well as for First Communion and Confirmation.
Click on REGISTER NOW to access the Paroisse Saint-Luc online store.
Click on the image to access the calendar
Single registration deadline for all levels: October 3, 2025
More details and printable schedules for each level are available by clicking on the program of your choice.
Please choose the program for your child and follow the registration instructions online.
For specific situations or questions, please contact us at:
Renée Dumas
Pastoral Intervenante and coordinator of Religious Education Program
Holy Cross Community of Paroisse Saint Luc, Rosemère Qc
Téléphone : 450-621-5521 poste 216
Courriel : [email protected]
Site web : www.paroissestluc.org
