Keep my commands and live my teaching as the apple of your eye…
(Proverbs, 7-2)

The mission of the Office of Religious Education at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church is to provide opportunities for adults and children of the parish to enrich themselves in their Catholic faith. Strong emphasis is placed on sacramental preparation – Baptism, First Holy Eucharist, Confirmation and RCIA. Opportunities for religious enrichment for children include CCD classes, The Little Lambs of God program during the 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning Mass and Summer Vacation Bible School. Adult and young adult opportunities include Bible study classes, instructional CD’s and pamphlets on timely issues, Familia meetings, a well-stocked Parish Library, etc.

Education, like faith, is not a passive activity. It requires a commitment of time and energy. If you are a parent, you already know that your child’s success in learning requires work on your part as well. Faith that is taught in church and nurtured at home is the best form of education.

We look forward to working with you and your family as you nurture and grow in your faith. If we can be of any assistance, please contact the Religious Education Department.

May God Bless You and Your Family,
Eileen Boudoin
Director of Religious Education
Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church
337.232.8945


SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMS

BAPTISM:
Parents are required by the Diocese of Lafayette to attend baptismal preparation classes. Please access this link for upcoming dates and registration information.

FIRST RECONCILIATION AND FIRST HOLY EUCHARIST
Parents of second graders wishing to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist must receive religious education either by attending a Catholic School or religious education through an accepted means such as CCD. Registration Forms and information regarding sacramental preparation is accessible thru these links.

CONFIRMATION
Students who are entering the 11th grade and/or 16 years of age and have been receiving regular religious instruction either in a Catholic school or in CCD, are eligible to enroll for Confirmation instruction. Please access this link for upcoming dates and registration information.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, known as RCIA, is the way the Roman Catholic Church brings adults into full membership. Information regarding registration and schedules are accessible thru these links.

CCD
Religious education is held for students who do not attend Catholic schools from grades Kindergarten through 10th grade. Please access this link for upcoming dates and registration information:
For all grades EXCEPT 2nd, 9th and 10th

2nd grade : First Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist: See forms under First Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist.
9th and 10th Grade PreConfirmation Program: access this link

OTHER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

LITTLE LAMBS OF GOD
Young children are invited during the Sunday 11:00 a.m. Mass to participate in an instruction on the Gospel for that date. The program usually begins in August and runs through May.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Children going into Kindergarten through the 5th grade attend a week-long educational and fun summer program usually the last week in June. Please refer to the bulletin for particulars regarding this program beginning in the Spring.

STEP BEYOND
Program for high-school youth that provides opportunities for prayer, worship, education and fun. Please refer to bulletin for upcoming meetings.

COME LORD JESUS! (To be announced)

FAMILIA
Familia is a study guided by trained facilitators designed to help women grow in their Catholic faith and in their vocation as mothers.
When information on upcoming sessions is available, it will be accessible online.

LENA B. RITCHIE MEMORIAL LIBRARY AND OTHER RESOURCE SERVICES
The library contains a wide variety of reading and resource material on issues relating to the Catholic faith. The library is currently open during regular Parish hours. CD and pamphlet racks in Church are stocked with educational materials, some free, some available for a nominal fee. These items address spiritual as well as social issues and are constantly updated.

PRO-LIFE
This committee is dedicated to providing educational opportunities on the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. A pro-life memorial is set-up in the front of church every year and a prayer service is held to end abortion and for the conversion of all who have participated in the culture of death.