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2026-27 Religious Education
Our 2026-2027 program will start the week of October 7, 2026.
Program Highlights
- New Faith Formation Series – Beginning this year, we will be using a new series for instruction. Each student will receive a new book each year. They will be allowed to write in their books and keep them at the end of the year as their own resource.
- Home-School Option – Families who wish may choose to home school their child(ren). All books will be checked periodically to ensure assignments are completed.
- Family Involvement – A portion of the program will ask each family to do some work together at home to reinforce lessons and strengthen faith life in the household.
- Annual Enrollment – Children should be enrolled in Faith Formation every year, not only during Sacramental Preparation years. Ongoing formation allows children to grow steadily in their understanding of the faith, Scripture, prayer, and Catholic life. Just as a child grows academically year after year, so too does their spiritual life benefit from consistent nourishment. This steady participation also strengthens their sense of belonging to the parish community.
- Sacramental Preparation – Sacramental preparation classes (First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation) will use separate books and have their own associated fees.
In-Person Classes:
Grades 1, 2 and 4 will meet weekly on Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00pm.
Grades 3, 5 and 6 will meet weekly on Thursdays, 4:00-5:00pm.
Grade 7 or above will meet weekly on Thursday evenings, 6:00-7:00pm.
Grade 8 or older students who have made their Confirmation are encouraged to attend Senior Youth Group on Sundays, 6:00-7:30pm (more below).
Students in Grade 7+ (Confirmation Prep) students must attend at least one Youth Group meeting a month from January through April (though they are invited and encouraged to attend them all!).
Cost Information:
In Parish: $105 for one child, $185 for two and $240 for three or more.
Out of Parish: $155 for one child, $285 for two and $390 for three or more.
Sacraments: An additional fee of $35 per child will be assessed for students in grades 2 for First Holy Communion sacramental preparation. An additional fee of $75 per child will be assessed for students in grade 7 or above for Confirmation sacramental preparation.
In-Parish fees are based on the following requirements:
▪ Your family is registered at St. Mark Parish
▪ Your family regularly attends Mass on the weekend
▪ Your family supports the parish with your Time, Talent, and Treasure.
▪ Participates at parish events and Faith Formation classes
▪ Consistent support of the parish through the regular use of the parish offertory envelopes
Out-of-Parish fees: For those unable to meet the In-Parish requirements listed above.
Contact Miss Dana Donia, Director of Faith Formation, at the Religious Education office for more information at (203) 377-0444 or ddonia@stmarkstfd.org
Contact Jared Forcier for questions regarding Youth Group or Flocknote at jared@stmarkyouthgroup.org.
Registration:
Registration Deadline: we will need all Registration forms/payment back to Dana Donia, Director of Faith Formation, no later than Wednesday JULY 1, 2026 – this way we can have an accurate count of students for the books we need to order.
Late Fees: there will be a late fee of $25 added to the amounts that pertain to your child which you see on the Registration form for those vouchers that are not returned by the JULY 1, 2026, deadline.
2026-27 Registration Form Payment VoucherCalendar Coming Soon
We Need Catechists!
Our program depends on the generosity and witness of our volunteer catechists. If you love your faith and enjoy working with children, please prayerfully consider becoming a catechist or classroom helper. Training, materials, and ongoing support are provided. All catechists must be VIRTUS-certified, which includes a background check and safe environment training provided by the diocese. Even assisting once or twice a month can make a meaningful difference in a child’s faith journey.
Youth Group:
Students in grades 6-12 are invited to join our Youth Groups. Junior Youth Group is for students in grades 6-7, and meets weekly on Thursday evenings 7:00-8:00pm after Religious Formation classes from October to May. Senior Youth Group is for students in grades 8-12 and meets year-round in the Youth Group room on Sunday evenings 6:00-7:30pm, and our meetings include dinner in most cases. Youth Group is a place where youth can come together to build friendships, have fun and grow in their faith. It combines social activities, service opportinities, small group discussions and fellowship to provide youth with a unique experience they are sure to enjoy. It’s a great opportunity to put our faith into action, while having fun and making friendships to last a lifetime. There is no cost to participate in Youth Group, and all youth are welcome regardless of which school or church they attend.
New members are always welcome.
Sign Up for JYG/SYG Youth Group Web PageSafe Environment Resources are Available to All Parents:
The Diocese of Bridgeport is committed to the safety and welfare of our children!
The Diocese of Bridgeport offers all parents the opportunity to attend Safe Environment training to supplement the Safe Environment training your child receives in public school. Please visit the Diocese of Bridgeport website to learn more and to sign up for this free and valuable training: https://www.bridgeportdiocese.org/safe-environments/home/.
Additional resources are available and free to all parents at our parish. These resources include articles on human trafficking, youth protection, and care for vulnerable adults. Please visit the Virtus website Resources page for information: https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/virtus_resources.cfm.