K-5 Religious Education Program
First Confession Meeting on Nov. 15
Parents and students preparing for First Confession met on Sunday, Nov. 15. The meeting was live-streamed on our YouTube channel (video). Here are the handouts to go with that meeting:
For students (PDF) there is a guide to the examination of conscience, the Act of Contrition, and the process of the sacrament itself.
For parents (PDF) there is a guide to the examination of conscience.
For parents (PDF) there is also a guide to the precepts of the Catholic Church.
First Confession Meeting on Oct. 11
Parents of students preparing for First Confession met on Sunday, Oct. 11. The meeting was live-streamed on our YouTube channel (video). Here are the handouts to go with that meeting:
The calendar (PDF) lists dates of upcoming meetings. Dates for the sacraments will be discussed at the meeting.
The Catholic Bishops have a message for parents (PDF) as your child's first teacher about the sacrament.
For the 2020-2021 school year, our K-5 Religious Education classes take place online, combining weekly online Zoom meetings with the teacher, along with the Faith and Life program of home study. Here some resources to help families get started:
The Director of our K-5 program is Therese van Oss. Please contact her with your questions or concerns.
When she receives your registration form, Therese will contact Ignatius Press to set up a login for your child.
Watch this brief orientation video for parents.
Download the guide for parents (PDF). It answers the most common questions parents have.
See and download our school year calendar (PDF).
Please contact Therese with any questions about registering your child (form), tuition, Safe Environment, sacramental preparation, or other other matters. If there is anything that you would like to discuss about your child, please contact Therese.
Meet our Catechists
Kindergarten and Grade 1
Sheri Skelton
sskelton@mmoclacrosse.org
Assisted by Patti Sherry
Christine Kainz
ckainz@mmoclacrosse.org
Assisted by Nixie Oldenburg
Heather Harpenau
hharpenau@mmoclacrosse.org
Assisted by Abby Harpenau
Jasmine Valentine
jvalentine@mmoclacrosse.org
Assisted by Karla Fitzgerald
Lisa Doering
ldoering@mmoclacrosse.org
Assisted by LuAnn Miller
Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist usually occurs during a child's second grade year. Participation in grade one classes is expected to set a foundation for learning about these sacraments. Participation in parent meetings is also required. Typically, First Reconciliation is observed during the Advent Season and First Eucharist is celebrated during the Easter Season.
Parents as Primary Teachers of Faith
At MMOC we believe that attendance and participation in Sunday Mass is the primary distinguishing mark of being a Catholic and is the cornerstone of all religious education. The Christian formation of families—homes that are rooted in the Catholic faith—doesn't just happen, but rather takes a comprehensive, intentional effort that includes frequent Mass attendance and participation in the life of our faith community as well as personal prayer and service. The Catholic Church also recognizes that the primary responsibility for religious education of children and adults resides within the family. MMOC works in partnership with families to strengthen and provide well-rounded Catholic faith formation for our members of all ages.
For more background on your role in your child's faith, here is a free webinar hosted by Julie Johnson. She has a BA in Elementary Education, is a certified Master Catechist and has a Master's Degree in Pastoral Theology from the Augustine Institute in Denver, CO.
Diocese of La Crosse Guidelines for Reporting Instances of Child Abuse
The Diocese of La Crosse, through its policies and procedures, seeks to provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (bishop, priest, deacon, employee, religious, vendor or volunteer). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should send that report to Mrs. Karen Becker, Complaint Intake Agent, at the Diocese of La Crosse, P.O. Box 4004, La Crosse, WI 54602-4004. Alternatively, you can contact Mrs. Becker at 608.791.0179 or intakeagent@diolc.org. The reporting form is available through the Diocese of La Crosse Office of Safe Environment or on the diocesan website at: diolc.org/safeenvironment/reporting. Individuals are also encouraged to take their reports directly to civil authorities. Copies of the diocesan policy are available through your local parish and on the diocesan website. If you have any questions about the Diocese of La Crosse and the implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Teresa Brown, Diocese of La Crosse, at 608.791.2679; or tbrown@diolc.org.