Parish Religious Education
Our Curriculum
When a child actively participates in all of the eight years of study, they should (for their age) be well formed in the Catholic Faith. Each year’s curriculum has a specific focus as well as reinforcing the teachings of previous years on a higher level. One of our major goals is preparation for and reception of the Sacraments. In the Diocese of Memphis the two year preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist take place in 1st and 2nd grade. And the two year preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation takes place in 7th and 8th grade. We are happy to work with families on an individual basis regarding irregular situations. It is very important that children and parents be attending Sunday Mass on a regular basis. Parents should also be praying with and reinforcing what their children learn in PRE classes.
Contact: Sister Maryconcilia Mbeonwu, Director of Religious Education at: dre@holycrossparis.org or call the office at 731-642-4681
About Us
Our religious education classes meet on Wednesdays evenings from 6:15 until 7:30 during the regular school year. We have wonderful catechists who want to pass on to our children a love for The Faith and a desire to know it. Special fun and enrichment activities for the whole family are sprinkled throughout the year. These include Fall Festival with the Saints, a visit from St. Nicholas, May Crowning and a cookout. We are very family oriented understanding that parents are the first teachers of the Faith for their children.
May Crowning of Mary
May is a month dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. Catholics traditionally have May Crownings where crowns of roses adorn a statue of Mary. Holy Cross has for many years followed this tradition. The boys and girls who have recently received their 1st Holy Communion wear their 1st Communion clothing and, after praying the Rosary in the church, lead a procession to the grotto. One child is chosen to crown The Blessed Virgin Mary, who is Queen of Heaven and Earth. The other 1st Communicants take turns presenting their roses to Mary, with other children following with flowers. Marian hymns are sung and prayers are prayed. It has also been the tradition at Holy Cross that this be a celebration that ends the year of religious education classes for our children. So after the May Crowning, all of the children, parents, teachers and some parishioners enjoy a cookout together under the pavilion.
PRE families, and all of you, are welcome to come visit the shrine during the month of May. You can say a prayer, sing a song and/or leave flowers for our Blessed Mother, Queen of Heaven and Earth.
