Religious Education is part of the process by which the church community hands on to each new generation the faith that marks us as God’s people.  For the Catholic student, learning about God and His love for us is a lifelong journey. Parents are the first, that is, the primary teacher of their children in the ways of faith.  

All Catholic elementary schools will follow and adhere to current Archdiocesan policies and curriculum guidelines in religion.
 
Non-Catholic students are expected to participate in the religious formation and education programs of the school, including, but not limited to, liturgies, religious functions, and religion classes for credit.
 
Parents of non-Catholic students must be willing to accept the standards, values, and regulations of the school. They must understand and agree to the religious education program of the school at the time of enrollment.
 
Sacraments and Requirements

Reconciliation – 2nd Grade
Catholic students in Second Grade are prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) in the school. Reconciliation is the act of admitting your sins to a priest, making amends (penance) and receiving absolution for your sins. In order to receive this Sacrament, the student MUST:

• be Baptized in the Catholic Faith

• attend Mass each week at St. Margaret’s or their own parish

 
Communion – 2nd Grade
Catholic students in Second Grade are prepared to receive their First Holy Eucharist in the school. Eucharist is the act of receiving the Body and Blood of Christ during the holy sacrifice of the Mass. In order to receive this Sacrament, the student MUST:

• be Baptized in the Catholic Faith

• attend Mass each week at St. Margaret’s or their own parish

• have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation by making their first Penance

 
Confirmation – 7th Grade
Catholic students in Seventh Grade are prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the school. Confirmation is the final Sacrament of Initiation when a young man or woman becomes a complete and full member of the Church. In order to receive this Sacrament, the student MUST:

• be Baptized in the Catholic Faith

• attend Mass each week at St. Margaret’s or their own parish

• have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation by making their first Penance

• have received their First Holy Eucharist

• completed all requirements as assigned by the Religious Education Director

 
Students who are NOT Catholic are not subject to these requirements. Parents of these students will make the final decision, in consultation with the teacher and/or principal, as to what aspects of inclusion they would like their child to attend. The Pastor and/or principal makes the final decision as to who may receive a Sacrament.
 
N. B. ALL students registered in St. Margaret of Cortona-St. Gabriel School (SMSG) will be held accountable for all instruction as it pertains to the curriculum.
 

Liturgy and Worship 
Students attend Mass monthly during the school year and participate in other various Para liturgical activities. 

All Catholic elementary schools will follow and adhere to current Archdiocesan policies and curriculum guidelines in religion. 

Students in grades 3 through 8 are required to take the annual Archdiocesan Mid-Term and Final Religion Examinations. 


Christian Service

Deeply ingrained in our Gospel Mission to serve others is the desire to perform community service throughout the school community. SMSG is committed to making a difference through works of charity and service at the local, national, and world levels.
 
Eighth Grade Community Service Requirement: Eighth grade students are required to perform a minimum of 25 hours of community service during their last year at SMSG. Eighth graders may begin logging their required 25 hours of community service as of August 1 and must have it completed by June 1.
 
Seventh Grade Community Service Requirement: Seventh graders are required to perform 20 hours community service as part of the requirement of the Confirmation religion program. Non-Catholic students MUST also complete the required 20 hours of service. Seventh graders may begin logging their required 20 hours of community service as of September 1 and must have it completed by June 1.
 
Sixth Grade Community Service Requirement: Sixth graders are required to perform 15 hours community service. Sixth graders may begin logging their required 15 hours of community service as of September 1 and must have it completed by June 1.