Holy Cross is committed to supporting parents in their vocation through the sacraments, prayer and formation opportunities towards strengthening Christian Families. As your partners in faith formation, instruction in our parish education program endeavors to provide your children with the authentic teaching of the Catholic Faith, building on the “church of the home.” Classes are held from September – May on Sundays from 10:45am-11:45am. For more information, call (301) 942-8790.

Doctrine and Curriculum

• Students are taught the Gospel truths and values of the Catholic Church rooted in scripture and communicated by the Magisterium and the creed.
• With your help, students are nurtured in the sacramental life in the celebration of Holy Mass and Reconciliation.
• Students are immersed in different forms of prayer and liturgy that accentuate the seasons of the liturgical calendar.
• Students are introduced to a wide array of saints to be looked upon as role models for genuine Christian living and offered opportunities for service.
• Students are steeped in Catholic traditions, signs, and symbols that encourage a pursuit to a deeper and lifelong friendship with God.

Holy Cross uses the Christ our Life series for grades kindergarten through seventh grade. This series is written by the Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio and published by Loyola Press. Confirmation students in 8^th grade use CHOSEN by Ascension Press. Supplemental resources are used to enhance the lessons and are available for review upon request.

In compliance with the Archdiocesan Curriculum Guidelines, students in grades 3-8 will be given a standardized assessment during the year. Knowing well that faith itself cannot be tested on paper, this assessment merely reflects religious education efforts and assists catechists in their lesson planning.

In our continuing effort to create a safe environment for the children of Holy Cross, the Religious Education Program implements the Circle of Grace Safe Environment Program. This program emphasizes personal dignity as a creation of God and the space that envelops us in His grace. A summary of the Key Concepts that are developmentally appropriate (that include topics of sexuality and internet safety in middle school) may be requested from the office.

Holy Cross Religious Education is a responsive learning community that strives to reach all students regardless of age, development, ability, and life circumstance. Please contact the School of Religion for more information on how we can accommodate your particular situation. “Persons who are non-verbal can receive the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. They can show their spiritual understanding through gesture or respectful temperament.” - ADW Policies for Parish Catechesis 2013.

Appropriate Catechetical Placement   

“When students lack sufficient religious instruction…the catechetical leader shall evaluate the student before a placement is made.” ADW Policies for Parish Catechesis 2013

Children who have not been enrolled or receiving formal catechetical instruction continuously may be given a pre-test for proper catechetical placement.  The pre-test will be administered by the School of Religion and when deemed necessary, a remedial plan will be put in place to provide the child with the foundations of faith formation. Remedial plans may include the completion of appropriate grade-level text and parent-student retreats or workshops.