Religious Education Program

         St. Benedict Parish offers a comprehensive religious education program for our children from pre-school through high school. On Sundays during the school year, a session for 3-5 year olds is offered in the parish center during the 10:00 am Mass. A team of certified teachers and aids conduct the program and activities which often correspond to the readings that are being heard during the Mass next-door. On at least two occasions, before Christmas and on Mother's Day, the students process into the church at the beginning of Mass and offer songs or skits to the entire congregation.

        The religious education program for grades 1-8 takes places each Wednesday evening of the academic year at the school. A coordinator for the early childhood years, and one for grades 3-8 oversee the program. Teachers come from among the parents of the students, from Luther College, and from the parish with people who have an interest in these age groups. In addition to regular classroom sessions, the students also participate in service projects, in Masses and reconciliation services, retreats, and in seasonal activities.

        The Confirmation program is currently a two-year program that involves students in their freshman and sophomore years of  high school. With its own coordinator and table leaders who are either parents or parishioners interested in working with youth, the sessions are held on Wednesday nights of the school year. Service projects and a retreat are also included in the program. The confirmation ceremony is scheduled in the spring of each year.

        High school juniors have the opportunity to meet bi-weekly in an informal setting with the leaders of this program who incorporate movies, world events, and timely topics which teens are facing into these Wednesday evening sessions.

        Seniors in high school meet monthly with the parish youth minister in evenings which are planned according to their specific needs and interests- preparing for college, getting along with parents and peers, career options, and religious questions and concerns. A Baccalaureate Mass is held in the church during one of the Sundays of Mass to celebrate their graduation and to give the parish the opportunity to affirm and support them at this time of their lives.