August 2020
Dear parents,
Early Registration for the upcoming SRRE year is now open. Find the registration form HERE. The Early Registration period will end on August 13, so that we can order materials at a lower cost. Regular Registration will open on August 15, but the tuition rates will be higher since materials will be slightly more expensive at that time.
Given the contagiousness and deadliness of Covid-19, we do not think it will be safe for us to hold in-person SRRE classes until an effective vaccine has been developed and most people have been vaccinated. This is very disappointing because I believe it is important for children and teens to be in their parish with other parishioners their age. The parish is the place where we grow together as a community of faith. By coming together for prayer, learning, sharing, and discussions we learn from each other and we feel the support of being present with those who share our faith. In addition to being with their peers in class, children and teens are also mentored in faith by their catechists.
It has always been the case that what SRRE can offer to families only supplements the faith formation that takes place day-by-day, week-by-week, and year-by-year in your homes. At your child’s baptism you accepted the responsibility of training your child in the practice of the faith. I believe that our current reality can be an opportunity for you to grow in knowledge and confidence in sharing your faith with your children. In order to help make “family catechesis” as easy and fruitful as possible, SRRE is eager to provide you with the materials and support you will need to teach their children at home.
One area in which most Catholics, including our SRRE children and teens, need a boost is in knowledge of the Bible. While our textbooks include Scripture passages and stories in each session, Catholic children, teens, and adults often do not know the foundational stories and teachings found in the Bible. Oftentimes the biblical texts are difficult for children to understand, and, for people of all ages, knowing how the stories and teachings apply to our own lives is crucial. Fortunately, there are wonderful editions of the Bible for children and teens available; these Bibles include colorful pictures, background information, reflection questions, and an easier-to-understand translation.
This year, in addition to the textbook, SRRE will include a copy of The Catholic Children’s Bible, the Breakthrough Bible, or the Catholic Youth Bible for each child/teen. Each family will receive an at-home catechesis kit during a contact-less pick up session in September (currently scheduled for Sundays, September 6 and 13 in the Trumpet Room). Kits will include grade-level textbook, lesson plans, calendar, an age-appropriate Bible, and details on how to access online resources. We will place all items in a tote bag for each family. Throughout the year, SRRE will provide online sessions for parents, online events for families, and online group meetings for students in Grades 6-12.
Tuition can be paid electronically (using a credit card) or by mailing a check payable to St. Raphael Religious Education (1513 Dunster Road, Rockville MD 20854). If you wish to pay in cash, please email us to set up a time to meet. If you are experiencing financial difficulties that would keep you from paying the tuition at this time, please let me know so that we can discuss options (payment plan, discount, etc.)
I have missed seeing you and your children these past five months and I am disappointed that we will have limited in-person contact in the coming months. But I know that the Holy Spirit will bless and prosper our efforts to be witnesses of Jesus Christ and I look forward to working with your family in this new way.
God bless you!
Mary Beaudoin
Director of Religious Education
*For information on the Bibles included in this registration, please see Bibles