Children & Youth
Religious Education
Welcome! We'd love to have you join us for Religious Education classes.
Classes are for children not enrolled in a Catholic school. The role of the program is to assist families in teaching their youth about our Catholic faith by: providing opportunities for family development in knowing Jesus Christ, building a relationship with God and others, and living a moral and Christian lifestyle.
Registration
Returning Families | New Families | |
|---|---|---|
Print Form | Print Form | |
Online Registration | Online Registration |
Classes are held at the parish's Education Center and are available for Grades K-8. Please feel free to contact our office if we can be of assistance in any way: 727.812.4656
Class Days and Times:
- Monday: Grades K-8 from 6:15 pm -7:30 pm
- Tuesday: K-8 from 6:15 pm -7:30 pm
- Sunday: Grades K-5 10:00 am - 11:15 am
- Tentative Sunday: Grades 6-8 10:00 am - 11:15 am (must contact RE Office to enroll)
Sacramental preparation is through our office but is a stand-alone program for both Catholic school students and RE students.
Check out our Parent's Page & Catechist Corner
Many volunteer ministry opportunities are available within the Religious Education Office:
| Volunteer Position | Catechist | |
|---|---|---|
| Required of the Volunteer | Catechists in the Religious Education program are called to herald the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ through weekly instruction of a classroom of students. Using the materials and resources provided to plan lessons in advance, catechists should form their students in the Catholic tradition through its rich resources of doctrine, scripture, liturgy and prayer. | |
| Experience Necessary | No | |
| Training Required | No, but attending Catechist Certification classes is highly encouraged. | |
| When is Training | Modules are usually offered throughout the year at various times and at various parishes. | |
| Time Commitment | Weekly during the school year. | |
| Contact | cbf0aff701f4f5ccb1fcf0f8fb03fec9f4fbfbf4fdcff402fff801f8030402f0fd03febdf2f2ce0204f1f9f4f203ccd2f003f4f2f7f80203b4c1bfd8fd03f401f40203b1cdd4fbfbf4fdafd9fefdf402cbbef0cdbbafd2fefe01f3f8fdf003fe01affef5afe1f4fbf8f6f8fe0402afd4f304f2f003f8fefdbbafe2f2f7fefefbafd104f8fbf3f8fdf6bbafc6c1c6bdc7c0c1bdc3c5c4c5bdXj2U8VSxkAp3NqevSeCl5FlMhN9biw8caesar This page part is protected against spam bots and web crawlers. In order to be displayed you need to enable Javascript in your browser, and then reload the page. |
| Volunteer Position | Catechist’s Assistant | |
|---|---|---|
| Required of the Volunteer | Assistants aid Catechists in various ways. From taking attendance to setting up the classroom, helping the teacher with group discussions, and aiding hands-on learning activities, Assistants proclaim the gospel through their display of the divine virtue of caritas. | |
| Experience Necessary | No | |
| Training Required | No | |
| Time Commitment | Weekly during the school year. | |
| Contact | 2c5110586255562d125d51595c645f2a555c5c555e30556360596259646563515e645f1e53532f6365525a5553642d335164555358596364152220316363596364515e64152220395e645562556364122e355c5c555e103a5f5e55632c1f512e1c10335f5f6254595e51645f62105f561042555c5957595f656310355465535164595f5e1c104353585f5f5c103265595c54595e571c102722271e2821221e242625261evWbYjLdy6yoM6P32XU82TCYgQsy10scaesar This page part is protected against spam bots and web crawlers. In order to be displayed you need to enable Javascript in your browser, and then reload the page. |
| Volunteer Position | Office Clerk | |
|---|---|---|
| Required of the Volunteer | Answering and making phone calls, helping with various projects such as cutting, stapling, filing, addressing envelopes, sending letters, making copies, and helping with special events. | |
| Time Commitment | Weekly during the school year. | |
| Contact | f91edd252f2223fadf2a1e2629312cf7222929222bfd22302d262f263132301e2b312ceb2020fc30321f27222031fa0c2323262022e2efed0029222f28e2efed062b31222f223031dffb022929222bdd072c2b2230f9ec1efbe9dd002c2c2f21262b1e312c2fdd2c23dd0f22292624262c3230dd022132201e31262c2be9dd1020252c2c29ddff32262921262b24ddf4eff4ebf5eeefebf1f3f2f3ebGTKoyKw0n8YTZPQbQI81jPzme2ppvE6Acaesar This page part is protected against spam bots and web crawlers. In order to be displayed you need to enable Javascript in your browser, and then reload the page. |
Many Resources are available in the Religious Education offices, including games, art supplies, posters, charts, maps and audio/video offerings. Diocesan services include Catechist Training and an audio/video library. Contact f51136f53d473a3b12f742363e4149440f3a41413a43153a48453e473e494a4836434944033838f7131a41413a43f51f44433a4811043613f53649f50c070c030d060703090b0a0bf5QB2jK4Rk3CO51CFJAxl8bV2G15U1h7Scaesar This page part is protected against spam bots and web crawlers. In order to be displayed you need to enable Javascript in your browser, and then reload the page. concerning any other inquiries.
Youth of Espiritu Santo (YES)
High School and Middle School Life Teen Ministries
The mission of the Youth Ministry program at Espiritu Santo is to bring teens together in an environment that will foster positive relationships with each other, to help them understand God’s plan for them in their lives, to bring them closer to Jesus through the sacraments and provide them opportunities to serve God’s people through service.
When do we meet?
High school and middle school teens will meet immediately following our Life Teen Mass. Each Sunday night the teens will experience the Living Word through the example of St. John Bosco, by providing a place where they can express their faith, have fun with friends, while learning lessons that will help them in the future in a family-like atmosphere.
Both groups will meet in the John Bosco center for dinner, and then each group will meet in separate rooms for the Life Nights. The middle school will end at 7:30 pm and high school finishes at 8:00 pm.
Events and Activities
Rock the Universe, Night of Joy, Catholic Youth Day, Fall and Spring Retreats for high school students, Spring retreat for middle school, Homeless Retreat in November, feeding the needy and helping at Pinellas Hope, March for Life, fun outings like bowling, laser tag, Stuebenville Conference, Summer trips, Word on the Water, and a Youth Rally.
Plus many more fun activities and trips
Volunteer Positions needed:
The youth ministry program is very complex, and we need a diversified group of volunteers. We have opportunities for direct and indirect contact with our youth. The level of commitment will depend upon what you are interested in doing to help our program.
| Volunteer Position | Core Team Member | |
|---|---|---|
| Required of the Volunteer | This commitment will involve being present at our Sunday night meetings, and Core Team planning meetings. The Core team is a group of volunteers that assist the youth minister with the planning and execution of the Life Nights. Their biggest role is to be present to our teens, and mentor them in their faith journey. | |
| Experience Necessary | No | |
| Training Required | First, you need to set up an appointment to meet with the youth minister to discuss your involvement in the program. Once that initial interview is over, you are required to fill out a volunteer application, register for a Safe Environment Program and schedule your Level II background screening through the Diocese of St. Petersburg. | |
| When is Training | Scheduled as necessary. | |
| Time Commitment | Sunday night after Life Teen Mass until 8:00 pm. Core Team Planning Meetings as necessary. | |
| Contact | 254a09515b4e4f260b564a52555d582362585e5d51505b585e59294e5c59525b525d5e5c4a575d58174c4c0b095d4a5b504e5d260b484b554a57540b2742585e5d5109384f4f524c4e25184a27094a5d09201b2017201b1f171c1f1b1b17N4sX0cgc6jt8pNAVUdOeobtPY9DuX2Rucaesar This page part is protected against spam bots and web crawlers. In order to be displayed you need to enable Javascript in your browser, and then reload the page. |
Chaperone for youth events: Occasionally we will need parent volunteers to help drive and or chaperone youth group events. All chaperones must meet with the youth minister prior to the trip, as well as have all Safe Environment Training and background screening.
Meal Ministry: In order to establish a family-like atmosphere, we are providing our teens with a meal every Sunday night. We are in need of volunteers to cook or provide monetary donations for our meal and snack program.
Prayer Partners: We are in need of prayers for our young people. Prayer is the one gift that all of our parishioners can give to our youth. They are facing many obstacles in their lives, and they are in need of your help. Please consider praying for our youth.
Administrative Assistants: If you like to help with office work including making phone calls, and helping with all of the details for the youth ministry planning, your help is needed during the week.
For more information regarding the youth ministry program, please call 074f4354511c554946011d4201495346471e034e424a4d55501b5a505655494853505651214654514a534a555654424f55500f444403015542534846551e0340434d424f4c031f3a50565549013047474a44461d10421f014255011813180f1813170f141713130fK9TxX6k88h8LagO1ZVKcF6LGxyQbxkcaesar This page part is protected against spam bots and web crawlers. In order to be displayed you need to enable Javascript in your browser, and then reload the page.
Religious Education and Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation
Preparation for children receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation is provided by the Religious Education Office.
- Reconciliation and First HolyCommunion preparation begins during the second grade year. First Reconciliation sessions start in mid-Novermber and the sacrament will take place in January. Then First Holy Communion sessions occur between February and May.
- The Confimation preparation sessions begin in October of the eighth grade year.
- During the month of September, parents will receive a mailed letter about the first meeting.
- Confirmation students are required to attend one preparation session per month between October and June, one retreat, and spiritual and service hours which will be outlined during the first meeting.
The Diocese of St. Petersburg requires that students be enrolled in Religious Education classes for two years prior to receiving a sacrament. Please call our office at 727.812.4656 if we can help you get your child enrolled in classes.
Espiritu Santo Catholic School
Espiritu Santo Catholic School opened its doors in August, 2001 and graduated the first eighth-grade class in May of 2004. In the spring of 2008 our parish school earned full-accreditation with the Florida Catholic Conference Graduates are currently enrolled in all six Catholic high schools located within the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The mission of ESCS, under the guiding gifts of the Holy Spirit, is to pass on the beliefs and teachings of the Roman Catholic faith, to encourage students to reach out in a caring, Christian way, and to offer students an enriched, academic, Christ-centered education in a disciplined environment.
Our school serves students in Pre-Kindergarten/Age 3 through eighth-grade. Through a strong partnership with the family and community, our Catholic school excels in the area of Catholic identity and formation. academic superiority, students support, co-curricular opportunities, service projects, extra-curricular activities and outstanding school spirit set Espiritu Santo Catholic School apart from all other schools.
For more information on our outstanding Catholic school of excellence, please contact our office at 727.812.4650.Volunteer opportunities are available through our Home and School Association .Visit our website at: www.escschool.org.
Talking To Your Child About Faith
Mom & Dad, the way you live has a big impact on me. You are teaching me how to live whether you know it or not...
Sharing Our Stories
By Kaitlin Berger, Echo Apprentice
One of my most powerful faith experiences from my teenage years took place in the back of my family’s mini-van. It was a simple prayer amidst the yelling that took place every Sunday on the way home from Mass.
After 7 years of Catholic school, a childhood of family prayers before bed, and weekly Sunday Mass with my family, I begged God to really reveal Himself to me.
I had been going through the ‘motions’ and hoping to feel something… That desperate cry to the Lord: “If you are really there, Show me! I believe in You, but I want to KNOW You, Lord...” changed my life.
Weeks later the Lord revealed Himself to me through the Scripture at Mass. It was as if He was speaking the words of the scripture to my heart. As if when that scripture was written, it was for me, and the exact situation that I was in at the moment. I was so overwhelmed with the Lord’s presence that I became warm and tearful. This was just the beginning of my deeper relationship with the Lord. I began to receive joy and peace in new ways.
Throughout my life my mom has shared some of her experiences of the Lord with me. My mom is one of those people who desires to go to Mass and actually enjoys it! When I saw people like her, I wanted what they had. Finally, through this experience of the Lord, I had that desire to experience God in any way that I could. Because my mom shared her stories with me, I believed that I could experience God too. Suddenly Mass seemed more meaningful, and so did my prayer-life. I share this story to encourage all of us in the following:
- God does want to reveal Himself to us in very real ways,
- As dysfunctional as any family or parish can be, the Holy Spirit still works through the imperfect.
- LASTLY: One of the most powerful ways that we can share our faith and help others (especially our children) persevere in seeking God is through sharing our personal stories about how God has worked in our own lives.
REFLECTION Questions:
- How has God worked in my life?
- Where am I on my faith journey?
- Is there someone with which God wants me to share a personal faith-story?
Catechist Corner
Religious Education Handbook - "Encountering the Living Christ"
A useful guide in your role as catechist at Espiritu Santo Catholic Chuch. This handbook contains information on the various catechetical roles, guidelines, policies, parent guidelines, the Safe Environment Program (SEP), catechist certification, curriculum, and classroom resources.
Section 1: Catechesis, Roles, Policies, Guidelines, School Map
Section 2: Religious Education Parent Handbook
Section 3: Diocesan Safe Environment Program, Code of Conduct, and Harassment Policy
Section 4: Catechist Certification, Teaching Tips, Games, and Prayers
Section 5: Curriculum Guidelines by Grade Level
Section 6: Classroom Resources
Helpful Resources:
Daily Readings, Bible, & articles from the US Bishops
Review Games, Activity Finder, & Blog links
Youth of Espiritu Santo (YES) Videos!
Check out some videos of things we have done
and will be doing...where do you fit in?
Disney’s Night of Joy 2011 | ||
Bus Ride to Steubenville Atlanta 2010 | ||
Life Night ‘Where do you see Christ?’ | ||
March for Life St. Augustine | ||
Life Night on Dating | ||
Looking forward to Steubenville Atlanta 2011 |
Religious Education Volunteers
Many volunteer ministry opportunities are available within the Religious Education Office:
| Volunteer Position | Catechist | |
|---|---|---|
| Required of the Volunteer | Catechists in the Religious Education program are called to herald the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ through weekly instruction of a classroom of students. Using the materials and resources provided to plan lessons in advance, catechists should form their students in the Catholic tradition through its rich resources of doctrine, scripture, liturgy and prayer. | |
| Experience Necessary | No | |
| Training Required | No, but attending Catechist Certification classes is highly encouraged. | |
| When is Training | Modules are usually offered throughout the year at various times and at various parishes. | |
| Time Commitment | Weekly during the school year. | |
| Contact | {obsfucate}Ellen Jones, Coordinator of Religious Education, School Building, 727.812.4656.{/obsfucate} |
| Volunteer Position | Catechist’s Assistant | |
|---|---|---|
| Required of the Volunteer | Assistants aid Catechists in various ways. From taking attendance to setting up the classroom, helping the teacher with group discussions, and aiding hands-on learning activities, Assistants proclaim the gospel through their display of the divine virtue of caritas. | |
| Experience Necessary | No | |
| Training Required | No | |
| Time Commitment | Weekly during the school year. | |
| Contact | {obsfucate}Ellen Jones, Coordinator of Religious Education, School Building, 727.812.4656.{/obsfucate} |
| Volunteer Position | Office Clerk | |
|---|---|---|
| Required of the Volunteer | Answering and making phone calls, helping with various projects such as cutting, stapling, filing, addressing envelopes, sending letters, making copies, and helping with special events. | |
| Time Commitment | Weekly during the school year. | |
| Contact | {obsfucate}Ellen Jones, Coordinator of Religious Education, School Building 727.812.4656.{/obsfucate} |
Many Resources are available in the Religious Education offices, including games, art supplies, posters, charts, maps and audio/video offerings. Diocesan services include Catechist Training and an audio/video library. Contact{obsfucate} Ellen Jones at 727.812.4656 {/obsfucate}concerning any other inquiries.