Anyone familiar with Blessed Sacrament's Sunday School Program?

[Anonymous]

We're probably sending our son to public because of financial reasons but we really want to provide a him a strong Catholic education outside of the home. Since we likely wont be able to send him to BS for school we are very interested in their Sunday school program. Does anyone have kids that have gone through it or are attending now? Does it start in K? And go through 8th or 12th? Are you pleased with the level of religious education? Do you feel that it is giving your child a strong Catholic foundation comparable to Catholic school?

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

I can't say specifically for BS but we have 2 children in Religious Ed at another area parish. The teachers are great and they try hard but no, it is not comparable to Catholic school. Attendance in RE is spotty and after Gr, 2 (First Communion) most of the kids in my daughters class did not return. I expect we'll see them again for Confirmation in a few years. Our neighbors go to Catholic school and they have Mass asa class, more regular interaction with priests, etc. But then again, tey have Religion class every day as opposed to once a week. I wouldn't expect the experience to be the same. It makes me sad because I would like more for my kids. We may try to get them into the Catholic school this year.

[Anonymous]

My son has been at Blessed Sacrament for 4 years since 1st grade and he goes on Tuesdays. The program now starts at Pre-school with an extremely talented Montessori teacher (he had her for a fabulous second grade communion prep) but there is only one section with her (I think) on Sundays. The catechists are all volunteers and most are pretty good. There is a big swell of students around the timing for sacraments, so 1st/2nd grade and 7th grade. It drops off considerably for 3-6th overall. The program only goes through 8th grade.

Is it as good as a Catholic school? Hard to say in that I went to Catholic school when sisters were still teaching and if I compare it to that, then no.

The classes last 1 hr 15 minutes, but my son has learned his basic theology, prayers, sacraments. Please know that there is a wide variety of knowledge among the students and I have heard the teachers comment on this. They know which kids go home and have parents go over the materials with them and which don't.

Since we read the book at home and go over the "extra" sections in the books that the teachers don't have time to cover, as well as glossary words, he's learning much more with help from us. This year, to help him focus more on the Mass, I signed him up to be an altar boy at another parish where he will get more opportunities to serve.

I think if a child is not in Catholic school, then you have to take it upon yourself to add to what the religious education program can provide. BTW, the coordinator is very good and responsive to issues that sometimes come up, like our needing to sit in front row at Holy Communion due to 4 elderly relatives with walking problems. Overall, I think they do a very fine job. I had also checked into St. Ann's and St. Thomas the Apostle. St. Ann's is pretty good and St. Thomas very nice, but very small.

[Anonymous]

We've had kids in public (not here though but used our churchs program) and at Blessed Sacrament. I admire PP with her son! The family is what really makes the big difference. We aren't as committed and my biggest problem had been getting kids to go to catechism and to participate in the church. When they are in catholic school that isnt an issue. I suspect you can make this work for you since you sound committed to it. You can always enroll in later years (and it helps chances if you are trying to gain entrance to Catholic HS).