The Parish School of Religion (PSR) has as its primary concern the spiritual development of the children of St. Mary Parish who attend the public schools from Preschool through Grade 8. The curriculum is developed according to the guidelines of the “Religion Graded Course of Studies” of the Diocese of Columbus. Classes are held on Sunday mornings. For further information or to register for classes, please call the PRS Office. Contact Glenna Celestino 382.2262

LifeTeen is the parish youth ministry program open to teens in grades 9–12. The goal of Life Teen is to lead teens closer to Jesus and to equip them to live out their Catholic faith in their everyday life. Life Teen consists of a monthly Teen Mass on the 2nd Sunday of the month, Life Teen Nights every Sunday (from September to May) from 6:30-8:30 p.m., retreats, youth rallies, service projects, and social events. The Adult Core Team consists of young adults, single and married, who have a heart for teens, and help plan and lead activities for Life Teen. If you are interested in serving Life Teen or have a teenager, call the Life Teen office. Confirmation Classes are Sunday evening (6:30 – 8:30 p.m.) from January – May and are open to all Freshmen and any upper class teen who has not been confirmed. Call the Life Teen office to register for Confirmation or have a teenager, please call 387-6225. Additional information is available at the LifeTeen national website.

Sacramental Preparation
At St. Mary, a parish-based approach is required for the reception of the Sacraments of Penance, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Students preparing for these sacraments are to be baptized Catholics and receiving religious education as students at St. Mary Elementary School, Marion Catholic Jr./Sr. High School, the Religious Education Program, or Life Teen. Meetings are held during the year to assist parents in their role of preparing their children for First Penance, First Eucharist, and Confirmation.

• First Penance is celebrated during Advent.
• First Eucharist is celebrated as a group on the last Sunday of April. Individual First Communions are arranged by request.
• Confirmation is celebrated for our ninth grade students by the Bishop during the Easter Season. A special program is held for candidates .

Confirmation Class is open to Grade 9 students and is held every other Sunday from 7-8:45 p.m. during the school year (February through May). The general meeting location is the second floor of St. Mary Grade School on the grounds of the downtown church (274 N. Main St.). Call Mark Starrs at 740/387-6225 for more specific information.

Infant Baptisms
Parents wishing to have their child baptized at St. Mary must be registered members of the Parish, and both parents must attend a Baptism Preparation class that is held every other month at times announced in the parish bulletin. If as a parent you have attended our class in the past three years, you need not attend again. You can register for the class by calling the Parish Office. Baptisms are held at the 11:00 a.m. Mass on the fourth Sunday of each month. Other arrangements can be made by calling the parish priest .

Marriage Preparation
Marriage preparation needs to begin no later than six months prior to the date of the intended marriage. A wedding date cannot be set until the priest is contacted. Call the Parish Office and request to speak with the priest. Each couple is required to participate in the Pre-Cana experience. Brochures on Pre-Cana and copies of our Parish Marriage Guidelines may be obtained from the Parish Office or at the preliminary meeting with the priest. www.foryourmarriage.org.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) The RCIA is the Church's process of initiating adult members into the Catholic Faith. This process involves the teaching of Scripture, prayer, catechesis on Catholic doctrine, faith sharing, and the direct contact with members of St. Mary Parish. The RCIA provides Liturgical Rites to be celebrated during the process to full Church membership at the Easter Vigil. Call for more information at 740/382-2262.

Catholic Young Adults is a newly-formed young adults group plans events that bring those ages 18 to 35 together to share and experience their faith through programs and gatherings with those of their age. Since it is a young group, there is much help needed. Contact Bill and Paulette Dichtl 389.2510.

Catholics Returning Home is a forum for those Catholics who, for some reason or another, have left the church and now wish to return. The format is that of an open discussion on current church positions and an update on the sacraments. Contact Linda Perry 389.1236.

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The schools' philosophy:
Be it known to all who enter here
that Christ is the reason for this school,
the unseen but ever-present teacher in its classes,
the model of the faculty,
the inspiration of its students.

marionscatholicschools.com

St. Mary Elementary School is dedicated to the gospel message of Jesus Christ. By embracing His teachings, the pastor, administration, faculty, parents, and students serve one another out of love for Jesus Christ. Working together, they develop each child spiritually, academically, physically, and socially, utilizing each individual's gifts and talents. The school is open to children of all religious beliefs. Along with the academic requirements, gym, art, and music are part of the curriculum. A school lunch is offered on a daily basis. After school, children may join the various sport teams throughout the seasons.

St. Mary school is located behind the church at 274 North Prospect Street. Principal Robert Rush and secretary Marilyn Beaver may be reached at 740/382-1607.Visit at 274 North Prospect Street. Enter through the Church parking lot.

For detailed information on classroom activities, a newsletter is provided monthly as an insert in the Sunday church bulletin.

Marion Catholic Junior/Senior Preparatory High School is a co-educational institution with the goals of providing a superior comprehensive educational program, traditional Catholic teachings adapted to contemporary life, and involvement with the local community.

The "Irish" are involved in competitive sports throughout the different seasons. Sports offered are golf, football, basketball (boys and girls), volleyball (girls), baseball, softball, track, swimming, and cheerleading.

Marion Catholic is fully accredited through the Ohio Catholic School Accrediting Association and through the State of Ohio Department of Education.

Tuition assistance is available. The school is located at 1001 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Marion. The principal, Fran Voll, and secretary, Maryann Villegas, may be reached by calling 740/389-2381.