Religious Education – St Mary Church

Marion’s Catholic Schools

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.

St. Mary Elementary School (website)

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 Nicole Sterling 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 (website)

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.

The school is located at 1001 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Marion. The principal, Allen Seitter, and secretary, Maryann Villagas, may be reached by calling 740 389-2381.

Tuition assistance is available. Please review the pdf documents at the top of this column.

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 7. 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

St. Mary Youth Ministry

offers programs and events for young people of the parish to learn the traditions of our faith and how to incorporate them into their own lives. For more information, call 387-6225.

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 eighth grade students by the Bishop during the Easter Season. A special program is held for candidates.

Confirmation Class

is open to students Grade 8 and above. Contact Lori Stevenson at 387-6225 for more 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 after 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.

Some general information about the Sacrament of Marriage can be found at 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 382-2262.