Elementary - Grades K-5

Diocese of Austin

Is God calling you to become a catechist, substitute catechist, hall monitor, or helper? Being the largest parish in the Diocese of Austin, our programs rely on generous volunteers who want to share the gift of the faith they've been given. Our Elementary RE program serves over 250 youth, and needs at least 60 to 70 catechists to run at full speed. To find out more, click here. If you'd like to ask any questions or know more about volunteer roles before discerning to volunteer, reach out to Coordinator of Elementary Faith Formation (English) Dustin Parks at dparks@st-william.org or 512-600-8171.

The early years of a child's life form the foundation for both physical and spiritual growth. Through religious education at Saint William, we partner with parents to support their child's growth in learning to love and live the Catholic Faith. We also provide our parents with ongoing faith formation so the whole family may grow together.

Instruction at this level includes age-appropriate lessons, activities and experiences designed to  help children learn about God's great love for them and how to love Him in return. They are introduced to the main truths of the Faith and to basic prayers. In second grade, children prepare for and receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation (Confession) and First Holy Eucharist (Communion).

For young Catholics with special needs, St. William has a religious education that includes. The Church is a place where all are welcomed and where everyone belongs.
Children who have special needs learn their faith side by side with their neurotypical peers of the same chronological age, within capabilities. Children learn best when they learn together. All of this interaction is a healthy preparation for adult life.

We encourage parents and guardians of children with special needs to contact the Elementary Coordinator, Dustin Parks, to discuss and plan their child’s religious education formation and sacramental preperation. Mr. Parks can be reached via e-mail at dparks@st-william.org, or by phone at 512-600-8171.

All Parents are encouraged to register their children for RE classes and assure they attend regularly. Because parents are the primary educators of their children, our catechists in the Religious Education program and Religion teachers in Catholic schools partner with parents in preparing the children for these very important steps in their life of faith. Parents are truly irreplaceable in this process. 

Since it is so important for parents to know and constantly grow in their faith in order to help their children do likewise, we have adult religious education classes as well. These include various classes offered by the parish such as "Healing the Whole Person" and "Unbound" that are open to all parishioners. Please register here for these programs. We also offer parent classes that take place at the same time your children attend RE classes. In 2023-2024, we have expanded this so that adult education classes will be available not just on Monday evening but on Sunday afternoons also! Please plan to sign your child into his or her classrooms in the Education Building a bit early, then go over to the Pavilion (if your child attends Sunday RE from 3:00 to 4:30pm) or the PEC Auditorium upstairs (if your child attends one of the the Monday RE class offerings from 4:00 to 5:15pm or from 6:30 to 7:45pm--the Monday parent classes are offered only during the 6:30 to 7:45pm timeframe). 

While a parent must do many things to properly raise a child in virtue and faith, the most important thing every Catholic parent must do is to take their children to Mass faithfully every Sunday. The Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith! It (or rather, He--Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament) is the most precious gift in the universe. Parents make the promise at their child's Baptism to rear the child in the faith, most especially by faithful weekly Sunday Mass attendance. The most important thing you can do in your child's faith formation is to attend Mass every Sunday (or Saturday evening vigil Mass) and participate actively and fervently. And when the child makes his or her First Reconciliation, make a regular habit of going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a family. This will bless and transform our families and the world around us if we all do it faithfully.

A child who is in second grade and has been baptized in the Catholic Church and attended 1st grade RE class the previous year is eligible for preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist. (Note, parents of 1st graders, that 1st grade RE is a required prerequisite if your child is to attend 2nd grade RE and receive Sacraments during that year.) If your child is in third grade or beyond and has not received either of these sacraments, please call Coordinator Dustin Parks in the Religious Education office at 512-600-8171 to learn more about the OCIA (formerly called RCIA) for Children process. We will work with you to determine how best to prepare your child.

Outlined below are the requirements for admitting children to First Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist. As mentioned above, parents play a key role, and for that reason are included in these requirements. Each of these is intended to help children adequately understand, appreciate and prepare for reception of these two great sacraments.

• Children must have been enrolled in and faithfully attended classes in a parish religious education program or Catholic school for one year prior to their second grade year. 
• Children must be enrolled in the parish religious education program by October 1 or attending Catholic school by then.
• Parents are to provide Proof of Catholic Baptism (Baptismal certificate) to the Religious Education office at or before the Reconciliation Parent Meeting.
• Parents are required to attend four meetings in preparing their child to receive these sacraments:  Parent Meeting for First Reconciliation, Parent Meeting for First Eucharist, and the First Reconciliation Retreat and First Eucharist Retreat for Parents and Children. First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion books will be given out at the parent meetings.
• In May, there is a mandatory Friday evening practice for those students receiving First Eucharist with the large group of students. This First Communion Masses take place during two Saturday Vigil and Sunday Masses in May.
• Students are required to complete their two home-study workbooks (one for each sacrament). Parents actively guide and help their children with this. The preparation they receive in class is supplemental to the preparation they receive at home through parental example, Mass attendance, and conversations about our faith. The cost for the two home study books is $25 in addition to the student's RE registration fee.
• With the assistance of parents, children are to learn these seven prayers: Sign of the Cross, Grace before Meals, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be to the Father, Morning Offering, and Act of Contrition. These prayers will be sent home by catechists at the beginning of the school year to be practiced at home.

This is a time of great joy, both for the children and for their families. At Saint William we are happy and grateful to God to share these special times with students and their families!

For more information about the Saint William elementary religious education program, please contact Dustin Parks, Elementary Coordinator of Religious Education by filling out the form below.