Elementary - Grades K-5

Diocese of Austin

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.
Special needs children learn their faith side by side with their typical 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 with special need children to contact the Elementary Coordinator to discuss and plan their child’s religious education formation and sacramental preperation.

All Parents are encouraged to register their children and assure they attend regularly.

A child who is in second grade and has been baptized in the Catholic Church is eligible for preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist. If your child is in third grade or beyond and has not received either of these sacraments, please call the religious education office at 512-600-8171 to learn more about the RCIA for Children process. We will work with you to determine how best to prepare your child.

Because parents are the primary educators of their children, our catechists in the religious education program and religion teachers in Catholic school partner with parents in preparing the children for these very important steps in their life of faith. Parents can also continue to grow in their faith through our adult education programs. Please register here.

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 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 education office at or before the Reconciliation Parent Meeting.
• Parents are required to attend three meetings in preparing their child to receive these sacraments:  Parent Meeting for First Reconciliation, Parent Meeting for First Eucharist, and Meeting for Parents and Children for First Eucharist. 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 Mass takes place on a Saturday in May.
• Students are required to complete their two home-study workbooks (one for each sacrament). Parents are asked to 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 each of the home-study books is $35.
• 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. More information can be found here.

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

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

Is God calling you to become a catechist? Our programs rely on generous volunteers who want to share the gift of the faith they've been given. To find out more, click here.