We are committed to providing the best possible religious education, preparation and counseling to our parish family. Our program offerings are as wide and varied as they are strong. What follows is only a brief introduction to the programs we have available. Please contact Ms. Sheila Mulloch at ext. 222. Also, we encourage you to watch the bulletin and check at the Religious Education office for information regarding class dates and other information about our programmes and schedules. Come to the Church office to fill out a form or use the one on-line linked below.
Religious Education Registration Form.pdf Top of Page

Sunday School - The youngest children are cared for by our parents co-operative Sunday School, (Ages 3 – 5). In the final year of Sunday School, (age 6, or at the beginning of grade 1).

Religious Education Programme - The Religious Education Programme for children in Public/Private Schools. However, children in separate schools are also welcome.These programmes begin with level 1 and goes through to level 8, (simulating the format followed in grades 1-8 in separate schools). Children must complete one year before preparing to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and the First Eucharist. Continuing through the other years provides for the background for Confirmation. The Born in the Spirit series of books, (the same as those used in the Catholic schools), are used to familiarize your child with the Bible, liturgy and God at work in our lives.

R.C.I.C. - The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (R.C.I.C.) is patterned after the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.) in that it is a process of being incorporated into the faith-community rather than simply a programme of instruction. The child’s family shares in the process and s/he is helped to discern his or her readiness to become a "catechumen" – that is, an unbaptised person who now is ready for formal preparation for the sacrament. Top of Page

The preparation for initiation to Reconciliation follows the completion of the required sacramental preparation in grade 1. The Initiation usually takes place as part of a group, over 2 years, through grades 2 and 3, during Advent. A second group initiation is held in late January or early February, for those who where unable to participate in the ‘Advent’ session.

First Communion is also generally celebrated in May during the grade 2 year. For those involved in the R.C.I.A. program or the Special Sacramental Class participants, (i.e.: those children and youth from older age groups), alternative initiation dates will be set, as appropriate. Please contact Ms. Sheila Mulloch at 416-762-1026 ext. 222 for more details. Top of Page

Confirmation generally takes place at a Mass during the weekend of Pentecost. Elementary School aged children celebrate their Confirmation at Mass on Saturday and the High School aged children celebrate on the Sunday. Confirmation takes place following the completion of 2 years of Sacramental Religious Education in grades 7 and 8. (Please see Sacramental Preparation section, previous.) Please contact Ms. Sheila Mulloch at 416-762-1026 ext. 222 for details. Top of Page

St. Joan of Arc Parish welcomes and makes available a process for persons interested in pursuing the Roman Catholic Faith through our ministry called:

R.C.I.A. - The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a series of steps marked by simple liturgical rituals through which an adult person becomes a full member of the Church. It is for: those who are not baptized, those who were baptized in another Christian tradition who wish to consider becoming Catholic and/or for baptized Catholics who wish further understanding of the faith and to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist.

This process begins with a meeting with a member of the parish staff. The participant’s background, experience, and questions help us to form the process. The general format of the initiation process includes weekly evening meetings on Wednesday or alternative Thursday’s, September through June. Gatherings are led by the parish team, (composed of parishioners and staff who share their experience of faith). The evenings include Scripture, topics on the faith, discussion, and prayer. Three times during the year we stop and reflect for a day. It is a time to ask: Do I wish to continue? Am I able to believe and live what has been presented? As choices are made the stages of this journey are marked by the celebration of rites in the presence of the Church community. The length of time needed by each person will be different.

Following the oldest tradition of the Church, the actual reception of the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist generally occurs at the Easter Vigil. We celebrate God’s action and love revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Top of Page

Couples expecting a child are encouraged to contact the parish office before the child is born. This will allow us to provide you with guidelines and to make adequate preparations for all of your special friends and family members to be both prepared and available on this important occasion. Please contact Ms. Sheila Mulloch at 416-762-1026 ext. 222 for further information. Top of Page

Preparation for Marriage and life as a couple requires special consideration and planning. We request that you contact Father Dan at lease one year prior to your planned wedding date. He will be happy to discuss this upcoming event with you and to provide all of the guidance and assistance you need to prepare for this important day.

As for more information about the Marriage Prep Classes, please call the Catholic Family Services of Toronto at (416) 921-1163. Top of Page