Religious Education

Religious Education is central to the life of the youth of our parish families. God’s Word is a revealed one that must be read, prayed, and studied. Our program of Religious Education Program at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph is here to assist our parents and guardians, in their role as primary teachers of the faith for their children.

Contact Data:
For information regarding our Religious Education program please contact Msgr. Routhier in the Parish Office.  The phone is 658-4333. Email can be sent to sjvt@comcast.net.

Our Mission:
Our Mission is to provide opportunities for the Parish Families of the Cathedral of St. Joseph to study God’s Word in Scripture and the Teachings of the Church, in an atmosphere of worship, warmth,respect and wisdom, and to instill the values of living Christ’s word, sharing His Word and loving all without exception.

Class Locations:
Our Religious Education classes are held in the Cathedral of St Joseph. Our mailing address is 113 Elmwood Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401.

Enrollment Policy and Confirmation Program:
We welcome students in grades 1 through 10 who are interested in the Catholic Faith and want to learn about Jesus and our Catholic traditions.  Older children who have not received the Sacraments should call the parish office.

Enrollment in our Religious Education Program is required each year BEFORE June 1 for the next academic year starting in September. This will facilitate ordering supplies and securing adequate staff. Registration forms need to be completed annually by a parent/guardian. Registration may be requested from our Religious Education Office and at the entrance to the Church. They may also be obtained on the Parish website.

New students to our Religious Education Program need to provide a copy of their baptismal certificate, if they were baptized at a Church other than the former Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or St. Joseph Church in Burlington, Vermont.

Class Times:  Because of COVID restrictions, classes are not being held.  Normally, classes are held:
Grades 1 – 8 Program:  Sundays 8:45AM– 9:50 AM. All students meet in the St. Joseph parish hall and proceed to his/her classroom with his/her teacher.

Sacramental Preparation:
“The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1131)

There is a two-year period of time is required to prepare students to celebrate the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Communion, (first & second grades) and Confirmation (5th & 6th grades and beyond).