Children’s Faith Formation/CCD Registration Page

Welcome to the Children’s Faith Formation Program offered by The Basilica of Saint Mary!

The Basilica of Saint Mary Catechesis/CCD program is for children (Kindergarten through year 8) of parishioners of The Basilica of Saint Mary who are not currently enrolled in a Catholic School. Our Children’s Faith Formation/CCD Program meets during the school year for a minimum of 30 hours of religious education. The faith formation program is held on Sundays, 10-11:15 a.m., September 7, 2025-May 3, 2026 in The Basilica of Saint Mary School. Because of the importance of religious education and the invitation to children to develop a person relationship with the Lord, parents/students are asked to commit to the following: weekly Mass attendance, participation in classes and respecting deadlines for lessons/projects, completing work/projects at home with some work that requires family participation.

Enrollment is encouraged from Kindergarten through Year 8 as each year builds on the next year of faith formation. Tuition per student is $80 if registered by August 15. On August 15, tuition is $95 per student. For students in sacramental years, there is an additional materials fee. No one is refused enrollment for inability to pay. Students playing CYO sports are to enroll in an approved religious education program.

New for the 2025-2026 religious education school year:

A new text series will be used, Word of Life, from the Augustine Institute and Ignatius Press
Students desiring Confirmation will attend in-person classes for 3 consecutive years: Year 6 (pre-Confirmation), Year 7 (Confirmation 1), Year 8 (Confirmation 2).

Preparation for First Penance and First Holy Communion requires in-person attendance by baptized children for two consecutive years, generally Years 1 and 2. Preparation for Confirmation requires in-person attendance and begins in Year 6 (Pre-Confirmation), continues in Year 7 (Confirmation 1), and Year 8 (Confirmation) for baptized students. Desire and preparation for Sacraments will include other activities that will be discussed with parents in their child’s 2nd and 8th years in faith formation respectively.

For age 5/kindergarten is Atrium/Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Level 1! What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)? CGS is a religious formation methodology for children that unites adults and children in a common religious experience. During a session and under the guidance of a certified leader, children listen to a parable, Bible story, or learn about a part of the Mass or liturgical year, work in silence, ask questions, come together in prayer, and start to develop a relationship and understanding of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd – – Jesus announces that he is the Good Shepherd who calls each one by name. The sheep listen to the voice of the Shepherd and follow Him. Using various senses and textures, children can ponder the biblical passage or a pray from the liturgy.

Parish families who homeschool their children in all subjects may request to homeschool their children in the faith using an approved program, provided the family is committed to weekly catechesis.

Students attending The Basilica School of Saint Mary do not need to register for CCD classes, however, for Sacramental years, a registration form will be sent.

For families with students in high school, consider joining the Basilica’s Youth and Young Adult ministries.

Special permission from the Director of Religious Education (DRE) may be granted for non-parishioners to enroll their children. Please contact the DRE (703)836-4100 x3023 for more information.

"*" indicates required fields

Faith Formation at The Basilica of Saint Mary

Thank you for considering the children's faith formation program at The Basilica of Saint Mary! The following must be completed before moving forward with the registration. Parent agreement:*

I read and agree to the three part commitment (Mass attendance, CCD participation, parent meetings, at home completion of lessons) of the children's faith formation program. These are ways that families have a fruitful participation in the Church’s life and mission. The three parts to our parish CCD Program that your family commits to are:

1. Mass: Participation in weekly Sunday Mass is foundational to the practice of our Catholic Faith. CCD classes are conveniently scheduled between the 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. Masses. The Third Commandment guides us to Keep Holy the Sabbath. Catholic Mass orients us spiritually, sanctifies us with the Eucharist, and is a celebration with the congregation.

2. In Person weekly classes (Sundays 10-11:15 a.m.): Lessons cover the basic elements of Catholic Teaching: Creed - What we believe; Sacraments - Celebrating the Christian Mystery; Moral Life - Life in Christ and human dignity; and Prayer - Communication with the Lord and our petitions. No more than 4 absences during the Sept-May school year. A student may be delayed in advancing/receiving Sacraments if the number of absences exceeds 4. Parents with children in sacramental years will have other meetings to attend.

3. At Home: Deeper study and time for completing lessons/projects that may involve the family. As with school subjects, student should be respecting deadlines for completing quality work, arriving to class on time, and bringing books.

At The Basilica of Saint Mary, our goal is to complement and supplement your responsibility as Catholic parents to teach and raise your children in the Catholic faith. Because parents are the primary educators of children, we offer support and encouragement as you seek to fulfill this most important responsibility. New for 2025: 1. We changed to the Word of Life curriculum that is published by the Augustine Institute and Ignatius Press. 2. Year 6 is now a required catechetical year for students desiring Confirmation in Year 8. A note to families suffering hardships or in difficult situations: Families understandably suffer hardships which may make regular participation difficult. Military spouses, a parent with a serious illness, couples negotiating circumstances involving joint custody, financial setbacks, etc. should approach the Director of Religious Education or the Pastor. Accommodations for such serious difficulties will be worked out. Families prioritizing sports or other activities at the expense of regular participation in Sunday Mass and CCD classes must correct this prior to beginning the religious education school year. If Sundays do not work for your family to participate regularly in Mass and CCD classes, please reach out so we can assist you with finding a program at a nearby parish.

Family Last Name*

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

Family Phone*

Family Email*

Are you a registered parishioner of the Basilica of St Mary?*

If you are not registered in any parish, we encourage you to do so; please contact the Basilica of Saint Mary's Receptionist for more information at (703)836-4100. Once you have registered with the Basilica you may register for CCD. Please contact the DRE for permission to register for CCD if you are not registered at the Basilica of Saint Mary and would like to participate in CCD.

Are you a returning family?*

Yes

Parent Information

Select Parents in Household*

Parental Marital Status*

Why marry Catholic? If you are not married in the Catholic Church, you are warmly invited to bring your marriage into the Church by first meeting with a priest. Catholic marriage is unique because it is a sacrament that makes Christ present to the world. To meet with a priest, please contact the parish office at 703-836-4100.

Father's Name*

First Middle Last

Father's Email*

Father's Mobile Phone*

Father's Religion*

Religion of Father if other than Roman Catholic*

Mother's Name*

First Middle Last

Mother's Email*

Mother's Mobile Phone*

Mother's Religion*

Mother's Religion if other than Roman Catholic*

Emergency Contact Information

Adult Emergency Contact (if parents/guardians are unavailable)*

First Last

Relationship to Child(ren)*

Emergency Contact Phone*

Arrival and Dismissal Policy

Classes are held in The Basilica School of Saint Mary (400 Green Street) from 10-11:15am on Sundays, September-May (you can find our calendar here)

In accordance with the Diocese of Arlington's child protection and safety policies, parents or guardians are responsible for their children until they are checked in with their catechists or assistant catechists in the School.

CCD begins with an opening prayer in the School Gym. Under normal conditions, entering and exiting the building will be strictly through the Gym Doors/Door#5. There may be ongoing construction projects and CCD families will be informed of adjusted entrance procedures as the construction project requires.

Children are to arrive between 9:45-9:55 a.m. for our prompt 10 a.m. start time. Students may not be left unattended in the Gym or classroom (if a catechist or assistant catechist is not present, please do not leave your child unattended).

Parents or guardians of children in grades Kindergarten through Year 3 must sign in and sign out children with their catechist or assistant catechist in the Gym. Children in Years 4 through 8 with a waiver are permitted to arrive without parental supervision and sign in and out with the catechist. All parents must then exit the building promptly unless they are attending an adult faith formation class or have a meeting with staff, as all hallways will be kept clear during class.

Dismissal for Kindergarten through year 3 requires a parent or guardian to sign the child out. If a parent or guardian arrives early they may wait in the gym. Students in years 4 through 8 will be checked out by the catechist and be walked to the gym where parents can pick them up. Children with waivers may leave the building through the gym door. With written advance notice and permission, a student may be released early. A parent/guardian will be escorted to the student's classroom. A student is not permitted to leave the building early without a parent/guardian and a student cannot meet the parent/guardian in the parking lot.

Acknowledgment of Arrival and Dismissal Policy*

I have read and agree to follow the arrival and dismissal policy.

Arrival and Dismissal Waiver for Children in Years 4-8

I grant permission for my child to arrive/depart without my supervision from the Basilica of Saint Mary’s CCD program held on Sunday mornings at the Basilica School of Saint Mary, 400 Green Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. I understand that the volunteers, staff, and clergy affiliated with the Basilica of Saint Mary will not beheld accountable should anything happen to my child while travelling to and/or from the Basilica School of Saint Mary.

I understand that this waiver only allows students in grades 4-8 to arrive and leave without parental supervision, and that any student in grades K-3 MUST arrive at and leave the
Basilica of Saint Mary School with an approved adult. I understand that when not in the presence of his/her catechist, I am responsible for my child’s well-being and safety.

Child 1

First Last Grade (only for 4-8th graders)

Child 2

First Last Grade (only for 4-8th graders)

Child 3

First Last Grade (only for 4-8th graders)

Child 4

First Last Grade (only for 4-8th graders)

Child 5

First Last Grade (only for 4-8th graders)

Alternate drop-off/pick-up

I authorize the following adult persons to drop off/pick up my child from the Basilica School of Saint Mary:

Name

First Last

Name

First Last

Name

First Last

CCD Total and Payment Information

1st Child Fee*

Price:

Early Bird Registration Fee is $80.00. After August 15th, the fee is $95.00

First Penance/First Holy Communion (1st Child)*

For children who attended Year 1 and are registering for Year 2. Materials fee for children desiring First Penance/First Holy Communion.

Price:

Confirmation (1st Child)*

For children who attended Years 6 and 7 and are registering for Year 8. Materials fee for children desiring the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Price:

2nd Child Fee*

Price:

Early Bird Registration Fee is $80.00. After August 15th, the fee is $95.00

First Penance/First Holy Communion (2nd Child)*

For children who attended Year 1 and are registering for Year 2. Materials fee for children desiring First Penance/First Holy Communion.

Price:

Confirmation (2nd Child)*

For children who attended Years 6 and 7 and are registering for Year 8. Materials fee for children desiring the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Price:

3rd Child Fee

Price:

Early Bird Registration Fee is $80.00. After August 15th, the fee is $95.00

First Penance/First Holy Communion (3rd Child)*

For children who attended Year 1 and are registering for Year 2. Materials fee for children desiring First Penance/First Holy Communion.

Price:

Confirmation (3rd Child)*

For children who attended Years 6 and 7 and are registering for Year 8. Materials fee for children desiring the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Price:

4th Child Fee

Price:

Early Bird Registration Fee is $80.00. After August 15th, the fee is $95.00

First Penance/First Holy Communion (4th Child)*

For children who attended Year 1 and are registering for Year 2. Materials fee for children desiring First Penance/First Holy Communion.

Price:

Confirmation (4th Child)*

For children who attended Years 6 and 7 and are registering for Year 8. Materials fee for children desiring the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Price:

5th Child Fee

Price:

Early Bird Registration Fee is $80.00. After August 15th, the fee is $95.00

First Penance/First Holy Communion (5th Child)*

For children who attended Year 1 and are registering for Year 2. Materials fee for children desiring First Penance/First Holy Communion.

Price:

Confirmation (5th Child)*

For children who attended Years 6 and 7 and are registering for Year 8. Materials fee for children desiring the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Price:

CCD Registration Fees:	Before August 15	After August 15
Per Child Fee	$80	$95
First Penance/First Holy Communion (collected in year 2)	$40	$45
Confirmation (collected in year 8)	$70	$75

Children’s Faith Formation/CCD Registration Page

Faith Formation at The Basilica of Saint Mary

Parent Information

Emergency Contact Information

Adult Volunteers - must be Safe Trained Compliant in the Arlington Diocese before the school year. Because of your generous response for the 2025-2026 CCD year, our volunteer roster is set!

Student Registration

Child 1

Child 2

Child 3

Child 4

Child 5

Class is full

Arrival and Dismissal Policy

Arrival and Dismissal Waiver for Children in Years 4-8

Alternate drop-off/pick-up

Children's Faith Formation/CCD Fees

CCD Total and Payment Information