Religious Education
"If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world ablaze!"
-St. Catherine of Siena
Our program is dedicated to nurturing students' faith, fostering a deep understanding of Catholic teachings, and promoting spiritual growth. Through a Christ-centered curriculum, we aim to inspire lifelong discipleship, cultivate a strong moral foundation, and empower students to live out their faith in service to God and others.
Contact:
Jackie Brace
Director of Religious Education (DRE)
(803) 772-7400, ext. 1130
olhbrace@yahoo.com
Shakty Arrieta Lopez
Bi-lingual Religious Education Secretary
(803)772-7400, ext. 1140
Calendar & Class Maps (updates for 2026/27 coming soon)
Sacramental Preparation:
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
Children preparing for these sacraments must have two years of active participation in our Religious Education program. The sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are celebrated in the Spring of their second year.
Confirmation
Our Religious Education program prepares our children for Confirmation with weekly classes beginning in grade 1. Before entering the two-year preparation program for the sacrament of Confirmation, children are expected to have received at least 3 years of formal religious education. Regular attendance at scheduled classes, as well as Sunday Mass, is essential for spiritual formation for each Confirmation candidate. The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in late winter or early spring.
All families participating in the Religious Education at Our Lady of the Hills must be active, registered members of our parish family. An active member attends Mass regularly, supports the financial needs of the parish, and participates in the ministries of the parish.
Do you have any questions regarding these requirements? Please call the Office at 803-772-7400, and someone will be happy to help you.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Any person wishing to volunteer for our program in any capacity must complete the volunteer requirements set forth by the Diocese of Charleston.
Virtus Requirement
As required by the Diocese of Charleston, SC all volunteers must complete Virtus.
For new Virtus users, please visit Virtus.org, create an account, and follow step by step until completion. Plan for approximately an hour and a half for completion.
If you have created a Virtus profile before, please make sure your profile is currently in full compliance. If you have trouble logging in, DO NOT create another profile. Contact Sr. Christina Murphy or Zurima Martinez in our parish office.
Virtus is the brand name for a best-practices program designed to help prevent wrongdoing and promote "rightdoing" within religious organizations. The Virtus programs empower organizations and people to better control risk and improve the lives of all those who interact with the Church.
Classroom Catechist:
Plan lessons, prepare materials, and conduct class each week. Catechists may co-teach two or more catechists in the classroom at the same time) or team-teach (multiple catechists take turns teaching each week). (Those who commit to a weekly volunteer position as a Classroom Catechist are eligible for a waiver of tuition fees for their children.)
Classroom Aide:
Assist the classroom catechist as needed. Duties may include helping children find Bible passages, assisting with classroom control, and passing out crafts/handouts.
Substitute Chatechist:
Fill in for a catechist who cannot make their scheduled class.
Office Volunteer:
Assist with materials preparation and office tasks, including student registration and materials distribution.
Security Volunteer:
Monitor the hallways and building entrances, and help maintain order at drop-off and pick-up time.
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