Welcome to the Child Ministry page of St. Pius Parish! Child Ministry, or  Religious Education, ministers to the faith formation and spiritual needs of children in grades Pre-Kindergarten to Eighth grade who attend public schools or are home schooled. We do this through regular class meetings from September through April, offerings of Advent and Lent centered activities for both the students and their families, participation in various service projects, and Vacation Bible School. Also included in this ministry is the overseeing of the preparation for Reconciliation and Eucharist for both the Religious Education Students and Wauwatosa Catholic students.

The  Tri-Parish Religious Education Program is a collaboration of St. Pius X, St. Bernard, and Mother of Good Counsel parishes.  The public school/home schooled students of these parishes come to St. Pius’s school building to attend their Faith Formation classes. To accommodate all these families we have two options to attend classes. We offer either a Sunday morning class from 9:00am until 9:55am or a Monday night class from 6:30pm until 7:30pm. (Pre-Kindergarten and eighth grade are ONLY offered on Sunday morning at this time.)

Each teacher follows the grade specific curriculum handed down from the Archdiocese through the use of a thorough teacher’s guide that corresponds to the student’s textbook. Instruction includes learning Catholic Traditions, Liturgy and Sacraments, Service to the Community, and Prayer. Our Media Space and Prayer Space are available for all the classes to use to enhance the curriculum.

If you are in need of a registration form or calendar, please see the links below to download a copy. Thanks for checking us out and we hope to see you at class!

Sacramental Preparation

Preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion takes place in the 2nd grade for the students in both the Religious Education program and Wauwatosa Catholic School. In order to receive the sacraments the families must participate in a parent meeting as well as a retreat for each sacrament. This better prepares both the parents and the students on not only the background and tradition of each sacrament, but the spirituality and richness of the gift of grace given to us in each sacrament. Preparation for the sacrament of Reconciliation begins in the fall and concludes with the reception of the sacrament in December. Preparation for Communion begins in winter and concludes with the reception of the sacrament at the First Communion liturgy in May. A registration form and baptismal certificate are needed to begin this process.  

Children's Liturgy of the Word

This ministry takes place during the 10:00AM liturgy on Sunday. Following the Penitential rite the children are led by a catechist to an area where they can  listen to and reflect on  the Scripture readings at their level. A booklet accompanies each session and guides the students through the Scripture readings and helps them understand how they can incorporate what these readings teach them into their every day lives. After the homily, the children  return to celebrate the remainder of the Eucharist with their families. This program caters to children in the elementary school level but middle school and high school students are welcome to assist the catechists. No registration is required for this ministry.

Christmas Pageant

Each year during the Christmas Eve Family mass at 5:00 pm the students of the parish perform a short skit telling the story of the birth of Christ as spoken in the Bible. Participants can be of any age from Pre K up to adulthood in various positions. Actors, actresses, backstage help, prop management, and costume help are all needed. Registration for this takes place in October into November. The auditions are held in November with a practice and dress rehearsal to follow. Come join us to share the birth of Christ with the parish!

Living Stations of the Cross

During Lent the Faith Formation program performs a Living Stations of the Cross for the parishioners to the community. This is a prayerful and reflective experience participants experience as Jesus journeys to the cross. Actors and actresses of various ages participate to act out characters Jesus encounters along the way.

Vacation Bible School

This summer program is a bible-based camp in which students participate in various activities to help them learn more about Jesus's mission for us. The Tri- Parish Religious Education Program along with many other parishes in the area collaborate to put on this spectacular week long event in the early summer. Activities include fun filled games, delicious snacks put together by the students, creative arts and crafts, exciting dramas, and the learning of toe tapping music. Registration has begun and can be done online at www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/TosaAreaCatholicVBS . Participants are usually in the 3 to 12 year old age range. Teenagers and adults are welcome to participate as small/large group leaders, station leaders, by preparing items at home, or assisting at the registration table. The dates for the 2013 program, will be June 17th -21st.