The goal of the Adapted Religious Education (ARE) Program is to present the gospel to people with Special Needs and to give them an understanding and appreciation of the Catholic faith, preparation for the sacraments, and life in the Christian community.  ARE serves all age groups from elementary school,  middle school, high school to adults.

The ARE Program is a specially designed and focused Religious Education Program based on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Program To Improve Catholic Religious Education For Children and Adults with Mental Disabilities. The Rose Kennedy Curriculum has been tailored to present the Catholic faith to those with special needs (physically or mentally disabled) and has been designed to teach three age levels: Elementary, Middle Level (Junior High and above), and Upper Level (High School and above). Portions of the Rose Kennedy curriculum will be used with Saint John Neumann gospel materials in the Adult level class.

Classes follow the parish Faith Formation schedule, for the most part, on Sundays from September through early May. Two rooms located on the first floor have been reserved for class on Sundays. They are Rooms A3 and the Conference Room on the main level. The Elementary, Middle Level, and Upper Level ARE classes begin at 11:30 AM and last until 12:45 PM. The Adult program meets bi-monthly on Sundays at 9:00 AM in the Parish Center and the group attends the 9:30 AM Mass.

All are welcome to participate as a student, special friend, or catechist at all levels.  We welcome as many “Simons” and “Veronicas” as possible.

Point of Contact:   George Dellagiarino at della1234@comcast.net or 703-476-4078.