K-8 PSR

UPDATES - 2026-2027 Religious Education

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Grace and peace to you!

Over the past two-plus years, St. Augustine Parish has been thoughtfully discerning how best to address our growing space needs. Like our school partners, we are experiencing the blessing and challenge of limited space. Throughout this time, our Pastor and Pastoral Staff, Parish Council, Religious Education staff, and the Education Commission have worked collaboratively and prayerfully to explore responsible and sustainable solutions.

Several possibilities were carefully considered:

• Rental of the Halls of Hanover
• Remodel of the current Parish Center
• Construction of a new building

After much prayer, discussion, and creative planning, we are excited to share a schedule adjustment that will allow us to use our current facilities wisely and effectively while continuing to provide strong, meaningful Religious Education for our students.

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, our schedule will continue as follows:

• Kindergarten–2nd Grade: Release time will continue on Thursday afternoons.
• All K–8 Students: Wednesday morning Mass will continue as scheduled.
• 3rd–5th Grades: Students will continue to attend CCD/release time immediately following Wednesday morning Mass and then return to school as they have in the past.
• 6th Grade: Students will attend Wednesday morning Mass and then return to Minster schools afterward. Their Religious Education class will move to Wednesday evening to help us best utilize our space.

Revised Wednesday Evening Schedule:

• 6:30 PM-7:30 PM: 6th, 7th, and 8th Grades
• (We are encouraged by the success of this timeframe, as our current Junior High Bible Study has been thriving during this hour.)
• 7:45 PM-8:45 PM: 9th–12th Grades
• (Adjusted slightly to allow a smooth transition between groups.)

We are still working through our additional youth ministry programs. Little Flowers and Blue Knights will continue as they have in the past. Junior High Bible Study will continue once a month during the 7:45 - 8:45 pm time frame. Ablaze is a valued and vibrant part of our ministry, and we are carefully considering the best options to continue this great program in a way that serves our families well.

We understand that any change requires flexibility, and we are so grateful for your continued support and understanding. This decision was made with great care, keeping both our families and the long-term vitality of our parish in mind. We are confident that this adjustment will strengthen our program and serve our students well for many years to come.

In the months ahead, you will receive additional details and updates. As our Wednesday evening program grows, we will also be inviting members of our parish family to assist as parking lot monitors, catechists, and classroom aides. If you feel called to serve in any of these ways, we would joyfully welcome your help.

Again, thank you for your flexibility, your trust, your faith, and your commitment to raising children rooted in Christ. It is a privilege to walk this journey with you.

With sincere gratitude,

St. Augustine Religious Education Commission

2025-2026 Catechists:

Kindergarten: Deb Knapke, Becky Meyer, Gail Nelson, Andrea Knapke

1st grade: Kaylee Ellis, Ashley Schmiesing, OPEN

2nd grade: Margaret Brame, Jenn Steinke, Paula Moyer

3rd grade:  Ansley Stueve, Jessica Schultze, Joanna Homan

4th grade: Heather Frideger, OPEN, OPEN

5th grade: Alicia Woehrmyer, Kayla Lamm, OPEN

6th grade: Stacie Lamm, Julie Homan, OPEN

7th grade:  Theresa Thien, Aaron Knapka, Brooke Goubeaux

8th grade: Jessica Luthman, Gabe Liesemeyer, Mike Blindauer