Religious Education
Religious Education
St Mary of the Visitation and St Patrick churches in Ottumwa and St Mary Magdalen in Bloomfield share resources as part of Ottumwa Regional Catholic Religious Education (ORCRE). The program is supported by all 3 parishes and administered by the Religious Ed Directors. Ana De La Torre is the Director for St Mary of the Visitation and oversees classes for grades 4 - 8 and the Youth Ministry. Gail Bates is the director for St Patrick Church and oversees classes for grades K - 3.
Classes meet on Wednesday evenings from September through April. Check the weekly bulletin
or go to the Ottumwa Catholic Religious Education Facebook page
for more information.
Contact Information:
Ana De La Tore -- phone: 641-682-4496 email: ottstmarydre@diodav.org
Gail Bates -- phone: 641-682-0320 email: ottstpatdre@diodav.org
Religious Education Classes Grades K-8
- Classes for grades K - 3 are administered by Gail Bates and are held at the St Patrick education building next to St Patrick church on Church Street.
- Classes for grades 4 - 8 are administered by Ana De La Torre and are held at Seton Catholic School (next to St Mary's church) and in the St Mary church hall on 4th Street.
Preparation for First Communion
- Communion preparation is a 2 year program that starts in 1st grade and the students make their First Communion at the end of 2nd grade.
Confirmation Preparation
- Confirmation preparation is a 2-year program for 7th and 8th grade (and older students who have not yet been confirmed). The classes are held in the St Mary's church hall. The confirmation ceremony is held in the spring and alternates between St Mary of the Visitation and St Patrick churches.
High School Youth Ministry
- All Catholic high school student in the 3 parishes are welcome to join the Youth Group for activities, fellowship and faith sharing. They meet about once a month. Contact Ana De La Tore or Fr. Dale Mallory for more information.