Welcome to Sunday School!

“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; 

for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14

Thank you for visiting our Sunday School web page! I am Elena McBride and look forward to serving some of our littlest parishioners and their families in my role as Sunday School Director. 

The St. Mary parish community has always been a core resource in my spiritual development and journey through the sacraments. My parents and I have been members of St. Mary Parish since 1999 when we moved to Alexandria. I attended St. Mary School my first through eighth grade years and then traded in my blue/gold for green/white at Bishop Brossart High School (Class of 2013). I remain an active parishioner, sharing my faith journey with my husband, Derrick, who completed OCIA in 2023, and our two children (ages 4 and 2). 

My involvement in the Sunday School program began as a volunteer co-teacher in the years of 2013 - 2018. After a break due to career advancements and the growth of our family, I decided to return as a volunteer lead teacher when our oldest child enrolled in the Sunday School program in 2025-2026 – it is a blessing to spend so much time with our preschool-aged parishioners, the youngest and purest of hearts…who have the best–and sometimes, most challenging–  questions! When the opportunity to serve as Sunday School Director arose, I felt God calling me to say yes.

“We know that all things work for good for those who love God,

 who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Our Sunday School team is looking forward to meeting our students and families for this 2026-2027 school year. Weekly Sunday School classes are held in the undercroft during the 9:30 AM Sunday Mass. Becca Hair, Linda McIntyre, Joan Sandfoss, and I look forward to partnering with your family as your child discovers the joy of our Catholic faith through engaging, age-appropriate lessons. While your child learns and grows in the undercroft, you can fully participate in Mass with greater peace, focus, and a more prayerful heart. 

If your child is age 3 - kindergarten and interested in joining our Sunday School program, please fill out the registration form below – along with digital submissions, you may also complete a printed paper copy that you seal in an envelope labeled “St. Mary Sunday School” and drop off at the parish office or put in the collection basket. 

Please, reach out to me at sundayschool@saintmaryparish.com with any questions or concerns. 

May God bless you and your family for the 2026-2027 school year,

Elena McBride