Overview of First Parish Unitarian Universalist in Cohasset's Religious Education Program

First Parish Unitarian Universalist in
Cohasset offers a variety of religious
education experiences for children and youth from pre-kindergarten through high school that
firmly roots youngsters in the faith tradition of Unitarian Universalism.

Pre-Kindergarten through 6th graders will explore three topics areas: UU identity, Judaism/Christianity/Islam, and World Religions.

7th and 8th graders are offered two special programs that run in alternating years. First Parish UU in Scituate collaborates with First Parish in Cohasset to offer Our Whole Lives (OWL), a critically acclaimed human sexuality education curriculum developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ. In alternating years, First Parish in Cohasset offers a Coming of Age program that empowers youth to partner with an adult mentor and explore their own spirituality and religious beliefs.

9th through 12th graders are invited to participate in the UU Senior High Youth Group that is co-sponsored by First Parish in Cohasset and First Parish UU in Scituate. This close-knit community of youth puts their UU values into action by engaging in a number of community outreach initiatives and social justice activities.

The Religious Education program at First Parish provides a special place where persons of all ages are celebrated for being the persons they were created to be. All members of First Parish Unitarian Universalist in Cohasset are invited to get involved in our RE program. If you’re interested, let’s talk about ways you can offer your gifts of time and talent.

Building Community

RITUALS & RITES OF PASSAGE: Rituals are part of the weekly RE structure where children will have a forum to connect with one another, share joys and concerns, and affirm the persons they were created to be. Since rituals help celebrate accomplishments, foster self-esteem, and build community, rituals and celebrations will be implemented as children progress through the stages of the RE program.

INTERGENERATIONAL SHARED EXPERIENCES: Intentional planning of shared experiences between adults and youth compliment the RE program. Shared topics in both RE and Adult Education programming, field trips and events, full intergenerational services with significant parent/child involvement are all important components.

ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSES: On Sundays when attendance is expected to be lower than average, a unique opportunity opens for a smaller group of children from every age level to come together for a shared experience. Congregation members will be invited to participate by sharing their own experiences and knowledge of the UU faith tradition.

Religious Education Curiculum

PRE-K THROUGH 6th GRADE

It is expected that by the time youngsters complete their sixth grade year in First Parish’s RE program, they will be able to:

1) Identify the seven UU principles and articulate in their own words why those principles are important
2) Name the basic teachings for at least six religious traditions
3) Articulate at least one story, parable, scripture passage, and/or religious teaching from each of the three Abrahamic traditions
(Judaism/Christianity/Islam) and explain how it has personal meaning.

7th & 8th GRADE

It is expected that by the time youth complete their 8th grade year in First Parish’s RE program, they will be able to:

1) Demonstrate the knowledge and interpersonal skills to speak factually and comfortably on the spiritual, emotional, physical, and social aspects of human sexuality and relationships
2) Articulate a personal credo statement
3) Demonstrate the learning attained through assisting with RE teaching, child care, and/or worship (for youth who took this path)

9th THROUGH 12th GRADE

Senior HS Youth Group

It is expected that by the time youth complete their 12th grade year in First Parish's RE program, youth will be able to:

1) Identify the role they’d like to play in serving their particular congregation
2) Implement ways to put their personal credo statement into action within their community

A Typical Sunday Morning in Religious Education

Religious Education classes begin with an opening gathering that includes all RE teachers and students from Pre-K/K and older. During this 20 minute portion of Sunday morning, all youngsters participate in the lighting of the chalice and prayer, share their joys and concerns, and review the seven Unitarian Universalist principles.


Once the opening gathering has concluded, RE teachers and students go off to their respective classes for religious instruction. Classes conclude at the end of the worship service in the Meeting House so youngsters may join their parents and families during coffee hour.


A typical Sunday schedule is as follows:

9:45am Students and teachers arrive at the Parish House
9:50am – 10:10am Opening Worship Circle in the Atkinson Room
10:10am – 11:00am Religious Education classes
11:00am Students and teachers join families in Trueblood Hall for coffee hour


One Sunday a month, RE teachers and students gather at the Meeting House for an intergenerational segment of service. Our RE classes follow immediately at the Parish House.