FAITH FORMATION/Religious Education classes start September 10, 2023
Grade School Faith Formation Catechists
These teachers and helpers for the Faith Formation program are responsible for the process of passing on our Catholic Faith. Meetings and workshops support their efforts, along with the best resources available from publishers. At St. John Berchmans we strive to affirm, support and build up. It is for this reason that adult formation opportunities are emphasized as part of the programming along with children and youth. It is for this reason that Sacramental preparation of children and youth, involves parents, that they may be enabled to better become the primary educators of their children, and to make faith formation an on-going and life long process.
Pre-K4 and Kindergarten age children
Classes are held on Sunday morning from 9:30am to 10:45am. Parents must pick up the children to attend the 11:00 a.m. Mass as part of their class. It is urged that parents attend this Mass. Remember, children learn from example rather than just words.
First thru fifth grade
Classes are held on Sunday morning from 9:30am to 10:45am with Mass attendance at 11:00 a.m. The Mass is part of their class. No child may be picked prior to the Mass. It is requested that the parents attend this Mass if possible.
Sixth thru eighth grade
Classes are held on Sunday morning from 9:30am to 10:45am with Mass attendance at 11:00 a.m. The continuing education in the Catholic Faith is essential in these formative and confusing years of our children. The children should attend Religious Education classes every year that they attend regular school.
Young Adults: Ages 14 And Older
To be announced at a later date, for more information about this ministry.
The Catholic Church Cursillo Movement Is The Model For Many Other Retreat Weekends Such As Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) And The ACTS Retreat. The Cursillo Weekend Provides An Opportunity With Another Focus And Other Talks That Can Provide Another Layer And Perspective To Deepen The Faith Of Our Young Adults.
Baptism classes for children 7 and older
Classes are held on Sunday morning from 9:30am to 10:45am. The children will attend the Liturgy of the Word at 11:00 a.m. and be dismissed after the Homily to discuss the readings and the Gospel. The children will be dismissed at 12:00 p.m.
First Holy Communion Classes
Classes are held on Sunday morning from 9:30am to 10:45 am. Attendance at the 11:00 am Mass is part of the learning process for these classes. No child may be excused from attending Mass with the class. Parents are encouraged to attend the same Mass.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a two year program which begins in the 9th grade for Confirmation Year I and the 10th grade for Confirmation II. If the candidate has attended a Catholic School or continuous Religious Education classes thru Elementary and Junior High, he/she is eligible for Confirmation Year II. Classes are held on Sunday morning from 9:30 am to 10:45 am with attendance at the 11:00 am Mass being mandatory. Parents are encouraged to attend the same Mass.
Confirmation Resources: pdf Basic Prayers , pdf Informative Handout , pdf Confirmation Information .
RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Adapted For Children
The Rite of Christian Initiation Adapted for Children is a program for preparing non-baptized children 7 years of age and older to participate in the sacramental life of the Catholic Church. This program will prepare a child to receive the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
For more information, please contact Cynthia Sandoval at 210.434.3247.
