THE BASICS FOR 2021-2022
Embracing the joys of a larger parish family, our Faith Formation program offers enriching opportunities for all family and parish members.
Parents of children in grades 1-8 can choose either in-person classes at St. Bridget's or St. Pat's (see calendar for details) or register for our whole community catechesis dubbed "The Well".
In-person classes: Students meet weekly with our catechists in our faith formation classrooms. Families who choose this option are also encouraged to join in The Well meetings. Grades 6-8 run on a modified trimester schedule.
The Well (whole community catechesis): Parents work with their children on lessons and activities from a provided binder (or e-book, if you choose). Four lunch meetings are part of this program and include the whole parish community. Those preparing for sacraments (grades 2 and 8) will have some supplemental activities.
Confirmation Candidates will meet twice per month. Students entering Year 1 must have completed the 8th grade year. Students entering Year 2 must have completed the 8th grade year and Year 1. We will use the Chosen program from Ascension Press, and Pathfinders for a personal study program.
All Adults are encouraged to register for our whole community events in "The Well" program in order to fully develop and grow their faith.
Admission and Registration
The St. John Paul II Parish welcomes all people into their faith formation programs. No one will be denied participation on the basis of race, sex, or national origin. All participant and family information is held in the strictest confidence at all times.
Parents are the primary catechists of their children and as such it is their primary responsibility to educate their children in the Catholic faith. The objective of our youth faith formation program is to supplement this task by imparting more knowledge and supporting the formation of Catholic attitudes so that the child may participate more fully in the life of the Catholic Church.
Youth faith formation is a commonly accepted practice and viewed as a necessity by most parishioners. Traditionally, youth faith formation has taken place in small group structured settings. However, due to many factors new ways to provide faith based education have become necessary. Parents, families and the larger parish family all share a responsibility to assist and guide our children as they grow in their faith.
As adults our faith grows, evolves and is challenged based upon our life experiences. Education in our Catholic faith should not end with Confirmation. Rather, as a sacrament of initiation it is the beginning of our adult life in the Church and as such, we must nurture our faith. This can be accomplished in many ways including structured programs, prayer groups and Well events.
All participants registering for our youth faith formation program must present a Baptismal certificate and, if appropriate, a First Holy Communion certificate. Participants registering for a sacramental preparation class (grades 2 and 9) must have completed a grade 1 or 8 faith formation class the previous year. Families must be registered with either St. Patrick or St. Bridget in order to register for faith formation classes. All fees are $50 for an individual, $100 for a family.
All families are expected to attend Mass regularly. Not only is this part of being a practicing Catholic, it only makes sense in the development of faith. This program is not designed as a standalone. Regular participation in the Sunday Liturgy and the faith formation program strengthens and defines each of us in his/her faith.
The St. John Paul II Parish welcomes all people into their faith formation programs. No one will be denied participation on the basis of race, sex, or national origin. All participant and family information is held in the strictest confidence at all times.
Parents are the primary catechists of their children and as such it is their primary responsibility to educate their children in the Catholic faith. The objective of our youth faith formation program is to supplement this task by imparting more knowledge and supporting the formation of Catholic attitudes so that the child may participate more fully in the life of the Catholic Church.
Youth faith formation is a commonly accepted practice and viewed as a necessity by most parishioners. Traditionally, youth faith formation has taken place in small group structured settings. However, due to many factors new ways to provide faith based education have become necessary. Parents, families and the larger parish family all share a responsibility to assist and guide our children as they grow in their faith.
As adults our faith grows, evolves and is challenged based upon our life experiences. Education in our Catholic faith should not end with Confirmation. Rather, as a sacrament of initiation it is the beginning of our adult life in the Church and as such, we must nurture our faith. This can be accomplished in many ways including structured programs, prayer groups and Well events.
All participants registering for our youth faith formation program must present a Baptismal certificate and, if appropriate, a First Holy Communion certificate. Participants registering for a sacramental preparation class (grades 2 and 9) must have completed a grade 1 or 8 faith formation class the previous year. Families must be registered with either St. Patrick or St. Bridget in order to register for faith formation classes. All fees are $50 for an individual, $100 for a family.
All families are expected to attend Mass regularly. Not only is this part of being a practicing Catholic, it only makes sense in the development of faith. This program is not designed as a standalone. Regular participation in the Sunday Liturgy and the faith formation program strengthens and defines each of us in his/her faith.