Dear Parents/Guardians,
I am so pleased to be here for our parish community. I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits! While the world is still returning to normalcy, please note, we are making every effort to be flexible and accommodating with religious formation. Our faith is here to support you in your role as primary educator for your teens.
This letter is to provide information about registration for the 2022-2023 Religious Formation (Grades 8-12) including sacramental preparation (Confirmation).
Registration for this session of Religious Formation will be August 28th - September 18th. To register, please fill out the online registration form and pay the registration fee. The registration fee may be paid online through our online giving platform or by cash or check at our Main Office.
Please note: There is a $25 book fee per child, up to $50 per family for registered parishioners. If this fee will cause a hardship to your family, please discuss this with the Formation Director. If you are not a registered parishioner at St. John XXIII, there is a $50 non-refundable fee per child.
If your child will be receiving a sacrament this year, please provide a copy of their baptism certificate (front and back) either by mail, drop-off, or high quality scan/photo through the registration form online or via email to [email protected]c.org.
Children going into 3rd-12th grades who have not been baptized or have not received First Eucharist or Reconciliation will need to register for their grade-level class in addition to attending classes outside of that time in the Spring. Please contact Angela at 293-7756 or [email protected] for more info.
The Circle of Grace Child Protection Program helps children and young people understand their own and other’s dignity in mind, body, and spirit. All grades, K-12, are using the same program across the Archdiocese and each year builds upon the other. This year, we are offering this program via home study. Parents are asked to go over the lesson plan with their children. Our Religious Formation Director will be available for guidance. Our home study information will be sent out in October.
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe has adopted a Confirmation process that follows a similar format to that of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is meant to be done 'at your own pace.' While we do have classes, service, and more, each teen is responsible for completing each phase when they are ready. Minimally, this should take 2 years; however, it may be stretched out to accommodate each person's faith journey.
There are 3 steps in this process: Learners (pre-confirmation), Disciples in Training (Confirmation prep.), and Disciples in Ministry (post-Confirmation). Classes will be on Sundays from 4:00-5:30 PM in person. Additional service and activities will be scheduled outside of that time with plenty of notice including some classes being extended in time. Current calendars may be found at the bottom of this page.
Our programs are not possible without our Catechists who donate their time and talent as well as share their love of faith with your children. Being a catechist is a calling and a wonderful blessing! If you would like to volunteer, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am happy to help guide anyone who feels called to help lead our families in faith.
Registration for this year has ended. Check back in August to register for 2023-2024!
For Information on Religious Formation for Grades K-7 Click Here!
Learners (Begins in 8th grade or later) are teens building the foundation of their faith journey. They study what ministry is, what it means to be Catholic, how youth should serve in their parish and wider community, and more. The Learner phase is generally a year or longer. Depending on the Learner’s commitment and understanding, they may decide they are ready to be confirmed and become a Disciple in Training.
If your child is in 8th grade, they should register as a Learner (this is regardless of attending Catholic School).
Disciples in Training are high school youth who are involved in their parish and wider community who have made the commitment to be confirmed in their faith and learn to be Disciples in Ministry. They receive hands-on training in living a life following Jesus’ example. They learn about building healthy relationships, have spiritual experiences that help them grow in faith, and develop a healthy understanding on what a commitment is so they can select a ministry and participate in their community. They receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and become Disciples in Ministry.
Disciples in Ministry are high school youth who have been confirmed and serve in ministry in their parish and wider community. They continue to learn about their faith and may become leaders in the community.