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 children.
This letter is to provide information about registration for the 2022-2023 Religious Formation (Grades K-7) including sacramental preparation (Baptism, First Eucharist, and First Reconciliation).
Registration for this session of Religious Formation will be August 28th - September 18th. To register, please fill out a registration form online and pay the registration fee. If you do not have access to the internet, please contact our 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.
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.
We have decided to offer religious formation as a hybrid of in-person and home study this year. If your family would like a solely home study option, please email our office.
Each month, beginning in October, we will have two options of a family activity that will be done in conjunction with Mass. These will be offered on the 3rd Wednesday of the month or on one Sunday of the month between the 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM Masses.
Along with attending one of the Family Activities and Masses, each child will need to complete 2 additional lessons each month - either in person or at home with their family. We will offer bi-monthly support for parents who wish to teach their children at home to help guide formation lessons. Each week, information will be posted via our website to guide you and your family in your faith. If your child chooses to attend their lessons in person, we will offer Children’s Liturgy during our 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM Masses for all children grades K-7. Children will be dismissed after our Opening Prayer, separate into grade levels, participate in a liturgical-based lesson, then return to their families during the homily.
There will be separate meetings scheduled at a later date (in the Spring) for children who will be receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation and/or Eucharist for the first time.
Each Month (October-April) Families will Complete:
2 Lessons Per Month - either at home with family OR Children's Liturgy during our 9:30 or 11:30 AM Sunday Masses
AND
1 Family Activity & Mass in person on the 3rd Wednesday of the Month OR during the Sunday monthly option
For the full calendar, see the "DOCUMENTS" section to the right on PC or below on mobile.
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.
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. This year we are re-building this ministry and we will need many volunteers to make our lessons successful. I am happy to help guide anyone who feels called to help lead our families in faith.
Blessings,
Angela Holt
Director of Religious Formation
(505) 293-7756 or [email protected]
For Information on Religious Formation for Grades 8-12 Click Here!