Religious Education / Faith Information
Dear Families,
We have begun registration for the 2011-2012 Faith Formation & EDGE Middle School programs at Blessed Pope John XXIII! Both the Faith Formation program, (formerly known as C.C.D.) and EDGE program are designed not only to help students prepare for the sacraments, but enables them to grow in their faith, spirituality, and knowledge of the teachings of the Catholic Church as they mature into young adults. Even if your child has received the sacraments of Baptism, Communion and Confirmation, you should continue enroll your child in either our Faith Formation or EDGE programs.
Faith Formation classes for Kindergarten through 5th grade meet on scheduled Wednesdays in the Church. You will have a choice of either an early session that runs from 4:15-5:30 PM, or a later session from 6:00-7:15 PM. Classes fill quickly and will be filled on a first come first served basis. During our early session, we offer a Pre-K program for children who have reached the age of four by September 1, 2011. The EDGE program is only offered at the later session.
Sacraments: Sacrament formation is a two year process. At Blessed Pope John XXIII children traditionally receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion during second grade and Confirmation the end of 10th grade. We follow the Diocesan policy, which requires two years of formation starting with one full year of formal Catholic Religious Education through the parish or through a Diocesan Catholic School (St. Francis Xavier, St. Andrew, or Bishop Verot) prior to the year that the child will receive the Sacrament. During their second year of formation, additional sessions specific to the Sacrament are held for both parents and students. Eligible students will be contacted and there is a separate registration that needs to be completed. For more details regarding Sacrament guidelines and policies, please visit our website www.johnxxiii.net.
Our Faith Formation and EDGE programs will begin with an opening Prayer Service Wednesday September 14 at 6:00 PM for both parents and children. Following the prayer service there will be a brief parent meeting that will give an overview of the upcoming year’s program. You and your child/rend will be able to meet the Catechists (teachers) and their assistants.
We look forward to meeting you and your children and being a part of their faith journey. Feel free to call or email us with any questions or concerns. Registration deadline is August 15, 2011. If this is your child’s first year in our program, please include a copy of their baptismal certificate unless they were baptized at Blessed Pope John XXIII. Due to the overwhelming amount of late registrations, after the deadline there will be a $10.00 per family late fee added.
In Christ’s Name,
Fr. Bob Tabbert – Pastor, Blessed Pope John XXIII
Chris Biel – Director of Faith Formation
Christie Collins – Director of Youth Ministry
