FAITH FORMATION
St. Christopher and St. John the Baptist
We believe that faith formation develops first and foremost in your own home,
and we want to support you. In that effort, we have many programs and opportunities designed for your children. Below you will find more details about each program we offer.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION for STUDENTS IN NON-CATHOLIC SCHOOL
PRE-KINDERGARTEN TO 5TH GRADE
All families are welcome to register their children online for classes that teach students to be Disciples of Christ through invitation, learning, prayer, service, Sacraments, and liturgy in the Catholic church. Pre-registration is required. Classes are taught by volunteer teachers (Catechists) involved in ongoing development. Our source material is Discover! Finding Faith in Life by St. Mary’s Press (smp.org).
Religious Education at St. Christopher, Growing in Faith Together (GIFT), is on Wednesday nights from September to April in the School Emmaus Center on Wednesdays is from 7:00 to 8:10pm. GIFT is for grades 1st to 3rd.
Religious Education classes at St. John the Baptist, Parish School of Religion (PSR), are on the first and third Sundays from September to May from 9:00 to 10:15am. PSR is for Pre-K to 5th grade.
Homeschool (both St. Christopher and St. John the Baptist: Parents are provided with age-appropriate learning materials and supported with periodic “check ins”. Source material is Discover! Finding Faith in Life by St. Mary’s Press (smp.org).
o Link to St. Chris Religious Education registration
o Link to SJB Religious Education registration
FORMATION FOR YOUTH 6TH TO 12TH GRADES
Junior High and High School youth receive faith formation/religious education in the context of our Youth Ministry Program.
CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Children in grades 5 to 4th grade are invited to listen and reflect on the Sunday readings on a “child friendly level” during the Sunday morning Mass. Just before the readings, the children may be dismissed and head to a church meeting room. An adult facilitator will guide them through the readings and reflection. They will return to Mass at the time of the offertory. CLW takes place between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
St. Christopher CLW takes place during the 9:00am Mass.
St. John the Baptist CLW takes place during the 10:30am Mass.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Vacation Bible School is an exciting adventure for our young parishioners, ages 4 years old to the summer’s incoming 4th graders. The kids enjoy praise music, STEM projects, skits, Bible stories, and more that teach of God’s love, constancy, and friendship. VBS takes place for one week in the summer between 6:00pm and 8:00pm. Teens and adults are invited to volunteer.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
First Reconciliation and First Communion: Children in the second grade are prepared for reception of the Sacrament of First Reconciliation and First Communion during their regular classroom or homeschool instruction.
Second graders enrolled in St. Christopher School, St. Christopher GIFT, or St. John the Baptist PSR are therefore enrolled in preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and Communion. Parent/Guardian communication about the preparation process and important dates is shared via email with those students enrolled.
Parents of children older than second grade who have not received First Reconciliation and Communion should contact Elise Sas for assistance in preparing and receiving the Sacraments.
Confirmation for teens in their 8th grade year or older are prepared for reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is for students in both Catholic and non-Catholic schools.
Preparation sessions combine all the students of St. Christopher and St. John the Baptist on Sunday evenings at St. John the Baptist Banquet Hall.
An overnight retreat in included in the preparation process.
Online preregistration is required: Confirmation Registration.