SAINT JOHN PAUL II FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM

 We are proud to announce our 2021-22 Faith Formation Program for this year.  We will begin the year (New Start Date) October 17th (K-5 & 9-10 grades) (New Start Date) October 24th (6-8 grades) and through thru May 1 & 3 for in-person classes.  We will also be guiding your family through a family-centered At-Home Model (just like last year) for anyone who would like to participate in the Home program for ​Grade Pre-K through 8th grade.

IN-PERSON-  CLASSES FOR STUDENTS KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 10

​Our main catechetical program consists of weekly classes for children and youth, from the last week of September through the first week in May.  All participants in Grades 5-10 are required to perform/document at least 10 hours of Community Service each calendar year. 
  • Classes for children from Kindergarten through Grade 5 are held on Sunday morning, from 10:30am -11:45am in the Southtowns Catholic School building.
  • Classes for young people in Grades 6 through 8 are held on Tuesday evening, from 7:00pm-8:15pm starting in the main church and then in the Southtowns Catholic School classrooms. (may be subject to change to Sunday night if we are able)
  • Classes for teens in Grades 9 & 10 are held on Sunday evening, from 6:30pm-8:00pm starting in the main church and/or community room. (Must be attended in person.  Must attend both 9th & 10th Grade in order to be considered for Confirmation, unless you attend Catholic School.)
TUITION rates for weekly classes:                                                           
     One child                                 $75.00                                                       
     Two children                            $130.00
     Three or more children            $180.00
You can receive Participation credit when attending Mass in person! Just sign in when you come to Mass. The sign-in book is just outside the faith Formation Office.  If you attend Mass at another Parish, please bring us the bulletin and make sure your name is on it.

AT-HOME INSTRUCTION FOR STUDENTS PRE-K THROUGH GRADE 8TH

The At-Home program for GRADES K – 4 & 5 – 8 is called “Growing Up Catholic: Faith Stories”.  There are fifteen (15) sessions in all  for the year.   Each session contains catechetical lessons for the children, and adults of the family. A story-based approach focuses on the core of our Catholic faith, and coaching for parents to assist them in sharing faith with their children. Every session is presented  in family booklets for Pre-k – Grade 5th, with editions for Grades 6th - 8th. As a family you will be reading, discussing, and doing activities.

This option provides an opportunity for the whole family to grow in faith and discipleship, and to worship together by attending Mass regularly and to attend at least 3 parish events from a given list throughout the year.  As well as, perform in 10 hours of community service together for grades 5-8.

Cost per student  - $50.00

For credit, each child should upload or email /drop off a photo, PDF, or printed copy of ONE activity that they did for a total of 15 for the year.   You will be able  to use the website to upload, or you can always email Lori.s@jp2parish.org , or drop off at the main parish doors during the week 9am-1pm. Another option is to drop off your work when you come to Mass on the weekend. Just use the mailbox on the wall outside the Faith Formation Office.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion are completed as a family, at home.  The student will be provided with the Blessed Books and Videos for at home learning regardless of IN-PERSON or AT-HOME, we will offer small group in -person classes for reinforcement of the content and those only doing the AT-HOME program will be invited to join us.
Confirmation Classes are 6 (SIX) IN-PERSON classes in addition to your regular Faith Formation Classes or Catholic School Education.  You will also need to attend a day-long Retreat as well.  

​Cost per Sacrament:   First Reconciliation & First Communion $35.00
                                      Confirmation                          $35.00

Generally, at Saint John Paul II the Sacraments are prepared for and received on the following schedule:
  • First Penance and Reconciliation:      Grade 2
  • First Holy Communion:                       Grade 3
  • Confirmation:                                      Grade 10 (preparation) and Fall of Grade 11 (reception)
 
For a child to prepare for and receive the Sacraments, we require:
  1. Proof of the child’s baptism*
  2. Proof of at least one year of formal religious instruction prior to preparation for a sacrament
  3. An interview with the child and parents to determine readiness for the sacrament
(*Note: In the case of Confirmation, we also require documentation of the date and location for the prior reception of First Reconciliation and First Communion.)

SUMMER VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Each July, our parish offers a  one-week VBS program  for children ages 3-10. This exciting and fun one-week program reinforces basic truths about God using stories, music, prayer, crafts, games, videos, and snacks to engage the children.
This week also provides our young people with a great community service opportunity! Anyone who has finished 5th Grade, and older, can volunteer to be a leader for the younger children. Contact the Faith Formation Office for more information