SAINT JOHN PAUL II FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM
All of our Faith Formation efforts with children and youth are guided by the curriculum set by the Diocese of Buffalo. Texts and materials used for instruction are aligned with that curriculum.
WEEKLY CLASSES FOR STUDENTS PRE-K THROUGH GRADE 10
Our main catechetical program consists of weekly classes for children and youth, from mid -September through the first week in May. At every level there is at least one mandatory Parent Session during the year; during sacramental preparation years there are more. 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 PreK through Grade 4 are held on Sunday morning, from 10:30am -11:45am in the Southtowns Catholic School building.
- Classes for young people in Grades 5 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.
- Classes for teens in Grades 9 & 10 are held on Sunday evening, from 6:30pm-8:15pm starting in the main church and in the Southtowns Catholic School classrooms or community room.
FAMILY AT THE CENTER – for the entire family
This program is an alternative to the weekly program. In this program, the entire family participates together at five bi-monthly learning/faith-sharing sessions (between September and June.) In between these sessions, families are expected to work with their children at home using textbooks and resources provided by the parish. 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.
There is a central topic/theme set for each year; each session is related to that topic.
The sessions are usually on a weeknight, and include a shared dinner, prayer, learning, and faith- sharing. Our initial meeting and final meeting for the year are held on a weekend, which allows the group to celebrate Mass together.
There is a central topic/theme set for each year; each session is related to that topic.
The sessions are usually on a weeknight, and include a shared dinner, prayer, learning, and faith- sharing. Our initial meeting and final meeting for the year are held on a weekend, which allows the group to celebrate Mass together.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
Generally, at Saint John Paul II the Sacraments are prepared for and received on the following schedule:
For a child to prepare for and receive the Sacraments, we require:
- 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:
- Proof of the child’s baptism*
- Proof of at least one year of formal religious instruction prior to preparation for a sacrament
- An interview with the child and parents to determine readiness for the sacrament
LITURGY OF THE WORD WITH CHILDREN (LWWC)
LWWC occurs during the 9:30am Mass on Sunday morning. All children ages 3-10 are invited to participate.
When it is time for the Liturgy of the Word to begin, all of the children and a Leader are called forward to the altar by the celebrant. They are then led to a quiet place where the Leader proclaims the Gospel in language more accessible to the children, and spends time explaining and “breaking open” the Sacred Scriptures to them. These sessions may include music, coloring, crafts, or puzzles as a means to reinforce the message of the Gospel.
The children return to the main worship space to rejoin their parents during the Prayers of the Faithful.
This is a good service opportunity for high school teens; they can sign up to be a leader for a month of Sundays, or for as many months as they’d like. Contact the Faith Formation Office for more information.
When it is time for the Liturgy of the Word to begin, all of the children and a Leader are called forward to the altar by the celebrant. They are then led to a quiet place where the Leader proclaims the Gospel in language more accessible to the children, and spends time explaining and “breaking open” the Sacred Scriptures to them. These sessions may include music, coloring, crafts, or puzzles as a means to reinforce the message of the Gospel.
The children return to the main worship space to rejoin their parents during the Prayers of the Faithful.
This is a good service opportunity for high school teens; they can sign up to be a leader for a month of Sundays, or for as many months as they’d like. Contact the Faith Formation Office for more information.
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
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