SAINT JOHN PAUL II FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM
IN-PERSON- CLASSES FOR STUDENTS KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 10
Our main catechetical program consists of weekly classes for children and youth, from the first week of October 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.
- NEW THIS YEAR Classes for children from Kindergarten through Grade 8 are held on Sunday morning, from 10:30am -11:45am in the Southtowns Catholic School building.
- NEW THIS YEAR Classes for young people in Grades 6 through 8 are held on Sunday morning, from 10:30am -11:45am in the Southtowns Catholic School building.
- Classes for 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.)
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 4th, with editions for Grades 5th - 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.
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.
Catholic school students: PLEASE BE ADVISED: PREPARATION CLASSES FOR THE SACRAMENTS DO NOT TAKE PLACE IN THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL SETTING, BUT THROUGH THE PARISH. Per the Sacramental Directives of the Diocese of Buffalo, all children of the parish- regardless of the school they attend- prepare together to receive the sacraments. For this reason, we are advising you to contact the Religious Education/Faith Formation Office of your home parish to register your child for sacramental preparation. If you would like to register for the preparation program through Saint John Paul II Parish, please do so using this link.
Cost per Sacrament: First Reconciliation & First Communion $35.00
Confirmation $50.00
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:
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.
Catholic school students: PLEASE BE ADVISED: PREPARATION CLASSES FOR THE SACRAMENTS DO NOT TAKE PLACE IN THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL SETTING, BUT THROUGH THE PARISH. Per the Sacramental Directives of the Diocese of Buffalo, all children of the parish- regardless of the school they attend- prepare together to receive the sacraments. For this reason, we are advising you to contact the Religious Education/Faith Formation Office of your home parish to register your child for sacramental preparation. If you would like to register for the preparation program through Saint John Paul II Parish, please do so using this link.
Cost per Sacrament: First Reconciliation & First Communion $35.00
Confirmation $50.00
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:
- 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
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
