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 grade Kindergarten through 10th Grade. Our Faith Formation School year runs from September through May. These classes are for all students who currently attend a PUBLIC school OR Private School (not affiliated as a Catholic School). Each year, students will attend classes, taught by amazingly knowledgeable volunteers, using the Forming Disciples Religion Curriculum Guide provided by the Diocese of Buffalo. After completing First Grade in our Faith Formation Program, (Baptized in the Catholic Church) students are then eligible to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in 2nd Grade. Once they have received the First Reconciliation and have consistently attended their Faith Formation Classes, students are then eligible to prepare for their First Holy Communion. Consistency of attendance is required at each grade level until student has completed 10th grade and then they are eligible to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
ALL Classes for children from Kindergarten through Grade 8 are held on Sunday morning,
from 10:15am -11:30am in the Southtowns Catholic School building.
Grades 9 & 10 are held in the Community Room on Sunday Evenings twice a month.
Click here to see our Class Schedule
All participants in Grades 5-10 are required to perform/document at least 10 hours of Community Service each calendar year.
ALL Classes for children from Kindergarten through Grade 8 are held on Sunday morning,
from 10:15am -11:30am in the Southtowns Catholic School building.
Grades 9 & 10 are held in the Community Room on Sunday Evenings twice a month.
Click here to see our Class Schedule
All participants in Grades 5-10 are required to perform/document at least 10 hours of Community Service each calendar year.
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.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION Information
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, CATHOLIC SCHOOL or AT-HOME, we will offer in -person sessions for reinforcement of the content for everyone to join in.
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. Confirmation Preparation usually starts in January (2024) and the actual Confirmation celebration usually occurs in the Fall of their junior year (2024)
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.
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. Confirmation Preparation usually starts in January (2024) and the actual Confirmation celebration usually occurs in the Fall of their junior year (2024)
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.
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
