Religious Education

K to 8 Program | The EDGE Program | Confirmation Preparation Program | Calendar of Events | Handbook & Forms

“Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” (Jn 17:3) “The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but also in communion and intimacy, with Jesus Christ.” (Catechesi Tradendae) Religious education programs prepare students for the Sacraments of Penance, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and for a lifetime devotion to God.

At St. John’s

We recognize parents as the first teachers of their children in beliefs and practices of our Catholic Faith. Our Religious Education Program is designed to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children. The program provides formal classroom instruction in the doctrines of our faith, and provides an environment which enables children to apply these teachings to their lives.Equally important to this instruction are our goals of helping children and families to worship, sharing and fostering community and motivating children to service. Parents’ participation in all aspects of our program is essential to its purpose and success. Children learn best by example. We ask that you give your children’s religious classes the importance they deserve. By working together, parish and family, our faith will fill the hearts of our children!

Programs

Within the Religious Education Department there are several collaborative programs, directed by Karen Hinton. Registration for all Religious Education programs are held each Spring on the last day of class. For more information on any of these you may reach Karen at 978-532-1586.

Pre-K Program - Every Sunday, 9 to 9:45 A.M., in the lower church hall. Parish children ages 3 and 4 are invited to become a part of a Sunday morning program based on the Gospel reading of the day published by Pflaum Gospel Weeklies. We ask that parents accompany their child throughout the class to assist with crafts, bible stories and songs. The volunteer coordinator is Claudette Yutkins, a parent of a three year old.

Classes for the K to 5 programs are offered in two sessions on Sunday mornings.
Session I 8:45 A.M. - 9:45 A.M.
There is a Family Mass at 10 a.m., offered between the two sessions so all may
celebrate worship with their family as part of the parish community.
Session II 11:15 A.M. - 12:15 P.M.

Sacramental Preparation for Second Grade - This is a two year program beginning with first grade where children learn of God’s love. In the second year the children and families prepare for the sacrament of Reconciliation in January. The second half of the year is spent in preparing for First Eucharist to be celebrated in April and May. Meetings and retreats allow parents to be involved in helping their child know the meaning of these sacraments within their homes as well as within the classroom.

THE EDGE - for grades 6, 7 and 8.

The Edge Program meets twice a month on Sundays from 3:50 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Lower Church Hall. The 5 p.m. Sunday Youth Mass is an esstial part of this program. The EDGE is designed to meet the educational, spiritual, emotional and social needs of young adolescents, those middle school youth who are moving from a child-like spirituality towards an adult faith commitment ot Jesus Christ and the Catholic community. Students are going to be given the EDGE they need in life, Jesus Christ, the Sacraments, Sacred Scripture, the teachings of the Catholic church, and a Catholic community to love, nurture and challenge them.
Goals of the EDGE:

To foster a transforming spiritual experience of Jesus through the liturgy which will allow early adolescents to experience the Word of God and the Eucharist in a deep and more profound way.
To create a positive experience of the Catholic church
To assist middle school youngsters in gaining an understanding and appreciation of what the CAtholic church teaches and believes.
To incorporate the Catholic church’s vision of social justice and peace into the spiritual life of pre-adolescents.
To develop an understanding in middle school youth that they are a vital and visual presence within the parish community.
This program is an offshoot of LIFETEEN, for hight school aged youth. To learn more click on the Edge at www.lifeteen.com.

The Confirmation Preparation Program is a two year program, with Candidates meeting monthly to celebrate the Eucharist as a part of the community of believers at the 5:00 P.M. Mass on Sunday evenings. Catechesis follows in the Lower Church from 6:00 P.M. to 7:15 P.M. Each group meets once a month.

Gr. 9 A-K, Gr. 9 L-Z
Gr. 10 A-K, Gr. 10 L-Z

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (adapted for children, RCIC) is offered to all seeking initiation into the Catholic Church or Sacramental Preparation beyond the traditional grade levels.

Handbook & Forms

Click here to view the Religious Education Handbook. To download a PDF, click here (link to come) Religious Education Forms (link to come)

Volunteer opportunities!
Unless otherwise noted, contact Karen Hinton at (978) 532-1586
or submit the volunteer form below.

Catechist: Teach the basic truths of faith according to the Archdiocesan Religious Education guidelines; involves preparing, teaching, attending Mass and participating in enrichment gatherings.

Substitute Catechist: Cover classes on Sunday morning when needed.

Student-Aides: Assist children with special learning needs in the classroom, under the guidance of the teacher.

Hall Monitor: Watch the hallways, lead children to and from the rest rooms, be available in case a teacher needs assistance.

Office Help: Answer phones, prepare mailings, by folding, stuffing, seal and stamp envelopes, help with attendance, make copies, etc.

Confirmation Prep Program: (Grade 9 & 10) Confirmed Catholics to offer a caring, welcoming and engergetic presence at tables of 10

St. John’s Parish is a multi-cultural community offering Religious Education in English and Spanish languages. For the Spanish language programs contact Ana Rodriguez at (978) 826-7538.