​Catechism
I’m pleased to announce that registration for the 2026-2027 catechetical year is now open.
Our parish uses a Whole Family Catechism model, which means faith formation is something we
do together. Instead of weekly drop‑off classes, all families attend once a month during the catechism
year to learn, pray, and grow in faith as a community. These sessions are not only for families with
catechism age children. They are open to all parishioners. These sessions are meant to support
parents in their role as the primary teachers of the faith and help ensure that children see their faith lived
out at home as well as in the Church parish.
For families with school-aged children, this is the foundation of our formation program;
therefore, every family must register for, and attend, Whole Family Catechism each year. Participation in
these monthly sessions is required, for a minimum of 2 years, before registering for sacrament
preparation classes and is necessary for children to receive the sacraments.
We will be using the Baltimore Catechism books, aiming to empower parents and guardians to
hand on the true faith to their children. Confirmation now takes place in 8th Grade. We are asking all
students entering 8 th grade or above to register for Confirmation if they have not already received
the Sacrament. You can find the below expectations and the calendar of classes on the Church parish
website.
“Who are catechists? They are people who keep the memory of God alive; they keep it alive and themselves, and they are able to revive it in others.”
-Pope FrancisÂ
Cost, Materials, Supplies, and Paperwork
Registration fee is $25 per family - with or without school-aged children
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There is an additional fee of $25 for each child in 1st Communion and/or Confirmation
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Hardship waivers are available. Speak to the Pastor if you need this waiver.
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Please visit the Church parish website to complete the registration. There is a link there to
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complete payment as well. You can also visit the Church office to pay by cash or check.
Required books:
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A Bible (Douay-Rheims Bible; New American Bible (NAB); Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE); New Jerusalem Bible (NJB))
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Father recommends the Douay-Rheims Bible
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church
Expectations
Sunday Mass attendance is required every week for children & parents as per the Third Commandment.
The 1st Sunday of each month (usually), parents and children are expected to attend our whole family catechism class.
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Parents/Guardians and children will meet in the Church parish hall for a class led by
Father.
1st Communion (2nd Grade, ends May of 2027) expectations:
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All parents/guardians will be given materials to take home. They are to use these materials to help their own children understand Confession and the Most Holy Eucharist.
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All 1st Communion students & their parents/guardians are required to attend one First Saturday Mass. See listed dates attached.
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All 1st Communion students will attend two additional classes each month, following the 9am Mass.
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More than 2 absences in class will result in delaying 1st Communion to the following year.
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​Sporting and dance events are not considered valid reasons to miss.
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Required paperwork:
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If your child was baptized at a church other than St. John the Evangelist in Jeanerette, you will need to contact the Church parish where they were baptized:
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Ask them to send a new copy of their baptismal certificate to our Church office at: St. John the Evangelist, 1510 Church St, Jeanerette, LA 70544.
Confirmation Expectations
8th grade and up, ends May of 2027
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All Confirmation students will attend two additional classes each month, following the 9am Mass.
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All Confirmation students, their parents/guardians, and their sponsor will attend a Saturday morning of reflection in the Spring before Confirmation. This is mandatory. See listed dates attached.
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Sponsors and parents/guardians are welcome at any class or event throughout the year.
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All Confirmation students will complete 10 service hours and 10 spiritual hours before Confirmation in the Spring.
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Service hours are gained through acts of service to non-family members.
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Spiritual hours are gained through spiritual practices other than attending Sunday Mass.
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Opportunities for each will be provided, but students will need to seek additional opportunities in order to reach the amount required.
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More than 2 absences in class will result in delaying Confirmation to the following year.
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Sporting and dance events are not considered valid reasons to miss.
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Sponsors of Confirmation candidates must meet the proper criteria:
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At least 16 years old & Confirmed in the Catholic Church
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Actively practicing their faith
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Regular Mass attendance
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Not living in public contradiction to Church teaching
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If they are married, they must have been married in the Catholic Church
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They must complete the proper form, which is to be signed by the pastor of the Catholic Church they attend
Required paperwork:
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If your child was baptized at a church other than St. John the Evangelist in Jeanerette, you will need to contact the Church parish where they were baptized
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Ask them to send a new copy of their baptismal certificate to our Church office at: St. John the Evangelist, 1510 Church St, Jeanerette, LA 70544.
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Completed sponsor forms for each Confirmation student. This is due by April 4, 2027.
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Completed Service and Spiritual Hours forms for each Confirmation student. This is due April 4, 2027.
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Confirmation Saint Name (NOTE: girls must choose a female Saint; boys must choose a male Saint): one page write-up on Saint of choice, including their Feast day, what they are a Patron of, what virtue they were canonized for (the Saint’s outstanding virtue to be imitated), and why you chose them. This is due April 4, 2027.
As always, thank you for being a part of our Church parish family and we look forward to being together with you all as we deepen our knowledge and love of the one true faith we share.
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In Christ,
Father Broussard, Pastor
Saint John the Evangelist, Jeanerette