First Communion

Dear Families of St. John the Evangelist,
 
            1st Communion is part of  our Whole Family Catechism program. The most important influence in a child learning their faith is the example of their parents. So, we are asking parents to participate in certain ways and are providing materials and resources to assist you in handing on your faith to your children.
I pray that this coming catechetical year proves to be fruitful for all of you! I have laid out the expectations below. You can find the calendar of classes here.
 
Expectations
  • Mass attendance every week is considered part of class for all grade levels. Parents/Guardians should be attending Mass as well.

  • The 1st Sunday of each month (usually), all families with children are expected to attend class, including those with children in Catholic School.
    • Parents/Guardians and Grades 6-12 will meet in the parish hall for a lesson with activities and small groups.
    • Children 5th grade and below will use the Kitchen and Classroom to engage in lessons and activities (These do not cover everything and are only a supplement to the lessons parents will do with their children)

  • One Wednesday night each month (usually the 3rd Wednesday), we will have a family game night. Attendance is expected of all families and students.
    • This will consist of 30 minutes of adoration, followed by a meal and communal time.
    • The focus will be spending time together, though we will sometimes have review games or activities. Building community is an important part of faith formation. Feel free to bring boards games, card games, or other fun communal activities.
    • This is an open event, so feel free to invite friends and family who aren’t in Catechism, belong to another parish, or aren’t Catholic.

  • For families with children in 1st Communion (2nd Grade, ends May 5, 2024):
    • If a 1st Communion student cannot attend Mass at St. John’s on a particular weekend, they must get a signed bulletin from the Church where they attend.
    • 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 Eucharist
    • All 1st Communion students & their parents/guardians are required to attend two Mornings of Reflection.
      • Saturday, Dec 2 at 9am
      • Saturday, May 4 at 9am
    • All 1st Communion students not in Catholic chool will attend two additional classes each month, following the 9am Mass
      • Those in Catholic schools are welcome to attend as well, but not required

 
Cost, Materials, and Paperwork
  • Registration fee is $25 per family
    • There is an additional fee of $25 for each child in 1st Communion or Confirmation (Confirmation students do not have to pay this extra fee again in the Fall of 2024)
    • Hardship waivers are available. Speak with me if you want this waiver.
    • Please visit the parish website – stjohnjeanerette.org/registration– to complete the registration. There is a link there to complete payment as well. You can also visit the office to pay by cash or check.
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  • Required books:
    • Provided by us: Parent Guide,1 children’s activity book for each child ages 10 and under. Materials for Confirmation and 1st Communion students will be provided by us as well.
    • A bible (NABRE, RSVCE, JB, or ESV-Catholic)
      • I recommend the “Didache Bible”
    • A Catechism of the Catholic Church
      • The “YouCat” is a recommended additional resource as well
    • Access to Formed.org is also required for each family. See our website to register

  • Required paperwork:
    • If your child was baptized at a church other than St. John the Evangelist in Jeanerette, you will need to contact the parish where they were baptized
      • Ask them to send a new copy of their baptismal certificate to our office at: St. John the Evangelist, 1510 Church St, Jeanerette, LA 70544.
    • Completed sponsor forms for each Confirmation student. Due by April 1, 2024
    • Completed Service and Spiritual Hours forms for each Confirmation student due December 1, 2023; May 1, 2024; and November 1, 2024.
 
As always, thank you for being a part of our parish family and I look forward to being together with you all as we deepen our knowledge and love of this great faith we share.
 
In Christ,
Fr. Alexander Albert,
Pastor,
St. John the Evangelist, Jeanerette