Class Schedule

Registration Form

Link to online resources that accompany the books:
https://sophiainstituteforteachers.org/familyoffaithvol1supplements

Catechism Classes 2021-2022

Dear Families of St. John the Evangelist,
 
            Despite the many challenges of the past year, our whole family catechism program was fruitful. Those who participated spoke well of their experience and shared some important feedback and suggestions. I am still convinced of what I wrote last year: that the best thing I can do is equip you as parents to teach the faith to your children. So it is my intention to continue the model of whole family catechesis format with some minor adjustments. The practical execution of this is as follows:

• The parents are responsible for teaching their own children. Parents can consult the DRE and other volunteers for help and resources will be provided.

 

• The Family Catechism Session will be once a month on Sunday afternoons at 4:00pm.
  • Parents and grades 7-12 will meet in the parish hall for a lesson with activities and small groups.
    • The younger children will be cared for by volunteers

 

• We will now have a youth group. They will meet on those Sundays (at 4:00pm) when we do not have Family Catechism. All youth grades 7th-12 are encouraged to attend (even from other parishes). This will consist of community, fun, and some faith formation.

 
**Each Sunday evening will conclude with 30 minutes of adoration and concluded with benediction.**

• One Wednesday night each month, we will have a family night. This will consist of prayer, a brief follow-up of the lesson, a meal, and either some kind of game or activity.

 

• Sacramental Prep (2nd grade for First Communion and 11th grade for Confirmation) will meet at 8:45 am every Sunday morning (except on holidays) and attend the 10am Mass with their classmates. Mass attendance is part of the class. If they need to attend Mass at another church for travel reasons, they should bring a bulletin.
  • 1st Communion parents are expected to attend the two mornings of reflection offered by the parish:
    • Dec 11 from 10-11:30am
    • Apr 30 from 10-11:30am
  • Confirmation students will have a retreat in the spring. Date is TBA
  • Confirmation students are expected to complete 10 hours of service and 10 hours of spiritual growth. Opportunities for each will be provided throughout the year.

 

• 2nd Graders at Catholic School and their parents still need to attend both retreats
• 11th graders at Catholic School still have to attend classes at the parish and attend the retreat in order to be Confirmed

 
As it was last year, the program will be free of any cost. If you are a registered parishioner, you and your children will be able to participate in the program without cost and we will provide the necessary materials free of cost. I as pastor do not want to put money between a family and learning their faith. Between donations and second collections, I hope and expect that the parish can bear this cost without too much difficulty.
 
That being said, I know many of you want to support the parish and help cover the expenses involved in this. Donations, therefore, are greatly appreciated and encouraged in whatever amount you choose to offer. Still, it is not required and will not be held against you if you cannot afford it at this time. The primary cost of this program is the materials, which I will list for you and give the approximate cost of each so that you can see where the money would go should you choose to give.
 
Each family will need (the cost is for your information, we will not charge you):

• 1 parent guide per family: $13 per copy

 

• 1 children’s activity book per child in grades k-6: $13 per copy

 

• 1 copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church per family

 

• 1 copy of the Bible ( “The Didache Bible” is the recommended version)

 

• 1st Communion and Confirmation students will be given materials in their first class

 
 
In order to prepare for this coming year, I ask that you complete the enclosed registration form and return it to Mrs. Patti as soon as possible. Please also plan to attend our orientation and first session on September 12. A calendar of classes has also been included for your preparation.
 
As always, thank you for being a part of our family and I look forward to being together with you all soon as we deepen our knowledge and love of this great faith we share.
 
In Christ,
 
Fr. Alexander Albert,
Pastor,
St. John the Evangelist, Jeanerette

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