Religious Education
In Matthew 28:19-20 we hear: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.
Our mission is to proclaim Jesus’ Gospel and bring people into communion with God. The aim of catechesis (instruction and formation in the Catholic faith) is to bring about in the believer an ever more mature faith in Jesus Christ, a deeper knowledge and love of his person and message, and a firm commitment to follow him. The object of catechesis is communion with Jesus Christ. Catechesis is essentially an ecclesial act – an action of the Church.
The goal of St. John University Parish’s religious education program is to partner with parents in raising their children in the Catholic faith.
We seek to accomplish this through the six tasks of catechesis – (1) promoting knowledge of the faith; (2) promoting a knowledge of the meaning of the Liturgy and the sacraments; (3) promoting moral formation in Jesus Christ; (4) teaching the Christian how to pray with Christ; (5) preparing the Christian to live in community and to participate actively in the life and mission of the Church; and (6) promoting a missionary spirit that prepares the faithful to be present as Christians in society.
We know, however, that the journey of faith is a journey that continues throughout our lives. We seek to help believers of all ages to come to a greater knowledge and love of Christ.
Religious Education Program for prekindergarten through 8th grade:
We gather in the Parish Center by 11:15 a.m. Children are called by grade to gather with their catechists who lead them to the classrooms in Sophia Center (basement of Parish Center). Catechists bring children back to Parish Center about 12:30 p.m.