Faith Formation
“The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.” (James 3:18)
We are all called to be sowers of God’s Peace and this sowing is a day-to-day process. As people of hope, we believe the Lord will help our seed-sowing efforts so that the Word will take root, blossom and spread. May we Sow God’s Peace in all we do!
If you are interested in volunteering for our Faith Formation Program, please contact our Director of Religious Education (DRE), Rosalinda Rodriguez . The Faith Formation (CCD) office hours are Sunday 8:00am-2:00pm, Monday 9:00am-6:00pm and Wednesday 9:00am-6:00pm.Fill out this Volunteer Page if you would like to volunteer for the program.
Volunteer Page
Youth Programs
Grade School Faith Formation Catechists
These teachers and helpers for the Faith Formation program are responsible for the process of passing on our Catholic Faith. Meetings and workshops support their efforts, along with the best resources available from publishers. At St. John Berchmans we strive to affirm, support and build up. It is for this reason that adult formation opportunities are emphasized as part of the programming along with children and youth. It is for this reason that Sacramental preparation of children and youth, involves parents, that they may be enabled to better become the primary educators of their children, and to make faith formation an on-going and life long process.
Registration for 2010-2011 Catechitical Year
Early registration for our RE program will be held on Sunday, May 2nd from 9:00am to 11:00am in the RE office, Room 22 of the School Building.
Regular registration for our RE program will be held on Sunday, August 22nd and 29th from 9:00am to 1:00pm in the RE office, Room 22 of the School Building.- Pre-K4 and Kindergarten age children
Classes are held on Sunday morning from 10:30am to 11:45am. Parents must pick up the children to attend the 12:00 noon Mass as part of their class. It is urged that parents attend this Mass. Remember, children learn from example rather than just words. - First thru fifth grade
Classes are held on Sunday morning from 10:30am to 11:45am with Mass attendence at 12:00 noon. The Mass is part of their class. No child may be picked prior to the Mass. It is requested that the parents attend this Mass if possible. - Sixth thru eighth grade:
Classes are held on Sunday morning from 10:30am to 11:45am with Mass attendance at 12:00 noon. The continuing education in the Catholic Faith is essential in these formative and confusing years of our children. The children should attend Religious Education classes every year that they attend regular school. - Baptism classes for children 6 and older
Classes are held on Sunday morning from 10:30am to 11:45am. The children will attend the Liturgy of the Word at 12:00 noon and be dismissed after the Homily to discuss the readings and the Gospel. The children will be dismissed at 1:00pm. - Communion classes
Classes are held on Sunday morning from 10:30am to 11:45am. Attendance at the 12:00 noon Mass is part of the learning process for these classes. No child may be excused from attending Mass with the class. Parents are encouraged to attend the same Mass. - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
Adults interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church, please contact Rosalinda Rodriguez in the Faith Formation office. The RCIA is a process that invites the baptized and unbaptized, non-Catholic and Catholic adults, who have questions about the Catholic Faith or wish to complete their sacraments of initiation. The process is individualized as much as possible to meet the needs and life experiences of each adult.
Youth Ministry
St. John Berchmans youth Ministry Program strives to meet three goals set forth by the United States Catholic Conference in 2000 and as stated in Renewing the Vision, A Framework For Catholic Ministry:
- To empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.
- To draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Cathlic Faith.
- To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
For more information, please contact our Youth Minister Monica Rodriguez at 210-602-9727.
Watch for our new Life Teen web page - coming soon!
ADULT PROGRAMS
Human growth and development is a lifelong process. Therefore, ongoing education and formation of adults is vital to the spiritual life of the parish. Just as we expend time and energy on growing intellectually and socially, so too it is importnat to give our religious development a priority.
St. John Berchmans Church is proud to offer a variety of opportunities for growth as persons, as families and as communities of faith and compassion. We invite you to join us since the growth of each person enhances that of the entire community.
Prayer Groups
Open to the gifts of the Spirit, St. John Berchmans has groups of people who gather together weekly as a community in prayer. It includes informal prayer and singing. We are given the opportunity to share and express our appreciation for the Lord’s greatness, power, love and might.
Please consult the bulletin for times and locations.
Bible Study Groups
- Share the Word Bible Class
This class is designed for spiritual renewal and to inspire participants to go forth and bring the Good News of Christ to others. The group meets every Monday at 6:30pm. For more information contact the parish office.
- ACTS
This is an excellent opportunity to not only share God’s word but to expand our faith by discussing relevant topics, expressing our ideas, and asking questions about our faith and God’s Word. For more information please contact Linda Campbell.