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 (CRE), Marta Garcia or our Administrator of Religious Education, Jeannie Ybarra .

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.

2008 - 2009 Catechetical Year

Religious Education Classes will begin September 28 - 29 and this year’s theme is, “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.

Sacramental Program
Grades 2nd - 5th First Holy Communion
Junior and High School First Holy Eucharist
High School Confirmation
 Sunday
10:30AM - 1:15PM
(includes attending 12:00PM mass)
Other students enrolled in Grades 6th - 12th
 Sunday
10:30AM - 1:15PM
(includes attending 12:00PM mass)
Grades 1st
Grades 3rd - 5th
Grades 2nd - 5th Beginner’s 1st Holy Eucharist
 Monday
5:15PM - 6:30PM


Registration

Registrations for our RE program will be in the RE office, Room 22 of the School Building, on a walk in basis, on the following dates and times:

Sunday, August 24th
 After All Masses
Sunday, September 7th
 After All Masses
Sunday, September 14th
 After All Masses
Saturday, September 27th
 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Saturday, October 4th (Late Registration)
 10:00AM - 1:00PM

No registrations will be accepted after Saturday, October 4th.
There will be no registrations accepted on the first day of class - Sunday, September 28th or Monday, September 29th.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

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.
Youth Ministry at St. John Berchmans strives to be developmentally appropriate, intergenerational, multicultural, flexible, collaborative with the greater community and family friendly. A variety of spiritual, social and community service events are planned throughout the year in the parish along with events in the deanery and archdiocese. Events are geared toward teens, their families, the parish community and the greater community. The Youth Ministry is meant to give teens a sense of belonging and having a voice in the parish.

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.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)

The process known as R.C.I.A. is to bring adults to the sacraments of Christian initiation - Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. The process is successfully used for persons who are not baptized; for baptized Christians who have been members of another denomination and seek to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church; and for baptized Catholics who are not catechized and need either Eucharist and/or Confirmation. The process provides an opportunity to learn the basic elements of the Catholic faith and become familiar with the practices and traditions of the Church. The group meets on Sunday mornings with several days for reflection scheduled into the process. The process begins in October and continues through Easter - also open to Catholics who want to learn more about their faith.

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.