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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 9:00am-10:00am, Monday thru Thursday, 10:00am-5:00pm. If unable to come during those hours, an appointment can be made for another time.  Faith Formation office is closed on Friday and Saturday.

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.

 

CCD Schedule Download

  • 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 attendance 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.
  • Confirmation
    Confirmation is a two year program which begins in the 9th grade for Confirmation Year I and the 10th grade for Confirmation II.  If the candidate has attended a Catholic School or continuous Religious Education classes thru Elementary and Junior High, he/she is eligible for Confirmation Year II.  Classes are held on Sunday morning from 10:30am to 11:45am with attendance at the 12:00 noon Mass being mandatory.  Parents are encouraged to attend the same Mass.

    Confirmation Resources:  Basic Prayers   Informative Handout   Confirmation Instructions

    There is a Confirmation class for Adults who were unable to make their Confirmation as teens.  The Classes are offered  in the fall and in the spring.  They consist of 11 classes and adults can attend either session.  These classes are held on Monday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
  • 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. RCIA Info

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 important 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.
  • Bible Study Groups
    The Faith Formation Office offers a Bible Study Class called Scripture from Scratch.  Virginia Smith and Elizabeth McNamer do an excellent job of explaining clearly  the overview of the Bible. You do not need to have previous knowledge of Scripture.  They cover the bible basics in a way that is neither over your head nor boringly fundamental. They have hit the happy medium and are entertaining to make the learning experience fun.  This class is held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.  Come and see what the Bible is all about.
  • 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 Natica Apaez.