Children’s Faith Formation

“The Christian family loudly proclaims both the present virtues of the Kingdom of God and the hope of a blessed life to come.”

Lumen Gentium

OVERVIEW OF ST. JOHN’S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM

Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now closed.

Education and formation in the faith is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give to their child. In a modern age increasingly hostile to religion, it is vital to take this duty of formation in the faith seriously to truly equip those who will be the future of the Church.

While we know that parents are called to be the primary educators of the faith for their children, we also know that teaching in this way may be very new for many parents. With this in mind, we are focusing on preparing and forming our parents as a cornerstone of our Faith Formation program so that they may be confident in instructing their children.

We also require classes for children who are going to receive a Sacrament to attend in person to act as supplements to the discussions on the faith they have at home with parents.

Parent classes for the 2026-2027 school year will be held once a week on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. These classes are mandatory and will begin in September.

Children’s Classes for the 2026-2027:

All sacramental classes will be held on Sunday from 9:15-10:15. This will give students an opportunity to attend Mass Saturday 5:00 p.m., Sunday 7:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m., or 4:00 p.m. with their parents.

The classes for children who are receiving their Sacraments are mandatory, and will only focus on Sacramental Preparation. Parents still are responsible for practicing the faith and teaching the Project Nazareth books at home.

Non-Sacramental Classes for children in grades K, 1, 4 and 5 are also offered.

The heart of our sacramental program is actually teaching and building up our parents to be leaders and educators of the faith at home with their children. All parents are required to attend a once a week class, Wednesday evenings 7:00 p.m.

Baptism

Children that are 7 older and have not been baptized will be enrolled in OCIC. They will be prepared for all three sacraments of imitation. This generally is a 2-year program.

Reconciliation (Confession)

Children in 2nd grade and above who have been Baptized and have not yet received their First Reconciliation will prepare for that Sacrament during their first year. Children who are in First Grade or Kindergarten are not yet eligible for reception of Sacraments.

Holy Eucharist and Confirmation

Children are eligible to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist on any given year after they have received First Reconciliation, dependent on an evaluation of their readiness. When a child and a parent believe they are ready, they will attend classes for a whole school year learning and preparing for the Sacraments, will submit a saint report about their Confirmation saint.

Each student receiving confirmation will need a sponsor. An official form from the Archdiocese of Denver for an eligible sponsor must be completed by the sponsors pastor and turned in to the DRE prior to the confirmation (usually due in January).

Registration for Faith Formation classes will be July 12, July 19 and August 2 from 9:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m. in Benedict Hall. Classes will be held each Sunday from 9:15 -10:15. Registration fee is $90.00 for one child and additional $60 for each child after.

*No registrations accepted after August 2nd.

Regular Faith Formation Classes:

This year we will be offering regular faith formation for grades 1, 4 and 5 who are not preparing for sacraments.

Baptism for school age children (7 years old-15 Year old):Children that are 7- 15 years old that have not been baptized will be enrolled in the O.C.I.C. This is a two year program. These children will receive all three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Communion and Confirmation) during the Easter Vigil 2028. Parents that are enrolling their children for this program will be required to attend weekly classes on Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. A copy of the child's birth certificate is required for registration for these classes.

First Reconciliation (Confession): Children who have been baptized and are in 2nd grade and older that have not received First Reconciliation (confession) will be enrolled in First Reconciliation classes. Parents will be required to attend parent classes each week on Wednesday at 7:00. A copy of your child's Baptism certificate is required to register for this class.

First Holy Communion and Confirmation: Children in 3nd grade and older who are baptized and have received First Reconciliation (Confirmation) will be enrolled in First Holy Communion and Confirmation Classes. Your child must have been enrolled in the classes for First Reconciliation and made First Confession last year to register for these classes. Parents will be required to attend parent meetings as scheduled.

Frequently asked questions about Family Catechesis

The old model of faith formation and religious education has been ineffective, and struggled to transform family life. Since many young people who go through this old classroom-style faith formation are leaving the faith, we are proposing a new model (which is actually an ancient model) where the parish focuses on catechizing the parents in order to strengthen parent/child engagement in the Faith. This increases the likelihood that a child will receive an authentic education in the Faith and develop into a knowledgeable and practicing Catholic. Countless studies have shown that parental engagement with the child is the single most effective way to develop young people into disciples of Christ.
Parents will be empowered to help teach their children in the weekly parent classes. They will be given information that will help them to pass on the faith to their children. The Project Nazareth books provide easy lessons to help parents teach the faith and to learn the basic prayers of the Church.
Wouldn’t we be better off just maintaining the status quo?

While it is true that some parents opt to simply not do any religious education instead of becoming involved in the program, the vast majority of families are finding that participating in the classes and working with their children leads the entire family to enter more deeply into the faith life and to encounter God. Parents are able to enter into those “teachable moments” of everyday life. Being involved by attending the adult classes and teaching at home, leads parents into a conversion to Jesus Christ, which is beneficial to the parish, but most of all to the children they are raising.
No, the parents only attend class once a week and the lessons in the Project Nazareth books are minimal and easy to follow.
Because this program focuses on teaching the faith to parents and helping them make it an organic part of family life, it is perfect for parents with children of all ages.