FAITH FORMATION MINISTRIES

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1 St. John Neumann Feast Day - January 5 th Servant of God and Humankind, your desire to bring all souls to Christ inspired you to leave your family, home and your country. Ask for us the grace to live worthily in the spirit of our Baptism so that all our thoughts, words and actions of every day will bring God our Father greater honor and glory. Ask for us the graces necessary to help and to serve the poor, the suffering and the oppressed. May we live as you lived preserving in every difficulty to know and to do God's will. In this life, may we share your intercession, the protection of Mary, and the grace of Jesus Christ our Lord and Redeemer. Amen. FAITH FORMATION MINISTRIES children, youth, and adult Pilot Knob Road Eagan, MN (651)

2 June 2013 Dear St. John Neumann Families: Greetings! We hope this letter finds you well and ready to immerse yourself in the short but glorious Minnesota summertime. Pentecost reminds us that Christ s promise of an advocate in the Holy Spirit is alive and clearly active in our lives, families, church and world. Like the Spirit s action, faith formation is a lifelong process. It begins at birth through the example of our parents and caregivers and continues throughout our lives in participation in the sacraments, study, prayer, and action. One of a parent s responsibilities is to provide for their child s faith formation whether with a Catholic school, the parish-based program, or in an intentionally planned and approved home-program. Unlike other activities in our children s development, faith formation is best acquired with every-year involvement. In the booklet you will find descriptions of all of our faith formation, family, and sacramental programs in which St. John Neumann can partner with you in your child/youth s formation. There is a page in the booklet with a description of this year s registration process and fees. Please know, and let others know, that scholarships and payments plans are available for families who identify themselves as having financial need. Just contact the staff member associated with the program you are registering for. Some families are able to make a contribution to the scholarship fund there is a space for that donation on the registration form. Our commitment remains strong to provide a safe environment for children, youth and vulnerable adults. All adults who have regular or unsupervised contact are required to attend a Prohibited Behaviors Orientation and have a background check completed. Beginning in preschool, our children are taught age-appropriate strategies for building their personal safety (such as not keeping secrets and identifying trust-worthy adults.) As always, we appreciate your comments and questions. Please feel free to contact any of the staff with concerns or suggestions. Thank you for the privilege of letting us partner with you in the formation of your child/youth. Blessings, Pastoral Associates for Faith Formation CAPstone Bonnie Serio A Christ-centered ministry that offers encouragement, friendship and support for mothers who are currently raising or have raised their children in the faith. Meetings occur twice monthly on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:15 a.m. at St. John Neumann and include alternating speaker presentations and large/small group discussions. Topics cover a variety of issues pertaining to faith, marriage, and family life and personal growth. Nursery/ childcare is available for parents with small children (6 months to kindergarten) requiring a reservation. Infants younger than 6 months stay with the parent during meetings. All are welcome. Liturgical Music & Programs Linda Heimerl, Tana Barkhymer & Becky Floersch Sunday Noon & 6:00 PM Ensemble Vocal and Instrumental opportunities are available at the Sunday Noon and 6:00 p.m. Liturgies. These ensembles are open to all ages 7 th grade and up. Rehearsals are every Sunday at 11:15 a.m. and once every six weeks at 10:00 a.m. for Noon Mass and at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday for the 6:00 p.m. Mass. Auditions are required for instrumentalists. Contact Linda Heimerl at x8863 or lindah@sjn.org for more information. Children s Choir The St. John Neumann Children s Choir is open to children in grades 3-6. Rehearsals are scheduled for Wednesdays from 5-6 p.m. beginning in October. Members will participate in St. John Neumann Ministry Concert in November, Christmas and Easter season Masses. Contact Tana Barkhymer at x8864 (voic only) for more information. Liturgy of the Word for Children This is an opportunity for children ages 6-10 to participate in the Sunday Scriptures. Before the First Reading, the children are invited to follow an adult prayer leader to hear and discuss the Sunday Scriptures at their level. Children s Liturgy is offered at the 5:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday and at the 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 Noon Masses on Sunday. This is a free program and pre-registration is not required. The valuable ministry of LWC is in need of prayer leaders and assistants. Parishioners 16 years and older are welcome to help lead the 20 minute prayer session. You will be paired with a veteran Prayer Leader. We break for all holidays, district 196 vacations and the summer. Contact Becky at x8585 or beckyf@sjn.org with questions or to sign up.

3 Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) Ron Bisek RCIA is not just for adults. Children over the age of seven who are unbaptized, baptized in another Christian tradition or who are baptized Catholic but have received little or no faith formation are invited to participate in RCIA in preparation for Baptism, Eucharist, or Confirmation. St. John Neumann has separate groups for children and teenagers using adapted materials appropriate to each age group. If you have a child or teenager who fits one of the above criteria, contact Ron Bisek to discuss the best options for your child. Adult Confirmation Preparation Judy Doonan-Twohy Adult Confirmation Preparation for adults who have been initiated through Baptism and Eucharist, who are living an active Catholic faith life, but have not been confirmed. Meeting in a small group on Sundays beginning in Lent, the candidates pray, study catechism teaching, and prepare for the sacrament. Confirmation is celebrated in the parish during the Easter Season. Lenten Parish Retreat Judy Doonan-Twohy The season of Lent provides a time for us to step back from our lives to literally retreat and reflect on the movement of God in our lives. Join us as we gather as a community to reflect on the season of Lent. Adult Formation Judy Doonan-Twohy Whatever your age, language, level of religious education, background or time constraints, there are formation opportunities for you at SJN. For some adults, short-term commitments like speakers on social justice topics, or the annual parish retreat during Lent fit well. Others commit to weekly Bible studies, join small Christian communities, enroll in the Marriage in Christ seminar or join JustFaith study groups. For individual study, the adult formation room has an excellent collection of books and DVDs. Through the year the bulletin and website offer complete listing of adult faith formation opportunities. Many of the adult formation events are collaborations between two or more departments. Faith Formation Staff Parish Phone Number: (651) Parish Fax Number: (651) Parish Website: Youth Website: Theresa Burdick x8972 theresab@sjn.org Sunday School Wendy Ashbridge x8970 wendya@sjn.org Preschool Mary Brezinski x8893 maryb@sjn.org Elementary Faith Formation Bonnie Serio x8892 bonnies@sjn.org Elementary Faith Formation, Specialist Pat Howard x8587 path@sjn.org Youth Catechesis Steve Grass x8588 steveg@sjn.org Youth Outreach & Confirmation Preparation Ana Theisen x8586 anat@sjn.org Family Life & First Eucharist & Reconciliation Preparation Ron Bisek x8894 ronb@sjn.org Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) Annie Grass x8891 annieg@sjn.org Faith Formation Administrative Assistant & Summer Stretch Judy Doonan-Twohy x8890 judydt@sjn.org Faith Formation Team Leader & Adult Faith Formation

4 Faith Formation & Sacramental Registration Process & Fees Our goal is to provide ample opportunities for all families to register their children for faith formation and have their questions answered by staff. 1) In this registration packet is a registration form and information about the ways the parish and families can partner in forming the faith of our children and youth. 2) Parents/guardians may return the completed registration form and fees to the parish office. NOTE: This option of dropping forms off at the office does not allow for families to talk with staff members when registering. Questions will need to be brought to staff during one of the in-person registration times. 3) Registration may also be done in person at St. John Neumann on the following days: Tuesday, July 23, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, August 17 & 18, after all Masses This option will be helpful to those who would like to talk with specific program staff or who have questions that are best answered in person. Please bring your registration forms along. 4) Registration for Sacramental preparation may also be done through either option, however drop-off registration is only accepted if there is a current address to use for communication. There is an early-bird discount for registrations received on or before Wednesday, July 24. Registration closes on Wednesday, August 21, Finances should never prohibit a child or youth from participating. Financial assistance is available. See any faith formation staff member for information on deferred payments or scholarships. Sunday School, Elementary, Middle and High School First Reconciliation & First Eucharist "Early Bird" (on or before July 24) $85/student, family maximum of $255 (Sacramental fees extra) $100/student July 25 August 21 $100/student, family maximum of $300 (Sacramental fees extra) $115/student Confirmation $110/student $125/student First Reconciliation Only $50/student $65/student Summer Stretch Summer Stretch is a time for middle school students to come together for worship, to serve the community, to have fun together and to make a difference. Summer Stretch meets six Thursdays during the summer from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We spend the morning participating in a variety of service activities in our local community. In the afternoon we all participate in a recreational activity to foster community building. Summer Stretch is open to middle school students who are currently in 6 th, 7 th & 8 th grades. Friends who are not parishioners of SJN are welcome. High School students and older are invited to apply to be leaders at Summer Stretch. Contact Annie Grass or Pat Howard for more details. Camp SonLight Camp SonLight is a fun-filled 5 day summer camp which includes camp fires, live music, speakers, canoeing, swimming and other water activities, ropes and climbing, games, crafts, talent show, free time, prayer and worship and MORE! This is a great opportunity to meet new friends, explore your faith, have a memorable summer experience, and a chance to get out of the city. It s an ideal opportunity to see how much church and fun go together. Camp SonLight is open to Middle School students currently in 6 th, 7 th & 8 th grades. Friends who are not parishioners of SJN are welcome. High School students and older are invited to apply to be leaders at Camp SonLight. Contact Steve Grass for more details. Outreach events Both the Middle School and High school youth have an event each month. These events are used to foster fellowship within our community. These events run from September to May and vary on cost. More specific information can be found in the monthly newsletters, in the bulletin or on the website, Contact Steve Grass for more details. Guatemala Mission trip We're keeping up the tradition and heading back to San Lucas again this summer! Youth currently in grades are invited to participate. There are a limited number of spots available, therefore get your registration in early. Once all spots fill up, a waiting list will be made. If spots remain after the deadline, an announcement will be made in the bulletin. What will we do while in San Lucas? We will continue to develop relationships with the people of San Lucas, discover the Mayan culture, experience the effects of oppression and how we can respond, participate in practical service: painting, digging/working in various projects started by the mission, working in the coffee project and spending time with kids - to name a few!

5 Youth Ministries Grades 6-12 ~ Steve Grass, Pat Howard & Annie Grass LightHouse on Wednesdays ~ SJN s Youth Group! LightHouse is for any and all youth in grades 6-12 who want to have fun, play some great games, meet awesome people, build true friendships, eat a plethora of snacks (of course there are snacks!), and both grow in and share their faith! We meet on Wednesdays during the school year at the SJN LightHouse, up the path on the east side of the parking lot. (Parents, drop-off and pick-up are by the small lighthouse in the SJN parking lot and have youth walk up; for safety reasons please do not use the driveway.) LightHouse is 6:45-8:15pm, most Wednesdays of the year from September to May check the bulletin or LightHouse has great built-in leadership opportunities for high school youth and young adults be part of our leadership team. Contact Steve Grass or Pat Howard for details. On scheduled LightHouse nights, the house opens at 6:00 with a light supper (freewill donation) and closes at 9:00. Official time is 6:45-8:15. Everybody s welcome bring friends can t wait to see you at LightHouse! Baccalaureate Mass & Reception Faith Formation Policies & Procedures Policies and Procedures: Policies and procedures are available from program and appropriate administrative staff as well as on the parish website. It is the responsibility of parent(s)/guardians(s) and child/ren to read and understand all that apply to the enrolled program(s). By signing on the front of the registration form, families agree to follow the applicable parish policies and procedures, understanding that parish staff will exercise due diligence in providing a safe environment for Catholic Christian discipleship. Photography Release (signature on front of registration form): By signing on the front of the registration form, parent(s)/guardian(s) authorize that photographs of their child(ren) may be taken for use in regular learning settings, including service opportunities, or internally at Saint John Neumann facilities. Photographs of child/ren will not be published or placed on the Internet without written consent from the parent(s)/guardian(s). Photographs of children will be left unnamed. There will be a Sunday Mass dedicated to all High School seniors who will be graduating from area high schools. A reception will follow the Mass. Invitations will be sent to all High School seniors. Contact Pat Howard for more details. NCYC National Catholic Youth Conference The National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) is a biannual, thrilling, three-day experience of prayer, community and sacrament for Catholic high school teens from across the country. The conference is typically held Thursday Saturday in late November. This Conference will challenge you both mentally and spiritually. Contact Steve Grass for more details.

6 Volunteer Opportunities Catechists! Educating our children and youth and nurturing their faith takes the whole church, and specifically catechists. This ministry isn t the easiest, but it is worthwhile. The return on this investment of time, faith, attention, planning, and caring is rarely seen immediately, but it is realized. Handing on the faith is not just about books, but includes praying together, learning about moral and social situations, giving to others, and experiencing community life. Each catechist operates just like a coach: teaching skills, encouraging best effort, and inspiring involvement. Since this is a ministry that requires practice, it helps to apprentice one year as an assistant catechist. Could you be one of the 198 catechists and assistants needed by our children and youth? Resource Room Volunteers: Our programs could not exist if not for the coordinators and assistants in the Resource Room who keep every one of our sessions running smoothly. We are grateful and we look forward to many parents stepping into this role again this year. Sunday School & Elementary Classroom Helpers: Our catechists love having some assistance during the class period. Assist catechists by running errands during class, helping with projects, taking children to the bathroom, etc. Topics and Methods Youth Catechesis Grades 6-12 ~ Pat Howard Middle School (all three programs presented on previous page) Grades 6-8 will be using the Finding God curriculum. This is a new curriculum for engaged learning that integrates sacred art, justice education and prayer. Each session uses a common flow: Share, Hear & Believe, and Respond. Weaving between discussions, activities, and a full-color book, youth are exposed to our Catholic Christian belief in a dynamic way. Grade 6 has a rich overview of the Catholic faith. Grade 7 explores more deeply the story of Jesus. Grade 8 dives into the history and tradition of the Catholic Church. High School (all three programs presented on previous page) Grades 9-12 us the Total Catechesis curriculum from Saint Mary s Press. Each session has core teachings from The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, which directly follows the format and content of the Catechism of the Catholic Church using discussions and hands-on activities. Grade 9 explores Prayer, Liturgy and the Sacraments. Grade 10 explores the Creed and Morality. Grades 11 and 12 take a deeper approach to the teachings of the Church, applying them to daily lived experience. Good News Co-Coordinator: Be present during weekly class times to assist catechists and parents. Schedule substitute catechists or act as a substitute when needed. Youth Catechesis Parking Lot Ministry" (Sunday Evenings): Be at the entrances, greet youth with a smile, and if anything is amiss (so rare) let Pat Howard know. In a nutshell: provide a ministry of active presence as the youth come and go. Substitute Catechist: Fill in for catechists on an on-call basis. Adapted Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Do you have a knack and love for working with special needs children and youth? Tuesday and Sunday programs work with children and youth adapting Montessori based materials and curriculum. This is truly a meaningful opportunity for anyone who is called to share God s love with children who have special needs. Training will be provided.

7 Youth Catechesis Grades 6-12 ~ Pat Howard Catechesis is an echoing of faith: every person involved is both instructor and student. Youth by nature have much to learn, experience, and offer; adults by maturity have much stored in their hearts to offer and much room in their hearts to receive the gift of each young person and the presence of God within. Together, with the curriculum as a well-structured guide, both will give, both will receive, and all will celebrate the richness of our Catholic Christian faith. The SJN parish community provides materials and experiences so that youth and families may grow together as disciples and to understand church teachings as they relate to everyday life. These include formal sessions, special experiences including Youth and Parent Sessions and grade-level Retreats, and regular communication from the parish office of Youth Catechesis. We invite and encourage all parents to enroll their youth in faith formation at SJN, selecting one of the following models : Cluster, Family Taught or Teen Christian Community (TCC). Clusters: Groups of youth gather weekly with one or more parent(s) from the group for discussions and activities, choosing to meet either at the home of a participating family or at the church during the Teen Christian Community (TCC) times. Clusters meeting at the home of a participating family must have two adults present at all times. If there are not two adults present, the session must be cancelled. Families attend Youth and Parent Sessions and youth attend their grade-level Retreat. Family Taught: Families set aside time each week for their session, choosing the day and time that works best for them. Families attend Youth and Parent Sessions and youth attend their grade-level Retreat. Teen Christian Community (TCC): Groups of youth gather weekly at the church and are led by a catechist through discussions and activities. Session times are 4:15-5:30 p.m. and 7:15-8:30 p.m. on Sundays. Families attend Youth and Parent Sessions when scheduled and youth attend their grade-level Retreat(s). Since it is both helpful and expected that there are two adults present if there is not a co-catechist or assistant, parents are asked to assist in one or two sessions throughout the year; parents will set up a rotation during the Opening Session. Parents may bring snacks for the group when they come for this scheduled visit. Prohibited Behavior Orientation (PBO) Prohibited Behavior Orientation (PBO) A PBO class is required for everyone, age 13 and older, who may have unsupervised or regular contact with children, youth and vulnerable adults. Classes are offered throughout the year. Please watch the bulletin or contact a staff member for specific dates and times. How to Register: RSVP to the SJN Parish office Attendees need to bring: A photo ID Addresses of where they have lived and worked for the last seven years Names, addresses, and phone numbers of two personal references (for teen volunteers) Addresses and phone numbers of churches or other volunteer organizations SJN Drivers need to bring liability information about their insurance coverage PBO Classes are sponsored by the Shared Ministry Commission Barb Orzechowski, Pastoral Associate of Shared Ministry x8591 Naomi Stout, Shared Ministry Associate x8592 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Excerpt from: Overview of the SJN Volunteer Risk Management Procedures & Requirements The Church of St. John Neumann has a long history of addressing safe environment concerns for children, youth, and vulnerable adults by partnering with volunteer ministers. These procedures are intended to clarify what is required of volunteer ministers who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Volunteer ministers, High School Juniors and older, working with children, youth, and vulnerable adults are required to attend the SJN Prohibited Behavior Policy Orientation (PBO) class for adults and fill out the Appendix B screening package. Volunteer ministers, High School Sophomores and younger, are required to attend a Prohibited Behavior Policy Orientation class for youth and fill out the Appendix D screening package.

8 Sunday School 3 s ~ 4 s/5 s ~ Kindergarten ~ Theresa Burdick Please note: Due to the number of children registered at 10:00 am, classes may be loud and sometimes very stimulating, please consider this when making your selection. The Sunday School program at SJN serves children ages three, four/five and Kindergarten years of age before September 1st. Classes meet approximately twenty Sundays throughout the school year during the 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Masses. Involvement in Sunday School is the beginning of a life-long love of learning about and living our faith. The Stories of God s Love curriculum uses age appropriate faith sharing activities to help develop and strengthen the building blocks of faith for the children in our community. Through song, prayer, art and Bible stories we share, learn and explore the good news of our friend Jesus. By using small groups with two leaders, the children grow comfortable with each other and adults who can nurture their faith development. During the year families are invited to hear a concert that displays the children s love of God through song. SJN Preschool Program Wendy Ashbridge SJN Preschool provides a quality educational experience for three, four and five year olds in a Catholic Christian context and gentle learning environment. The children are guided in creative activity and development according to their individual needs. Our faith is shared through prayer, song, discussion and modeling of good Christian values! This exceptional program provides a variety of activities which help develop the areas of listening, language, problem solving, group interaction, small/large motor, dramatic play, creative art, music, literature, science and kindergarten readiness. Age appropriate activities are designed to be presented to the children individually, in small groups as well as in large group settings. Classes are offered two or three days a week for both the threes and four year olds. We also offer a four day program for children who are five by December 15. Morning sessions run from 9:00 to 11:30 am and afternoon sessions are from 12:30 to 3:00 pm. For more information or for a tour of the preschool contact Wendy Ashbridge at wendya@sjn.org or at Sacramental Preparation for Confirmation Steve Grass St. John Neumann s Sacramental Preparation takes place in addition to the Faith Formation Programs. Our policy is that a child celebrating a sacrament must actively participate in a faith formation program (parish or parochial school) the year prior to and the year of celebrating a sacrament. Confirmation Saint John Neumann members in 10 th grade or older may choose to prepare to receive the sacrament of Confirmation; registration is with Faith Formation and Sacramental Registration. Some Elements of the Preparation Process: Preparation begins at the end of September with a gathering of all candidates and their parents and sponsors. There are four additional large-group gatherings of all candidates and sponsors, plus several times when candidates and sponsors meet on their own to reflect on questions provided by the director. There is a weekend retreat designed to bring a greater awareness of God's presence and movement as well as shed greater light on the sacrament's purpose and importance. Candidates will serve their families and their communities as well as ponder their call to be God's instrument of peace and justice. There are two liturgies held with the parish community: a Rite of Welcome at the beginning of the process and a Rite of Sending at the end; the parish also holds a reception at the end of the process. Required to be a candidate: Participate in a formal faith formation program (for example: Family Taught, Clusters, TCC, or parochial school) during the preparation year. Have participated in a formal faith formation program during the year prior to the preparation year. Required to be a sponsor: A sponsor must be a fully initiated Catholic, in good standing with the Church, not the candidate s own parent, and at least 16 years old (preferably an adult). Gender and distance do not matter as much as the relationship; if a sponsor cannot attend a gathering, a parent or other significant adult needs to attend. Candidates need to consider who they would like for a Sponsor and ask that person to attend the first gathering. A complete schedule will be ed to all participants after registration.

9 Sacramental Preparation for Reconciliation & Eucharist Ana Theisen This Sacramental Preparation Program will prepare students to celebrate the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Registration for this program occurs during our scheduled Faith Formation Registration dates. Please note that you must submit a copy of your child s baptismal certificate with your registration material in order to register your child for this program. To participate in SJN First Reconciliation & Eucharist process, your child needs to: Be baptized and be at least 7 years old. Have participated in religious education the previous school year in a parish faith formation program or a Catholic school. Be enrolled and participating in a parish formation program or a Catholic school this current school year. Along with at least one parent or guardian to attend Sunday Mass each week. Parents can pick up their child s Reconciliation workbook at one of the scheduled Faith Formation Registration Sessions or in the Parish Office Monday-Thurday from 8:30am-8:30pm & Friday from 8:30am -4:30pm. This workbook needs to be picked up by August 31 and completed at home prior to attending Reconciliation Session I. PLEASE NOTE: A complete schedule will be ed to you after your registration paperwork and child s baptismal certificate is received. These are required meetings. Each child with at least one parent or guardian needs to attend one offering of each session in order to celebrate Eucharist in the spring. Parents will be expected to volunteer at some capacity for this program. Signups will happen on line and you will receive more information soon. Any child that was baptized in another ecclesial community a non-catholic Church will also be prepared for making a Profession of Faith and Confirmation. Early Childhood Ministries Nursery Activities Coordinator ~ Lisa Okoneski x8971 ~ lisao@sjn.org FRIDAY SCHOOL Friday School is a program that runs Fridays during the school year. We offer a loving, safe environment where your children can be cared for during the day from 9:30-2:30 p.m. The program has a curriculum that includes story time, singing, arts and crafts and free play. There is a non-refundable $45 registration fee per child. Tuition is due one month in advance and can be paid monthly or for the entire year. Parents/guardians will be expected to provide a peanut-free lunch and a backpack for your child to bring home their projects. Children also need to have proper shoes and clothing for both indoor and outdoor play. Parents/guardians can expect our staff to treat everyone with reverence and respect. We will also provide structural and free time activities for your child. Parents/guardians will receive a monthly newsletter with all the information you will need for the program. Friday school runs September May from 9:30 AM 2:30 PM. The program is offered to children ages 2 years kindergarten. PARENT S NIGHT OUT Parent s Night Out is a program for children 6 months to 10 years of age. This program is designed with parents and children in mind. Parents drop their children off at St. John Neumann and then are free to enjoy some time to themselves. While the parents are gone the kids will do some arts and crafts, play games, eat pizza, watch movies, play outside and meet new friends. This program is held on a Friday once a month from 6:00-9:00 p.m. The cost is $8 per child or $22 per family. Reservation forms are located in the Nursery or call x8971 to have the forms sent. Reservations can be made up to two months in advance. Upcoming dates are always posted in the Nursery. WEEKEND NURSERY A cooperative nursery is available during the Saturday 5:00 PM and Sunday 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM and 12:00 Noon Masses. For more information on how to use the nursery please contact Lisa Okoneski or Heather Smith at x8971.

10 Elementary Family Faith Formation Programs & Ministries Grades 1-5 ~ Mary Brezinski & Bonnie Serio Elementary faith formation strives to continue the precious work begun by parents, of forming active religious faith lives with their children. This partnership provides the nourishment and celebration of faith in community. All Elementary Faith Formation options will be using the Finding God curriculum series, with additional supplemental material provided by parish staff. This is a new curriculum for engaged learning that integrates sacred art, justice education and prayer. We invite parents to enroll their children in one of the following models serving grades 1-5: Good News, Family Taught, or Cluster. (Note that First Reconciliation/Eucharist preparation is a separate program. See Sacramental page for details.) GOOD NEWS: On-site model in which small-groups, organized by grade, meet weekly. Session times are Tuesdays at 5:15-6:15 p.m. and Wednesdays at 4:00-5:00 p.m.; 5:30-6:30 p.m.; and 7:00-8:00 p.m. During the one-hour sessions, children learn and experience the Catholic faith using the curriculum enhanced by a variety of opportunities. These include taking part in in a Mass with Children, engaging in musical and dramatic activities which relate to Catholic Scripture and traditions, creating meaningful crafts and doing hands-on and written activities. FAMILY TAUGHT: Parents teach their children at home using the Finding God children s workbook and a Home Program Guide. Additional supplies and resource materials are also available upon request. Families attend and participate in all enrichment and social events. Parents attend the informational workshop in the fall. FAMILY CLUSTER: Groups of children meet in homes, with one or more parents teaching the lesson. Materials include a Finding God workbook for each child and a catechist manual, with additional supplies and resource materials available upon request. Cluster families attend and participate in all enrichment and social events. Parent catechists attend the catechist workshop in the fall. During cluster classes two adults must be present at all times. Each adult who interacts directly with the children is required to take SJN s Prohibited Behaviors Orientation. Clusters designate a lead contact person for communication purposes. ADAPTED CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD: A unique program that uses the educational principles of Maria Montessori, rooted in Scripture and the liturgy of the Catholic Church, and adapts it for children with special needs. Children gather in an "atrium," a designated room containing hands-on materials. Trained catechists are guided by the specific needs of the children. Adapted CGS meets Tuesdays at 5:15-6:00p.m. and 6:10-7:10p.m. following the Good News schedule and Sundays at 1:15-2:30p.m. twice monthly. CGS staff conducts individual student intakes to determine appropriate class placement. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: A five-day, volunteer-led, fun-filled Faith Formation program for incoming kindergarten through fifth grade children. Held at Faithful Shepherd Catholic School and run by the SJN Elementary Faith Formation staff and a team of adult and teen volunteers, Vacation Bible School is typically held the first week in August, Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. Noon. A family picnic and closing celebration is held at 11:45 on Friday. Preschool and childcare are available for children of volunteers. RAINBOWS, Grief Support for Children and Youth: Saint John Neumann and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Hastings are the only two churches providing this valuable ministry. RAINBOWS serves children and youth, kindergarten through high school, who have experienced or are experiencing losses due to death, divorce, or other life transitions. Sessions are held at Faithful Shepherd Catholic School on Thursday evenings, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. throughout the fall and winter months. The program is open to any child regardless of religious affiliation. There is no cost to participate. A child may enter the program at any time. TWEENS: Tweens Who Care is a summer service program for incoming sixth grade youth. Youth interact socially, learn about Catholic Social teachings and perform valuable service projects. This program is limited to 40 participants. Friends who are not SJN parishioners are welcome.