St. John Neumann Youth Faith Formation
Program Information and Registration for 2020-2021
Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion begins in 1st Grade. Preparation for Confirmation begins in 6th Grade. But don’t skip the middle years! You wouldn’t allow your child to do that with Math or English, would you? Why would you do it with something as important as faith? No worries if life has gotten in the way of traditional timing of sacraments. We love preparing older children for baptism and the other childhood sacraments! Our program for children with special needs who are not mainstreamed in day school is expanding, so we welcome children of all ages with these challenges to apply for that portion of our program.
At the time of registration, we ask that you pay fees (and any remaining balance from 2019-2020). You can pay off the tuition portion throughout the year. We also have financial assistance for tuition available. Access registration for 2020-2021, our recording of the parent video conference regarding our Grade 5 and under program, and other resources. Please contact Dena for information and assistance.
Grade-Level
Program Expectations
Preschool/Kindergarten
Ages 3 through 5 years old (by 9/1/2020)
At-home formation with a weekly lesson presented by parents with parish support. The weekly lesson is about 20 minutes in length. Curriculum: Allelu! by Our Sunday Visitor |
Grades 1, 3, 4, and 5
Family Lessons · Week 1 – Parent Formation (via online videos and other means) on the faith topic for the month and on how to break open that topic with your children · Week 2 – Lesson 1. Parents work with children using their choice of two activities (scripture, prayer, writing, craft/drawing, video, etc.). · Week 3 – Lesson 2. Parents work with children through Lesson 2 using their choice of two activities. · Week 4 – Family Faith Gathering. Prayer, service, game, or other activity, either online or gathered at the parish, as our shelter-in-place guidelines allow. Mentor Catechists for Families Curriculum: A Family of Faith by Sophia Institute Press |
Grade 2 or the Second Year of Sacramental Preparation
Children preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion attend formation for at least two years. The first year’s formation is described above (see Grades 1, 3, 4, or 5). Children prepare for and celebrate these sacraments in the second year of attendance – normally Grade 2.
Sacramental Lessons
At-home formation with a weekly lesson presented by parents, during the first three weeks of the month. Weekly family commitment for these lessons would be about 30 minutes. Children complete a weekly chapter assessment online. Families are asked to submit a once-per-month family reflection sheet and communicate with a Mentor Catechist assigned to your family. Parents can access parent formation lessons on chapter topics. During week 4, families attend the Family Faith Gathering. This includes prayer, service, game, or other activity, either online or gathered at the parish, as our shelter-in-place guidelines allow. Additional parent meetings and parent-child retreats will be scheduled.
Mentor Catechists for Families
Families are placed in small Family Groups, based on your choice of Family Faith Gathering session. Each Family Group will be assigned a Mentor Catechist. The Mentor Catechist will periodically touch base with you, providing encouragement, affirmation, and ideas in how to present lessons to your children. When we can gather in-person, the Mentor Catechist will gather with your Family Group to lead and welcome.
Curriculum: Signs of Grace by Augustine Institute
Grades 6 through 8
Formation choices:
Families are sent weekly videos and discussion questions.
High School
Formation choices:
Students participate in online activities and discussions.
Special Needs Formation
For children who are not mainstreamed in their day school due to physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities. Additional registration and a home visit are necessary for new families.
Family Lessons
At-home formation with a lesson presented by parents. Each family is assigned a Mentor Catechist, under the direction of the Leader and Activity Catechists.
Curriculum: A Family of Faith (adapted) by Sophia Institute Press
For more information about our programs, including the 2020-2021 calendar once finalized,
click on: Youth Faith Formation Program Information.
Preschool through Grade 5:
Therese Stahl
Director of Evangelization & Faith Formation
TStahl@sjnstcharles.org
630-377-2797 ext. 113
Grade 6 through High School:
Mark Restaino
Director of Youth Ministry & RCIA Coordinator
mrestaino@sjnstcharles.org
630-377-2797 ext. 107p
All Grades:
Dena Pacione
Administrative Assistant
dpacione@sjnstcharles.org
630-377-2797 ext. 114
