The Church has always considered catechesis one of her primary tasks . . . the name of catechesis was given to the whole of the efforts within the Church to make disciples, to help people to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, so that believing they might have life in his name and to educate and instruct them in this life and thus build up the Body of Christ. (Catechesi tradendae, #1)

At St. John Neumann we believe that forming disciples is a lifelong process – the more you know, the more you can love God through liturgy, daily life and within each other. We also believe that parents are the primary educators of their children and work to support families in their mission. We offer intergenerational activities to engage the whole family and encourage parental involvement in all aspects of our parish school of religion.

Pope Francis and the Bishops remind us that Parents are the primary catechists of their children. This year (2022-2023) we are taking a family-centered approach where Parents & Children will attend together 1-2 Sundays a month, from 3:30 to 4:45 pm, between the 2 pm Spanish Mass in Church and the 5pm Family Mass in the Gym. Families will continue at home/online during the other weeks. Sacramental preparation will occur on alternating Sundays

Our goal as a parish is to partner with parents in the building of Households of Faith through a wide range of opportunities and to make disciples by teaching children that Jesus is the Son of God and, by believing that, they might have life and have it abundantly in his name.

Staff

Catherine Combier-Donovan, Director of Faith Formation  (803) 788-3252, ext. 326

Veronica Carneiro, Coordinator of Elementary & Middle Faith Formation (803) 788-3252, ext. 320 

Rhina Medina, Youth Minister & Coordinator of High School Faith Formation

Family Class times 

Grades K-4 through 8, on alternate Sunday afternoon 3:30 - 4:45 PM Classes are held at the school.  More information coming soon

Catechetical Materials 

• Growing Up Catholic: Faith Stories, published by The Pastoral Center

Sacraments

• Currently virtual   A baptism class for parents is held monthly in the School Library. Please call the office, (803) 788-0811, to reserve a place.
• First Reconciliation and First Communion are normally celebrated during 2^nd grade.  Preparation is family-centered on Sunday, with parents and children attending 6 sessions for Reconcilication and 6 sessions for Communion.
• Confirmation is moving to the 6th grade (and later). Students must have received First Communion and completed at least the prior year of religious education to enter any sacramental preparation class. Students must attend HS Youth Ministry on Sunday evenings, as well as, Confirmation classes throughout the year.

Protecting God's Children

The Diocese of Charleston is very pro-active in its attempt to keep everyone that is involved in parish life safe. It is mandatory, according to diocesan guidelines, that any adult employee or volunteer - who has access to minor children or vulnerable adults must submit a background screening form, sign a Volunteer Code of Conduct and complete an Acknowledgement of Receipt of the Diocesan Policy.  In addition, they must take an online Sexual Abuse Awareness class.

Contact our safe environment coordinator listed below for registration and additional information for the class. When completed, participants will take a brief test and print out a certificate.  A copy of the certificate must be given to the Safe Environment Coordinator along with the completed Background Screening Form, Volunteer Code of Conduct and Appendix B: Acknowledgement of Receipt of the Diocesan Policy.  These documents MUST be turned in BEFORE employees or volunteers begin.

For more information about Safe Environment policies, contact Genie O'Shesky, Safe Environment Coordinator, at 803-788-3252 x 311 or goshesky@sjnchurch.com.

Thank you for supporting us in our efforts to make St. John Neumann a place where everyone is welcome to join us in faith, hope, charity and safety. 

Other useful resources

• Growing Up Catholic: Parents' Page
• Facebook page: Strong Catholic Families