Family Faith Formation
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
Abi Purvis, 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 2nd grade. Preparation is family-centered on Sunday, with parents and children attending 6 sessions for Reconcilication and 6 sessions for Communion.
- Confirmation is usually received in 9th grade though this is changing. 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.