Religious Education

Religious Education and Faith Formation (click here to register)

Our program of Religious Education and Faith Formation is designed to reach out to our school-age youth, engaging them in the Good News of the Gospel, and preparing them for the Sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. But the formation does not end with the receipt of each Sacrament; ongoing instruction and faith-sharing continue each year. Contact Person: Catherine Brown, Director of Religious Education and Faith Formation

RCIA

Our RCIA program invites inquirers to examine their belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ that have been handed down through the Apostles and are taught by our Catholic Church today. Through these rites the candidates and catechumens are prepared for Baptism and full comminion in the Catholic Church and are called to a continual sense of spiritual renewal within our parish community and the community at-large. Contact Person: Catherine Brown, Director or Religious Education and Faith Formation

Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is the sign of God’s grace in welcoming new members into the Catholic Church. Just as Jesus was Baptized in the Jordan River by Saint John the Baptist, the new members of our Church are Baptized into the waters of everlasting life. For infants and children under six years of age, the parents assume the primary responsibility for taking the promises of Baptism. This includes assuming the role of being the primary teachers of our faith to their children, both in their words (teaching them about God’s love for us and how we are to love God and to love one another) and in their actions, by praying with them and bringing them to Mass each Sunday. Please contact one of our Deacons in the parish office for more information concering Baptims classes and the dates and times that the Sacrament of Baptism is conferred. For children who have already started to attend school, the parents are asked to enroll their children in our Religious Education program as a preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism. In these classes they will learn more about their faith and what it means to be a member of the Catholic Church. Please see the link for “Religious Education and Faith Formation” for more information. For adults who are seeking the Sacrament of Baptism, we invite you to join our Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) program to explore our faith tradition and to discern the direction in which God is calling you on your journey of faith. Adults are normally Baptized at the Easter Vigil Mass, with is the night before Easter Sunday. Please see the link for “Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults” for more information.

Safeguard the Children

This committee was designed to develop and implement policy to ensure the safety of the children of our parish community. This committee is responsible for providing classes on avoiding abusive behavior, and to recognize what is appropriate behavior and what is not appropriate. Contact Persons: Chairperson Sharmaine Haylock and Catherine Brown

Bible Study

Each week members of our parish community gather to reflect on the inspired Word of God that is in our sacred Scriptures. Father Paul’s Journey Through the Bible presents a broad overview of the sacred texts, while other groups share deeply on specific readings and themes. Contact Persons: Father Paul Spellman and Eva Mai Smith

Children

Holy Name of Jesus School

Our parish school seeks to enable our children to develop as God planned for us, through faith and spirituality, education, and character development. Classes consist of Kindergarten through 8th grade. Our children strive to become responsible, faith-filled persons within our community and in contemporary society at-large. Contact Person: Marva Belisle, School Principal (323) 731-2255

RELIGIOUS FORMATION CALENDAR