Religious Education

At St. John the Evangelist, our mission is to support parents who are the first educators of their children to continue the education of the Catholic Faith. We teach moral values so that they become followers of Jesus Christ for a model of their life. Children from Kindergarten to sixth grade will also experience and demonstrate faith through prayer and the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.

For any questions about Religious Education or Sacramental Preparation for children, contact the Director of Religious Education: Mrs. Consuelo Petro at 410-964-1425 x319 or consuelo.petro@sjerc.org

St. John the Evangelist has several ways for your child to receive regular Religious Education. Hopefully one will suit your family’s needs and your children’s learning style. We also have Sacramental Preparation Programs. See below for more information:

PLEASE NOTE: Tuition is due at the time of registration in order to make certain that there will be room for your child.

  • You can pay online
  • Or you can mail your check (made out to St. John the Evangelist Church) or come into the parish office during business hours (Monday through Friday from 9 to 5)

No one will be refused classes due to financial difficulties. If you need confidential assistance, contact Consuelo Petro 410-964-1425 x319 consuelo.petro@sjerc.org

Sunday Morning Program (K-6th grade)

The Sunday Morning Program is a weekly program held at Wilde Lake High School and taught by volunteer teachers in a classroom-type setting.

Our Mission

To reach children from kindergarten through sixth grade by proclaiming Christ’s message. We accomplish our ministry in partnership with the parents who are the primary catechists. Together we will proclaim Christ’s message, help develop a Christian community, lead the students in prayer and worship and motivate them to Christian service.

This is the largest of the religious education programs offered at St. John’s Religious Education Ministry, and it is growing.  Our Catechists are St. John’s parishioners. Beginning in mid-September, there are 24 weeks of classes. We follow the “Be My Disciples” program from 1st-6th grade, which shares the Christian story in the catechumenal model using reflection on Scripture and doctrine. It initiates children into the community of faith and challenges them to discipleship as part of their formative journey.

  • The English and Spanish (only one session) session is offered from: 9:30-10:45 am.

2023-2024 Dates:

All classes begin Sunday, September 17  and continue as follows:

  • Sept. 17; No classes September 24
  • Oct.  1, 8, 15, 22, 29
  • Nov.  5,12, 19; No classes November 26 (Thanksgiving Holiday)
  • Dec. 3, 10, 17; No classes December 24 to January 6 (Winter Break)
  • Jan. 7, 21, 28; No class January 14 (Martin Luther King)
  • Feb. 4, 11, 25; No class February 18 (President’s Day)
  • Mar. 3, 10, 17; March  17 is the Last day of Class

Children with Special Needs

St. John’s Religious Education Program welcomes all children into our program, including children with disabilities. We offer a variety of options for families with members with special needs. If you are interested in participating, please call the Director of Religious Education (410-964-1425 x319).

In addition, we are looking for volunteers to work with kids with disabilities in its programs. No experience is necessary; only an open mind and willingness to learn. Please call the Director of Religious Education (410-964-1425 x319), if you can help.

Family Program (grades K-6th grade)

Parents teach at home with a parent guide which is easy to follow.  The student text is the same one we use in our Sunday Morning Program. Families then come together for activities on certain Tuesdays evenings from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center.  These meetings are designed to provide and understanding in the children that they are part of a much larger community of believers, the Church, and to give opportunities for social ministry, to show their love for others.

Many families choose it because it gives them an opportunity to talk with their children about things that matter. Also, parents have the opportunity to interact with other families and their children to share ideas and knowledge about God’s faith.

For more information or questions, contact Consuelo Petro, consuelo.petro@sjerc.org or 410-964-1425 x319

Dates:

  • October 17, 2023
  • January 23, 2024
  • March 12, 2024 (last session)

Preparation for First Eucharist (Communion)

If your child is approaching 1st grade and you are thinking about First Communion, or if your son or daughter is in 1st – 6th grade and wants to prepare for their First Communion, contact Consuelo Petro, consuelo.petro@sjerc.org or 410-964-1425 x319. There is a process for each child depending on their age and prior preparation.   We look forward to talking with you about your child.

In addition to Immediate Preparation Meetings (see below), children should be enrolled in some form of regular Religious Education (e.g., the Sunday Morning Program, the Family Program or Catechesis of the Good Shepherd either here at St. John’s or at another parish, or attend a Catholic school) both the year they receive the sacrament and the year before. 

There are two preparation meetings for parent and child:

  • First Eucharist date to be determined.

First Eucharist Ceremonies

Detail information will be sent through e-mail.

Contact: Consuelo Petro, consuelo.petro@sjerc.org or 410-964-1425 x319

Preparation for First Reconciliation (Confession)

Children should be at least in 2nd grade religious education. In addition to these Immediate Preparation Meetings, children should also be enrolled in some form of regular Religious Education (e.g., the Sunday Morning Program, the Family Program either here at St. John’s or at another parish, or attend a Catholic school). After 2 years of preparation, students will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation .

Reconciliation date to be determined.

If you have questions, please contact Consuelo Petro, consuelo.petro@sjerc.org or 410-964-1425 x319

Other Sacramental Preparation

BAPTISM: The Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA adapted for Children) is a process for welcoming children of catechetical age (nine or older) into the Catholic Church. For more information, call Consuelo Petro (410-964-1425 x319) or consuelo.petro@sjerc.org. Children younger than nine may be baptized by calling Jan Shaw at 410-964-1425 x312 or jan.shaw@sjerc.org.

CONFIRMATION: For teens seeking confirmation, please contact Andrea Torres, our Youth Minister, andrea.torres@sjerc.org or 410-964-1425 x318. For adults seeking confirmation, please contact Deacon Paul Gifford at paul.gifford@sjerc.org.

Extracurricular Activities

From time to time, we also do extracurricular activities such as the Children’s Stations of the Cross and Christmas Eve Children’s Liturgy and drama. We are supporting the Tanzania Children’s Project through Knights of Columbus by raising money to build a water well for families in need.

For future activities, we are planning to participate at the Pancake Supper providing children with Easter theme activities.  We will support the SMILE PROJECT at Spring Grove Hospital in Catonsville where children donated hygiene items and school supplies to assist people in need. Lastly, we held a Christmas Party for all the students where they participated in singing, drama, and activities in their classrooms.

Volunteers

We are always looking for volunteers to share their faith with children in our religious education programs. Whether you are a parent, a grandparent, or a teen we can use your help. No experience is necessary; only a willingness to share your faith and a love of children. Our teacher manuals have pre-planned and engaging lessons. Our kids are terrific and you will be making sure that the next generation will grow up Catholic. Please call Consuelo Petro (410-964-1425 x319) if you can help.

Please note: The Archdiocese of Baltimore requires all parish volunteers to be VIRTUS certified. Please contact the parish office for details.

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