Welcome to St. John the Evangelist!

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 2008-2009
PRESCHOOL through GRADE 6 (Older grades see Youth Page)

KATHIE ARMSTRONG • 410.964.1440 • karmstrong@sjerc.org

How can I enroll my child?...(click to reach the registration forms)

St. John's has several forms of regular Religious Education available to suit the needs of families and the style of learning of children. We also have Sacramental Preparation Programs.
Here are the areas covered (see details below):

Sunday Morning Program (K-6th grade)
Children with special needs
Family Program (K-6th grade)
Good Shepherd Montessori Program (3-12 years)
Preparation for First Eucharist (Communion)
Preparation for First Reconciliation (Confession)
Other Sacramental Preparation
Intergenerational Activities, such as KAFÉ
Ecumenical Vacation Bible School

SUNDAY MORNING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (Grades K-6)
A weekly program held at Wilde Lake High School, taught by volunteer
teachers in a classroom-type setting. There are two sessions to choose
from: 9-10:15am or 10:40-11:55am.

SUNDAY MORNING CALENDAR 2008-9
9:00 - 10:15 am or 10:40-11:55 am

Sept 21, 28
Oct 5, 12, 19, 26
Nov 2, 9, 16, 23
No sessions 11/30; Thanksgiving holiday
Dec 7, 14
No sessions 12/21 and 28; Christmas holiday
Jan 4, 11, 18, 25
Feb 1, 8, 15, 22
Mar 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
No sessions 4/5 and 4/12; Easter holiday
Apr 19, 26

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
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 this year, please call Kathie Armstrong (410-964-1440). 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 Kathie Armstrong (410-964-1440), if you can help.

FAMILY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (Grades K-6)
Parents teach at home from a text with a parent guide. Families are required
to come together for activities on certain SUNDAY AFTERNOONS
FROM 2:30 - 4:30 PM at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center. Families help
plan these Sunday sessions, some of which are field trips.
See the calendar below for Family Program dates.

     FAMILY PROGRAM CALENDAR
     SUNDAYS 2:30 - 4:30 PM
     Dates are to be determined. Usually begin in October and end in May.
     MEETING
     #1 October 5
     #2 November 9
     #3 December 24 - 4:00pm Children's Mass w/ Live Nativity (if able to attend)
     #4 January 25
     #5 March 1
     #6 April 19

CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD (Ages 3-12)

A Montessori Religious Education Program for ages 3-12 The Catechesis of the
Good Shepherd is a religious formation program based on the methods of Maria
Montessori. Central to the catechesis is the atrium, a room containing materials
that focus the child's attention on key scripture passages or liturgical moments.
After an introduction by the catechist, the children are invited to work with a
material on their own to continue their meditation. The work of the Catechesis
of the Good Shepherd is to nurture the child's relationship with God. The
catechesis accomplishes this through the use of manipulative materials representing
Bible and liturgy, prayer, song and by giving children time to work with the materials
in each lesson. A certified Montessori teacher is offering this program. The classes
are held at St. John's Interfaith Center in Wilde Lake. We meet on a weekly basis
on Wednesday afternoons from 4:15-5:30pm and 6-7pm, October-Mid May.

For more information, please contact Sara Pileggi at 410-964-0219 or e-mail Sara at SLP@PILEGGILAW.NET

MAKE UP SESSIONS
Call Kathie Armstrong (410-964-1440) to arrange make up sessions for children in Grades 4 through 6 who are baptized but who have had no previous religious education.

FIRST RECONCILIATION (Penance, Confession)

Children should be at least 7 years old. 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 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.

     PREPARATION MEETINGS (3)
     Sunday afternoons at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center
     Oct 12, 2008 PARENTS ONLY (2:30-3:30pm) Materials to be given out at this time.
     Oct 26, Parent and child (2:30-4pm)
     Nov 23, Parent and child (2:30-4pm)

Celebration dates and times to be announced.

FIRST EUCHARIST (Communion)
Children should be at least 7 years old. In addition to these Immediate Preparation Meetings. 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.

     PREPARATION MEETINGS (3)
     Sunday afternoons 2:30-4pm
     Jan 11, 2009 (OM) Parent and child
     Materials to be given out at this meeting
     Feb 22 (OM) Parent and child
     One of the following:
          Mar 22 or Mar 29 (WL)

     GROUP CELEBRATION & RECEPTION DATES
     INDIVIDUAL CELEBRATIONS - BY ARRANGEMENT
     Reception of the sacrament is usually between Easter and Pentecost.

BAPTISM
The Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA for Children) is a process for welcoming children of catechetical age (nine or older) into the Catholic Church. For more information, call Kathie Armstrong (410-964-1440).

CONFIRMATION
For teens seeking confirmation, please contact Wayman Scott, our Youth Minister at 410-964-1437. For adults seeking confirmation, please contact Peter Barbernitz at 410-964-1430.

INTERGENERATIONAL ACTIVITIES
KAFÉ (Kids And Family Enjoyment)
If you'd like to connect with other families with children, develop a network of friends
for you and your children, and enhance the social aspects of your parish, join us for KAFÉ!
We meet for dinner and then children participate in a program designed for them and
parents have time to meet and catch-up with one another. If you'd like to get on our KAFÉ email list, email Jan.
UPCOMING DATES: May 25, 5-7pm at Oakland Mills IFC
It’s Memorial Day weekend and if you’re not going away, come celebrate with us. Bring a blanket and picnic food to share. We’ll provide beverage. Then the kids will participate in some fun activities and parents will have time to meet and socialize. We hope to see you there! Then the kids will participate in some fun activities and parents will have time to meet and socialize. We hope to see you there!