PROGRAM INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

Sacramental preparation requires two years of consecutive classes in order for a child to celebrate either First Communion or Confirmation.

First Communion: Students may start their preparation in grades 1-11 and in their second year they will make the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion.

Confirmation: Students may start their preparation in grades 6-11 and in their second year will receive the sacrament of Confirmation.

Baptism: A child 7-17 who needs baptism please contact the office for more information on RCIA for children.

Parent & Student Requirements for Saint John XXIII Religious Education Program

* A parent and child must attend every class together. Your student will go to their classroom and the parent will remain in the church for a parent class. Every parent class is mandatory. If neither parent is able to attend with their student, the parent may designate another adult who will bring the child to class and remain in the church for the parent class. The parent (or designee) must walk the student into class, remain for the parent class and may not leave the church until class is dismissed.

*All class assignments and family assignments must be completed by each deadline given. And every child is expected, by the end of their first year, to be able to recite our communal prayers: Hail Mary, Our Father, Glory Be and the Act of Contrition.

*Sunday Mass attendance is an obligation in our faith. All students must attend Sunday Mass. Our method for recording their attendance is with a blue attendance slip that is placed in the collection basket with their first and last name clearly printed on the slip. The blue slip is provided by an usher at Mass. Reminder: this slip is separate from a parent’s Parish Envelope. The parent envelope only tracks parent participation not child mass attendance.

*Parents are the primary teachers of their children in all matters but especially our faith. Therefore, our Religious Education program is designed to assist parents in the preparation of your children in the formation of the Catholic Faith and in receiving Sacraments. We realize that you and your children have sports and various other activities scheduled during the week and on weekends. This program is designed in conjunction with the Broward County school calendar and the guidelines set forth by the Archdiocese of Miami. Therefore, we make our calendar of classes in line with these parameters to create the least number of classes and still be in compliance with the Archdiocese of Miami. Every class listed on the calendar of classes is mandatory to attend. You will need to review the schedule of classes that you and your child will need to attend. If you cannot commit to these dates then perhaps you may want to reconsider us assisting you with Religious Education. We do not accept missed classes unless it is due to illness or an emergency. Failure to attend all classes can result in a delay in your child being able to receive a Sacrament until such time as adequate formation has been completed.

CLASS INFORMATION
GRADES 1-5 First Year Classes 2023/24 School Year: Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings. A parent or guardian must attend and stay with the child/children as stated in the requirements listed above.

GRADES 6-11 First Year Classes 2023/24 School Year: Classes will be held on Monday evenings. A parent or guardian must attend and stay with the child/children as stated in the requirements listed above.

PLEASE NOTE: IF CHILD HAS ALREADY BEEN BAPTIZED you will need to provide a copy of his/her baptismal certificate in order to register in the program.

INFORMATION FOR TRANSFERRING STUDENTS OR SECOND YEAR STUDENTS

If you are interested in transferring from another parish please call the parish office for more details.

Any student currently registered in our first year of classes will be contacted directly by the Religious Education Department about how to continue in the program.