PARISH SCHOOL RELIGION FOR THE 2024-2025 YEAR

One of the most important aspects a parish must have to survive is a strong religious education program. St. John’s classes will begin on September 15th in the Administrative Office on the second floor regardless of the number of students who are registered. Grandchildren of grandparents are welcome if the grandparents are registered in the parish. Class begins immediately following the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass and will last 45 minutes. Please call Sharon Curtin at 614-563-8405, or email at sharon@mcurtin.com for information. Thank you.

The Religious Education Program is meant to supplement the religious formation already happening in the home.  Parents are the first and foremost educators of their children.

St. John the Baptist is here to assist parents in teaching their children by providing a safe environment to learn and share their faith.    

As a community of the faithful, we pledge to provide instruction in the Catholic faith and encourage participation in one of the weekend Masses.  Parents, students, and teachers recognize the importance of Religious Education and cooperate to make the most of the student’s learning opportunities and faith formation.

WHAT IS RELIGIOUS EDUCATION? 

This is a program that teaches young people in the parish about our Catholic faith.  This includes preparation for the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), Eucharist (Holy Communion), and Confirmation.  Religious Education classes are open to all young people in grades 1 through 8.  The families of these young people must be registered members of St. John the Baptist Parish.  Exceptions are made if permission is given by our pastor, Monsignor Frank Lane.

GOALS OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

  1. To expose and promote students to basic Catholic doctrine, Prayer, and Scripture.
  2. To assist in spiritual growth and ways to live their faith.
  3. To encourage students to attend Sunday Mass and religious education classes.
  4. To teach and enhance celebration of all the Sacraments. 
  5. To live a life dedicated in service to God, the parish, and the community.
  6. To help students discern their vocation in life toward the priesthood, religious life, marriage, or single status.

REGISTRATION FORM 

All children are welcome, including the grandchildren of grandparents registered at either parish. Registration form can be downloaded here: Registration 2024_2025

PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN 

A diocesan requirement is for each catechist to attend one class, which lasts around 4 hours.  These classes are held throughout the diocese.  Those who attend will be reimbursed by the parish.  Background check and finger printing are also mandatory, and the parish will also reimburse for this.  Information for both requirements will be provided.

FEES

There are no fee requirements for this program.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

Religious Education will not be denied to anyone because of race, national origin, gender, age, or physical or mental ability.  

PARENT EXPECTATIONS 

  1. Share your Catholic faith with your child.
  2. Attend Mass every weekend and Holy Days with your child.
  3. Be on time.  Parents are expected to accompany their children to their classroom immediately following the 9:30 a.m. Mass, and pick them up promptly at 11:15 a.m.  
  4. Show interest in the lessons and projects your child brings home, and talk with them about their experience in class.
  5. Contact the religious education teacher or Director of Religious Education, Sharon Curtin, 614-563-8405, or sharon@mcurtin.com, to discuss any questions, problems, or suggestions.
  6. Parents or guardians will hopefully participate in the Religious Education Program by contacting the Director of Religious Education regarding the area of involvement one would like to assist for the upcoming year.  We cannot have a program without you!

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS 

It is essential that respect, cooperation, support, and courtesy be shown by all those involved in the Religious Education Program.  We are a family, and the behavior is a reflection belonging to the family.  Parents, please review the following rules of behavior with your child.

  1. Respect teacher, assistants, and classmates.
  2. Use respectful language.
  3. Cooperate with requests made by the teachers and assistants.
  4. Respect the property of St. John the Baptist Parish.
  5. Listen while others are speaking and participate in class discussions and projects.
  6. Be open to learning about the Catholic faith in a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere.

DISCIPLINE ISSUES

The philosophy of discipline is based on the approach of self-discipline and the need to help students live in the image of Jesus Christ.  To ensure that all students have the maximum opportunity to receive the most out of their religious education experience, discipline must be maintained to provide a positive atmosphere for all.  At times, a parent might be required to accompany a child.

CLASSES

Classes are held every Sunday following the 9:30 a.m. Mass at St. John.  These classes will last 45 minutes, which gives parents time to socialize with coffee and donuts in Sala Hall.  The first class is scheduled for September 24.  We will meet in Sala Hall.

CLASS CANCELLATION 

Occasionally, weather does not permit us to have class.  Sometimes the parish might also have a special occasion that would require the use of the classroom area.  If classes are cancelled, you will receive a phone call or an e-mail.  Please check the PSR calendar for scheduled information.