The Faith Formation program at St. John the Baptist equips and encourages families and catechists, working together, to help children grow in faith, love, and charity based on the teachings of the Catholic Church. Our goal is for our children to know, love and serve God. Our curriculum is based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and on building a faith-filled relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, learning the faith, and service to others. We strive to connect our youth to our Parish and encourage them and their families to participate in Parish Life at St. John's.
Children's Liturgy of the Word: Pre-School - Kindergarten
Children's Liturgy of the Word is held during the 10 AM Sunday Mass for Preschool-2nd grade students. Before the First Reading, children will leave the Church to go to Matthew's Hall with Children's Liturgy of the Word leaders and helpers to hear the Mass Readings and a message that is just right for kids. A simple activity will engage students and help them understand the Gospel message. Children return to their families after the Homily to pray the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
1st - 5th Grade Faith Formation
Students in 1st through 5th grade will attend Faith Formation classes on Sundays from 9 - 10 AM.
First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion Preparation: 2nd Grade
Students in 2nd grade will prepare for their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Classes will take place on Sundays from 9 - 10 AM and include some special evening events.
6th -7th Grade Faith Formation
Students in grades 6- 7 will attend Faith Formation classes on Wednesday evenings from 7 - 8 pm. Small groups will meet both on our St. John's campus as well in mentor's homes. Students in 6-8th grades will meet on the first Wednesday of each month for a group activity.
Confirmation Preparation: Starting in 8th Grade
Student entering 8th - 12 grades are welcome to begin their preparation for Confirmation by enrolling in our Confirmation Prep 1 course. This course will start student on their Confirmation Journey.
Students who have completed Confirmation Prep 1 should enroll in Confirmation Prep 2 to continue their journey towards Confirmation.
After completing both Confirmation Prep 1 and Confirmation Prep 2, students will be prepared for Confirmation. Confirmation at St. John's takes place each November. In the fall prior to Confirmation students will attend a Youth Reconciliation evening, Faith Learning Centers, and interview with Father or Deacon and a Confirmation Practice.
Confirmation preparation includes:
Confirmed Students:
Confirmation is not graduation, it is truly the beginning!
Confirmed students will participate in a bible study group meeting on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 7 - 8 pm.
They are invited to grow in faith by serving in their Parish. This can be accomplished by helping as a Faith Formation Assistant on Wednesdays, as a Children's Liturgy of the Word Leader or Assistant Sunday Masses, volunteering as
a Lector, Usher, or Eucharistic Minister (training and commissioning first), and helping at any Church events.
Children's Liturgy of the Word is held during the 10 AM Sunday Mass for Preschool-2nd grade students. Before the First Reading, children will leave the Church to go to Matthew's Hall with Children's Liturgy of the Word leaders and helpers to hear the Mass Readings and a message that is just right for kids. A simple activity will engage students and help them understand the Gospel message. Children return to their families after the Homily to pray the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
1st - 5th Grade Faith Formation
Students in 1st through 5th grade will attend Faith Formation classes on Sundays from 9 - 10 AM.
First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion Preparation: 2nd Grade
Students in 2nd grade will prepare for their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Classes will take place on Sundays from 9 - 10 AM and include some special evening events.
6th -7th Grade Faith Formation
Students in grades 6- 7 will attend Faith Formation classes on Wednesday evenings from 7 - 8 pm. Small groups will meet both on our St. John's campus as well in mentor's homes. Students in 6-8th grades will meet on the first Wednesday of each month for a group activity.
Confirmation Preparation: Starting in 8th Grade
Student entering 8th - 12 grades are welcome to begin their preparation for Confirmation by enrolling in our Confirmation Prep 1 course. This course will start student on their Confirmation Journey.
Students who have completed Confirmation Prep 1 should enroll in Confirmation Prep 2 to continue their journey towards Confirmation.
After completing both Confirmation Prep 1 and Confirmation Prep 2, students will be prepared for Confirmation. Confirmation at St. John's takes place each November. In the fall prior to Confirmation students will attend a Youth Reconciliation evening, Faith Learning Centers, and interview with Father or Deacon and a Confirmation Practice.
Confirmation preparation includes:
- Serving family, Church and community
- Researching and choosing a saint, including presenting saint to the 6th - 8th grade classes
- Mentoring from a chosen sponsor
- Interviewing with Fr. John or Deacon Chris
- Encountering Christ in the Sacraments, Retreats, and Eucharistic Adoration
- Gaining a deeper understanding of the Catholic Church in Faith Formation classes
- Learning about the Holy Spirit as our guide, our help, and our comfort-blessing us with gifts, fruits and charisms.
Confirmed Students:
Confirmation is not graduation, it is truly the beginning!
Confirmed students will participate in a bible study group meeting on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 7 - 8 pm.
They are invited to grow in faith by serving in their Parish. This can be accomplished by helping as a Faith Formation Assistant on Wednesdays, as a Children's Liturgy of the Word Leader or Assistant Sunday Masses, volunteering as
a Lector, Usher, or Eucharistic Minister (training and commissioning first), and helping at any Church events.
St. John's Faith Formation is made up of Father John Kunz, Mrs. Kristy McCabe, Jeanne Fitterer ,and Deacon Chris Walchuk.
Here at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church we have opportunities for everyone to grow in their faith and foster relationships with Jesus - children, youth, teens, adults, and families! Everyone is invited and ALL are welcome! We invite you to connect with us today!
Here at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church we have opportunities for everyone to grow in their faith and foster relationships with Jesus - children, youth, teens, adults, and families! Everyone is invited and ALL are welcome! We invite you to connect with us today!
Diocese of Winona-Rochester - Child Sexual Abuse Policy Information
The Diocese of Winona-Rochester will provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (employees, volunteers, vendors, religious or clergy). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at 507-454-2270, Extension 255. A caller will be asked to provide his or her name and telephone number. Individuals are also encouraged to take their reports directly to civil authorities. The Diocese of Winona-Rochester is committed to protecting children, young people and other vulnerable people in our schools, parishes and ministries. The diocesan policy is available on the diocesan web site at www.dowr.org under the Safe Environment Program. If you have any questions about the Diocese of Winona's implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Mary Hamann, at 507-858-1244, or [email protected].
The Diocese of Winona-Rochester will provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (employees, volunteers, vendors, religious or clergy). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at 507-454-2270, Extension 255. A caller will be asked to provide his or her name and telephone number. Individuals are also encouraged to take their reports directly to civil authorities. The Diocese of Winona-Rochester is committed to protecting children, young people and other vulnerable people in our schools, parishes and ministries. The diocesan policy is available on the diocesan web site at www.dowr.org under the Safe Environment Program. If you have any questions about the Diocese of Winona's implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Mary Hamann, at 507-858-1244, or [email protected].
