St. John's Alden Faith Formation

St. John's Parish believes Religious Education is a continuing journey of faith. It is one that begins in the home and is reinforced by weekly classes. We strive to teach the students the basic principles of the Catholic faith, giving meaning to the rituals and symbols of Catholicism and helping them grow in their prayer life. It is our desire to work in conjunction with their families. These classes need to be combined with their family’s daily commitment to practicing the faith (regular mass attendance, commitment to God, service to others and good example).

Formal Religious Education classes are available for Grades PreK4 - Grade 11. PreK4 and Kindergarten are not required grade levels, however Grade 1 through 11 are required and students are expected to attend classes at every grade level.

Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation takes place in 2nd Grade. Preparation for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion takes place in 3rd Grade, and preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is a 3 year program and takes place in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade. Older children who have not received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist will be catechized to on an individual basis. Please notify the Office of Religious Education if your child is in Grade 3 or above and has not received these Sacraments, so that necessary arrangements can be made.

Pre-K4 through Grade 8 classes are held on Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Grades 9 and 10 classes are held on Monday nights from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Grade 11 classes are invited to participate in our Confirmation Preparation program where they meet in small and large group sessions, typically on Sunday or Monday evenings.

Home study is an option for 1st through 10th grade.

All families who participate in the Religious Education Program are required to be registered with a parish. If you are registered with a parish other than St. John's, please inform the Religious Education Office.
Fees are as follows: $50/child (St. John's parishioner) ($100 maximum per family excluding sacramental fees)
$65/child (non-parishioner) (no maximum)
$20 First Reconciliation fee (in addition to registration fee)
$25 First Eucharist fee (in addition to registration fee)
$65 Confirmation fee (NOT in addition to registration fee)
Checks are made payable to St. John's Rel. Ed. Dept.
These fees assist to defray the cost of books, pencils, folders, rosaries, scapulars, bibles, etc supplied to the students, as well as supplies for retreats and special events.