Cluster Leader: Michael Ellison 691-2079
Religious Education embraces study, instruction, and reflection essential for Christian growth. The goal is to design the path for a walk by faith for children and adults, and for personal transformation through the spirit of God. "If you make my word your home, you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and he truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)
Bible Study: Lester Haddad
Scripture and the Catholic Church go hand in hand in understanding the word of God. Bible Study Groups start each year in September.
The Sunday Bible Study group meets on Sunday 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. at the same time as the Religious Education meetings, to study the gospels and books of the Bible. This study of God's word gives knowledge of God, of man, salvation, sanctification, the Church, and living life abundantly. The Sunday bible studies will begin September 18, 2011
The Wednesday Bible Study begins September 21, 2011 and meets from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. in the cafeteria.
Monday Morning Rosary/Study Group: Sally Kennedy 354-3065
This group meets every Monday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the cry room. The schedule mirrors the St. James School schedule. The group starts off by saying the rosary and then discusses the current study. Newcomers are always welcome.
Monday Comtemplative Prayer Group: Nancy Kochanik 233-8466
Group meets at 1 p.m. in the church/chapel. Everyone is invited to participate and experience the spiritual nourishment that occurs through scripture readings and contemplative prayer.
Religious Education for Children: BEGINS SEPTEMBER 11th
Director of Religious Education: Mary Speir 665-1554
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Confraternity of Christian Doctrine provides Catholic religious education for children who are not currently attending Catholic schools. It is an essential part of the faith development of young people, for as Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs." (Luke 18:16) We urge parents to enroll their children in Religious Education. Instruction is tailored to the age levels of the children beginning with Tiny Tots (ages 3 and 4), and Kindergarten through eighth grade.
Vacation Bible School:
During the summer, St James Catholic Church conducts a Vacation Bible School for the children of the parish, students entering pre-K through rising fifth graders. This year the annual VBS was held June 27-July 1st, 2011.
Vacation Bible School was a great success. The 50 participants collected 159 boxes of cereal and breakfast items that were donated to the Social Apostolate. Many thanks to the station leaders: Maria Rogers, Marta Miltiades, Jennifer Lossing, Marilyn Reid, Giuliana Stovall, and our seminarian Jacob Almeter. There were 21 junior helpers who assisted the station leaders and led the children from station to station. The students learned about our Mother, Mary and each day the theme changed from obedience, purity, faith, love and joy.
RCIA: Contact the Church Office 355-1523 - BEGINS SEPTEMBER 20, 2011
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The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults assists interested men and women seeking more information about Catholicism to discover its roots and continue along their journey of faith. This includes those who have never been baptized, those baptized in other Christian faiths, and baptized Catholics who have not received first Holy Communion or Confirmation. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC) utilizes a similar process. Their catechetical instruction is adapted to the age of the children and their spiritual progress. With the help of sponsors and through experiences involving the whole community, the process leads to the sacraments of Initiation and full communion with the Church, at the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday.