Faith Formation

Welcome to Religious Education at St. Jude Catholic Church

We are delighted to welcome your family to the 2026–2027 Religious Education year at St. Jude Catholic Church. Thank you for your commitment to nurturing a home where faith is lived, celebrated, and shared each day.

When your child was baptized, you made a sacred promise to raise them in the Catholic faith. Our Religious Education program exists to support and accompany you in fulfilling that promise. Together, we strive to help children and families grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and become active members of His Church.

Faith formation extends far beyond the classroom. Children learn not only by hearing the Gospel proclaimed but by witnessing it lived out in the daily lives of those who love them. They grow in faith when they:

• Hear the teachings of Christ through Religious Education.
• See the example of faith lived at home.
• Experience prayer as a family.
• Celebrate the Eucharist each weekend with their parish community.

For this reason, regular participation in Sunday Mass is an essential part of our Religious Education program. Parents are expected to attend Mass with their children each weekend, recognizing that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic life.

We especially invite families to join us for the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass, where children in Pre-K through 6th grade are welcome to participate in Children's Liturgy of the Word. During this special time, our catechists present the Sunday readings in an engaging and age-appropriate way before the children return to their families for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

REGISTRATION FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES, FOR THE 2026 - 2027 SCHOOL YEAR OPENS JULY 1, 2026

2026 - 2027 Program Information

• Classes Begin: Sunday, September 20, 2026
• Weekly Class Schedule: Sundays  10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
• Space Is Limited – Register Today!

Registration will close on September 1, 2026 or once classes reach capacity.

Sacramental Preparation

First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion

Preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is a two-year journey that typically begins when a child is in 1st or 2nd grade. Through prayer, learning, and family participation, children are invited to encounter the love and mercy of Christ and deepen their relationship with Him in the Eucharist.

Special Sacraments

Our Special Sacraments Program is designed for children in 3rd grade and above who have not yet received First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Like our traditional program, this is a two-year process that provides thoughtful and age-appropriate preparation for receiving these sacraments.

Small Group Discipleship & Confirmation

Beginning in 7th grade, students are invited into our Small Group Discipleship Ministry, where Confirmation discernment takes place in a vibrant community of faith.

Inspired by the ministry of Jesus, this relational model moves beyond the traditional classroom experience. Students meet regularly in small groups with dedicated mentors to:

• Build authentic friendships
• Encounter Christ through prayer and Scripture
• Deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith
• Discover their God-given gifts
• Grow as missionary disciples who joyfully share the Gospel

Through service, fellowship, and meaningful conversations, our young people learn that Confirmation is not the end of their faith journey but the beginning of a lifelong commitment to living as disciples of Jesus Christ.