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EDUCATION ST. JOAN OF ARC SCHOOL Education is a ministry of the Church. Through Catholic schools, the Church seeks to prepare young people to be witnesses of their Faith. The Catholic School System strives to guide youth to human and Christian perfection and to prepare them to become future Catholic leaders in our country, state and community. Students are prepared to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist in the second grade. Students participate in daily prayer, in school Mass each week and in Penance Services before Christmas and Easter. Opportunities are offered for apostolic endeavors and community service. Registration for preschool through eighth grade is in February. We are the only elementary school in St. John the Baptist Parish to have earned SACS accreditation. Larry Bourgeois, Principal - (985) 652-6310
PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION (PSR) The Parish School of Religion is a faith formation, religious education program for Catholic students in grades 1 - 11 who do not attend a Catholic school. The program strives to teach doctrine fully, to foster community, and to prepare students for Christian service. Classes are held during the school for 75 minutes each week and include prayer, worship, and liturgical celebrations. Volunteer catechists share their faith with conviction, joy, love, enthusiasm and hope. Religion classes are meant to be an aid to parents. That means the primary duty of education rests with the parents. The class is not a substitute for parental involvement in the religious life of the student. Where Christ is truly present in the home, the religion class assists in proclaiming Christ's message and helps students apply it to their lives by promoting Catholic attitudes, values and practices. Helena Cupit, Director of Religious Education - (985) 652-9100
PRE-SCHOOL OF RELIGION St. Joan of Arc is pleased to announce an opportunity each week for the youngest children of our community to respond to Jesus' love for them as expressed in the Gospel message of the week. These weekly sessions join in the Church's mission to hand on Jesus' good news to all nations and every NEW generation. Each Lesson guides the children through a three-step process: Sharing Our Life Stories invites the children to bring their own experiences to each lesson, then draws on those experiences to ready the children to delve into the Gospel and discover its meaning for them. Listening to God's Word allows the children to connect their experiences - their life stories - with the story, as they proclaim, dramatize, and celebrate the Gospel. Building Christian Community provides opportunities for the children to put the Gospel into practice in ways appropriate to their age levels. This experience is brought to life through hands-on activities, creative dramas, story telling, ritual, prayer, games, and singing. Participation in the SJA Pre-School of Religion Program is free and open to all families attending the 10:00 AM Mass with children 3 - 5 years of age who are potty trained. The program is NOT a babysitting service, but a full participation in the Gospel message. Pre-registration is required. No drop-ins. Once registered, you may attend any session throughout the year. (September - May) Helena Cupit, Director of Religious Education - (985) 652-9100
CONFIRMATION CLASS The Sacrament of Confirmation, as one of the Sacraments of Initiation, celebrates an entrance into the fullness of Catholic community life. It is the answer of "yes" to a life of community and service. Confirmation strengthens the baptismal call to bear witness to the life of Christ. Students in the 9th - 12th grades in Catholic, public, or private schools may apply to enter the Parish program to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. The candidate must attend Mass at St. Joan of Arc Church on a regular basis, and the candidate's family must be registered in this Parish. Candidates must be enrolled in either our Parish religion program or a Catholic high school having completed consecutive grades/levels one through eight. Students enrolled in this program will enter a three (3) year preparatory journey that when successfully completed will culminate in the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation in the fall of their third year. Helena Cupit, Director of Religious Education - (985) 652-9100
ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASS This program for Adults seeks to complete initiation into the Catholic faith through preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation in a six week program. Adults who have received the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation and who are persons in good standing may apply. Acceptance is determined through an interview process. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory. The program is offered in the late summer with the Sacrament celebrated in the fall with the teen Confirmation Class and in the following Easter with the Sacrament celebrated at Pentecost. Helena Cupit, Director of Religious Education - (985) 652-9100
RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process established for the Universal Church for individuals to become Catholic and receive the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. This initiation process also involves a parish community experiencing a renewal in faith as it prepares and welcomes new members into the Church. The Rite speaks of a conversion as a "spiritual journey." Centered on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church he founded, this journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time suitable to bring about a thorough catechesis, significant experience of the parish community, and commitment to the liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful. Helena Cupit, Director of Religious Education - (985) 652-9100
RCIC - Rite of Christian Initiation adapted for Children The RCIA process is also open to children who are above the age of reason (seven or older) and who are seeking baptism and full participation in the Catholic Church. Helena Cupit, Director of Religious Education - (985) 652-9100 |
