If you make my word your home, you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and the truth shall make you free. [John 8: 31-32]
Cluster Leader: Ellen Pinckney
Religious Education is a lifelong journey of deepening our knowledge of God and our identity as God's children and members of the Body of Christ. This lifelong effort in discipleship involves study, reflection, prayer and participation in the community of faith. With God's grace, we hope to grow in personal holiness and invite many others to join us in building the Kingdom of God on earth. Religious Education may begin in childhood but should also continue throughout our lives.
Our Religious Education Ministries at St. James aim to offer resources and opportunities throughout life.
Ministries
Adult Faith Formation
Our Adult Faith Formation programs at St. James aim to help adults rediscover and/or deepen their faith and strengthen their own personal witness to the Gospel and their skills in sharing it with others. Groups meet on various days and times as advertised.
Regular ministries include:
- She Shall Be Called Woman (SHE) - weekly women's ministry
- That Man Is You (TMIY) - weekly men's ministry
- Wednesday Bible Study
- Contemplative Prayer Group
- Spiritual Reading Group
- Recurring Adult Faith Series
- Various monthly programs
- Annual daylong conferences for men/women, parish missions, summer series
PREP
Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) provides Catholic religious education to children in grades Pre-K to 8 who are not currently attending Catholic schools. Children should attend PREP throughout their school years, but St. James requires two (2) years of PREP prior to the reception of First Holy Communion (2nd grade) and Confirmation (8th grade). "Catch-up" classes are also offered for students who have missed reception of the sacraments of baptism, First Reconciliation and/or First Communion.
Volunteers are always needed as lead catechists (teachers) and classroom aides. All adults (18 and older) must be VIRTUS trained (safe-environment) and complete a background check.
PREP classes are held on Sundays from 10:15 to 11:15 AM in St. James School.
Please call the Parish Office to inquire about enrolling in PREP.
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) assists unbaptized adults, as well as non-Catholic Christians, to explore whether God may be inviting them to a new life of discipleship in the Catholic Church. The RCIA also assists baptized Catholics who have not received the sacraments of Confirmation or Eucharist. Catechists and sponsors (mentors) accompany participants along their faith journey in hopes of celebrating with them the sacraments of initiation at Easter.
Fr. Peter Lanshima and Sr. Stephanie Gabriel
Meets: Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:00 P in Mercy Conference Room
RCIA Forms
Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry offers opportunities for middle and high school students to participate in social, spiritual, and community service activities. The objectives are to draw in young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ, to take more active roles in the parish, and to have fun! High school youth group is for students in grades 9-12, and middle school youth group is for 6th-8th graders. See bulletin for meeting dates!
Stephen and Kaitie Hotard
Ministry Cluster 1: Religious Education
Thank you for your interest in our religious education ministries. We welcome whatever time you can give, wherever you would like to help. If your area of interest or expertise isn't listed below, we invite you to contact us so we can help put your ideas into action!