The PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM is a religious introduction for 3 and 4 year old children that helps the child develop an awareness and love for God.

The KINDERGARTEN children meet Jesus in New Testament stories that they can easily understand and love. Music, arts and crafts, play and prayer are a part of the Early Childhood lessons. Classes meet every Sunday morning. (Children enrolled must be 3 yrs old by September 1st.)

BASIC BELIEFS of the Catholic Faith are taught during weekly Religious Education Classes. The goal of this Program is to hand on the content and living spirit of our rich Catholic tradition and the Gospel message. Holy Scripture is the basis of the program that will focus on the Mass, Eucharist, the Church, Commandments, Sacraments, Prayer, and more. The heart of this Program is to help build the child's relationship with Jesus and the Christian community.

Preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are part of our Program. This program requires parent -involvement and assistance.

At Holy Name of Jesus Parish, children are prepared for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in Second Grade.  PARENT MEETINGS and PARENT INTERVIEWS are Required. The children also participate in two special retreats. The "PEACE DAY" RETREAT is in preparation for First Reconciliation and the "JESUS AY" RETREAT is prior to First Holy Communion.

FIRST RECONCILIATION - DATE:

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION - DATE:

On three Sundays each month at the 8:45 a.m. Mass, children from the first to fourth grade are invited to participate in a special Liturgy of the Word. They process with their leader to the Library, where they listen to the gospel and a homily in a way that is understandable to them. This is a concerned and sensitive way for them to take part in the formal worship of the community.

Children's Catechumen ate is a special process of Initiation into the Christian Community for Children from age 6 to 16 who have not been baptized in another tradition or who have had little or no religious education. This process helps them experience god through Jesus as they prepare for baptism and their place in the Catholic Community.

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The HNJ Nursery provides day care for toddlers during the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses every Sunday morning. The Nursery is located in the HNJ Pre-school facility which is located in the southeast wing of the HNJ School complex.

Parents with toddlers(18 month and above) are encouraged to bring their young children to the Parish Nursery.

Nursery care is also provided during special parish event For more information, please call the Religious Education office, 773-3905.