Holy Name of Jesus

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All Faith Formation and Sacramental Preparation Programs for Preschool and Elementary aged children begin the weekend after Labor Day and continue through the end of April. The year is broken into two semesters, Fall and Spring, with a break around Christmas and New Year’s. Registration begins each year in August.

Pre-School (Ages 3-5):  The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program provides a hands-on Montessori approach to Faith Formation. The 3-5 year old child is particularly capable of receiving and enjoying the most essential elements of our faith—the announcement of God’s love especially experienced through Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who died and is risen. The heart of the catechesis for children under six revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Jesus announces that He is the Good Shepherd who calls each one by name. The sheep listen to the voice of the Shepherd and follow him.  View Schedule.

Elementary Grade Classes:  Grades K-5—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 also part of the program which requires parent -involvement and assistance. View Schedule.

Sacramental Preparation:  At HNJ, children are prepared for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in 2nd Grade. Parent and child meetings are required, including two Teaching Masses held at HNJ. First Reconciliation is usually celebrated the 1st Saturday in February.  First Holy Communion is usually celebrated the 1st Saturday in May.  View Schedule.

First Reconciliation: Children normally go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time prior to receiving their First Eucharist.  Older students who have not yet received the Eucharist for the first time are placed with their peers in age appropriate settings during one of our Faith Formation for Children and Youth sessions.  Parents and children also attend additional Sacramental Preparation sessions that help to encourage communication and dialog.  First Reconciliation is celebrated in February.  Preparation for the Sacrament begins with enrollment in our Faith Formation.

First Holy Communion:  The reception of Holy Communion for the first time is celebrated after the age of 7 (the age of reason).  Older students who have not yet received the Eucharist for the first time are placed with their peers in age appropriate settings during one of our Faith Formation for Children and Youth sessions.  Parents and children also attend additional Sacramental Preparation sessions that help to encourage communication and dialog.  First Holy Communion is celebrated the 1st Saturday in May.  Adults:  please see information on Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

The Children's Liturgy of the Word:  At the Sunday 8:45 am Mass, children from the 1st-4th grade are invited to participate in a special Liturgy of the Word. They process with their leader to Rm 101, 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. ***At this time, Children’s Liturgy of the Word is on hiatus. If you are interested in volunteering with this program, please contact Meghan Marano, 321-773-2783, x119 or email.

Children's Catechumenate:  Children's Catechumenate is a special process of Initiation into the Christian Community for Children from age 7-16 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. 

Totally Catholic Summer Program (aka VBS):  We invite your child/children to attend our Summer Program in June of each year for one week (9:00AM -11:30AM) in the Life Center.  Program is for children ages 4-11.  Each day the children will take part in fun Scripture-themed activities that help them connect their faith to real life.