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Pre-School and Kindergarten: The Pre-School Program is a religious introduction for 3 & 4 year old children that helps the child develop an awareness and love for God (children enrolled must be 3-years old by September 1). The Kindergarten Program is where 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.
Elementary Grade Classes: Grades 1-6—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.
Diocesan Safe Environment Information: We are responsible for providing educational materials about child sexual abuse to parents as part of our compliance with the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. "The Diocese of Orlando is committed to doing everything in its power to ensure the safety of all those entrusted to its care, particularly children, the elderly, and the disabled. We believe that each individual is created in the image of God and must be treated with dignity and respect. Therefore, the Diocese of Orlando considers any abuse or neglect of any kind to be totally unacceptable and contrary to Christian principles." --Policies and Procedures, Diocese of Orlando
Information about child sexual abuse and prevention and internet safety is now available online for your review. We invite you to visit this link and become informed on this topic. http://www.orlandodiocese.org/en/child-a-youth-protection-home All catechists adhere to Safe Environment policy and have been fingerprinted. We are committed to providing a safe environment for children.
Sacramental Preparation: At HNJ, children are prepared for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in 2nd Grade. Parent meetings are required. The children also participate in two special retreats. First Reconciliation is celebrated the 1st Saturday in December. First Holy Communion is usually celebrated the 1st Sunday in May.
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 December. 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 Sunday 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. Info-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 6-16 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 (8:30 am-12:00 noon) in the Life Center. Program is for Pre-School through 6th Grade children (ages 4 -12). Each day the children will take part in fun Scripture-themed activities that help them connect their faith to real life.
For further information on any of the above, please contact Debbie Weir-Khan, 321-773-2783, x120, or email.
