Catholic Community of St. Jude at 409 Wilson St., DeWitt, MI 48820 US - General Information and Forms for all Grades
General Information and Forms for all Grades
Maureen Stockwell: Coordinator of Elementary Formation
Email: elemprog.stjude@comcast.net phone (517) 669-8341ext. 17
Sue Parker, Coordinator of Youth and Family Ministry
Email: youth.stjude@comcast.net Phone (517) 669-8341 ext. 20
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Recognizing that faith formation is an ongoing and lifelong process, the Community of St. Jude has created a vision of ministry that goes beyond providing an “Education about the Catholic Faith.” Programs are offered for parishioners of all ages with the goal of “putting people not only in touch, but also in communion and intimacy with Jesus Christ”. (Catechesi Tradendae, 1979, n 5) For this reason, catechetical programs are offered to the whole community and are designed to not only teach about the Catholic faith, but also involve participants in the worship, Word and works of the parish community.
In addition, the community has a proud tradition of recognizing that parents are the first and primary teachers of the faith. We have a strong commitment to offering catechesis in a family setting whenever possible, as well as providing parents with resources to support their individual efforts in sharing the faith with their children in their daily lives.
Calendar: Our formal formation programs begin in late September and conclude in early May. Programs for children and youth run concurrent with the DeWitt school calendar. Descriptions of programs offered for adults, children and youth follow.
To Register for all Adult, Youth and Children’s Programs: Registration materials may be downloaded from the parish website, are available in the gathering space of the church and at the parish offices during business hours. In addition to the registration form, a medical history form needs to be completed for all children.
Tuition: Tuition for parishioners is $90.00 for 1 student, $115.00 for 2 students and $145.00 for 3 or more students. Tuition fees for non-parishioners are double the rates listed above.
Scholarships: are provided to cover the cost of tuition, as needed. Please contact Sue Parker or Maureen Stockwell for confidential assistance.
Staff: In addition to the our support staff, over 100 volunteers assist the Coordinators of Formationinsharing the Good News of Jesus with the children, youth and adults of our community.
All volunteers working in programs serving children 18 or younger are required to complete an application and background check before being oriented in their chosen ministry. All volunteers working with youth or children are also required to attend “Protecting God’s Children”, the Diocesan workshop on sexual abuse prevention. Volunteers are expected to enroll in courses offered by the Diocese for catechist certification. The parish covers the cost of attending these courses. Tuition charges are waived for all volunteers who serve on a weekly basis in any parish catechetical program.
For Children
First Reconciliation & First Eucharist:Preparation for celebrating the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist for the first time takes place separately from our regular Religious Formation Program in family sessions attended by children and at least one of their parents.
The Diocese of Lansing requires that all children prepare for and celebrate First Reconciliation prior to receiving First Communion.
In accordance with church teaching and Canon Law, parents may present their children for full participation in these sacraments when the parents have determined a readiness and a desire to receive these sacraments on the part of the child. The lack of a specific age or grade requirement in our parish allows parents to choose the best and most meaningful time for helping their child make this important step in their faith journey.
Children are expected to have been enrolled in a formal Religious Formation Program and to be active in church life for at least 1 year before enrolling in any of the Sacramental preparation programs.
An orientation session about preparing for both sacraments is presented for parents in the fall.
Preparation for First Reconciliationbegins in the fall and concludes with a Family
Reconciliation Service in Jaunuary. Parent(s) attend an orientation session and two enrichment
sessions with their child to prepare for celebrating the sacrament.
Preparation for First Eucharist/Communion begins after children have completed the preparation for First Reconciliation. Parent(s) attend four enrichment sessions with their child preparing for First Eucharist beginning in late January. The parish celebrations of First Eucharist are scheduled in May each year.
Members of the parish staff are always available for guidance regarding these important decisions.
To enroll a child in our sacramental preparation programs, parents need to complete the sacrament section on the Religious Formation Registration Form. Information will be mailed to all who indicate an interest.
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