Welcome to St. Jude Church Faith Formation! We offer Faith Formation classes for Kindergarten – 3rd grade and Youth Ministry for 4th grade and up.
9:00AM-11:05AM, for 20 Sunday Mornings, from September to May
Faith Formation includes youth and parents attending the 10:00AM Mass.
Please click here for Faith Formation/Youth Group Registration Paperwork
http://stjudenh.com/2023-2024-website-faith-formation-registration-and-calendar/
“The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.” 1324.CCC
Are you new to the area or new to the Catholic Church? Attend one or two of our Masses and get a “feel” for our community. We think you will like it. Phone 603-437-7026 or email twoodward@stjudenh.com ahead of time and I will be happy to Meet and Greet you at Mass and give you a tour. Blessings, Trish Woodward
10:00AM MASS WITH CHILDREN, ONCE A MONTH, IMMEDIATELY AFTER CLASS
Once a month, at the 10:00AM Mass, Fr Bob Gorski reads the Gospel from the Children’s Lectionary, and his homily is framed in way youth can easily understand. Grownups can too!
But Jesus called for the little ones, saying, “Allow the children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Luke 18:16
Youth are invited into the sanctuary during the Consecration.
10:00AM MASS with C.L.O.W. ONCE A MONTH, IMMEDIATELY AFTER CLASS
Once a month at the 10AM Mass, youth (age 4 and up) are invited downstairs to the Parish Hall for Children’s Liturgy of the Word. After the readings from the Children’s Lectionary are proclaimed, youth and Catechists participate in age-appropriate discussions and activities. Youth return to the church for the Liturgy of the Eucharist, frequently taking home a token which reminds them of the lesson throughout the week.
FAMILY FAITH FORMATION MODEL FOLLOWED BY THE 10:00AM MASS
In the Family Model, youth and a parent/guardian meet from 9:00AM-9:50AM in our Parish Hall guided by a Catechist and Aides for activities and sometimes service projects. Sacramental Preparation for 2nd and 3rd grades will take place in the Parish Hall during scheduled classes. Parents and youth will work at home with a baseline textbook on a session/chapter a week registering a review online at the end of each session/chapter. The online reviews are emailed directly to the Faith Formation office from Loyola Press.
CLASSROOM FAITH FORMATION MODEL FOLLOWED BY THE 10:00AM MASS
The Classroom Model is a standard classroom setting. Youth are grouped by grade and guided by a Catechist and Aide. Sacramental Preparation for 2nd and 3rd grades will take place in the classroom during scheduled classes. Parents and youth will work at home with a baseline textbook on a session/chapter a week registering a review online at the end of each session/chapter. The online reviews are emailed directly to the Faith Formation office from Loyola Press.
MATERIALS: Our baseline textbook is Finding God, Our Response to God’s Gifts, published by Loyola Press. Sacramental Preparation materials are Encounter With Christ series, published by Our Sunday Visitor. In 2nd grade, each youth will receive The Catholic Children’s Bible from St. Mary Press which the youth use in 3rd grade as well. It offers online aps with multi learning options and we highly recommend it!
Youth are required to attend the 1st grade.
THE SACRAMENT OF FIRST PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION is celebrated in the 2nd grade.
THE SACRAMENTS OF CONFIRMATION AND FIRST HOLY EUCHARIST are celebrated in the 3rd grade.
YOUTH MINISTRY (4TH GRADE AND UP), FOLLOWED BY THE 10:00AM MASS
Youth, from 4th grade and up, who have completed the Sacraments of Initiation gather at the same time as Faith Formation youth. These youth participate together socially, spiritually and in community service projects in a less formal setting than Faith Formation youth. This year the youth created a Veteran’s Day display board honoring the armed service branches and conducted a food and personal items drive for Liberty House in Manchester, NH. While a few youth made fleece knotted blankets for the Linus Project, others made and delivered notes of “random kindness” to parishioners after the 10:00AM Mass. Handwritten cards for the recipients of our parish’s monthly free community meal were made by the youth for the November Thanksgiving meal and for the February Valentine meal. Several of the youth participated in the 10AM Mass for Children as Greeters and Readers for the last class.
OPTIONS FOR YOUTH WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, FOLLOWED BY THE 10:00AM MASS
Youth and parents have three options. They may attend the Family Model, the Classroom Model (if accompanied by a parent or caretaker when necessary),or an independent class which staff and parents will determine the time and day for. We have joyfully and successfully prepared youth with special needs for the reception of the Sacraments of First Penance and Reconciliation, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. We use Adaptive Preparation Kits from Loyola Press which we have found to be extremely easy and effective. Youth also receive The Catholic Children’s Bible from St. Mary Press which offers online aps with multi learning options and we highly recommend it!
We started our program for a parishioner’s daughter who suffered from multiple medical diagnoses and physical limitations. Yvie was in the first class with six other youth who received the sacraments of First Penance/Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Eucharist, with Bishop John B. McCormack presiding. Four youth were wheelchair bound while others were up and about in constant motion on the Autism spectrum. The youth ranged in age from six to sixteen. All the youth enjoyed coming to “church school.” Yvie went home to God at the age of ten in full communion with the church. Since our first class, we have had three additional classes. “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity…” 1 Timothy 4:12
RCIA (ADAPTED FOR YOUTH)
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is adapted for youth. Youth come into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, or at a designated day and time during the Easter Season, receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Eucharist. This avenue to full initiation into the Roman Catholic Church is for youth/children 7 years of age and up who fit the criteria below.
1. Youth who are unbaptized and joining the Roman Catholic Church.
2. Youth who are baptized in another religion who are joining the Roman Catholic Church.
3. Youth baptized in the Roman Catholic Church, but who have not been formally catechized, meaning they have not been taught about or been brought up in the Roman Catholic Faith, nor have they been attending church or Faith Formation classes.
RCIA ADAPTED FOR YOUTH FORMAT, FOLLOWED BY THE 10:00AM MASS
Youth attend 20 classes and attend the 10:00AM Mass after each class with their class and/or parents. Youth, parents, and the Catechists participate during Holy Week at the 7:00PM Holy Thursday Mass and at the 7:00PM Good Friday Veneration of the Cross. Youth baptized in the Roman Catholic Church make their First Penance and Reconciliation before receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Eucharist. Youth baptized in another Christian tradition make a Profession of Faith at the 10:00AM Mass and then make their First Penance and Reconciliation before receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Eucharist.
If you have questions, or would like to discuss any of the above information, do not hesitate to contact Trish at twoodward@stjudenh.com or Kathleen at kmckenney@stjudenh.com
YOUTUBE VIDEOS ON FIRST CONFESSION/PENANCE/RECONCILATION/FIRST COMMUNION and CONFIRMATION FOR BOTH PARENTS AND YOUTH
Below are resources for parents to us at home with youth. These videos are at most about 10 minutes long, very informative, helpful and fun!
Practice First Confession – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvZSgRKnOkg
A video demonstrating a sample confession so children can practice for their First Confession, know what to expect, and not be afraid. Jan 17, 2018
Important Note: This was NOT a real confession and the sins were made up for the video. Author: St. Rose Religious Education Views: 22K. Please watch this video with your youth.
Sacraments 101: Eucharist (how we receive) By Busted Halo® – LINK HERE – 671,000+ views · 9/26/2011
Sacraments 201 Eucharist what we believe YouTube 2 – LINK HERE – by Josetta Sebin
Ep 13 Confirmation Preview 2 – LINK HERE – A video for 3rd through 6th graders – By Brother Francis Online.com
Catholic Fruits Of The Spirit Song For Kids! 🍋🍓🍇🍊🍒 By CatholicIcing.org – LINK HERE – A Music video for 3rd through 6th graders
18 Inspiring Role Models for Young People – LINK HERE – By Catholic Saints For 4th grade through 8th
Confirmation | Catholic Central – LINK HERE – for 4th and up (Catholic Central with Kai and Libby)
Unopened Gifts by Dynamic Catholic – LINK HERE – For 4th grade through 8th
Who is the Holy Spirit by Dynamic – LINK HERE – Catholic For 4th grade through 8th
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit by Dynamic – LINK HERE – Catholic For 4th through 8th
Bishop Barron on The Holy Spirit By Bishop Robert Barron – LINK HERE – For Parents
C4: Ignite Your Catholic Faith – Why is Confirmation Important? – LINK HERE – For Parents by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
The Diocese has a Coronavirus update site at https:/www.catholicnh.org on its’ home page on the “Features” slide show.
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity...”
1 Timothy 4:12
Mrs. Patricia “Trish” Woodward
Faith Formation Director
Grades K-3/Youth Group Grades 4 and up
Phone: 603-437-7026
twoodward@stjudenh.com
Mrs. Kathleen McKenney
Office Assistant
Phone: 603-437-7026
kmckenney@stjudenh.com
As the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith it is the place at which we ask our families to begin. As important as continuing Faith Formation is to our spiritual growth we believe weekly Mass attendance is where we are nourished for our spiritual journey.
Worship • Community • Catholic Teaching • Mission
K-3 FAITH FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES
CLASSROOM MODEL INSTRUCTION, FOLLOWED BY THE 10:00AM MASS
The Classroom Model is a standard classroom setting. Youth are grouped by grade and guided by a Catechist and Aide. Sacramental Preparation for 2nd and 3rd grades will take place in the classroom during scheduled classes. Parents and youth will work at home with a baseline textbook on a session/chapter a week registering a review online at the end of each session/chapter. The online reviews are emailed directly to the Faith Formation office from Loyola Press
FAMILY MODEL INSTRUCTION, FOLLOWED BY THE 10AM MASS
In the Family Model, youth and a parent/guardian meet from 9:00AM-9:50AM in our Parish Hall guided by a Catechist and Aides for activities and sometimes service projects. Sacramental Preparation for 2nd and 3rd grades will take place in the Parish Hall during scheduled classes. Parents and youth will work at home with a baseline textbook on a session/chapter a week registering a review online at the end of each session/chapter. The online reviews are emailed directly to the Faith Formation office from Loyola Press.
SPECIAL NEEDS INSTRUCTION
Schedule to be determined by office and participating families based on teacher & space availability.
R.C.I.A. ADAPTED FOR YOUTH
RCIA ADAPTED FOR YOUTH FORMAT, FOLLOWED BY THE 10:00AM MASS
Youth attend 20 classes and attend the 10:00AM Mass after each class with their class and/or parents. Youth, parents, and the Catechists participate during Holy Week at the 7:00PM Holy Thursday Mass and at the 7:00PM Good Friday Veneration of the Cross. Youth baptized in the Roman Catholic Church make their First Penance and Reconciliation before receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Eucharist. Youth baptized in another Christian tradition make a Profession of Faith at the 10:00AM Mass and then make their First Penance and Reconciliation before receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Eucharist.
CHILDRENS LITURGY OF THE WORD (C.L.O.W.)
Once a month at the 10AM Mass, youth (age 4 and up) are invited downstairs to the Parish Hall for Children’s Liturgy of the Word. After the readings from the Children’s Lectionary are proclaimed, youth and Catechists participate in age-appropriate discussions and activities. Youth return to the church for the Liturgy of the Eucharist, frequently taking home a token which reminds them of the lesson throughout the week.
MASS WITH CHILDREN
One Sunday a month youth are invited up into the sanctuary to sit with Fr Bob, after his reading of the Gospel from the Lectionary for Children, to listen to a youth focused homily. Youth return to their seats at the conclusion of the homily, usually with a “trinket” that helps reinforce the Gospel message and always with a C.L.O.W. leaflet containing activities for youth and the family to continue at home. Youth are invited to return to the sanctuary for the Consecration, staying for the Sign of Peace and then return to their seats until Mass concludes.
FIRST PENANCE/RECONCILIATION
The Sacrament of First Penance/Reconciliation is celebrated in the 2nd grade in the Diocese of Manchester.
CONFIRMATION • FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
The Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation are celebrated in the 3rd grade in the Diocese of Manchester. For more information on changes regarding the Sacraments, as well as additonal information, please visit https://www.catholicnh.org/parishes/formation/lifelong
Are you new to the area or to the Catholic Church?
Attend one or two of our Masses and get a “feel” for our community.
We think you’ll like it.
Drop in or let me know ahead of time (phone or email) and I will be happy to “meet and greet” you.
Blessings,
Trish Woodward
Faith Formation K-3/Youth Group Gr. 4 and up
SPECIAL NEEDS INSTRUCTION
For youth preparing for the reception of the sacraments of First Penance/Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion we use Adaptive Preparation Kits for the sacraments from Loyola Press. We also use The Catholic Children’s Bible from St Mary Press which offers online aps. Each year the makeup of the group changes depending on the abilities, disabilities and the ages of the youth. Teaching youth at home is a choice as are group classes held at the church. When classes are held at the church we use multisensory music, videos, hands on tools. Youth are accompanied by an adult or health aide.
We started the program fifteen years ago in response to a request for religious education for the daughter of parishioners who suffered from multiple birth defects and physical limitations. Yvie was in the first class with five other youth who received the sacraments of First Penance/Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation with Bishop John B. McCormack presiding. Yvie went home to God at the age of ten in full communion with the church. Some of the youth were wheel chair bound while others were in constant motion on the Autism spectrum. They ranged in age from six to sixteen.