Baptismal Preparation

Baptismal Preparation classes are held during the even numbered months alternating between the first Thursday and the second Sunday of the month. This program must be attended if you have just had your first child or if it has been more than five years since you had a child baptized. Baptisms are on the First and Third Sundays of the month following the 11:30 a.m. Mass. Preparing for a new family member is an exciting time and we encourage parents to contact the parish office at 419-866-6181 as soon as possible to make arrangements to attend these classes.

Early Childhood Religious Education (E.C.R.E.) Program

(Sunday School)
E.C.R.E. meets weekly during the 9:30 a.m. Mass October - April. This program is for three to five-year-olds and will help them create an awareness of God, provide an atmosphere of “belonging” to a faith community, let them know that God loves them, and help parents deepen their faith commitment through this experience. By using experiences with which the children are already familiar, we can help them know God through what they already know. For more information, contact Sr. Elaine Marie Clement, SND, Director of Children's Religious Education, at 419-866-6177.

Children's Liturgy of the Word

Sunday Scriptures are shared with our primary grade children during the 9:30 am Sunday Mass.  No registration is required. Children leave the Mass together before the Liturgy of the Word and return to Mass just before the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  This is a time for the children to hear the Scriptures explained at their level and gives them the opportunity to ask questions about the readings.  They are also provided with an activity sheet to take home and share with their parents.

Parish Religious Education
(P.R.E.P.) Program

Meets Weekly (September - May)
PREP is designed for children who attend schools other than St. Joan of Arc in grades 1-8. In Religious Education we have developed a program for teaching your child about the Catholic Faith as it has evolved in the post-Vatican II tradition. Necessarily, however, all must build on the foundation of faith that you have imparted to your child. It is upon this foundation that we will systematically guide faith development. For more information, contact Sr. Elaine Marie Clement, SND, Director of Children's Religious Education, at 419-866-6177.

Because we will be working together, parents as educators and parents with educators, there are several areas in which family participation is crucial:

• Commitment to the SJA Catholic community in prayer at our weekend liturgies. It is here in the Mass that we meet the person of Jesus in the Eucharist and in those with whom we worship.
• Commitment to home study with your child.
• Commitment to attend weekly classes. Your enthusiastic encouragement and initiative sets the theme.
• Commitment to parish life development, especially through the processes of sacramental education and participation.

Sacramental Preparation

Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation
Contact Sr. Elaine Marie Clement, SND, Director of Children's Religious Education, at 419-866-6177, for more information on E.C.R.E. and P.R.E.P. programs to prepare your child for receiving the sacraments.

Rite Of Christian Initiation Of Adults (R.C.I.A.)

This is the process designed to initiate and receive new members into the Catholic Church. If you have been baptized in another faith or if you have been baptized Catholic and never completed the Sacraments of Initiation, this is the process you must go through to become a full member of the community. Through the ministry of catechists and sponsors, adults interested in the faith are introduced to the teachings, customs, service, worship, and organizations of the Church. The sacraments are usually received at the Easter Vigil. If you are interested, contact Terri Pastura for further information at 419-866-6181.

Adults interested in sharing their faith are encouraged to serve as sponsors and teachers. Training and materials are provided.

Adult Faith Formation

Contact Terri Pastura at 419-866-6181 for information on any of the following.

Faith Basics
On the first Wednesday of the month, classes examine the teachings of Catholicism. While all are invited to attend the entire series, each class is a "stand alone" session so that adults can opt in and out as their schedules demand.

Scripture Study
Along with periodic courses on specific books of the Bible, the third Thursday of the month offers an opportunity to take a closer look at the Sunday Scriptures for the coming month.

Small Faith Community
Groups of 4 to 25 people are currently meeting on a regular basis in each other's homes.  Most are focusing on a six-week structured look at the Catechism of the Catholic Church and are meeting in October/November and Lent.  Other groups are using this faith sharing opportunity for different spiritual topics.  Contact us with your interest and we'll get you connected to the group that can best meet your needs.

Marriage Preparation

Marriages can be accomodated for registered parishioners or the children of registered parishioners. Non-parishioners must register and deomnstrate active participation for at least six months prior to setting a wedding date with the pastor.  Call the Parish Office at 419-866-6181 for marriage preparation information.

Engaged Couples Program
Participation in an Engaged Couples Program is a requirement of the Diocesan Marriage Policy. Currently, St. Patrick of Heatherdowns and St. Joan of Arc co-sponsor at least one day per year.  It is usually held on a Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.  Married couples share their experience and provide the engaged couples with an opportunity to get to know each other better.

The time shared provides stimulation and gives you a chance to examine the following topics:

• family of origin
• communication
• finances
• marital love
• conflict resolution

FOCCUS
We at St. Joan of Arc require each couple to complete the FOCCUS Marriage Instrument. The results are discussed with the couple to help them look at their personal attitudes and styles before entering marriage. Call Terri Pastura at 419-866-6181 for an appointment.

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