Children & Youth
Parish Religious Education
We offer religious education and sacrament preparation to PreK-High School students on Wednesday nights during the school year. Please contact Marie for information regarding enrollment and diocesan sacrament preparation requirements.
Marie Meints, Director of Religious Education
mmeints@stjoetontitown.org
Youth Ministry
In addition to our Wednesday night religious education programming, junior high and high school students are invited to attend weekend youth group events throughout the year. Through student leadership and staff, volunteer, and parent support, our youth have the opportunity to participate in service projects, social events, and state and regional Catholic youth conferences. Please contact Marie if you are a parishioner or parent interested in supporting our youth ministry program.
Marie Meints, Director of Religious Education
mmeints@stjoetontitown.org
Diocesan Sacrament Requirements:​​
​
FIRST COMMUNION
-
A child who is Baptized may receive First Communion in 2nd grade or older (or at age 7 or older by pastor and DRE approval), in the spring of the child's second consecutive year attending Parish Religious Education. Our First Communion Mass is typically the first Sunday in May.
-
Classes are held on Wednesday nights September-May. You will be allowed a maximum of two absences per semester during each of the four semesters of attendance required by the Diocese. Additional absences may result in delaying the sacrament.
-
If a student is in 2nd grade in school but did not attend PRE last year, they will begin in the 1st grade class. After First Communion, they may join their grade-based class.​
-
If a student is in 3rd grade or higher in school but did not attend PRE last year, they will join their grade-based class for age-appropriate religious education and interaction. During their second year attending PRE, they will receive additional specific sacrament formation.
-
Students will also prepare for and receive First Reconciliation during this process.
CONFIRMATION
-
A child who is Baptized and has received First Communion may receive Confirmation in 9th grade or older (or at age 14 or older by pastor and DRE approval), in the spring of the child's second consecutive year attending Parish Religious Education. Our Confirmation Mass is typically on a Sunday in April.
-
Classes are held on Wednesday nights September-May. A maximum of two absences per semester during each of the four semesters of attendance required by the Diocese. Additional absences may result in delaying the sacrament.
-
​Additional requirements such as a service project, saint selection, retreat, interview, and a letter to the Bishop will be set out in a parent and student meeting. All requirements must be fulfilled to receive the sacrament.
-
By Canon Law, a Confirmation sponsor must be age 16 or older and a practicing Catholic in good standing. They must have received the sacraments of Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation. If they are married, the marriage must be sacramental (ie took place in the Catholic Church or was later convalidated). They must be attending Mass weekly and registered at a parish that can attest to their good standing. If you have any questions or concerns about the requirements to be a sponsor, please contact the pastor.
​
BAPTISM
-
If a child is under age 7, please contact Melinda Whinnery at mwhinnery@stjoetontitown.org for our "Infant Baptism" procedure. At least one godparent must meet the Confirmation sponsor requirements outlined above.
-
If a child is not baptized by his/her 7th birthday, by Canon Law they must enter the Church through the OCIA process, meaning they will receive all three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation) at the Easter Vigil of their 2nd consecutive year of attending Parish Religious Education. They will attend their grade-based class on Wednesday nights but will receive additional specific sacrament preparation during the second year. The godparent/sponsor must meet the requirements outlined above.