Faith Formation

One of the most important facets of stewardship of any faith community is passing on the faith - to children, youth, and those interested in learning more about the faith, as well as enhancing and expanding the faith lives of those who are already members.

Our Parish School of Religion programs, which are, in large part, Catechism and Sacramental Preparation classes for young people, are held on an annual basis beginninging in early September and continue through May of the following year. Sacraments are given after a two-year process has been successfully completed. Registration for these classes is held each year from the end of May up until classes begin in September. However, early registration is suggested to ensure a place for you child / children in the program.

Please contact Judy Roensch, Director of Parish School Religion, at the Parish Office, 772-336-9956, or via e-mail at Roensch5@comcast.net.

*** Please click below to download the Religious School registration form and the Emergency form. Please fill out and mail or bring to the church:
Click here for --> 2011 PSR Registration Form
Click Here for --> Emergency Form

EDUCATION PROGRAM
Judy Roensch serves as the Director, as well as a teacher (catechist) in our Parish School of Religion, also called the PSR Program (formerly known in the Church as CCD). All are invited to reap the benefits received as either a student or a catechist and leader.

Learning and teaching our Catholic faith and traditions to our children, youth and adults through Catechism, is the formation that builds on a lifetime of faith, including deepening our relationship with our Lord Jesus. Our religious education for children and adults at Saint Bernadette Parish extends from September through May each year. It is open to all parishioners from the age of three through adult years. Each year the Pre-K to 6 children meet on either Monday or Tuesday nights for Catechism and sacrament preparation. Junior high and high school students meet on Sunday mornings. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a program for adults wishing to learn more about the Catholic faith and become fully initiated Catholics through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.

Bring the children and yourself and come join us for preparation of the sacraments in the fall of each year. Come learn about the Catholic faith through the Parish School of Religion!

If you would like to join us in the ministry by offering your gifts of time and talents please contact Judy Roensch at the parish office, 772-336-9956, or e-mail Roensch5@comcast.net.

MISSION OF THE EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Catechetical program of Saint Bernadette carries out the command of Jesus, "to go therefore, and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you.” (Matt.28:19-20). The purpose of the program is to minister to the children, youth and adults by forming them in the faith of the Catholic tradition and by forming them regarding the teachings of the Church so that the students and adults involved in the program will grow in awareness, knowledge and practice of their faith.
Program Goals
-->To provide a program of formal religious instructions for the children, youth and adults.
-->To support parents in their roles as primary catechists of their children.
-->To offer Sacrament preparations to children, youth and adults as they become ready to receive the Sacraments.
-->To help the children discover the richness and challenges of Scripture and the teachings and tradition of the Catholic Church
-->To build a strong Catholic Identity among the children, youth and adults.
-->To give the children, youth and adults an experience of the Church as family.
-->To help deepen the prayer life of each child, youth and adult.
-->To motivate the children, youth and adults to live rooted in stewardship and justice based on more teachings of the Catholic Church.
-->To expose the students to the Liturgical and Sacramental richness that is part of the Catholic tradition.

CHILDREN
PSR, the Parish School of Religious Education, is available for children ages 3-15, which include preschoolers through ninth grade. There is also a class for children of catechetical age that may have missed a Sacrament. PSR meets on either Monday or Tuesday nights, or Sunday mornings, depending on the child’s grade.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY
As part of our Religious Education program, we have a Children’s Liturgy on Sunday during the 9:00 am Mass, where the Gospel is taught for the children in an age appropriate context. The children leave as a group after the Opening Prayer and return to join their parents at the Offertory.

RCIA, The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
RCIA, The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is a program for adults wishing to learn more about the Catholic faith and become fully initiated Catholics through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. RCIA classes meet on Wednesday evenings.