Faith Formation

Catholic faith formation is a form of evangelization. Evangelization is the fundamental mission of the Church. It describes all the ways the Church—including clergy, religious, and all the baptized faithful—teaches, celebrates, and witnesses to the gospel message with the aim of conforming hearts and minds to Jesus Christ. Evangelization includes an introduction to the gospel message through word and deed with a focus on receiving the gift of faith. Faith formation primarily focuses on deepening initial conversion to faith. It incorporates the catechetical, liturgical, and pastoral ministries. Because it is a form of evangelization, faith formation is a lifelong process.

This state certified pre-school is open to all children to thrive in the knowledge of God’s love. This school is open to all religious affiliations and races.

To be enrolled as a three year old in the Fall semester, the student must be 3 by September 1st of that year. To be enrolled as a four year old in the Fall Semester, the student must be 4 by September 1st of that year. Class schedule is as follows:

 3 year olds:   Tuesday & Thursday:    9:00 A.M. -  12:00 P.M. 

 4 year olds:    Monday, Wednesday and Fridays    9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

All of the teachers have received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education with training in early childhood education.

All of the teachers and their aides have undergone extensive background checks and have been fingerprinted by the Maryland State Police.

Please click on the Preschool tab to learn more!

CCD (Continuing Christian Development)

The St. John Vianney C.C.D. program provides a spiritual formation and instruction in the Catholic Faith. Like other pastoral activities, catachesis must be understood in relation to Jesus’ three-fold message: to teach, to build community, and to serve.

Those children who do not attend Catholic schools are encouraged to enroll in C.C.D. A two year minimum of C.C.D. instruction is necessary for public school children to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation, Penance and Holy Eucharist. Please contact the Religious Coordinator to enroll your child. Below is the schedule of grades:

 Kindergarten through 5th Grades Sunday 9:30 A.M. - 10:45 A.M.  Or Monday 6:15 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.

 6th & 7th Grade Wednesday 7:30-9:00 P.M. Parish Center

 8th & 9th Grade Wednesday 7:30-9:00 P.M. Family Life Center

“Youth ministry is the response of the Christian community to the needs of young people and the sharing of the unique gifts of youth with the larger community.” (from Renewing the Vision:  A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry 1997 by the USCCB.)

By the definition offered by the U.S. Bishops, youth ministry is much more than just programs.  It is about reaching out in relationship to the young people in the community, and giving them opportunities to use their gifts within the community.  Youth ministry is goal-driven, rather than program driven.

The vision of youth ministry defined by the bishops is much broader in scope than any previous model and may require a new way of thinking and ministering to you.  “All ministry with youth must be directed toward presenting young people with the Good News of Jesus Christ, and inviting and challenging them to become his disciples.” (CMD – Celebrate Youth!)

In Renewing the Vision, the bishops identify three interdependent and equally important goals that are to guide a Catholic ministry for young people.

— EMPOWERMENT – to help young people live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today

— PARTICIPATION – to invite youth to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community

— GROWTH – to encourage the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

The Journey-in-Faith, St. John Vianney’s RCIA program, began in 1983. This very important program of total formation in the Catholic faith and way of life is intended for:

• unbaptized persons who are considering the Catholic Faith
• baptized Christians who are not Catholic but desire to be received into full communion of the Catholic Church
• baptized Catholics who wish to receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist and/or Confirmation
• inactive Catholics who desire to return to the active faith-life of the Church
• Catholics who simply want to learn more about the Catholic faith

The program is to introduce to all who walk on the Journey a faith that is alive with the love of, and the love for, God. During the years the program has been in existence at St. John Vianney many people have entered the Catholic Christian faith by walking on the journey and taking an active leadership role within the parish.

The R.C.I.A. is a spiritual journey that is shared by the whole parish. Interested converts or candidates, or anyone interested in learning more about Catholic Faith, please see the Contacts Page.