The Family Program enables parents and children grow in their life of faith together as a family. Parents and children meet at St. James on the Second Sunday of every month from 12:15 - 1:30 pm. After enjoying a meal together, parents meet together in the Gathering Space for the parent session while the children attend class. Between meetings, parents teach their children the Catholic Faith at home. This year, we will explore Volume 4 of A Family of Faith, which is an exploration of Christian Prayer. Supplemental sacramental preparation material will be offered to our second graders in the Family Program, while our 5th and 6th graders will be introduced to a more in-depth study of salvation history. In addition to our monthly sessions, families will come together for special family Masses, which will be followed by fun opportunities for community and fellowship.
Our traditional (classroom model) Faith Formation program for Grades Kindergarten through 6th Grade meets on Sunday mornings from 9:30 - 10:45 am at St. James School. In the Traditional Program, students learn their Catholic faith through textbook activities, arts and crafts, scripture study, video lessons, and more, all while growing closer to Christ and their peers! The program utilizes the Word of Life curriculum by the Augustine Institute and Loyola Press. In addition to our sessions, families come together through special family Masses, which are followed by fun opportunities for community and fellowship.
Seventh and Eighth graders embark upon their journey to Confirmation by way of our engaging, community-based Confirmation Preparation Program entitled Quo Vadis, Latin for "Where are you going?" Each 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, the students will come together at the St. James campus from 6 - 8 p.m. for Mass, fun, fellowship, and a deep dive into their Catholic faith through use of the Chosen curriculum by Ascension Press. The evening will include dynamic video lessons, interactive learning experiences, and small and large group discussion.
Divine Redeemer Parish is thrilled to offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, beginning in the 2024-2025 school year! Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a holistic, Montessori-based approach to religious education for young children. Preschool-aged children are invited to join us in a specially prepared room which will help them to engage in a deeper relationship with Jesus through the use of hands-on learning materials. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd will be offered on Sunday mornings from 9:30 -10:30 a.m., following the schedule of the Traditional Program.
Amicis (Latin for friends) is our NEW High School Youth Group! All students entering grades 9-12 are invited to have fun, create friendships, and share with like-minded peers. We will meet Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m., share a meal, hang out, and more!
This experience is unlike any you've ever had before! If you love Jesus and having fun playing sports, having campfires, going on retreats, riding roller coasters at Kennywood, playing video games and so much more you are always welcome to join! If you want more from your faith but don't want the "boring youth group" talks, this is the group for YOU! Whether you come once or all the time, know that we are excited to accept you with a smile. We can't wait to see you! So grab your cool or uncool friends and be a part of Amicis!