Baptism Classes

Parents anticipating the baptism of their child are asked to participate in the preparation for that sacrament by attending classes. Classes here at Blessed John XXIII are from 6:30-8 PM Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights in one week. We encourage couples to participate in one class during the time of pregnancy. The classes for the 2011-12 school year are August 1, 2, and 8, 2011; November 28, 29 and December 1, 2011; and March 5,6, and 8, 2012.  You may register for class by calling Jim Reid's voice mail 530-7920 and leaving your name, address, phone number, and which class series you will be attending. Any questions, call Jim Reid at 484-3356 or voice mail 530-7920.

An additional note: The general Catholic population may not be aware that if a child reaches the age of seven without being baptized and then the parents decide to baptize the child, that child and one parent have to prepare for and receive all three sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation) at the same time. This is a much more complicated and involved process. If you have family or friends for whom this information may be applicable, please pass it along to them.

First Reconciliation & First Communion Classes

Basic Philosophy and Guidelines

The guiding principles in these policies are that you as parents have the primary responsibility and right in preparing your child to celebrate these two sacraments for the first time and in deciding when they will receive them. In addition, we want both the preparation for and the celebration of these two sacraments to be a positive experience for both parents and children.

According to the law of the Church and the guidelines of the Archdiocese the reception of First Reconciliation should normally precede the celebration of First Eucharist.

In the elementary Faith Formation Programs at Blessed John XXIII (both the Sunday and Wednesday programs) students learn about these two sacraments in the following grades: second grade, first semester is on the Sacrament of Reconciliation; the second semester is on the Eucharist; fourth grade, second semester us a review of the Eucharist. These classes are not considered the immediate preparation for First Reconciliation or First Eucharist nor do the teachers or the director make the decision about when your child will first receive these sacraments. As noted above we believe those to be your parental rights and responsibilities.

Parent Classes

Classes are offered twice yearly to parents to assist them in the immediate preparation of their child to celebrate these two sacraments and in the decision about when the sacraments will be received.

First Reconciliation Classes

The parent classes this year are from 7-8:30PM at John XXIII on Sept. 27,28, & Oct. 4,5 2010 and are repeated again from 7-8:30PM on Oct.25,26 and November 1, 2, 2010. Please note that the 4 classes which make up the series are two days in a row one week and 2 days in a row the following week. You may sign up for either set of classes by calling Jim Reid's voice mail, 530-7920) and leaving which series of classes, your name, address, zip code and phone number. The classes are an opportunity for parents to think through their understanding and experience with sin, forgiveness, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In addition, it is an opportunity to reflect on what and how to teach their child, and to review and purchase materials designed to be used by parents to prepare their child.

First Eucharist Classes

The first series is from 6:30-8 PM at John XXIII Center on January 3,4, & 10,11 2011 while the second series is from 6:30-8 PM on January 5,6, & 12,13 2011. Please note that the 4 classes making up the series are two day in a row one week and 2 days in a row the following week. You may sign up for either series by calling Jim Reid's voice mail (530-7920) and leaving which series of classes, your name, address, zip code, and phone number. These classes are an opportunity for parents to think through their understanding and experience of Mass and Communion, to reflect what and how to teach their child, and to review and purchase materials designed to be used by parents to prepare their child. On Thursday, May 5th from 6-7:30pm there will be a lesson-meal with Fr. Don and the families preparing for First Eucharist. Fr. Don does a brief lesson of about 20 minutes with the families and that is followed by a potluck dinner. More information will appear in the bulletin.

The Importance of Parent Involvement

Parent's participation in these classes and their direct and immediate involvement in their child's preparation to celebrate these two sacraments are highly valued and essential.

The Celebrations

First Reconciliation

Two special communal Reconciliation services provide the setting for students to celebrate their first, Sacramental, private confession. The students do the readings, prayers, etc. during the Reconciliation services. The Reconciliation services this year will be on Thursday, December 9th 2010 at 7PM (practice at 4PM, December 6th) and on Thursday, February 10th 2010 at 7PM (practice at 4PM, February 7th). Those who are prepared and wish to participate may sign up by calling Jim Reid’s voice mail (530-7920) and leaving which service, the child’s name, address and zip code, and phone number..

Parents also have the choice of celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time outside these 2 special Reconciliation services. The Sacrament can be celebrated either by appointment or at a time when the Sacrament is regularly available to the community - Tuesdays from 4-5 PM or Saturdays from 3-4 PM. If you choose this option, please let the office know (484-3356) so we may have the First Reconciliation certificate done.

First Eucharist

When parents have prepared their child to the point of readiness, the child should be scheduled to have a pastoral interview with the director of the faith formation for the elementary program. The child can celebrate their First Eucharist any time following this interview. Families may celebrate either an individual First Eucharist – at one of the weekend Masses or a daily Mass – or at group First Eucharist. The group First Eucharists in 2010 will be celebrated at the 5:15PM Mass on Saturday, May 14th (practice 4PM, May 9) and the 8:30AM Mass on May 15th (practice at 4PM, May 11th), and the 11:15AM Mass on May 15th (practice at 4PM, May 12th). Sign up for the Mass of your choice by calling Jim Reid’s voice mail (530-7920) and leaving which Mass, the child’s name, address and zip code, and phone number.

Marriage Preparation

Marriage preparation must begin at least 8-12 months prior to a couple's anticipated wedding date. The Archdiocese of Denver divides this period into proximate (the first several months) and immediate (the last two months) preparation. During this time, couples prepare for their sacrament through three main steps of preparation as well as a manageable series of meetings with a priest, deacon, or marriage preparation coordinator. Preparation begins in your parish and must be approved by the priest, deacon or coordinator. For further information please contact Fr Donald Willette or Frank Marino at 484-3356