We work toward our mission by engaging families, creating opportunities to encounter Jesus Christ and empowering families to participate more fully in the Catholic Church. We engage families to build relationships and create a sense of belonging in our parish community. We provide opportunities for families to encounter Jesus Christ through the sacraments, scripture, witness and prayer. We empower our families to be faithful participants in the life and mission of the Church. We invite you to join our community and explore your faith.
Children's Ministry offers support to parents in their role as witnesses as stated in the Final Blessing in the Catholic Rite of Baptism.
"The Lord, God Almighty, through his Son, born of the Virgin Mary, brings joy to Christian mothers as the hope of eternal life shines forth upon their children. May he graciously bless the Mother of this child so that, as she now gives thanks for the gift of her child, she may always remain united with him(her) in thanksgiving, in Christ Jesus our Lord. May the Lord, God Almighty, the giver of life both in heaven and on earth, bless the Father of this child, so that, together with his wife, they may, by word and example, prove to be the first witnesses of the faith to their child, in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen."
Web Resources for Building Your Domestic Church
Ideas for building your Domestic Church (from USCCB)
For additional information about First Holy Communion: CLICK HERE
AGES: Children generally celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Eucharist for the first time in 2nd grade. Austin Diocese Guidelines: Any baptized Catholic child who has reached the age of reason (7 years of age and attended religious education classes in the first grade and is now in the second grade) is eligible to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist, usually referred to as First Communion.
PARISH PREPARATION: Children need to be enrolled and participating in comprehensive catechesis (parish faith formation sessions or Catholic School religion classes) for two years immediately prior to reception of the Sacrament. First grade would be considered Year 1 and Second grade would be considered Year 2. During the second year of preparation, families participate in their parish sacramental preparation program.
Families with eligible children already enrolled in the 2022-2023 Faith Formation Program or Catholic School will be contacted in early September about also registering for the Family Sacrament Preparation program.
The St. John Neumann family sacrament preparation program includes a parent/child retreat for each sacrament (First Reconciliation and First Communion) as well as working together with the child at home to complete lessons focusing on each sacrament. Registered amilies will be sent a link to sign up for the retreats. Families choose one of the two dates offered for each of the Sacraments.
The First Reconciliation retreat will be offered Sunday afternoons, Oct 16 and Oct 23 from 1:30 to 3:30. Parents choose one date.
The First Eucharist retreat will be offered on Saturday afternoon, Jan 21 from 1:30 to 3:30 and Sunday, Jan 29 from 1:30 to 3:30. Parents choose one date.
Volunteer with the Sacrament Prep Team: Come witness the love and joy! Sign up to help with the First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Preparation Retreats and Celebrations. Help with the setup, help with supplies and directions during the retreat, and help with clean-up.
VBS 2023 is coming to SJN!
June 5th - 9th from 9:00am to Noon!
Registration opens Spring 2023!
Core Team will begin meeting in January 2023
See what happened at VBS 2022!
Monday Newsletter
Tuesday Newsletter
Wednesday Newsletter
Thursday Newsletter
Friday Newsletter
Core Team Role Descriptions:
If you are inspired to help pass on the treasures of our Catholic faith to the next generation, then we have a place for you! Adults of all ages are encouraged to volunteer, even if you do not have a child in the program. Read about the various volunteer opportunities below.
Faith Formation Catechist: Two adults gather with each small peer group of 8 - 12 children. You may volunteer as a lead catechist, a co-catechist, or as the second adult with the group. Children's Faith Formation times are Sundays from 10:15 - 11:15AM or Wednesdays from 3:45-5:00PM. Read the full ministry description.
Faith Formation Catechist Aide: Teens, if you like interacting with children, we encourage you to volunteer as an aide with one of the K - 5th grade groups.
Faith Formation Set Up and Tear Down Team: Help prepare the rooms where the children and catechists will meet each week. Place tables and chairs in rooms before Faith Formation begins. Help to take tables and chairs out of the rooms after the session ends.
Sacrament Prep Team: Come witness the love and joy! Sign up to help with the First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Preparation Retreats and Celebrations. The Parent/Child retreats are scheduled on Sunday afternoons Oct 16, Oct 23, Jan 22, Jan 29 from 1:30 to 3:30pm on our campus. Help with the set up, help with supplies and directions during the retreat, or help with clean up.
Office Aide: Help with a variety of tasks as needed - prepping materials for events, sorting and organizing materials for Faith Formation, making copies, or putting together materials for families.
Vacation Bible School Core Team:
Called to Protect for Children Program from the Diocese of Austin
Little Flowers Girls’ Club® is a Catholic club for girls that teaches virtues through Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the lives of the saints. Like a scouting program, girls earn badges for the virtues they have practiced and life skills they have learned. But unlike most scouting organizations, the girls learn and earn their badges through a distinctly Catholic lens. Girls must be 5 years old by September 1st
Meetings take place on alternate Mondays from 4 - 5:30PM in the St. Francis house.
For more information or to register contact
Angela Dartt, [email protected], 512.657.3649
Register Here