Christian Education

NEWS: St. John's youth help rebuild homes and lives in Gulfport, Mississippi.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of very young children. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of our church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children are encouraged to respond to a Bible story, prayer, or selection from our liturgy by interacting with simple yet beautiful materials that relate to it.

For elementary school children we use the Seasons of the Spirit, one of the Episcopal Children's Curricula. It ties directly to the Church lectionary and calendar for major religious events. There are topics relating to the Old Testament, New Testament, Sacraments, and the Church. The goal of the program is to make the people of the Bible and Church come alive for our young learners, and it includes music, art, and movement activities.

The Journey to Adulthood program attracts, instructs, and nurtures our teens, keeping them active and interested in the Church. It is organized in three two-year segments called Rite 13, J2A, and YAC.  It teaches self-awareness and basic skills of adulthood, it deepens their understanding of Christian living, and it encourages older youth to take on adult responsibilities in all aspects of congregation life and community.

Adult Forums take place between the services and deal with a wide variety of contemporary issues in the context of our faith. Specific topics are determined in the class in light of parish, community, diocesan, national, and world events which beg our attention. Guest speakers are invited when appropriate.