CHILD FORMATION
Parish School of Religion
Purpose
Our Parish School of Religion (PSR) is a classroom-centered approach to faith formation for children in PreK-6th Grade who attend non-parochial schools. It is a collaboration with and an extension of our Catholic elementary school, Bishop Leibold. Featuring a curriculum that is rooted in Sacred Scripture and the Catechism, students meet once per week to study, talk, sing, pray, serve, craft, act, and celebrate all that is great about being Catholic kids!
Location
St. Henry Bishop Leibold School (SH BLS) is the “center of excellence” for child faith formation in the St. John Paul II Parish family. SH BLS offers:
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Full-size classrooms where each child has ample personal space
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Capacity for our parish families in a single location
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Collaboration between school teachers and volunteer catechists
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Opportunity for adult fellowship during class times
Schedule
Families choose one of the following options during registration for the entire academic year (note that PreK only meets on Sunday mornings):
Sunday, 9:00 - 10:15 AM (PreK - 6th Grade)
Tuesday, 6:15 - 7:30 PM (K - 6th Grade)
New This Year
We are excited to offer JPII Faith Friends, a monthly, inclusive faith formation gathering for children in grades K–6 who would benefit from a more relaxed, individualized, and sensory-friendly learning environment. JPII Faith Friends will be offered the first week of each month during both Sunday and Tuesday PSR Sessions.​
Our small-group gatherings will include prayer, Scripture stories, music, hands-on activities, and opportunities to build friendships while growing in faith. Each session is designed to meet children where they are and provide a welcoming, supportive environment for learning about God's love.​ Parents and caregivers are welcome to stay and participate or, if preferred, enjoy some fellowship and a little respite while we spend time getting to know your child and how we can best support them.
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If you believe Faith Friends might be a good fit for your child, simply indicate your interest on this year's registration form. We will contact you to learn more about your child's strengths, interests, and support needs as we plan for a positive and meaningful experience.​ If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact Jen Moore at jmoore@stjohnpaulii.org.
Goals
Our fundamental mission as a Church is to lead people - including children - to encounter Jesus in such a way that they are changed. Moving a classroom from a place of mere head knowledge (learning facts about God) to heart transformation (knowing and loving Jesus personally) happens when weekly lessons prioritize experiential and relational moments over passive listening.
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Here are practical, age-appropriate ways we attempt to cultivate that life-changing encounter within a PSR classroom setting:
Ignatian "Gospel Imagination": Catechists read a short Gospel passage and guide children to close their eyes and place themselves in the story. What does Jesus look like? What does His voice sound like? What does He say to you when He looks at you?
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Personal Testimony: Catechists share brief (1–2 minute) real-life examples of how Jesus helped them through a difficult day, answered a prayer, or forgave them. This shows kids that Jesus isn't a historical figure in a book, but a living Savior active today.
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Liturgical Walks: Catechists periodically take the class out of the regular room and into the church. They practice quiet reverence, explain the Tabernacle (where Jesus is truly present), or walk through the Stations of the Cross.
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Non-goals
Our PSR is intended to reinforce and expand upon the faith messaging children receive from their parents at home. It is not intended as a substitute, nor can it be. Your partnership in the formation process is essential.
Our PSR is a partnership with parents in helping form children in the Catholic faith. Out of respect for the dozens of volunteers who give their time preparing and conducting lessons each week, your participation implies you agree to prioritize:
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Attending weekly Mass as a family
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Attending weekly PSR classes over other extracurriculars
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Reinforcing content at home through family discussion
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Regular communication with your child’s catechist
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Engagement in parent activities to help grow your own faith
Parent Commitment
Register
Steps to Register
Please note: All three steps below must be completed in order for your child to be registered in our PSR.
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Complete one registration form PER CHILD (registration open now)
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Order your child's student book; no book for JPII Faith Friends
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Payment is due in person at your child's first session of PSR, Youth Group, or Sacrament Preparation
Parent Commitment
Ordering Student Books
Parents order student resources directly from the publisher. PreK and 2nd grade use specialized curriculum. For all but 2nd Grade, please note the parish discount code for use at checkout.
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PreK (age 4 or 5):
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Enter our 30% discount code at checkout: CIU30-26
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2nd Grade - Order BOTH of the following student books from Communication Center:
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All Other Grades - Order the grade level student book from Sadlier:
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Enter our 30% discount code at checkout: CIU30-26
CONTACT
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Megan Hilts
Lead for Child Formation
mhilts@stjohnpaulii.org