Faith Formation and Catechesis
St. James’ Family and Faith Formation encompasses religious instruction for elementary school students as well as for our junior high and high school students. Additionally, we have RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), Bible Study and other religious enrichment programs for adults which are held periodically.
Elementary Religious Education (ERE)
The St. James Elementary Religious Education program is for children who are in First through Sixth grades. Our mission in Religious Education is to collaborate with parents to share the joy of faith with the children of our parish through a scripture-based program. Our Religious Education Coordinator is Emily Oh. To find out more information about our program please email ere@stjamespetaluma.org
Secondary Religious Education (SRE)
St. James is a spiritual home for junior-high and high-school students who, together with their families and the St. James community, thrive in living their Catholic faith and grow in their understanding of their identities and purpose as beloved children of God.
St. James Secondary Religious Education (SRE) offers opportunities for junior-high and high-school students to
learn about
their faith,
serve others, and
connect with their faith community in order to grow as Catholics and deepen their relationship with Jesus.
The St. James SRE program features the following opportunities for 7th-12th graders:
Preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation
Small faith-learning groups on topics such as the Bible, the Mass, Theology of the Body, Catholic Social Teaching, and frequently asked questions about the Catholic faith
Service projects
Social and prayer activities
Leadership with the Elementary Religious Education program
Participation in Masses and parish ministries
For information, please contact Elizabeth Harris, the Coordinator of Secondary Religious Education, at
pyc@stjamespetaluma.org
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
RCIA prepares non-Catholics and non-confirmed Catholics for full communion with the church. It is a journey through which adults learn about the teachings of Jesus and learn how to put these teachings into practice by living as part of the Catholic community, serving others, and praying. RCIA is for three groups of people: those who have never been baptized in any faith, those who were baptized in another Christian faith, and baptized Catholics who have not received the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. For more information, please Julie Parnow, RCIA Coordinator at rcia@stjamespetaluma.org