Faith Formation

"I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: Be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."

The primary mission of the Formational Ministry is the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ. We lead parishioners to a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith and beliefs, the Christian moral life, and meaningful participation in liturgy and sacramental life. Prayer is the vital link that fosters our relationship with God, thus empowering us to work toward the transformation of the world into the Kingdom of God.

Adult Faith Formation

Adult Faith Formation activities are numerous and varied. They include lectures, discussion groups, Scripture Studies, an annual Parish Mission, and other programs to enhance our lifelong educational and spiritual needs. Watch the weekly Bulletin for topics, schedules and room locations. For more information, please contact Bill Gent, 321-773-2783, x139 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Bible Study: Every Sunday at 10:15 am & Monday at 6:45 pm in Rm 101, there is an on-going Scripture Study with Bill Gent. Walk-ins welcome and childcare is available. Currently, we are studying The Book of Revelation. Come and enjoy an in-depth verse by verse approach to one of the most controversial books of the Bible! Discover the meaning behind all of the symbolism and imagery that surrounds the unveiling of what we perceive to be the End Times! Some of the topics we will be exploring: What does our parish have in common with the 7 churches mentioned in Revelation? Will sin flourish under the tolerance of love? What is a lukewarm church according to Jesus? To listen to a Bible Study session(s) please visit our audio library.
An Hour of Mercy: Come pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, with Eucharistic Adoration, on the first Thursday of each month, from 6:30-7:30 pm. Jesus demands from us deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Him. We are to show mercy to our neighbors always and everywhere. We must not shrink from this or try to excuse or absolve ourselves from it. Jesus gives us three ways of exercising mercy toward our neighbor: the first—by deed, the second—by word, the third—by prayer. In these three degrees is contained the fullness of mercy, and it is an unquestionable proof of love for Him. By this means a soul glorifies and pays reverence to Jesus' mercy. For more information, please contact Deacon Joe Gassman, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Wednesdays: We provide various topical series to enhance Adult Faith Formation on Wednesday evenings. See bulletin for current information.

Bible Study Audio Library

To download a recent Bible Study, select below:

The Book of Romans:

Introduction	Chapter 1 V 4	Chapter 2 V 1	Chapter 3 V10	Chapter 4 V1
	Chapter 1 V 16	Chapter 2 V 6	Chapter 3 V18
	Chapter 1 V 17	Chapter 2 V 11	Chapter 3 V24
	Chapter 1 V 24	Chapter 2 V 15
		Chapter 2 V 25

The Book of Revelation:

Chapter 17 V1-2	Chapter 18 Intro	Chapter 19 V1-4	Chapter 20 V1-6	Chapter 21 V1-7	Chapter 22 V1
Chapter 17 V3-6	Chapter 18 V1-2	Chapter 19 V5-10	Chapter 20 V7-15	Chapter 21 V8-16	Chapter 22 V6
Chapter 17 V6	Chapter 18 V3-7	Millennium		Chapter 21 V17	Chapter 22 V16
Chapter 17 V11	Chapter 18 V8-16	Chapter 19 V11-21			Revelation Summation
	Chapter 18 V17-24

The First Thessalonians:

Introduction	Chapter 1 V1	Chapter 2 V6	Chapter 3 V1	Chapter 4 V3	Chapter 5 V1
	Chapter 1 V3	Chapter 2 V8	Chapter 3 V11	Chapter 4 V9
	Chapter 1 V5	Chapter 2 V10		Chapter 4 V13
	Chapter 1 V9	Chapter 2 V13
		Chapter 2 V14

Elementary Faith Formation

New Learning about LIFE Plus Program: At the request of Bishop Noonan, our parish is initiating a family-centered, faith based program called Learning About LIFE (Love, Infatuation, Friendship and Exploitation) Plus. We hope to partner with parents in giving our children the information and tools they need within the context of our faith tradition, to foster within them a deepening understanding of positive, loving relationships, and to help them to recognize and avoid relationships that are unhealthy and destructive. A tentative schedule is as follows:

Pre-K-2nd grade: January 13, 10:15-11:30 am, Life Center Hall
Grades 3-4: January 20, 10:15-11:30 am, Life Center Hall
Grades 5-6: January 27, 10:00- 11:30 am, Life Center Hall

More information about the LIFE program can be found at http://www.orlandodiocese.org/learning-about-life-plus.

Pre-School and Kindergarten: The Pre-School Program is a religious introduction for 3 & 4 year old children that helps the child develop an awareness and love for God (children enrolled must be 3-years old by September 1). The Kindergarten Program is where children meet Jesus in New Testament stories that they can easily understand and love. Music, arts and crafts, play and prayer are a part of the Early Childhood lessons. Classes meet every Sunday morning from 10:30-11:30 am. To register complete a Registration Form online or complete one at the Parish Office.

Elementary Grade Classes: Grades 1-6—The goal of this program is to hand on the content and living spirit of our rich Catholic tradition and the Gospel message. Holy Scripture is the basis of the program that will focus on the Mass, Eucharist, the Church, Commandments, Sacraments, Prayer, and more. The heart of this Program is to help build the child's relationship with Jesus and the Christian community. Preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are also part of the program which requires parent -involvement and assistance. Classes meet every Sunday morning from 10:15-11:30 am or Wednesday evenings at 6:00-7:15 pm. To register complete a Registration Form online or complete one at the Parish Office.

View 2012-13 Religious Education Schedule

View 2012-13 Parent Handbook

Diocesan Safe Environment Information: We are responsible for providing educational materials about child sexual abuse to parents as part of our compliance with the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. "The Diocese of Orlando is committed to doing everything in its power to ensure the safety of all those entrusted to its care, particularly children, the elderly, and the disabled. We believe that each individual is created in the image of God and must be treated with dignity and respect. Therefore, the Diocese of Orlando considers any abuse or neglect of any kind to be totally unacceptable and contrary to Christian principles." --Policies and Procedures, Diocese of Orlando

Information about child sexual abuse and prevention and internet safety is now available online for your review. We invite you to visit this link and become informed on this topic. http://www.orlandodiocese.org/en/child-a-youth-protection-home All catechists adhere to Safe Environment policy and have been fingerprinted. We are committed to providing a safe environment for children.

Sacramental Preparation: At HNJ, children are prepared for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in 2nd Grade. Parent meetings and parent interviews are required. The children also participate in two special retreats. First Reconciliation is celebrated the 1st Saturday in December. First Holy Communion is usually celebrated the 1st Sunday in May.

First Reconciliation: Children normally go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time prior to receiving their First Eucharist. Older students who have not yet received the Eucharist for the first time are placed with their peers in age appropriate settings during one of our Faith Formation for Children and Youth sessions. Parents and children also attend additional Sacramental Preparation sessions that help to encourage communication and dialog. First Reconciliation is celebrated in December. Preparation for the Sacrament begins with enrollment in our Faith Formation.

First Holy Communion: The reception of Holy Communion for the first time is celebrated after the age of 7 (the age of reason). Older students who have not yet received the Eucharist for the first time are placed with their peers in age appropriate settings during one of our Faith Formation for Children and Youth sessions. Parents and children also attend additional Sacramental Preparation sessions that help to encourage communication and dialog. First Holy Communion is celebrated the 1st Sunday in May. Adults: please see information on Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

The Children's Liturgy of the Word: At the Sunday 8:45 am Mass, children from the 1st-4th grade are invited to participate in a special Liturgy of the Word. They process with their leader to Rm 101, where they listen to the gospel and a homily in a way that is understandable to them. This is a concerned and sensitive way for them to take part in the formal worship of the community.

Children's Catechumenate: Children's Catechumenate is a special process of Initiation into the Christian Community for Children from age 6-16 who have not been baptized in another tradition or who have had little or no religious education. This process helps them experience God through Jesus as they prepare for Baptism and their place in the Catholic Community.

Totally Catholic Summer Program (aka VBS): We invite your child/children to attend our Summer Program in June of each year for one week (8:30 am-12:00 noon) in the Life Center. Program is for Pre-School through 6th Grade children (ages 4 -12). Each day the children will take part in fun Scripture-themed activities that help them connect their faith to real life. Next year's program is tentatively scheduled for June 10-14, 2013.

For further information on any of the above, please contact Mary Dorsey, 321-773-2783, x120, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Child-care: Child-care is provided for toddlers during the 8:45 & 10:30 am Masses every Sunday morning in the Community Room and Thursday mornings from 9:00 am-Noon for "Mom's Morning Out" (cost: $5) and for other special parish events. For more information, please contact Rita Cominio 321-777-0865, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

GIFT-Generations in Faith Together

HNJgiftlogo GIFT involves everyone in our faith community and is offered bi-annually in the fall and winter. Through this innovative approach, all ages learn and grow together through our experiences and participation in Church life.

We Eat Together—not potluck, no cooking, serving, or clean-up. Just come and enjoy.
Opening Experience—Introduction of topic to be learned by all ages using music, prayer and story.
Split into Age-specific Activities—All ages learn about the same topic, except they learn according to their stage in life.
Large Group Sharing Experience—The different age groups come back together to share what we've learned and receive home kits that give us the tools to continue learning.
Celebrate the Event—Everyone engages in more meaningful participation in Church liturgies and events. We continue to reflect and apply the significance and meaning of these events in our lives as Catholics.

For further information, contact Mary Dorsey, 321-773-2783, x120 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Library

The HNJ Library is located in the Life Center and is open Sunday mornings after all Masses The Library is more than a collection of books—it is a resource center that can strengthen our spiritual lives. Come and visit our ever-expanding inventory of adult and children's books, audiotapes, and videos. We have over 3000 items available for checkout. Watch our weekly bulletin for updates and monthly themes.