Faith Formation
St. John's Department of Faith Formation, 2021 Sandridge Road, Alden, NY 14004
Phone: (716) 937-6959 Ext. 103
Email: faith.formation@stjohnsalden.org
Faith Formation Leader: Debbie Pirog
2025-2026 FAITH FORMATION INFORMATION GRADES 1-9
“Let the children come to me...” Matthew 19:14
St. John the Baptist Faith Formation is a partnership with your family in helping to form disciples of Christ.
Elementary Grades 1-6
St. John the Baptist Elementary Faith Formation program is a program that consists of both grade level classes and family learning. Students will attend two to three in-person grade level classes, and one
Families of Faith session where families come together to learn. At our
Families of Faith sessions, students of all ages are welcome to join their families, but lessons are geared towards students in grades 1-6.
Families of Faith sessions will be on Sundays at 9:30am at St.John the Baptist School.
Family Masses will be held once a month at 11am after Faith Formation classes. Families are expected to attend this Mass as part of Faith Formation requirements.
Middle School Grades 7-8
Middle School classes are classroom based on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:45am two to three times per month. Each month, Family Masses will be held at 11am after Faith Formation classes. Families are expected to attend this Mass as part of Faith Formation requirements.
High School Grades 9-10
High School classes are classroom based on Sunday mornings from 9:15-10:45am two to three times per month. Each month, Family Masses will be held at 11am after Faith Formation classes. Families are expected to attend this Mass as part of Faith Formation requirements.
- If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Faith Formation office at: Phone (716)937-6959 ext. 103 or Email: faith.formation@stjohnsalden.org
SACRAMENTS
First Reconciliation- There will be four evening classes beginning in February. A parent or
guardian is required to stay with the student for all classes. First Reconciliation will take place
mid-March. A parent meeting will be held prior to classes starting for further information.
First Communion- There will be five evening classes beginning in March. A parent or
guardian is required to stay with the student for all classes. First Communion will take place in
May. A parent meeting will be held prior to classes starting for further information.
Confirmation- Classes will be held on Sunday mornings from 9:15am-10:45am, two-three times
per month from September 15th-April 13th. Students will need to have completed a
High School Faith Formation class last year to be eligible for Confirmation prep classes.
Please fill out the separate sacramental registration forms linked below:
Registration Links :
2025-2026 Faith Formation Class Registration
First Reconciliation Registration
CONFIRMATION IMPORTANT DATES AND FORMS
September 9- Confirmation - Parent/Student Meeting - 7pm.
November 9 - Retreat at St. Phillips, 11am mass until 4:30pm.
December 7- Confirmation Sponsor Form with Sponsor Letter of Recommendation due.
February 1, 2026- All paperwork due: Choosing of a Christian Name, Service Record Form, Service Reflections, and Letter to the Bishop. Please return all paperwork in your Red Folder.
St. John's Parish believes Religious Education is a continuing journey of faith. It is one that begins in the home and is reinforced by religious education classes. We strive to teach the students the basic principles of the Catholic faith, giving meaning to the rituals and symbols of Catholicism and helping them grow in their prayer life. It is our desire to work in conjunction with their families. These classes need to be combined with their family’s daily commitment to practicing the faith (regular Mass attendance, commitment to God, service to others and good example).
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Safe Environment Training
We can all be part of the solution--- together we can prevent child abuse. All clergy, consecrated men and women and employees, are required to take Safe Environment Training. In addition, all volunteers serving minors, working in food pantries or meal service, providing ministerial service in private homes or other facilities and/or administering service in an after school program must be trained.
In the Diocese of Buffalo all volunteers over 18 years old must complete a safe environment training foundation class. The current foundation training program is “Protecting God’s Children for Adults" which is a 3 hour program that provides steps that each one of us can take to prevent child sexual abuse. As a component of the training, all volunteers are required to complete a Volunteer Application and Code of Ethics.
After taking the Safe Environment foundation course, a renewal training through monthly online training is required.
Please visit virtus.org to learn more about the Diocese of Buffalo Safe Environment Training, to register for a training class, or to complete online training.
The Diocese of Buffalo encourages anyone who has been a victim of sexual, physical or emotional abuse by any clergy, consecrated life, employee or volunteer of the Roman Catholic Church to contact the police.
Please continue to pray for the end of all abuse and a greater respect of the dignity of the human person.
"Be Bold. Be Catholic." Decision Point