“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…” — Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Welcome to our CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) program at St. John Paul 2 Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Cumming! Our class room based CCD program is designed to provide children with a deep understanding of the Catholic faith through the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, a vital component of the Church’s mission to teach and form disciples. This program combines structured, age-appropriate catechesis with opportunities for personal growth in faith, prayer, and community involvement.
Our Approach to CCD – Confraternity of Christian Doctrine
The CCD program focuses on the systematic teaching of Syro-Malabar Catholic Christian doctrine to children from Pre-K to 12th grade. Our goal is to help each child develop a deep and personal relationship with Jesus Christ while understanding the rich heritage of Catholic Church, particularly our Syro-Malabar traditions.
The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine is not just about classroom learning; it is about forming disciples. We aim to impart not only knowledge but also a love for the faith that leads to a life of prayer, service, and participation in the sacraments.
- Structured Catechesis: Our curriculum is rooted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and it includes the specific teachings of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, ensuring that children understand both universal Catholic principles and the rich traditions of our Church.
- Faith in Action: Children are encouraged to live out their faith through participation in various ministries like Altar Serving, Children’s Choir, and the Cherupushpam Mission League. These activities reinforce the importance of faith in everyday life.
- Sacramental Preparation: The CCD program prepares children for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation, forming them spiritually as they grow in the Church.
Program Highlights
Our CCD program offers:
- Age-Appropriate Catechesis: Classes are designed to meet the spiritual and developmental needs of children at each grade level, from Pre-K to 12th grade.
- Sacramental Preparation: In addition to teaching doctrine, our program includes preparation for the important sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation, which are milestones in a child’s spiritual life.
- Interactive Learning: Through discussions, hands-on activities, arts, and multimedia, we make learning about the faith engaging and relevant to children’s lives.
- Trained Catechists: Our dedicated catechists are specially trained to teach children the truths of the Catholic faith, and they are passionate about helping each child grow closer to Christ.
Program Schedule
Classes for CCD are held on Sundays during the academic year at [Insert Time]. The program follows the school calendar, with breaks during major holidays.
- Pre-K to 5th Grade: The younger grades focus on the basics of Catholic teaching—God’s love, prayer, the Bible, and the structure of the Mass.
- 6th to 8th Grade: Middle school students explore deeper aspects of the faith, such as the sacraments, the life of Jesus, and Catholic morals and ethics.
- 9th to 12th Grade: High school students prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation and examine more complex theological topics, including social justice, Christian discipleship, and living out the Gospel in the world.
The Syro-Malabar Touch
As a Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, our CCD program integrates the beauty of our Syro-Malabar traditions with the universal teachings of the Catholic Church. Children will learn not only about the common teachings of the Catholic faith but also the distinct elements of our liturgy, prayers, feasts, and spiritual practices. This ensures that children grow in an understanding of their unique heritage as members of the Syro-Malabar Rite, while living out the universal message of Christ.
Safe Environment Policy
The safety and well-being of our children are top priorities at St. John Paul II Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. We enforce a Safe Environment Policy to ensure that all children are cared for in a secure, respectful environment. Our Safe Environment Policy includes:
- Background Checks: All catechists, volunteers, and staff undergo thorough background checks to ensure safety.
- Supervised Activities: All activities are supervised by at least two adults to create a safe and supportive space for children.
- Child Protection Training: Our staff and volunteers are trained in Protecting God’s Children, and we ensure they are prepared to respond to any concerns appropriately.
- Zero Tolerance for Abuse: We have a strict zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse, and all concerns are immediately reported to the appropriate authorities.
Who Can Join the CCD Program?
The CCD program is open to all children from Pre-K to 12th grade. The program is specifically designed to:
- Teach children the doctrines of the Catholic faith and the life of Jesus Christ.
- Help children prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.
- Develop a relationship with God and encourage spiritual growth.
We welcome children from all backgrounds and encourage families to enroll in our CCD program to ensure that their children receive a solid foundation in the Catholic faith.
How to Register
To register for the CCD program, please follow these steps:
- Complete the Registration Form: Registration forms are available online or in the parish office.
- Attend Parent Orientation: Parents are invited to attend an orientation session where we will discuss the program’s details, goals, and how to support your child’s faith formation.
- Start Classes: Classes begin on [Insert Date].
- Encourage Regular Attendance: Regular participation is encouraged for spiritual growth and development.
Contact Us
For more information about the CCD program, please contact:
- CCD Coordinator: [Name]
- Email: [Email Address]
- Phone: [Phone Number]
At St. John Paul II Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, we are honored to walk with you and your child on this important faith journey. Through the CCD program, we aim to form disciples of Christ who are rooted in Catholic doctrine and empowered to live out their faith every day. Together, we will build a strong foundation for your child’s spiritual life and their relationship with Christ.