Faith Formation
Faith Formation help the faithful of all ages by providing relevant meaningful education and spiritual programs. The purpose of our youth program is to instill an early love for Jesus, aid in developing an understanding that Jesus is present in the Eucharist and to inspire our youth to continue their love of learning about the Catholic Faith. We support our parents, the primary religious educators, in the spiritual development of their children. By incorporating prayer, fellowship, service and teaching, we hope to nurture and support a deep, growing, personal relationship with Jesus and His Church.
The religious education program at Sacred Heart of Jesus provides educational opportunities for all parishioners from pre-school to adults. The purpose of the program is to proclaim the Lord so that one grows in a committed relationship with Christ. Our program is compromised of Sacramental preparation and Religious Education classes for Pre-K through Grade 8, High School, and Adults.
Adult Faith Formation
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is meant to prepare teenagers and adults who have never been baptized or who were baptized in a non-Catholic denomination for the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communication. Please contact Becky Broderic if you wish to enter into this program.
Catechist Information
We welcome individuals to become part of this active ministry of the Word. A catechist is a teacher of religious education, a person who facilitates the process of faith formation. This is done first by echoing the word of God in his or her own life, and second by helping other to do so. You will become part of our community here at Sacred Heart; dedicated in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in formal and informal settings, your work with adults, families, adolescents and children, you are passing on a living faith.
Catechist Invitation
Do you enjoy working with children or teens? Perhaps you are being called to be a catechist! Why become a Catechist? We know deep down we are called to do this, this passing on of our beloved faith. But who doesn’t feel a bit inadequate everything once in a while? Thank God, catechists are not required to be perfect, to know everything about the faith, or to have years of “seasoning” as teachers. You are invited and there is a need! We urge you to prayerfully consider becoming a catechist with our faith formation program. You approach the task seriously and ask the Lord to help you, everyone will benefit.
Come on board—contact Pattie Nash, the coordinator for religious education at 717-507-9621 or by email at pnash@hbgdiocese.org and discuss the possibilities with one of our staff! Sacred Heart of Jesus is committed to providing a safe environment for all members of our faith community—especially the young and vulnerable adults. In accordance with the Diocese of Harrisburg, all parish volunteers must be compliant with all diocesan and parish guidelines before they participate in parish ministry. Catechists must be practicing Catholics who regularly receive the sacraments and are faithful to the teachings of the Catholic church.