Faith formation is a vital element of the Catholic life as we grow in knowledge and understanding of our faith in Jesus Christ and the Church he gave us. A deeper understanding can lead to a more intimate relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and through the Trinity to the Church and our family, friends, neighbors, parish, and community. Such faith formation is not just for children, but for all of us as we grow as Catholics. Our parish has many opportunities for faith formation that we encourage you to explore. Faith formation is not just for children and youth, but also for adults. We have many child-focused programs, a vibrant youth ministry, in addition to programs for parents and other adults. Learn in many ways, and study many topics, including scripture study, lectures, retreats, and other formation activities that help each adult continue a lifelong journey of faith.
Please refer to the latest issue of the Parish Bulletin for the most up-to-date contact information for the Ministries detailed below. You can also contact the Parish Office at 208-342-3511 or email [email protected] to get involved.
Baptism Prep
This small group of St. John’s parishioners teaches the monthly Baptism class for those wishing to bring their young children into the Faith. The class lasts about 2 hours and includes an explanation of the meaning of a sacrament (particularly one of initiation), a discussion of the Biblical history of Baptism, an overview of the ceremony and a brief explanation of what it means to be called to a vibrant Christian life post-baptism. The goal of the class is not just to teach parents how to baptize their children but also to help parents renew their excitement and commitment to their own Baptism.
The Baptism class is offered on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 pm in the summer, and on selected Saturdays from 10am-12pm each month. (Check with the parish office for a precise schedule if you are planning to attend a session). Each month a different family teaches the class and we rotate turns. As a group, we get together for dinner every 6 months (after 2 rotations) to discuss frequently asked questions as well as feedback from the classes.
The time commitment for this ministry is extremely small, about 2 hours every third month. The family teaching the class is also asked to provide snacks for their particular class.
Get Involved!
Baptism Scheduling Requests (English)
Solicitud de Bautismo (Español)
Becoming and Returning Catholic
Welcoming and Returning Catholics: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a communal process for formal initiation of new members into the Catholic Church. This process is a return to the formation of the earliest members of the Church in the first and second centuries. If you are an adult baptized Catholic who has received First Communion, but would like to be confirmed, we can help you with that part of your journey.
Bible Studies
There are a continuing series of Bible studies at the Parish which enable you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of God's Word in Holy Scripture. One is on Monday evenings (6:30-8:30) and the other on Tuesday afternoons (1:15-2:45), generally beginning in early Fall and continuing through late Spring. They vary in length from 5 or 6 weeks, to 20 or more weeks. They are held in Riffle Center, and utilize written and video materials from Catholic providers such as Ascension Press and Bishop Barron's Word on Fire ministry. We encourage you to join us! Watch the Bulletin for further details. Bill Doyle is the contact for the Monday evening study ([email protected]), and Anita Bokan is the contact for the Tuesday afternoon study
Here's a video of the 2 bible study leaders at our parish, be sure to check it out for more information!
Catholic Book Club
St. John’s Catholic Book Club meets bi-monthly from 10am-12pm in the Riffle Center for Faith Formation. Please come join us as new members are always welcome. When reading fictional selections, they are considered through the lens of Catholic teachings during discussions. St. John's Catholic Book Club 2019-2020 Selections
Create a Clean Heart in Me
A Pastoral Response to Pornography: USCCB
“Given how widespread and easily accessible pornography is in today’s society, everyone is vulnerable. Many people struggle with pornography use, including faithful Catholics, people of faith, people of no faith, married and single people, fathers and mothers, the young and the old, clergy and those in consecrated life. Some people have only seen pornography a handful of times, perhaps unintentionally; some view it occasionally; while others find themselves compulsively viewing pornography, perhaps despite their best intentions to resist. While more men than women use pornography, the number of women users is growing. Pornography use is especially high among young adults, and it has been reported that the average age of first exposure to pornography is as early as eight, with boys being more likely than girls to be exposed at an earlier age and to view more extreme content before the age of eighteen.
The Church as a field hospital is called to proclaim the truth of the human person in love, to protect people—especially children—from pornography, and to provide the Lord’s mercy and healing for those wounded by pornography. Many means of support are available for those who have been harmed by pornography and who desire to be free from it and its effects.”
The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist wants to help our parishioners who struggle with viewing pornography. Your parish has teamed up with Covenant Eyes (covenanteyes.com) to help you break free from pornography. We invite any parishioner suffering from this epidemic to take advantage of 4 months free of Covenant Eyes. You have our promise of complete discretion and privacy when signing up for your safe and secure new beginning. Break the chains of pornography addiction once and for all.
To start your 4-month new beginning, please contact Deacon Daniel Gamboa, [email protected], to receive the needed program code. You may also contact Deacon Daniel if you have any questions or need ideas on how to protect your family from this epidemic.
Lent is almost over and Easter is only 21 days away. Take the 21 day challenge with Strive 21 (strive21.com). It’s free and anonymous. Remember you are stronger than your weaknesses! Finish your Lenten journey strong, sign up for the 21 day challenge today and be ready to welcome the risen Lord in your heart on Easter Sunday.
Endow Women's Group
Endow brings women into small group communities that transmit the depth of our Catholic faith to awaken each participant's particular genius and ignite them as luminaries who heal, mother and prepare families and the world for the love of Christ.
Fourth Day Men and Women
Men's and Women's Fourth Day ministry here at the Cathedral is a follow-up/continuation of the Catholic Cursillo Movement, a consecutive 72 hour period called a “Three Day Weekend.” It was founded in Majorca, Spain by a group of laymen in 1944 while they were refining a technique to train pilgrimage Christian leaders. The Cursillo Movement in the United States was established in 1965. Today, Cursillo is a worldwide movement for both men and women. During the three day weekend, a team of religious and lay personnel present a series of talks to the participants and the entire group calls upon the Holy Spirit for enlightenment and guidance. Throughout the weekend the participants will pray together, attend daily mass and have an opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Typically, by the end of the weekend, participants have a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. The challenge, however, is sustaining this and that’s why “Fourth Day” was established.
Marriage Prep
Here in our parish we offer marriage preparation to help couples develop a better understanding of the sacrament; to evaluate and deepen their readiness to live married life; and to gain insights into themselves as individuals and as a couple. The goal is to help make the marriage “for better and forever.”
Vacation Bible School
Held each summer. Visit our Events page for more details.
Religious Education (PreK-5th)
Religious Education at the Cathedral Parish of St. John the Evangelist strives to partner with its parish families in the catechetical formation of their children including sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion for those children older than 7 years of age. In order for catechesis in the faith to take root in children so that the faith is practiced into adulthood, it is imperative that a strong home and parish connection exists with our Religious Education families.
Youth Ministry (6th-12th)
Confirmation (Teens)
Confirmation (Adults)
Sacramental Preparation
Sacramental preparation consists of the formal instruction and catechesis of our parish children ages 7+ in the two Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation (Confession) and Eucharist in a parish setting. Children will be prepared first to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and then their preparation will continue with preparation for reception of the Eucharist.
The King's Men
The King's Men meet weekly on Saturdays at 9:30 after morning mass. These meetings will offer men an opportunity to grow in virtue and accountability using the Biblical maxim that "iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17). For more information, check out the King's Men website http://thekingsmen.org or contact Todd Bushee by email, phone or text at [email protected] and 208-949-4286.