Religious Education (K-8)
Welcome to St. John Paul the Great Religious Education
Congratulations on your generous and loving decision to provide your child with Roman Catholic Religious Education at St. John Paul the Great! It is a great privilege and honor for us to be entrusted with assisting you as “Primary Educators—First Catechists” of the faith, to help bring your children into a deeper understanding and knowledge of the teachings of the Catholic Church. The Church has always spoken of the need for parishes assisting the parents as the primary educators of the faith. [See CCC 1656, Code of Canon Law 774 P 2 & 776 Familiaris Consortio 36, 39, 40 Gravissimum Educationis 3]
WELCOME to St. John Paul the Great Roman Catholic Parish's Religious Education and Faith Formation program for 2023-2024! We sincerely hope everyone had a wonderful and restful summer. We look forward to working with you and your kids, and we hope it will be a motivating and enlightening year for everyone. One of our objectives is to support the formation of solid Catholic families where children experience the blessings of following Jesus Christ and learn the tenets of our faith from their parents' example of living a Christian life.
We are happy to have you as a part of our program and promise to work closely with you and your child to support the spiritual development of the entire domestic family.
First Day of Class
Grades K-8th
Classes for the 2023 Faith Formation year will begin in early November for grades K-8th from 8:30-9:45am at St. John Paul the Great Academy (formerly known as St. Peter/St. Francis School), 360 Prospect St. Torrington, CT 06790. We meet weekly, followed by Family Mass at St. Francis Church at 10:00am.
Confirmation
Our Confirmation preparation is for students in Grades 9-12. Contact Lina Calabrese, Director of Faith Formation, at 860-485-3126 or youthministersjp@gmail.com, if you have any questions on registrations, class information, or Confirmation requirements. Visit our Confirmation webpage for additional information Confirmation Program (High School).
Catechists
Ms. Fransia and Ms. Cynthia
K, 1st, and 2nd Grade
I started teaching in 2014 in a range of grades K, 1, and 2. I enjoy everything about teaching. I enjoy doing crafts with kids, singing songs, and watching them smile. My favorite pastime is being with Jesus. I currently serve in the choir.
Cynthia is a middle school student who is very passionate about her faith, and in addition to teaching, she serves as an Altar Server at Mass.
Mrs. Sullivan
2nd Grade Sacramental
I joined as a catechist in 2018, teaching the 1st and 2nd grades. Teaching the kids by building children’s faith in Jesus is my favorite part of teaching. My favorite pastimes are reading, beach trips, watching my grandchildren, travel, and casino trips.
I currently serve at Vacation Bible Camp.
Mr. Sullivan
2nd Grade Sacramental
For many years, I have been teaching Religious Education 1st grade and 2nd Grade, and adult RCIA. What I enjoy the most about teaching is the people. My favorite pastimes are woodworking, fishing, and reading. I currently serve on the Parish Council and at Vacation Bible Camp.
Mrs. Carol Anderson
3rd and 4th Grade
Carol is very involved with our parish. She is a member of the Legion of Mary, and has taught Religious Education in prior years. She brings a great deal of experience in ministry work, and has been a great role model to her grandchildren who are students in the program.
Mr. Flinn and Carter
3rd and 4th Grade
I began teaching in 2019 with St. John Paul the Great Parish. The best part of teaching is seeing families grow in faith and knowledge. My favorite pastime is spending time with family, baseball card collecting and helping others with finances.
Carter is Mr. Flinn’s son, who is very active and is passionate about his faith. He helps dad in class and keeps everyone in check.
Mrs. Pollack
5th and 6th Grade
I have been teaching since 2016 at St. JPG. I have taught 4th thru 6th and College courses at Northwestern Community College. What I enjoy the most about teaching are the students. It is the richest and most beautiful subject matter I have ever taught. My favorite pastimes are reading, hiking, biking, swimming, praying and spending time with family and friends. I currently serve in the Pro-Life ministries.
Mrs. Csehak
Middle School 7th & 8th Grade
I have been teaching for about 35 years. I have taught grades most grades from 1st to High school. I enjoy the most about teaching by sharing my faith with the children and the smiles on their faces when they share their faith with me. My favorite pastimes are quilting and writing my memories.
In addition to teaching Middle School level Religious Education, I also volunteer for 2 Hearts Pregnancy Center.
Mr. Mwanza
Confirmation Year 2
I have been teaching since 2016. I have taught grades 3, 5, Middle School, and Confirmation. I enjoy most teaching the kids how to develop a relationship with God. I enjoy seeing them grow in faith, love of God and building God’s Kingdom. My favorite pastime is reading. I currently serve in the Youth Ministries and the Knights of Columbus.
