Various Bible study and Adult Faith Formation groups meet throughout the year. New members are welcome to join any time.
For current Faith Formation opportunities, click here.
Contact - Parish Office 816-781-4343 daryl.sweetland@stjames-liberty.org 
Christian Initiation of Adults is a process by which individuals who have reached the age of reason (usually age seven years or older) prepare to receive Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, in the Roman Catholic tradition. Christian Initiation is for the unbaptized, individuals from another Christian tradition, or for Catholics who have not received the sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist.
During the process we explore the Catholic tradition, provide opportunities for spiritual growth, engage participants in the community life of the parish, and help those seeking to enter the church to form a relationship with a sponsor. Your journey may begin at any time; Christian Initiation is an ongoing, year-round program of inquiry and catechesis, with Confirmation throughout the year and Baptism at the Easter Vigil. Catechetical sessions are at St. James, with baby-sitting available for participants.
Faith Sharing 6th-8th Grade
6th-8th Grade Faith Sharing
Faith Sharing meets weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00pm. All grades will gather in the gym from 6:30-7:00 pm for social time, introductions, announcements and opening prayer then split into small groups by grade. Group time involves prayer, journaling, exploration of our faith, reflection and games. In addition, we offer other social activities. Parents are invited to stay during this short period to chat, get acquainted and pray with us, as well as, catch the announcements first hand! We will break into small groups after prayer.
Attendance
Though not mandatory, Faith Sharing, allows 6th-8th grade teens to come together to share their own faith journey and discuss how the gospel applies in their own life. We use the readings from the Sunday liturgy as our starting topic for weekly discussions.
Parent Sign Up
Each parent is asked to attend one small group meeting on the date of their choice. This is your opportunity to share in your teen’s faith and the journey he or she is undertaking. Also, PLEASE consider becoming a small group leader! Effective faith sharing thrives in a small, comfortable atmosphere. With fewer catechists, your child’s group becomes less personal, less manageable and less effective for spiritual growth!
Parent Volunteers
Our program is successful solely because of the time, talent and effort of all of our wonderful volunteers. Please check the registration form for all the different areas you could be of service. Extra hands are always welcomed and appreciated! There are opportunities for every commitment level. If you have already turned in your registration form but would like volunteer just send an email to the youth office.
Inclement Weather Policy
As a rule, we will use the Liberty Public Schools as our guide – if classes were cancelled for the day, we too will cancel for the evening. We will also post a message on the Home Page of the website. You can sign up for text alerts as well or call the Youth office 781-4343.
Registration and & Contact
Click This Link to download and print the registration form. Turn in your completed form with payment to the Parish Office.
Contact Denise Whelan 816-781-4343×210 denise.whelan@stjames-liberty.org,
P B & J
OVERVIEW
PB&J is a parent-child class of Catholic faith formation taught through music and movement. Parents (or caregivres) and 
their "infant through pre-school-aged" children are invited to join in this fun and active weekly class that features music and movement, Bible stories and basic Catholic faith formation. Through music and movement, prayer and bible stories, you are better able to teach your child the basics of our faith!
FIND OUT MORE
PB&J Registration Form 2019-2020
Take Home Page including Calendar
What Is the Cost of the Classes?
What Do Our Families Like Best About PB&J?
Contact - Lori Tajchman, Children's Music Ministry Director
781-4343 x209 Lori.Tajchman@StJames-liberty.org
Religious Education
Pre-K (3yr old to 6yr old) thru 5th grade
Recognizing parents as the primary educators of their children in our faith; our ministry strives to support parents in this effort. Sunday morning classes are held for children who are 3 years old by August 1st, through children who are entering the 5th grade. Classes begin in September and end in May. We also we offer the option of class time on Wednesday evening for children in first through fifth grades. Classes begin in September and end in May.
Contact: Joe LaScala 816-781-4343 x208 joe.lascala@stjames-liberty.org
Click the underline links to find out more...
Everything Parents Need To Know
Forms
- Registration Forms 2019-2020 – Enrollment Form
- Volunteer Form – Adult Volunteer Forms
- Youth Helper Form – Youth Volunteer Form
Religious Education News & Events
We will try to publish articles each week relating to current Religious Education News and Special Events. However, we encourage you to also check out each weekly bulletin. Find Out More.
- St. James Pinterest Pages - Various Religious Education pins on Pinterest
- Finding God - Loyola Press
- Catholic Toolbox - a fun blog with ideas for home or classroom use
- Catechists' Journey - a blog from Joe Paprocki, a master catechist with thought provoking discussions and ideas for classroom learning<
- Catholic Moms - A blog aimed at Catholic Moms and promoting Catholic family life<
- Three Minute Retreats - Daily retreats devotionals
Photo Gallery - Coming Soon
As Catholics, we live out our faith life in a most special way through the seven Sacraments of the Church. The Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. The Sacraments of Service are Marriage and Holy Orders. The Sacraments of Healing are Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.
SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION
Adult Confirmation - This ministry serves any adult Catholic wishing the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Contact: Sandy Gagnon 816-781-4343 x206 gene.gagnon@gmail.com
Baptism - For infant and young child baptism, parent preparation is done through group meetings at the home of a lead couple. Older children receive individual preparation and receive the Sacrament of Baptism at the Easter Vigil. (See RCIA).
Contact: Kirsten Maggi 816-781-4343 x202 kirsten.maggi@stjames-liberty.org
First Communion - The child’s preparation for reception of this sacrament is done in the home. Parents participate in two preparation meetings-one at the beginning of the process and one towards the end-to support them in their efforts. The children celebrate the sacrament with their families during the Easter season. Please check the bulletin for times & dates.
Contact: Cecilia Richardson 816-781-4343 x208 cecilia@stjames-liberty.org
First Reconciliation - The child’s preparation for reception of this sacrament is done in the home. Parents participate in two preparation meetings-one at the beginning of the process and the other towards the end-to support them in their efforts. The children will celebrate the sacrament with their families in the fall. Please check the bulletin for times and dates.
Contact: Cecilia Richardson 816-781-4343 x208 cecilia@stjames-liberty.org
Confirmation - The Rite of Confirmation occurs in the Spring of the 10th grade year. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the Month October through April at 7pm - 8:45pm (after the 6:00pm Mass.). We meet both in small group setting and occasionally as a large group. Registration is in August of freshman year.
Contact: Denise Whelan 816-781-4343 x210 denise.whelan@stjames-liberty. org
SACRAMENTS OF SERVICE
Arrangements must be made six months in advance of the ceremony. Marriage instructions are by appointment with one of the priests. According to the Marriage Policy of the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph, the marriage preparation process requires all couples to complete a premarital assessment (FOCCUS), and attend two Saturday sessions given by the Diocese. As an option, couples can be involved in the parish-based Lead Couple Program (four 2-hour sessions) or the Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend.
Contact: Fr. Mike Roach 816-781-4343 x201 frmike@stjames-liberty.org
Engaged Encounter - One part of preparation for marriage which is offered to our engaged couples is an Engaged Encounter Weekend, presented by a team of two married couples and a priest. Lead couples must be Catholic, be living a sacramental way of life, believe in Natural Family Planning, follow the teachings of the Catholic Church regarding marriage, and be married at least two years. Engaged Encounter Weekends are offered once a month in our Diocese. Lead couples are trained and present about two weekends a year.
Contact: Fr. Mike Roach 816-781-4343 x201 frmike@stjames-liberty.org
SACRAMENTS OF HEALING
Anointing the Sick - The Anointing of the Sick is available not only for those in danger of death, but for all who are suffering from serious chronic illness, those of advanced years who are experiencing the fragility and decline of health, and those who are soon to undergo serious surgery.
Contact: Parish Office (816) 781-4343
An adult religious education group held every Saturday from 10 to 11 am in the school library. Participants discuss topics of interest to Catholics. It is an informal group for anyone to attend as often as they wish.
Contact - Deacon Chuck Koesterer 816-781-4343 x223 chuck@stjames-liberty.org
The St. James Catholic School Community, a ministry of the parish, empowers students grades K-8th to achieve their full academic and Christian potential, become prayerful, lifelong learners and good stewards of God’s gifts. Find out more...
That Man is You is part of a national organizational men’s group that meets on Saturday mornings at 6:15 am in the Social Hall. Find out more...