Religious Education Mass Attendance Policy

When prospective parishioners come to St. John the Evangelist to register, they are asked to make two promises. One is to promise to actively participate in the parish through one of our commissions. The other is to promise to regularly attend Mass here at SJE. We feel that in order for someone to feel a part of the parish community, he or she must be regularly attending liturgies with fellow parishioners.

The Church teaches that missing Mass is a mortal sin, consequently our students are taught in the classroom that it is a mortal sin. We feel it is very damaging to children when they are told they are breaking their relationship with God by not attending Mass and then their parents do not regularly bring them to Mass. It confuses them and they do not know what to believe.

For these reasons, regular attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation here at St. John the Evangelist is a necessary part of our students' religious education. At SJE, we feel the only objective way to determine regular Mass attendance is through the use of the envelope system. Envelopes should be used weekly, even if they are empty. All students receiving the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation are required to use their own student envelopes.

Parents are asked to sign a covenant stating that they and their children will regularly attend Mass here at St. John the Evangelist.

View Parent Parish Covenant Rationale

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