Ministries

Pathways

St. John's family formation suite. Sequenced steps for families walking into deeper Catholic life, from first encounter through mission.

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At a Glance

Pathways is St. John's family faith formation program for all families with children aged infant–17. Families participate in a mix of At-Church sessions on select Wednesday evenings and At-Home sessions throughout the week.

At-Church sessions run on Wednesday nights, beginning August 26th, with:

Free optional dinner provided at 5:30pm
Formation for ages 5-17 from 6:00–7:30 PM
Free childcare available for infant - 4 years

At-Home sessions take about 20–30 minutes and we set you up for success with all the materials and prompts provided.

In addition to ongoing family faith formation, Pathways also prepares for children for the sacraments of:

First Reconciliation
First Communion
Confirmation

Pathways is completely free, including dinner and childcare for the littlest members of your family.

Seek

Four At-Church Sessions beginning August 26th.

Seek consists of four weekly Wednesday sessions beginning August 26th. Each At-Church session will begin with an optional free dinner from 5:30-6pm, followed by programming from 6-7:30. Parents and children meet separately during teaching, then come back together for closing prayer.

The evenings are closer to a short retreat than a class where families encounter the good news of the Gospel.

Root

A mix of At-Church and At-Home sessions from late September to mid-December.

Our Root series is a mixture of At-Church and At-Home sessions teaching the foundations of the Catholic faith with separate tracks for parents, teens, and children. Each family will receive a box with all content and materials needed to lead the At-Home sessions.

January and On

A tailored mix of At-Church and At-Home sessions.

Beginning in January, your family's Pathway will be tailored to your children's sacramental needs and/or your family's stage.

Register

Registration Form

Pathways Registration

Family Faith Formation registration for the 2026-2027 year.

Common Questions

How often do we meet?

Families participate in a combination of At-Church Sessions and At-Home Sessions. This creates flexibility while still building consistency and community.

What happens during At-Church Sessions?

At-Church Sessions happen on select Wednesday evenings. Dinner is provided at 5:30 PM, and formation runs from 6:00–7:30 PM.

Evenings include prayer and teaching, age-based small groups, family discussion, community building, and activities for children and teens.

What are the At-Home Sessions like?

At-Home Sessions are simple guided faith experiences designed for real family life. Most sessions take about 20–30 minutes.

We provide conversation prompts, prayer experiences, hands-on activities, easy instructions, and all the materials and resources you need.

The goal is not perfection. The goal is simply creating intentional moments of faith together.

What if we miss a session?

We understand that families are busy and life happens. If you miss an At-Church Session, we will help you stay connected and continue your family's journey.

Consistent participation matters, especially for sacramental preparation, but we are committed to walking with families through real-life circumstances.

What if my child plays sports or has other activities?

We know families are balancing many responsibilities. Pathways was intentionally designed with fewer in-person meetings and more flexibility than traditional weekly classroom models.

We ask families to prioritize faith formation as an important part of family life while also recognizing that schedules can be challenging.

Is there a cost?

No. Pathways is free. Donations are always welcome to help offset meals, supplies, and materials.

Is childcare available?

Yes. Childcare is available for younger children during At-Church Sessions.

Can I drop my child off at the program?

No. While we offer supplemental youth ministry options where Middle or High Schoolers are dropped off for community and formation, Pathways operates with families together.

This is responding to the Church's vision and Bishop Bill's request that parishes form families together in faith.

What age children is this for?

With childcare for the littlest and breakout groups for ageds 5-17, children of all ages will find something at Pathways.

Is sacrament prep a part of this program? First Communion? Confirmation?

Yes! Baptized children who will be ages 7-17 will receive the sacraments of First Communion and/or Confirmation at our Restored Order Mass in July 2027.

Have a current 5 year old? They will begin Pathways this year (August 2026) as the start of their sacramental prep to receive their First Communion and Confirmation in summer of 2028.

What if my child needs to be baptised?

You're in the right place! Contact Jera Blanchard-Towns at [email protected] to let her know. She'll reach out and get you going!

What is Restored Order?

Restored Order returns the Sacraments of Christian Initiation to their original sequence: Baptism, Confirmation, and then First Holy Communion. Children around the age of reason (about age 7), when properly prepared and disposed, will receive Confirmation and First Holy Communion at the same Mass, emphasizing the Eucharist as the culmination of Christian initiation. To learn more, including Bishop Wack's pastoral letter and answers to common questions, visit the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee's Restored Order page: ptdiocese.org/restoredorder.

How do we register?

Families can register online through the parish website. Registration opens May 10, 2026.

Who do I contact with questions?

Email Jera Blanchard-Towns at [email protected] or call the parish office at (850) 763-1821.