Formation & Catechesis
Religious Education
Growing in faith together — from children to adults.
Our Mission
Faith Formation for All Ages
Our Religious Education program exists to help parishioners of all ages grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ and His Church. We offer catechesis for children, confirmation preparation for youth, and adult formation for those seeking a deeper faith or preparing to enter the Church.
Buen Pastor / Good Shepherd
Ages 3–7
Holy Communion
Ages 8–17
Youth Confirmation
Ages 15–17
Young Adult
Ages 18+
OCIA Adult Program
Adults — All Ages
OCIA Children Program
Ages 7–17
What You'll Need
Enrollment Requirements
Requirements vary by program. Most programs require proof of Baptism for students who have already been baptized, and proof of Birth Certificate for OCIA programs. Please review the individual program tabs below for specific document requirements. All registration is done in person at the Religious Education office.
Fee Schedule
Buen Pastor / Good Shepherd
$65 one student · $85 two students
Holy Communion
$135 one student · $220 two students · $355 three students · $490 four students
Youth Confirmation
$165 per student
Young Adult (Adult Confirmation)
$175 per student
OCIA Children Program
$165 per student
OCIA Adult Program
$185 per student
🎓 Ages: 3 – 7
📍 Location: Small Church · 269 W. Third Street, Perris, CA
The Good Shepherd Program is an introductory faith formation class for our youngest parishioners. Children ages 3 to 7 are welcomed into a nurturing environment where they begin to learn about God's love, the Church, and the foundations of the Catholic faith. This program prepares children to enter the Holy Communion Program when they are ready. No documents are required to register.
Contact: Maricarmen Balcazar, Religious Education Director · maricatg21@gmail.com
Day
Tuesday
Wednesday
Time
5PM - 6PM
5:30PM - 6:30PM
Language
English
Spanish
🎓 Ages: 8 – 17
📍 Location: Small Church · 269 W. Third Street, Perris, CA
The Holy Communion Program prepares children and young people to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. This is a two-year formation journey covering prayer, the Mass, the sacraments, and the moral life of a Catholic. Students must already be baptized to enroll. A copy of the Baptism certificate is required for first-year students only. Copies of documents only are accepted — originals are not needed. Students and parents will not be able to register without the required documentation.
Contact: Contact the RE office at saintjamesreligiosed@gmail.com
Day
Tuesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Notes
1st year students only
1st year students only
2nd year students only
1st and 2nd year students
Language
Spanish
English
Spanish
English
🎓 Ages: 15 – 17
📍 Location: Small Church · 269 W. Third Street, Perris, CA
The Youth Confirmation Program guides teenagers through a two-year journey of faith formation as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Students grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith through classes, retreats, and active participation in the life of the Church. Second-year students are expected to participate in parish activities and retreats. Students involved in extracurricular activities such as sports are still required to meet all program requirements. A copy of the Baptism certificate is required for first-year students only.
Contact: Terry Rodriguez, 1st Year Facilitator · trod80@gmail.com
Day
Every other Saturday (twice a month)
Every other Wednesday (twice a month)
Notes
1st and 2nd year students
1st and 2nd year students
Language
English
Spanish
🎓 Ages: 18 and above
📍 Location: Small Church · 269 W. Third Street, Perris, CA
The Young Adult Program is designed for adults 18 and older who are seeking to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion and Confirmation. This program meets twice a month on Friday evenings and includes faith formation classes and participation in the sacramental and liturgical life of the parish. Students must already be baptized and must provide a copy of their Baptism certificate to register. Enrollment is not possible without this documentation.
Contact: Contact the RE office at saintjamesreligiosed@gmail.com
Day
Every other Friday (twice a month)
Time
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Language
English
🎓 Ages: Adults — All Ages
📍 Location: Small Church · 269 W. Third Street, Perris, CA
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) accompanies adults preparing to receive the three Sacraments of Initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion — and enter fully into the Catholic Church. This program includes active participation in the rituals and liturgical life of the parish throughout the year, as well as fulfilling Mass obligations. An interview with a catechist is required before enrollment. Only copies of documents are accepted at registration.
Contact: Licha Herrera, Facilitator · tiburonrn@gmail.com
Day
Thursday
Time
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Language
English, Spanish
🎓 Ages: 7 – 17 (unbaptized)
📍 Location: Small Church · 269 W. Third Street, Perris, CA
The OCIA Children Program is for children and young people ages 7 to 17 who have not yet been baptized and are preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic Church. The program spans two years, with students being evaluated at the end of every year. Sessions begin online for the first year and move to in-person formation in the second year. An interview with the parents and student is required before enrollment. Contact the Religious Education office to schedule your interview.
Contact: Maricarmen Balcazar, Religious Education Director · maricatg21@gmail.com
Day
Every other Tuesday (twice a month)
Every other Tuesday (twice a month)
NOTES
1st year students — via Zoom
2nd year students — in person
Language
Contact RE office
Contact RE office