Faith Formation and Catechesis
St. James’ Family and Faith Formation encompasses religious instruction for students in elementary school, junior high, and high school. Additionally, we offer OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), Bible Study and other religious enrichment programs for adults which are held periodically.
Religious Education
We aspire to make St. James a spiritual home for 1st-12th grade students. Together with families and the St. James community, they’ll thrive in living their Catholic faith and grow in their understanding of their identities as beloved children of God. As they go forth from St. James, they will be able to walk confidently in our modern world with the foundation of our faith and a relationship with Jesus to guide them.
St. James' Elementary Religious Education (ERE) progam works in collaboration with parents to share the joy of faith with the children of our parish through a Scripture-based program. ERE serves students in 1st through 6th grades.
St. James' Secondary Religious Education (SRE) program offers opportunities for junior-high and high-school students to learn about their faith, serve others, and connect with their faith community in order to grow as Catholics and deepen their relationship with Jesus.
Registration opens for existing program families on June 8th, 2026 (see email) and will launch here for all families on July 1st, 2026.
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
OCIA prepares non-Catholics and non-confirmed Catholics for full communion with the church. It is a journey through which adults learn about the teachings of Jesus and learn how to put these teachings into practice by living as part of the Catholic community, serving others, and praying. OCIA is for three groups of people: those who have never been baptized in any faith, those who were baptized in another Christian faith, and baptized Catholics who have not received the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. For more information, please contact Julie Parnow, OCIA Coordinator, by email at ocia@stjamespetaluma.org and leave your name and telephone number in your email.