Catholic Faith Formation


Formation in the Sacramental and Catholic LIfe of Faith


Ongoing sacramental preparation and Catholic faith formation takes place for young people and their families on Monday evenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph's parish school. The curriculum consists of age appropriate study aids called Gospel Weeklies. The Gospel Weeklies include instructional materials which focus on the readings of the Sunday Mass, especially the Gospel, and help young people to grow in their knowledge and understanding of their Catholic faith, the sacraments, Christian living, prayer, and the Church's social teachings.

Dedicated and trained Catechists who are commissioned by St. Joseph Parish facilitate peer group learning sessions.


Lifetime Process


Faith formation begins with understanding God's gift of faith and our Catholic life given to us through Baptism which continues to grow, develop, and mature over the process of a lifetime. The young people who come for continued formation in their Catholic faith do so with the participation and support of their families and the Church community. The Catechists who facilitate learning with young people also learn and grow in their Catholic faith, as do parents who are the first and primary educators in the ways of faith for their children. Throughout our lives we are all in the process of teaching and learning.


Sacramental Preparation


Preparation for the initiation sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation (for those baptized as infants) is ongoing. We are formed in our Catholic faith primarily through our family life and participation in Sunday Mass. Throughout the year we continue to be formed by God's Word and nourished by Holy Communion, sent forth as the Body of Christ to help transform the world into a place of love and peace. We mentor our youth in good works; we are the "textbooks" from which they will most recognize and learn what it means to be Catholic.

The immediate preparation for young people to better understand the Sacramental Rite they will celebrate with their families takes place before Holy Communion in May and before Confirmation in November. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is first celebrated prior to First Holy Communion and is prepared for with youth during the Church seasons of Advent and Lent. Preparation for those youth who are not yet baptized or have not yet celebrated their First Holy Communion will be in a separate program.


Sessions


Hourly sessions are held on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the St. Joseph School building (please enter from the parking lot on the south side of the building). All children are expected to respect the property of others. The families of any young people who recklessly or willfully damage church property will be held responsible.

Regular attendance at Monday night sessions in Catholic faith formation and sacramental life helps assure systematic growth in faith and builds Christian character. It also gives young people a sense of accomplishment and strengthens the faith of the family. Perfect or near perfect attendance is recognized at the end of each semester. If your family member is unable to attend a session, please call the church office (544-7426) or, on Monday night, the school (523-6597).


Registration


Young people in Kindergarten through 8th grade must be registered in the program in order to attend sessions at St. Joseph's. Parents and siblings of youth who have already completed the program are always welcome.

Cancellations


Cancellations due to severe weather will be communicated by catechists to families via phone message. If schools are closed due to weather or holidays, sessions will not be held. Please consult the calendar in the brochure or the online Parish Calendar.

Student Fees


One child = $30
Two children = $40
Three or more = $50

The fee includes all program materials and supplies for students and their families: sacramental supplements, Family Night materials for the liturgical seasons, take-home communications, paper and art supplies, and other enrichment materials.

We are on a limited budget. Please make your payment in the first session of the catechetical year.