Due to the pandemic, an alternate Faith Formation program has been developed and will be mailed to the homes of registered children every month supported by online assistance from our Catechetical Team.
The program will begin in October at a reduced cost ($45/student) and begin in October to avoid the typical onslot of typical school year activities.
Faith Formation Materials For New Students Can be Arranged for Pickup at the Parish Center
Lesson plans, crafts, and activities will be sent directly to your home each month. Complete the lessons on your own schedule, but be sure to send us a picture of you and your crafts or activities for the week - we’d like to feature some of your hard work on our Facebook!
The Purpose of Our Catechetical Ministry is:
To help children ages 3 through 10 (grade 5) grow in faith through instruction, peer group sharing and prayer celebrations.
To provide parents with the resources to help in the faith formation of their children through sacramental preparation classes (Baptism, Eucharist, and Reconciliation).
Catechetical Team
Cole Epping, Director of Children and Adult Formation
Danielle Johnson, Coordinator (Age 3 through Grade 1)
Lauren Schrank Johnston, Elementary Coordinator (Grades 2 through 5)
Age 3 through Grade 5 Catechetical Faith Formation Registration Form when available can be found in the Links section.
PRESCHOOL & GRADE 1 SESSIONS: Pre-school classes are available during the school year for 3 year olds through children in Grade 5. Curriculum is determined according to these age levels:
Level 1: 3 years plus (age 3 by September 1, 2020)
Level 2: 4 years plus (age 4 by September 1, 2020)
Level 3: Kindergarten plus (age 5 by September 1, 2020 or age 6)
Level 4: Grades 2 - 5
Other Children's Programs
Family Catechesis This takes place at home on the alternating weeks that children are not in classes. Instructions are sent home with the preschoolers to provide ideas to work on during time at home with family. During a National Emergency, please see the Links section for Mass at Home resources.
Children's Liturgy of the Word When the preschool classes meet in-person on Sunday, we continue to form our elementary students by providing Children's Liturgy of the Word during Mas at the Parish Center during the 10:00 am Mass. Children's Liturgy of the Word presents the readings of the day to the children in an age appropriate way. Participants do not need to register to attend this program and are invited to the Children's Liturgy of the Word procession during mass. Leaders are also needed for this ministry. An adult leader may be paired with another adult or youth Grade 6 and above (Virtus training and background checks are required).
The Christmas Pageant A St. Joseph tradition! Elementary students perform a Christmas Pageant with 5th grade students taking on the lead roles. Come and enjoy this wonderful show of spirit and joy from our young parishioners at the Parish Center in December!
Vacation Bible School For one week each June, youth of all ages and adult leaders learn about God's love through games, song and activities. Preschool through grade 5 attend with middle and high school youth serving as leaders. Themes vary from year-to-year. We also have a social outreach project during the week and a closing celebration Mass at the Parish Center on Friday that all are welcome to attend. Many adult and teen leaders are needed (VIRTUS training is required.
Registration for this fun-filled week occurs in Spring.