Faith Formation

 

Welcome to St. Joseph Church Faith Formation Program.                                                                                                                                                                                    

 It is our privilege to assist parents, as primary educators, in educating their children in the Catholic faith. 

“Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child’s earliest years. This already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God. The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents”.  (#2226, Catechism of the Catholic Church)

"Parents are the primary educators in the faith...It is for this reason that the Christian community must give very special attention to parents. By means of personal contact, meetings, courses and also adult catechesis directed toward parents, the Christian community must help them assume their responsibility--which is particularly delicate today--of educating their children in faith. (General Directory of Catechesis, Articles 255 & 227)

Program Overview

Family Formation Grades (K-5): Please read Fr. Terry's letter as an introduction to our program

What is Family Formation? Family Formation is what the title implies--formation for the whole family. Parents and children are catechized together. Parents will be the main catechist (teacher) of the faith for their children.

Who can participate? Families with children in grades K-5. We invite famiies who homeschool or send their children to Catholic School to also participate, as this program is geared at not only in forming the whole family, but strengthening the bonds of community in our parish. 

How does it work? Once a month parents and students will attend class (1st Wednesdays). On 1st Wednesdays, parents will attend their own formation class and pick up materials for the rest of the month. Students will attend class led by a "substitute catechist". The rest of the month, parents will teach their children at home lessons provided. One lesson for the whole family. Here's an example of what a typical month will look like. 

How will I know what to teach? Each month parents will receive a packet of lessons to do at home. Each lesson is written at an elementary level but with adult level instruction to guide and enhance your teaching. We provide all materials, instructions and support. Parents do not have to be experts in the Faith, just willing to devote about an hour a week to quality family time in sharing the Faith. 

What if I have a busy schedule? The nice about this program is that you can taylor it to your family's schedule. No more having to skip Faith Formation because of dance or hockey--you can schedule Faith Formation whenever it's convenient for your family. Some families continue to mark out Wednesday nights or some do it on Sundays after church. It's all up to you! All you need is to take time to review the materials and 1 hour to complete the lesson with your children. 

Also you can take Family Formation anywhere, as you travel or in the car. Any member of your extended family can help you out. Have grandparents do a lesson or two. The program is that adaptable.  

What about my older or younger children? Although the lessons are geared for K-5, younger children can listen and pray with the family and participate as much as able. Older children (especially teens) can be recruited to help with activities and perhaps lead a lesson or prayer. 

What will we be learning? The Family Formation program follows a three-year liturgical cycle, is faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church, is driven by Sacred Scripture, and references the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  It covers all tenets of our Catholic Faith. 

What would a typical 1st Wednesday Family Formation Night look like? TBD
 
Important Dates:
Information/Parent Meeting: TBD
1st Class: TBD
K-5 Schedule: coming soon
 
First Reconciliation and First Communion Preparation: (usually grade 2)

Takes place on Wednesday evenings (time TBD)--except on 1st Wednesdays Family Formation nights. In addition to formation students will attend a reconciliation retreat and First Communion retreat. 

Sacramental prep students are expected to participate in Family Formation nights in addition to sacramental prep classes. See Kindergarten-5th grade schedule above for specific sacramental preparation dates and events. 

 
Middle School "Summit" Program:  (Grades 6-8) Wednesday evenings (time TBD)
We have a new name--but the same great program! (Formally known as EDGE)
We invite our middle school students to reach new heights in their faith! 
 
1st Class: TBD
Middle School "Summit" Schedule: coming soon

Confirmation Sacramental Preparation (Grades 9 & 10)   Wednesday evenings: (time TBD)

Additional activities may take place outside of the classroom time. For more information, click on the Confirmation tab.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word (ages 3-grade 1)    Sunday mornings at the 10:30am Mass

This ministry will begin in September 18--no registration or fees required to participate

 

Summer Formation Programs

Vacation Bible School: TBD

 

 

 

 

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