This is the required religious education program for public school students in grades 1 to 8. Pre-K and kindergarten classes are offered, but not required. Students study the same Religion textbooks as do the students in St. Joseph School; however, they meet on a more limited schedule. Trained, background-checked, volunteer catechists teach classes that are mostly less than 20 students in a group. Children in grades Pre-K-5 attend classes from 9:30-10:40 AM on Sundays during the school year, and grades 6- 8 meet at least twice each month from 6:00-8:00 on Sunday evenings. By order of the Diocese, children who wish to celebrate sacraments with their class MUST have completed PSR for two consecutive years - grades 1 & 2 for First Penance and First Holy Communion and grades 7 & 8 for Confirmation. For schedule of 2012-2013 class year click here. Registration for Sunday School will be taken on ONE DAY ONLY: Sunday, September 9, following the 8:30Mass. This is a mandatory Parent Meeting, and Registration can only be done at this time!!!
This new initiative of the Cluster Parishes of St. Joseph, Holy Spirit and St. Raphael has been developed to meet the needs of those over 18 who did not celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation as children. A six -week session meets during Lent to teach (or re-teach) the basic tenets of our faith in preparation for the celebration of this sacrament when the bishop visits each of the three parishes or at the diocesan celebration of Adult Confirmation on the vigil of Pentecost at the Cathedral. The class is taught by the RCIA leaders of the cluster parishes.
Vacation Bible School is a one-week summer curriculum geared towards children in grades K-4. Through a well-developed fun theme, Bible stories, music, activities, and crafts, children learn about loving Jesus in a deeper way. Directors, teachers, and volunteers are all needed to make this program a success.
Familia is an International Catholic lay apostalate of the Church committed to the well being of the family. It is dedicated to meeting the challenges facing the family in contemporary society, through the integral formation of each participant. Familia teams meet twice monthly to reflect on the gospel, study the catechism, and discuss church documents. Familia teams are formed throughout the summer and sessions begin in early fall.
This ministry focuses on contributing to the spiritual growth and development of the parish. Members of the ministry recommend and facilitate programs, activities and speakers that will enhance a closer relationship of parishioners with God and with each other. Spiritual Life meets on the first Monday of the month. New members are always welcome.
This is an opportunity for individuals interested in learning more about God's word as given us in sacred Scripture. The format is weekly study and discussion. Each offering typically lasts 6 weeks. A variety of Scripture selections, themes and topics are chosen for group discussion, study and prayer. Familiarity with Scripture or theology is not necessary and new participants are always welcome.
A Pre-Baptismal sacramental program is required for expectant parents to update their knowledge of this life-giving sacrament with the focus on community. Couples and single parents share their faith experience and traditions of their families with the expectant parents. This class is required for the first child in the family to be baptized, but is not required for further children. The class is rotated through several neighboring parishes. Check the bulletin for details.
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is for people interested in joining the Catholic Church or for Catholics who want to strengthen their understanding of their faith and teachings of the church. RCIA meets on Sunday evenings from 6:00-8:00 from October to Easter.
This program is part of RCIA, but this one is for children in grades 3-9. It is taught in small groups about God's love, Catholic beliefs, prayer and church membership. RCIC is scheduled as needed with Lorrie Coughlin, Director of Religious Education.