Dear Parishioners,

It’s with great enthusiasm that we announce the start of an exciting new approach to religious education here at St. Joseph's!

The basic idea behind this new program is to teach the Catholic faith to parents, that they might then teach the faith to their own children.

On hearing about this concept, some parents have expressed the concern, “But I’m not trained as a teacher! And I’m worried I don’t know enough about our religion!” As Jesus told us so often, we repeat: Do not be afraid! As a parent, you will be provided with the material and tools you need to accomplish this crucial task.

And there’s something more that you’ve already been given. Whenever a child is baptized in the Catholic Church, the child’s parents are reminded that, in asking for his or her baptism, they are accepting the responsibility of training their son or daughter in the practice of the faith and the duty to bring him or her up to keep God’s commandments. The religious education of their own children is part of the God-given vocation of parents, and the Lord never calls us to do something without also giving us everything we need to accomplish it. So, on top of the essential materials and tools our parish will provide, God has given you his grace to do this! And that’s something no teacher in the classroom could ever claim.

The first session for A Family of Faith is scheduled for September 12th from 10:00 - 11:20 am.

We look forward to embarking on this new venture with you and allowing Jesus to transform our parish into a family of faith.

In Christ’s peace,

Church of St. Joseph

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Our Parish making this big change in religious education? Our “traditional” classroom program which served us well in the past is no longer the best way to serve families. Its past success depended on families regularly participating in Sunday Mass and actively practicing their faith at home, but these can no longer be taken for granted. A Family of Faith fosters both.
How does A Family of Faith work? A parent/adult session is held near the beginning of each month, to help parents deepen their own knowledge of the Catholic faith. (While only one parent is required to attend, both are highly encouraged to do so—which is why children's catechesis will happen at the same time.) There are two at-home lessons (30-45 minutes each) to be completed per month, with additional activities to help make the Catholic faith a part of your family’s daily life. And then there is a community meeting near the end of each month, which is for the entire family, to build community and ensure accountability.
Where is this all happening? And what’s the schedule? We’re a busy family! There’s a lot more flexibility in A Family of Faith than in a traditional religious education program. The program runs from September to May and we will be meeting in our brand new parish hall on Sunday mornings, from 10:00-11:20 (so you could go to either the 9 am mass or the 11:30 am mass, whichever works best for your family!)
You get to determine when to do the two monthly at-home lessons, on your family’s schedule, and at your child’s level. A calendar for the year will be provided at the first parent session.
Who is this for? What if we don’t have children or our kids are grown? The at-home lessons are geared for kids in grades K-8, but all parishioners are most welcome to get involved. Teens can help teach younger siblings, or assist with children's catechesis. All adults can come and benefit from the teaching during the parent sessions, and those without their own children might consider volunteering to accompany and mentor another family that could use a helping hand.
What about First Penance, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation? Sacramental preparation will happen alongside A Family of Faith - the children will have their classes during the monthly parent session. Families who have children that will receive one of these Sacraments this year must participate in A Family of Faith. First Holy Communion takes place in 2nd grade and Confirmation in 7th grade.
Who is running this program? Our Director of Religious Education, Nicole Bogatz, and our Dominican Friars - with the help of any volunteers that want to assist. We are always in need of faithful parishioners to help us with the monthly children's catechesis.
Why is there a cost for registration? We believe this small investment by each family will make a big return, while also encouraging a family’s ongoing involvement.
Learn more about A Family of Faith? Visit https://sophiainstituteforteachers.org/shop/family-of-faith.

Register Online Today!