Children's Faith Formation and Ministries:

General Information

St. Joseph’s parish is committed to providing faith formation opportunities for all ages and levels of learning. Our faith formation classes are inclusive as much as possible. Children with special needs who cannot learn in a conventional classroom will be assisted on an individual basis as outlined in a Religious Education Individual Education Plan formulated with parents, the coordinator of religious education, and special education professionals.

Children's Liturgy of the Word

Children ages four through grade one have the opportunity to participate in the Children’s Liturgy of the Word at the 10:00 a.m. Mass, September through May. A catechist and assistants lead children out of the worship space (before the First Reading) to the Holy Family Adoration Chapel to hear the readings in language appropriate for their age and to discuss them, and return to the worship space during  The Creed.

If you are interested in being a leader, please contact Kate. Training is provided.
 

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori approach to education, which focuses on self-directed activity and hands-on learning. CGS seeks to create and facilitate a sacred, “hands-on space” in which both the children and their catechists can hear, ponder, and celebrate the essential mysteries of the Catholic faith as revealed in Scripture and the Liturgy.

Currently Level I (ages 3-6) and Level II (ages 6-9) are offered.
 

Elementary Faith Formation

For children in grades 1-5, religious education classes are offered to complement and assist parents in the religious education of their children. The students, with their catechist and classmates, learn about God, Jesus, the sacraments, Sacred Scripture, the Church, and their faith. 
 
Children in grades K-11 are taught a personal safety curriculum as mandated by our diocesan Safe Environment program. Parents are informed of these lessons and the dates they are scheduled to be taught.