Faith Formation

We at St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, are a Catholic community who believe in working together to enhance and extend the faith formation begun by parents. We are committed to the spiritual growth of each individual.

St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Faith Formation students are prepared in the Catholic tradition to become Christ-Centered and are guided toward responsible, moral decision-making in a world of challenged Christian values.

St .Joseph, Husband of Mary Faith Formation program enforces Catholic family values and as a community we grow in faith, prayer, liturgy and service. We promote life-long learning and appreciation for all of God's creation.

Registration Procedure

• Registrations are scheduled throughout the month of April. Classes begin in September.
• Families must be registered in the parish.
• Families must provide a birth certificate and baptismal certificate for each child new to the program. As children receive their sacraments, their church of baptism will be notified.
• Faith promotion registration is open to baptized children in Kindergarten through twelfth grade.
• A $50.00 registration fee per child for books and supplies is required at registration. (Non-Refundable after classes start)
• Class size is limited by space and the number of teachers that are available. Kindergarten through fifth grade is taught in a group format.
• We make every effort to accommodate the session requested.
  
  

Restoring The Orders for Receiving the Sacraments of Initiation

In 2003, St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, was one of two parishes in our Diocese to initiate a change in the order of receiving the sacraments. This means children will be Confirmed at the time they receive First Communion after having completed two years of Confirmation /Communion preparation at our parish. All other children/youth who need the Sacrament of Confirmation will follow the Diocesan policy of preparing in the ninth grade. This preparation is a two-year process. Classes are also set up for on-going Faith Formation for those children who have already received the sacraments.

Calendar of Events

A Faith Formation Calendar, which will include class days and events beginning in September through May will be mailed to each family. Classes are set up according to a nine-month public school calendar.

Attendance

Children preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation and /or (be consistent with words by using) Communion are expected to attend class on a regular basis. Students will be required to make up the work missed during absences.
The best Catechesis learning occurs within the classroom; therefore, regular class attendance is mandatory and the absences cannot exceed five for the year. If a child has accumulated five absences or has three consecutive absences, parents will need to meet with the Director of the respective program. Numerous absences may result in a delay for receiving the sacrament.

Only children who are registered in our program will be allowed to attend class.

The church reserves the right to remove and /or expel any student for any inappropriate behavior.

Parental Involvement

Parental involvement is essential to the Faith Formation of child. Parents are the primary educators in the faith of their children. Faith is first learned at home by what the child observes and experiences.

The following are ways that you and your child can grow in faith:

• Attend Mass together regularly
• Spend time with your child sharing Scripture
• Take time after class to review your child's lesson
• Get to know your child's teacher and what they learning
• Teach your child prayers and pray together
• Attend special Faith Formation classes set up for adults families
  

Parent / Family Meetings

Parents / Guardians of Faith Formation Students are expected to attend certain meetings throughout the year.

Communication

Should a problem arise during the year with a student, the parents are encouraged to first speak to their child's teacher before or after class. It is equally important to maintain open communication concerning achievements and success, not only problems. It is important to know the teacher's name and the class that your child attends.

General Program Information