Faith Formation
Understanding the Catholic Faith
The goal of Faith Formation at St. Joseph's is to support your relationship with God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In this section you will find resources and information to live Catholic Stewardship by increasing your faith, strengthening your hope and deepening your love of God and neighbor. Knowing God involves a relationship. God reveals Himself to us and we respond to this gift as thankful stewards of His providence.
Below are just some of the programs we have available, for a more detailed list, see the links in the drop-down menus above.
A Safe Environment
St. Joseph's maintains a strict training protocol for clergy, employees and volunteers who provide direct services to or have unsupervised contact with children. As mandated or ethical reporters of child abuse, all clergy, employees and volunteers, before working unsupervised with children, will be required to complete the Live Scan process which includes fingerprinting and background check and receive a clearance from the Safe Environment Training Manager’s Office as well as complete the Virtus training course and present a certificate of completion to the parish Safe Environment Coordinator.
Children's Faith Formation
(Ages 4 and up in Grades 1-5)
Children's Faith Formation helps prepare children to receive their sacraments, but its primary emphasis is on forming faith for their entire lives!
Sacrament preparation for children typically begins in second grade (no younger than 7 years old). Children are prepared to participate in reconciliation (confession) after their first year of the program and Holy Communion after their second year of the program.
Teen Faith Formation
Youth Ministry (Grades 6-12)
St. Joseph's Confirmation preparation program is where teens from grades 6-12 are welcomed, loved, & always have a place. Teens meet for sacramental preparation, catechesis, fellowship, as well as numerous other activities weekly throughout the catechetical year.
We also have a dynamic Youth Group that meets Sunday nights. This group meets for fun, food, and fellowship - it is completely voluntary and does not count toward sacrament preparation.
Adult Faith Formation
Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the way that the Catholic Church helps people prepare for life as an adult Catholic. If you are interested in becoming Catholic, completing your own sacraments of initiation (e.g., communion or confirmation), or just wish to have questions about the faith answered, this is the place for you!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Bible Studies and Sacrament Preparation
Throughout the year we offer different opportunities for adults to delve deeper into the riches of God’s revealed truth through adult Bible and Faith studies. In order to help facilitate this component of sacramental preparation of students, St. Joseph’s offers numerous adult faith formation opportunities. Several formats and schedules are available at varying times throughout each year.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
St. Joseph’s also provides catechetical processes for those wishing to have their children (under age 7) baptized, or wish to get married in the Catholic Church. See the menu above for these offerings!