Religious Education

NOTE: The last class will be on Sunday May 13th EXCEPT for the Confirmation class.

Confirmation class will continue to meet until the sacrament is administered.

2011-2012 Calendar

Religious Education Director
William Doran, IV

We support solid formation in understanding the truths of our faith as well as promoting application of those truths in our daily lives. Further, we at St. Joseph’s recognize the need for lifelong catechesis and for good and proper sacrament preparation.

Brief outline of program

I. Serving the Entire Membership
     1. Preschool – 12th
     2. Adult
     3. Sacrament Preparation
     4. Altar Server Preparation
     5. Teacher Preparation
     6. Special Needs
     7. Conversion

II. On Going Catechesis
     8. Basic Catechism
     9. Baltimore
     10. Catechism of Trent
     11. The New Catechism
     12. Sacrament Preparation
     13. Understanding the Mass
     14. Latin
     15. Scripture

III. Special Programs
     16. Family Catechesis
     17. Advent
     18. Epiphany
     19. Lent
     20. Summer Program
     21. Teacher Workshops

Mission Statement

Holy Mother Church, in all her wisdom, recognizes the essential and primary role of parents in teaching, disciplining, and ministering to their children. The primary role and responsibility of catechizing children rests, and remains with, the parents.

Only through the sacramental grace of Holy Matrimony are parents enabled to achieve the monumental task before them. This task is not limited to preparation for life in this world, but also encompasses no less than preparation for entrance into the eternal happiness of Heaven.

As parents progress on their journey as first teachers of their children, they go forth not alone in their travels. They are accompanied by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the love of Christ, the support of our Holy Mother the Church, and the protective Mantle of Mary.

Necessary for our mission as teachers and apostles of Christ, we promise always to impart the true teachings of our Holy Mother the Church, to be always loyal to the teaching Magisterium, and to always care for those entrusted to our care as our own children.

“Since parents have conferred life on their children, they have a most solemn obligation to educate their offspring. Hence, parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role as educators is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it.” (Gravissimum Educationis #3)

Program Objectives

To assist in fulfilling our Lord's directive "Go out and teach all nations".
To support and encourage parents in their mission of catechizing their children.
To provide and recommend good Catholic materials and resources for use by families.
To promote growth and sustenance of our Faith by prayer, sacrament and sacrifice.
To assist parents and clergy in sacramental preparation.
To prepare Christian leadership for tomorrow through teaching and example.
To assist all parishioners in learning about their faith.
To promote responsibility and ownership of all parishioners in discipling and catechizing youth and new members through example (i.e. works of charity).
To always endeavor to discern truth and adhere to the true teachings of our Holy Mother, the Church.
To promote loyalty to the Magisterium of the church.
To promote a love for learning and facilitate a quest for knowledge - "Gain knowledge, gain understanding".
To promote a healthy respect and reverence for our church, its clergy and its members.
To prepare future teachers.
To pray for and promote sanctity of human life, unity of family and church, and wisdom in leaders.
To dispel erroneous teachings and misconceptions about the church.
To promote and provide opportunity for acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity, and both spiritual and corporal works of Mercy.
To network with other ministries to meet stated objectives by providing appropriate opportunities (i.e. retreats, community service, etc.).