Faith Formation
The mission of
St. Joseph's Faith Formation Commission is to educate each parishioner
to serve the world as a responsible Christian. We believe that every
person is unique and valuable because all life comes from God.
Education in this sense means recognizing that each parishioner is
unique spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and
physically. The Faith Formation commission along with all members of
St. Joseph parish will provide a safe Christian environment in which
all can become life long learners who are prepared to cope with today's
changing world and be responsible, contributing members of a global
society.
Members:
Karen Painter
Bill Redmond
Kyla Schaefer
Contact Person: Emily Herr, Coordinator for Religious Education 937-2200
Is God calling you to serve on the Faith Formation Commission?
We are looking for new members. Call Emily at the Parish Office,
937-2200.
Faith Formation For Adults: The commission organizes adult faith
formation programs in the parish. A variety of programs are available
so that parishioners may choose what best suits their needs.
Current activities are: "Why Catholic?" and "The Great Adventure
Bible Study". Contact Emily Herr 937-2200
Faith Formation For Children/Youth: The commission
assists the CRE in determining the best methods to present the required
material to our children. They oversee the selection of new textbooks
suggested by the diocese when needed. The commission also strives to be
in contact with those parents whose children do not participate in our
Religious Education program to determine the reason and how our parish
can be of assistance to them. Classes for Grades 1-12 meet on Wednesday
evenings from 6:30-7:45pm in the St. Joseph Parish Center. St.
Nicholas, Mary, Help of Christians, and St. Joseph juniors and seniors
all meet at the St. Joseph Confraternity Room. Liturgy of the Word For
Children is during the 4pm Saturday Mass from September through April.
This is for Age 3 - Kindergarten.
Contact Emily Herr 937-2200
Confirmation Preparation:
The Confirmation Program is coordinated with the program at St.
Nicholas Parish. High School Sophomores meet for a year of preparation
before receiving the Sacrament in February.
Contact Emily Herr 937-2200
First Communion and First Reconciliation:
The commission assists the CRE in preparing the parents and our
children celebrating First Communion and Reconciliation. A retreat is
organized for parents and students to prepare for these sacraments.
First Communion is held in the Spring of 2nd grade year. The year of
class is required prior to making First Communion.
Contact Emily Herr 937-2200
Vacation Bible School (VBS):
Held in common with St. Nicholas and Mary, Help of Christians, this
exciting week teaches our children to get to know Jesus and to learn
about Him through bible stories. VBS is usually held in July and runs
from Sunday – Thursday in the evening. Volunteers are always
needed!
Contact Emily Herr 937-2200
“Why Catholic”:
This is a diocesan wide program which is instituted on the parish
level. Faith is both personal and ecclesial. This is what makes faith
sharing so important: it respects the fundamental nature of faith. In
our sharing we need to respect this sense that we are each on a faith
journey, and that we each travel at different speeds and may be at a
different stage of that journey. This program consists of the four
pillars of the Catholic Church with two six-week sessions of small
groups
of 8 to 10 parishioners.
Contact Emily Herr 937-2200
RCIA:
The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the liturgical and
catechetical process by means of which new members are initiated into
the Catholic Church. Although designed initially for the non-baptized,
the RCIA has been adapted to bring members baptized into other
Christian traditions into full communion with the Catholic Church as
well. The RCIA is established for both adults and children of
catechetical age (6 and above) who are to be brought into the Catholic
Church on Holy Saturday through the reception of Baptism, Confirmation,
and Eucharist.
Contact Deacon Jim Woebkenberg 937-4326
