Religious Education

The mission of St. Joseph Religious Education Program is to teach the doctrines of the Roman Catholic faith to the children of St. Joseph Parish who attend a school where the Catholic religion is not part of their curriculum. In addition, we strive to build a spirit of Christian community, to foster a spirit of prayer that will enable growth in intimacy with Jesus, and to encourage students, according to their age and ability, to reach out to all people in a spirit of loving service.

About St. Joseph Religious Education
The St. Joseph School of Religious Education is a catechetical program offered to students in Grades K-8 who do not attend a Catholic School. The program we use is Word of Life, published by the Augustine Institute.  It incorporates the Bible, the Catechism, the Theology of the Body, the Mass, saints and evangelizing into each week and each year builds on the next.  The fee is $90 for the first child and $80 per each additional child in the family for the year.  This includes a book and all instructional materials. Registration AFTER THE START OF CLASSES will be an additional fee.

Additionally, we offer Order of Christian Initiation adapted for children and a Special Needs class as part of our program. For families who wish to work on faith formation with their children at home, a homeschool curriculum is available which is the same program as 
in-class students.

When are Classes?

Session times are 10:10-11:25 AM on Sundays. Our school year starts the week after Labor Day and ends the week before Memorial Day.

All classes are held in the parish school building.  Please review the arrival and dismissal procedures below.

Special Needs Classes are held in the parish school building, as well, and will follow the same schedule as Grades 1-8 with appropriate specialized classes.

Session times for Order of Christian Initiation adapted for children and teens are 7:00-8:30 PM on Wednesdays and are held in the church meeting rooms. 

SJY-RE Floor Plan (SJY School) 

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES


How can Families Register?

****Registration for the 2025-26 year will open by August 1, 2025.***

For any questions or inquiries, please contact [email protected].

If you are a member of the parish, you may complete a Religious Education Registration Form REGISTRATION FORM

If you are not a member of the parish, please JOIN OUR PARISH   

Families need to first register with the parish as members prior to registering for the Religious Education program.

Thank you for your commitment to the faith formation of your family! 

 
How is Sacramental Preparation Completed?
Sacramental preparation is provided through class sessions for the students, parent education sessions to assist parents in helping their children prepare for the reception of the sacraments, follow-up activities for the home, retreats for the students, and liturgical celebrations. In the Diocese of Harrisburg, students are required to prepare at least two years for the reception of the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Please call the Religious Education Office for information.

First Holy Communion Registration Form 

Confirmation Registration Form
Confirmation Sponsor Form
GOWN ORDER FORM

Service Hours Form 
 

Thank you so much for a great year. I appreciate all your time and dedication for the children. -- Religious Ed Parent

Thank you for a wonderful year of Religious Ed.  While this year has been atypical, we feel it has been very successful.  We really like the new textbook and both my son and I have enjoyed doing lessons together.  It has been a terrific bonding and spiritual experience for us. -- Religious Ed Parent