Religious Education

Religious Education Mission Statement

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 1-8 who do not attend a Catholic School. NEW PROGRAM this year - CHRIST OUR LIFE. The fee remains the same at $75.00 per child for the year.  This includes a book and all instructional materials.

We also offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, which is a Montessori hands-on religious education formation for children in Kindergarten.

Additionally, we offer RCIC (Rite of Christian Initation 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 home school curriculum is available which is the same program as in-class students.

RELIGIOUS ED REOPENING PLAN

When are Classes?
Session times are 10:00-11:00 AM on Sunday.  Mass is at 9:00 AM.  Class starts at 10:00 AM.  If you are unable to attend 9:00 AM Mass, there are other options--5:00 PM, 7:00 AM, 11:30 AM as well as on the front lawn via loudspeakers or from your car in the parking lot or via live-stream on Facebook.

Classes for Grades 1-8 are held in the parish school building.  Please review the arrival and dismissal procedures below.

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd  for Kindergarten is held in the church building and will follow the same schedule as Grades 1-8. 



How can Families Register?

Registration is closed at this time.  Thank you.

If you are a member of the parish, please 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.

The COVID Acknowledgement form needs to be signed and returned before September 13th.  You will receive one with your registration letter.  

COVID-19 ACKNOWLEGEMENT

If you have any questions about registering for Religious Ed, email Marie Nelson at nelson@sjy.org.

 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 

How are weekly lesson reviews submitted?
Both on-campus and homeschool will access https://www.loyolapress.com/faith-formation/christ-our-life/christ-our-life-2016/parents-and-students/.  You will scroll to the bottom of the screen and click on your grade and submit an "Interactive Chapter Review" weekly by Wednesday.  The email address will be on the folder provided with your instructional materials and is associated with your student’s grade.  A catechist is assigned to your student so that they may be an aide to you if needed.  Our aim is to create a community for caring and support. Click on the button below for detailed instructions.
How to Access Loyola Press