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.

How are weekly lesson reviews submitted?
Both on-campus and homeschool have access to the Loyola Press website.  Click on the link above to access the Christ Our Life website at Loyola Press.  Scroll to the bottom of the screen and click on the appropriate grade to begin the questions and then submit an "Interactive Chapter Review".  Homeschool students and - any in-person student who was absent - must submit the chapter review by Wednesday to the address provided on the student folder.  A catechist is assigned to your student so that they may answer any questions you may have regarding the lesson.  Our aim is to create a community for caring and support. Watch the tutorial below for more details.

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. The program we use is called - CHRIST OUR LIFE.  This was written by The Sisters of Notre Dame who were historically teachers and is published by Loyola Press.  It incorporates the Bible, the Catechism, the Mass, saints and evangelizing into each week and each year builds on the next.  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 OPENING PLAN FOR 2022-2023

When are Classes?
Session times are 10:10-11:25 AM on Sunday.  Mass is at 9:00 AM.  Class starts at 10:10 AM.  If you are unable to attend 9:00 AM Mass, there are other options--5:00 PM Sat, 7:00 AM, 11:30 AM.

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

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

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 RCIC and RCIT are 7:00-8:30 PM on Wednesday and are held in the church meeting rooms. 

SJY-RE Floor Plan (SJY School) 

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES



How can Families Register?

Registration is now OPEN.  Any questions, contact Marie Nelson nelson@sjy.org.  Thank you.

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.

The Student Dismissal form needs to be signed and returned before September 6th so that a laminated card can be made if necessary.  You will receive one with your welcome letter or there is a link below.   

STUDENT DISMISSAL FORM

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 
 

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