Faith Formation

The mission of the Religious Education at St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Roman Catholic Church is to bring Jesus Christ, His values and His message, to the children of our parish.  We are committed to assisting parents in the faith formation of their children within a caring faith community.

St. Joseph, Husband of Mary students are prepared in the Catholic tradition to become Christ-centered, and are guided toward making responsible and moral decisions.

Our goal is to deepen the child’s relationship with God, to encourage the formation of a personal prayer life, and to participate in the liturgy.

Registration Procedure

  • Registrations are scheduled in March.  Classes begin in September and end in May.             
  • Families must be registered in the parish.
  • Families must provide a Birth certificate and Baptism certificate for each child new   to the program.  As children receive their sacraments, their church of baptism will be notified.
  • Registration is open to baptized children, pre-school through Fifth grade. (For 6th – 12th grade, contact the Youth Ministry Department.)
  • A $60 registration fee per child is required at registration (non-refundable after classes start.)
  • Class size and time slot is limited to space and teacher availability.  We make every effort to accommodate a requested time; however, placement is on a first come – first serve basis.
  • If applicable, a copy of your Custody Agreement, Guardianship, or Adoption papers are required at time of registration.
  • Parental permission signature is required for a Protecting God’s Children – Touching Safety Class”.   Parent’s signatures are required on our Attendance Policy Agreement.

Class Schedule

Classes begin in September and end in May.  Days:  Tuesday, Wednesday, OR Thursday Times:  4:15 to 5:15 p.m. OR 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.

Programs Offered

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd  (children 4 to 6 years old)

This program uses specific materials, prayer, song, and listening to the Word of God.  Its format is based on the educational methods of Dr. Maria Montessori.  Its design is rooted in the Bible and the Liturgy of the Catholic Church, and the goal of this program is to deepen the child’s existing relationship with God.

Sacrament Preparation

First Communion preparation is a two-year process and available to children ages 6 through 10 years old.  (Confirmation preparation will begin in the 9th grade according to our Diocesan Policy.)

Faith Formation

These classes are for children who have already received their sacraments and desire to continue to learn more about the Catholic Church and their faith.

Calendar of Events

A Religious Education calendar, which includes class days and events, will be mailed to each family late summer.  Classes are set up according to a nine-month public school calendar.

Attendance

The best catechesis learning occurs within the classroom; therefore, children are expected to attend class on a regular basis.  Children will be required to make up the work missed during absences.  Absences cannot exceed five for the year, and if a child has accumulated five absences or has three consecutive absences, parents will need to meet with the Director.  Numerous absences may result in repeating the year.

Only children who are registered in our program will be allowed to attend class.

The church reserves the right to remove and/or expel any student for any inappropriate behavior.

Parent Involvement

Parental involvement is essential to the faith formation of a child.  Parents are the primary educators in the faith of their child.  Faith is first learned at home by what the child observes and experiences.

The following are ways that you and your child can grow in faith:

  • Attend Mass together regularly
  • Spend time with your child sharing Scripture
  • Take time after class to review your child’s lesson
  • Get to know your child’s teacher and what they are learning
  • Teach your child prayers and pray together
  • Attend special Children’s Masses set up for families

Parent/Family Meetings

Parents/Guardians of Religious Education students are expected to attend certain meetings throughout the year.

Safety and Supervision

A parent or an authorized adult is required to “Sign In and Sign Out” their children when bringing and picking them up from class.

Medical Information

Catechists are not permitted to administer medication of any kind to the students, and students are not to bring medication into the classroom.

Communication

Should a problem arise during the year with a student, the parent is encouraged to first speak to their child’s teacher before or after class.  It is equally important to maintain open communication concerning achievements and success, not only problems.  It is important to know the teacher’s name and the class which your child attends.

If you are unable to resolve the matter, both the parent and teacher must request a joint meeting with the Director.  If the matter remains unresolved, the final step is to request an appointment with the teacher, Director, and the Pastor or his Associate.  Parent and teachers are encouraged to read the weekly parish bulletin and the Diocesan Desert Clarion to keep informed of parish and Diocesan activities.

Information about Records

Records of attendance are maintained for each child, and letters are sent to parents as to the status of their child’s attendance.  If a family moves or transfers to another parish, copies of the child’s records can be sent upon request.

General Information

Director of Religious Education:  Cynthia O’Connell
Parish Phone:  (702) 363-1902
Religious Education Fax:  (702) 363-0142