Religious Education

Parents - you are amazing! The impact you have on each of your children is enormous. Everything we do at the church is miniscule compared with the foundational formation you give your children in every moment you spend with them. What an incredible gift! At St. Joseph's, we want to help you to maximize the positive impact you have in your children's lives. That's why our Religious Education program is designed to support you as parents. We want to assist you as you embark on the incredible journey of raising a tiny human into a mature and unique adult. Here's how we plan to help:

First and foremost, we've worked hard to make our Sunday liturgies inviting to families of all ages. We hope that you feel welcome to encounter God and experience His peace each week at these holy celebrations! However, we also acknowledge that there is more that we can do, so be on the lookout in the coming months for some simple changes that make it easier for families to particpate in the Holy Mass.

Secondly, we have a group of incredible volunteers who have stepped up to provide a free family meal every Wednesday night throughout the school year to anyone in our community who wants it! Join us in the Parish Hall between 5:00pm and 6:30pm for some good food and great company. :)

Thirdly, we want to offer age-specific formation to all of our wonderful kids. See the descriptions below to learn more and register your child for our Wednesday classes!

We invite all Kindergarten and First Grade students to particpate in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This Montessori-style experience helps the children to encounter Jesus in the Sunday liturgy and in the Gospels. Learn more and see the schedule here.

In Second Grade, we invite the students to prepare for special encounters with God through the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. This preparation involves the whole family and includes Wednesday classes, adorable at-home activities, and loud large group gatherings. Learn more and see the schedule here.

In the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade, we gather the students together for summer-camp style fun. Expect silly songs, captivating stories, and dynamic activities as we continue their formation in the Catholic faith. We'll also have opportunities for parents and families to get involved throughout the year! Learn more and see the schedule here.

In Sixth Grade, we'll walk alongside students as they transition into Middle School with a special series on the Theology of the Body. These classes are designed to help them to love their bodies and learn how God is inviting them to become a force for love in the world. We especially invite all fathers and father-figures to join us for this series and reinforce the strength and dignity of each of these kids. Learn more and see the schedule here.

In Seventh and Eighth Grade, we'll celebrate the energy and curiousity of the students with crazy games, honest discussions, and loud fun. These sessions will empower the kids as leaders and invite them to make a concrete decision to follow Jesus in the midst of our chaotic world. Learn more and see the schedule here.

In High School, we'll gather the teens together for a relationally-charged youth group and surround them with leaders who care about their lives. Each year, we'll give the kids a different invitation to explore their potential and have some good "old-fashioned" fun! Learn more and see the schedule here.

Finally, as the students begin to step into adulthood, we'll invite them to encounter God in the sacrament of Confirmation and be marked with the Holy Spirit as they go out into the world. This process involves indentifying key Catholic role models in their lives and prayerfully reflecting on God's gifts to them through a spiritual retreat. Learn more and see the schedule​​​​​​​ here.

Changes beginning September 2022:
We've added classes for Kindergarteners.
Grades K-5 will meet on Wednesdays from 3:30pm-5:00pm.
Dinner for all families will be served from 5:00-6:30pm. 
Middle and High Schoolers will meet in large (fun) groups from 6:30pm-8:00pm.
We've added Family Experiences in Second Grade (as they prepare for the sacraments).

Our Religious Education Coordinators are Laurel Eyer and Amy Beilke. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. :)

Registration is now open for the 2022-2023 Academic Year. 
The registration fee is $25 per child (no more than $75 per family). However, if you need any financial assistance, we are more than happy to provide scholarships on request.