St. Joseph's Parish CCD & RCIA Programs

 "The Religious Education Program is a family-focused faith formation program, founded on the principle that parents are primary to the religious formation of their children." The program strives to promote Christian values by presenting the central truths and traditions of the Catholic Church. We aim to build "a faith community in which young people can experience their Catholic identity, integrate their Catholic values, and express their Catholic beliefs."

At St. Joseph's Church, our Religious Education Program better known as CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine), provides opportunities for religious education and currently serves children from Kindergarten through Confirmation, comprising  of ten (10) grade levels.

Religious Education classes are held in St. Joseph's Parish Center, on Sunday mornings from 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

 The religious education program  follows a curriculum that is in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and presents the key concepts of faith. Additionally, a variety of approved supplemental materials are used at the different grade levels to enhance the learning and  formation process.

The Sacrament levels comprise of (1) the Penance/Eucharist level and (2) the Confirmation level.

Preparation time before receiving the Sacraments Penance/Eucharist is two (2) years.

Then its preparation time fir receiving the Sacrament formation, which average about six (6)  years.

Any child preparing to receive either of those Sacrament are required to complete the entire process.

 Children are to be regular and punctual in attendance. If a child miss classes frequently without a valid reason, the child will not be allowed to move on to the next grade level.

In addition, children are to attend both Sunday Mass and CCD Classes on a consistent basis. This is the only way they will be able to connect and understand the lessons presented in class and to have an appreciation for the Mass.

Please notify, by contacting the teacher directly, when you know your child will not be attending a class. Additionally, ask the teacher for the information to make up the work that your child missed.

Parents are the primary religious educators of their children. No religious education program will be able to instill values, tell stories of faith, and witness to God's  love and companionship if it is absent on the home. Parents are the image and likeneof God in the eyes of their children.

Opportunities will exist for parents to be involved with their child's class or CCD activities, and you are always welcome to attend a session. In addition, relevant information will be sent to you, and/or posted in the Church's  bulletin as necessary.

Finally, parents are expected to attend Sunday Liturgy with their children on a regular basis. Attending Mass as a family is a great  opportunity for you to introduce  your child to the Body of Christ and to explain to your children the importance of worshipping with the larger faith community.

Our catechists are all volunteers, who serve as religious education teachers. These catechists are committed  witnesses of the Gospel  and are concerned with the overall mission of our Parish to provide formation  and education in the Catholic faith, by "teaching children the Good News and celebrating the call to love as we are loved."

As stated before, there are currently ten grade levels and we strive to have two teachers assigned to each level. We are here to assist you the parents and guardians, in helping your children grow to love God with their "whole heart, mind and soul, and to love their neighbor as themselves" through learning and living the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Church.

The Gospel, the "good news" reveals all the amazing things that God has done for us in and through His son Jesus Christ. We want to involve our children in an unending dialogue and conversation to God.

Proverbs 22:6

"Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 29:17

"Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delight you desire."

Deuteronomy 6: 6-7

" These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."