Register Now • CCD Classes Begin Sep 3
Classes will begin Wednesday, September 3, 2008 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for children of the parish entering Kindergarten through 8th grade.
If you have not registered please contact Tina Sondag at the Parish Center office at 347-6108 ext. 212.
If your child has not received the sacraments and will be in the 3rd grade or above please call to make arrangements for their preparation for the Sacraments.
Spreading the Spirit of Truth
It wasn't easy being a Christian in the early Church. It was challenging, rewarding, puzzling, harrowing — at times even dangerous. And every day of an early Christian's life was a new adventure.
Now you can relive the adventure each Friday evening as Fr. Tim presents a spellbinding video series that's a unique experience in Bible study. It's a series that will capture your imagination while it vividly recalls the story of the Church's earliest days.
Adventures in Acts: the Spread of the Kingdom paints a riveting, colorful picture of the years immediately following Christ's ascension. It vividly illustrates how the Church, enlivened by the Holy Spirit, continued Jesus's mission on earth in the face of threats, obstacles and setbacks from within and without.
Everyone is invited. You do not have to be a St. Joseph parishioner, but we do urge you to register using this form (form will open in a new window), especially if you'd like a workbook. Don't miss this lively 20-week series...
Adventures in Acts: the Spread of the Kingdom
April 18 through September 26, 2008
Friday evenings, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
In the Church
- Discover how the Gospel witness spread outward in waves, from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria, and finally to the ends of the earth.
- Share with the early Christians the joys and struggles of living the life of Christ, and learn how these apply to us today.
- See how the Holy Spirit guided the apostles to Truth.
- Observe the way the Spirit-filed Church adapted to new cultures when proclaiming the Gospel.
- Watch the seeds of Church structure and authority take root, and discover how conflicts were resolved even at that early stage.
- Uncover your place in Christ's Church and how you are called to live day-to-day as a disciple of Christ.
Here's the complete schedule...
- April 18th — Introduction
- April 25th — Prelude to Power
- May 9th — The Power of Pentecost
- May 16th — The Miraculous Power of Jesus' Name
- May 23rd — The Church Acts with Boldness
- May 30th — Problems within; Persecutions Without
- June 6th — The First Christian Martyr
- June 13th — Kingdom Borders Expand
- June 27th — The Persecutor Becomes the Preacher
- July 11th — St. Peter's Un-Kosher Picnic
- July 18th — The Church in Antioch
- August 1st — Paul's First Missionary Journey
- August 8th — The Jerusalem Council and Paul's Second Journey
- August 15th — Converts and Conflicts: Turning the World Upside Down
- August 22nd — Ministry in Corinth; Third Missionary Journey
- August 29th — Ministry in Ephesus
- September 5th — Paul Heads for Jerusalem
- September 12th — Paul Makes His Defense
- September 19th — Paul's Final Defense and Witness in Rome
- September 26th — Conclusion
About Religious Education at St. Joseph Church
Children are our resource for the future, and the mission of St. Joseph's Religious Education Ministry is to insure that each of these precious souls is solidly grounded in the faith.
Through CCD classes, Vacation Bible Adventure, Eighth Grade Confirmation Retreat and other programs, the Religious Education Ministry sows the seeds of faith that will bloom eternally in each one of our children.
CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine)
When Jesus commissioned the Apostles to "go forth and make disciples of all nations," He entrusted each one of us with both the privileges and responsibilities of bringing the word of God to those we encounter in our lives. Parents, first and foremost, begin this important task when they bring their child forward to receive the gift of faith through Baptism. They are their child's first teachers, nurturing faith within their homes.
CCD nourishes that growing faith with religious instruction for children in First through Eighth grades. Classes are held at St. Joseph School on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 PM.
The Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are received in the Second grade.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a two-year program beginning in the Seventh grade. Students then receive Confirmation at the end of the Eighth grade.
Each Confirmation student is required to do 15 hours of service including five family hours, five church hours and five community hours. They must also attend a Confirmation Retreat held here in our parish.
Students who enter the CCD program after Second grade and who have not received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion are prepared on an individual basis.
High school age students who are entering the Church or who have missed Sacraments in the Second and Eighth grades may attend a class that will give them a study of the basic Catholic beliefs and prepare them for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation.
Vacation Bible Adventure
VBA is held in early June at St. Joseph School, Church, and parish center from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Monday through Friday.
The Adventure begins Sunday evening at the 5:00 PM Youth Mass, followed by an ice cream social on the church lawn.
Each night the children participate in activities that relate to the weeks special theme. These include scripture, music, games and crafts, even snacks, all focused on a single theme.
VBA helpers include adults, high school and junior high students.
Would You Like to Help?
St. Joseph Religious Education is always in need of volunteers. If you'd like to help, please print this form (it will pop up when you click the link), fill it out, and drop it in the Sunday collection basket. Or you can call Tina Sondag at the Parish Office, 346-6108, extension 212.
Requirements for CCD teacher (Catechist): You must be at least 18 years of age, a practicing Catholic, and in good standing (must be able to receive the sacraments). Most importantly, you must have a desire to share your time and talent with others.
Adult and teen volunteers are also needed for the Eighth Grade Retreat and Vacation Bible Adventure.
To volunteer, just click this link, print the page that pops up, fill it out and drop it in the Sunday collection basket.