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Catechesis is a responsibility of the entire Christian community. This is should not be the work of catechists and priests alone, but of the whole community of the faithful. The Christian community follows the development of catechetical processes, for children, young people and adults, as a duty that involves and binds it directly. (GDC 220) A fully Christian community can exist only when a systematic catechesis of all its members takes place and when an effective and well developed catechesis of adults is regarded as the central task of the catechetical enterprise.” (ACCC, no. 25).
Faith Formation is more than the handing on of religious instruction. Its goal is growth in faith, which implies both formation and transformation, leading one to live out the Gospel as part of a believing community. Religious education is a lifelong process. Everyone, including the Catechist, is always a learner.
Faith Formation is an expression of the mission entrusted by Jesus to the Church. Through Faith Formation, the church seeks to prepare its members, old and young, to proclaim the Good News and to translate this proclamation into action.
Elementary Religious Education Program
The Elementary Religious Education Program at St. Joseph is offered to all families with children ages 3 through 8th grade to help support the parents in handing on the Catholic faith.
High School Religious Education Program
Adult Faith Formation
Adult Faith Formation must engage the particular and diverse needs and interests of the adults. At St. Joseph, we strive to recognize those needs among the various age groups and states of life, from young adults to seniors, from families to single parents to those still discerning their vocations. Our goal is to share the Truth, that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior and is truly present in the Eucharist, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. To this end, we strive to teach the Faith of the Church through small groups, liturgical catechesis and by living out our faith together, as one community."Do not presuppose the faith but propose it...Faith is not maintained automatically. It is not "finished business" that we can simply take for granted. The life of faith has to be constantly renewed. And since faith is an act that comprehends all the dimensions of our existence, it also requires constantly renewed reflection and witness."
Pope Benedict XVI in "Gospel, Catechesis, Catechism"