Our Mission 

St Joseph Catholic Church's Faith Formation program follows guidelines established by the Diocese of Raleigh. It is our goal to provide a sound religious education program, catechizing our youth in partnership with their parents, and allowing each child to grow in their faith. By actively participating in the Mass and developing strong Catholic traditions, a child makes a habit of living a virtuous life, thus deepening their relationship with God.

 

Safe Environment     

Every effort is made to ensure the safety of all God’s children entrusted to us. Volunteers undergo background checks and mandatory Diocesan training. Our first level of emergency preparedness begins with communication. The completed registration form provides information that helps to address any emergencies that may arise. Families provide phone and email at registration.

Diocesan Policy      Diocese of Raleigh Child and Youth Protection

The  Diocesan Code of Professional Responsibility (1998) was re-written as the  Code of Conduct for Church Personnel of the Diocese of Raleigh.  All personnel, all who work and “represent the Church by virtue of office, designated position, employment or contract” share high expectations for conduct and respect for those entrusted to our care.

CLASS Attendance

Students class attendance is important. When students must be absent, they work at home to stay up to date with assignments. Catechists and parents/students stay connected through email.  Children in sacramental preparation classes jeopardize their reception of the sacraments if they are absent to more than 3 classes per year.

Class Time and dates

Classes meet on Sundays from approximately 10:15a to 11:15a.*   

A class calendar is provided to each family.

*If you are unavoidably late for pick up, your child will be kept safe in the parish office.

Arrival and Pick Up    

Children in grades 5 and under must be dropped at and picked up from the classroom door. Parents are welcome to wait in the community room or outside at the playground.  The Parish Center hallway must be clear during class.

Code of Conduct

The respect and dignity of all persons is valued. Students should come to class ready and willing to learn and participate. All students are expected to behave respectfully toward their teachers and fellow students. Each class posts guidelines. The use of cell phones and other electronic devices in class is not permitted.  These devices must be turned off and out of sight during class.

Dress Code

All students are expected to dress modestly and groom themselves neatly in clothes that are suitable for Church and Faith Formation. No advertisements, bare shoulders, nor tight or short clothing. Disruptive behavior could result in parents being asked to accompany students to class, individual tutoring, or removal from the program.

OTHER DETAILS

• Children are expected to attend Holy Mass every Sunday and holy day of obligation. Faith Formation  classes are offered between two Sunday Masses so parents and children may participate in Mass together.
• Required parent meetings and Confirmation retreats are announced well in advance. 
• In the event of serious inclement weather conditions, cancellation details will be emailed.

curriculum: Faith and Life Catechetical Series

Faith and Life is the text for our curriculum. It includes lessons incorporating four components of catechesis:

• Creed
• Commandments
• Sacraments and Liturgy
• Prayer and Scripture

The Faith and Life series presents Catholic teaching using the time-tested ecclesial methodology and spiral development of catechesis, in a beautiful, student-friendly, comprehensive format.

Ignatius Press Resources: Faith and Life Resources  

Our program meets and exceeds Diocese of Raleigh curriculum standards.

Sacramental Preparation

We follow guidelines established by the Diocese of Raleigh and based on the Code of Canon Law. In cooperation with this we provide a two-year plan for preparation for the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation aimed to help the students know and love the Church.

FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION

First Communion preparation is a two-year registered program. A homeschool option may be considered for parishioners in good standing, but registration is required. A calendar with all important dates is provided at the beginning of the year.

First Communion Prep Year 1 begins at age 6 or older. During this first year, traditional prayers are memorized and the foundations of our faith are experienced through many different styles of learning.

First Communion Prep Year 2 encourages students to grow in a deeper understanding of prayer, the Mass, Penance, and the Holy Eucharist.

• During the second year, First Reconciliation is received as a class on a Saturday during Lent. 
• First Communion is received as a class on a Saturday morning during the season of Easter. 

Parents are very involved in their children’s preparation. Several parent meetings are held throughout the year. Families attend Holy Mass together every Sunday and holy day of obligation. 

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION

Confirmation preparation is a two-year registered program. A homeschool option may be considered for parishioners in good standing, but registration is required. A calendar with all important dates is provided at the beginning of the year.

Attendance at a Confirmation retreat is required for both years. Students must be in 10th grade by confirmation in the spring.

Parents are involved but share much of the responsibility with sponsors who accompany their candidate through the preparation process. Several parent meetings are held throughout the year. Families attend Holy Mass together every Sunday and holy day of obligation. Classes are easily continued each week at home if absence from class is necessary.

Confirmation date is announced several months ahead of time. Our parish is typically scheduled for early spring.