A Letter to RE Parents - Fall 2022

Dear Partners in Faith:

 

We live in a world that seems to be just as wild, as un-catechised, as the world was in the time after the Ascension. However, we have the model that Jesus himself left us, and there is none better.   He showed us that we need to start small, start strong.  With 12 guys, he changed the world! 

 

 You might not have a dozen people who will give it all up to live your way, but you have a family, and it needs nourished with faith.  The responses on the religious education surveys indicated that family support in faith and a sense of community were the top two things missed during the upheaval of Covid. To meet those needs, our parish is joining so many other parishes across the nation in moving to a family-based formation program. This format supports each family on its faith journey, it makes faith formation open to the whole parish, and it will help us build a stronger sense of community, 

 

 You know that what you do and say as Catholic parents is far more important and will teach your child far more than any other person or class can. Your example, your attitude toward their faith instruction speaks volumes. We ask you to participate with your child in religious education study and share activities to support that at home. Attend Mass regularly so your child can experience being part of the parish community that worships together. When you are at home talk about the gospel reading and the homily assist your children in learning how to reflect on not only its meaning but how they can live it out in their daily lives. Remember to pray at home as a family…before meals, at bedtime, before important events, remember that our children learn the most valuable lessons imitating the examples set by the adults in their lives, especially their parents. Prayer is the most potent tool we have for staying strong in faith. 

  

When we come together as a community to love and celebrate our faith, we are stronger than we ever could otherwise be.

 

We look forward to walking this journey of faith with you, and we need and appreciate your prayerful support!



A Letter to Parents of 4 to 5 Year Olds

August 15th, 2023

Dear Parents and Caregivers,


We are excited to offer again for our younger parishioners, the 4- and 5-year-olds a program on  Sunday morning Mass, during the Liturgy of the Word, this group will be invited to go do their own study. For the 15 or so minutes between the beginning of Mass and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the kids will engage with scripture in a way that has been designed just for them. The program is from the book Young Children and Worship by Sonja Stewart and Jerome Berryman.  It is faithful, biblical, and age appropriate. It encourages reflection in young children and introduces them to the stories in the Bible. 

The children sit in a circle and the stories are presented in the middle using wooden figures. The lessons are short and each one ends with a few questions for reflection, “I wonder how the shepherds felt when the angel talked to them…?” or “I wonder what it felt like to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost…?” There is no discussion, the questions are just left to be food for thought.  Then, there is a ‘moving’ activity. After that, we quiet ourselves and return to Mass.

Some other folks have said:

“If you are seeking a broad ranging, Christ centered curriculum, look no further! This is a wonderful program created for children between the ages of 3 to 7. Using a calming, quiet, questioning format allows the children to formulate and ask questions meaningful to their faith-walk.”

“I love that this book encourages children to explore scripture spiritually. The language, rituals, and silence of worship are so important. It is challenging to change from tradition Sunday School with arts and crafts to this form of children's worship.”


We are looking forward to the opportunity to work with you in developing the faith of your child, and the loving relationship between your child and God. 



Coordinator of Faith Formation- Mary Strickler, email catechesis@saintjosephchurch.net

Director of Communications -  (Currently open) , email communication@saintjosephchurch.net