Who Are the Teachers of Our Faith?

We are called, as parents, to be the primary educators of our children:
“Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith.  Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God.”  (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2226)

• We do not endorse a model of Religious Education that relies solely on catechists or clergy to form our children’s faith, rather, we favor this cooperative model: 
  • Parents will be presented a teaching once per month (usually the first Wednesday of the month) in the parish hall, who then engage in discussion and activities to deepen their understanding while volunteers engage the children in the classrooms.
  • Each month parents will  work together with their Students to journey through the lessons and activities in the Parent's Guide and Children's Activity Books.  
  • We are always available to help throughout each month if you feel you need some clarification and additional support.
  • Families are encouraged but not required to form their own support groups to journey through the materials together. 
  • We provide a meal each month in the parish hall  prior to lessons.  So please join us at 6pm for dinner and fellowship.  Your entire family is welcome to attend. 
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  Families using A Family of Faith attend Mass regularly, learn and practice prayers together, and engage in spiritual conversations at home, in the car, etc. helping the entire family  grow together in holiness.

As Catholics, our unity with Christ is maintained and strengthened through our participation in Mass and the sacraments. As we celebrate the sacraments, we remember Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. When our Children receive Christ's gift of forgiveness through the sacrament of Reconciliation and the the gift of Christ Himself in First Holy Communion, it strengthens our own faith and brings us closer to God and each other.

Baptized children are prepared in 2nd grade to celebrate these two sacraments as part of our religious education program.

Parents of older children who need to prepare for these sacraments should call   Gina McDonald at 920-563-3029 or  youthministry@stjosephfort.org 

Family of Faith Formation for families with students in Grades 1st - 8th Grade

At the beginning of each month parents, students and St. Joseph faith formation team members will meet for fellowship before breaking off into classroom settings for the students and parent meeting for the adults. Families will go home prepared to engage in family lessons at home before returning next month. 

1st Holy Communion and Reconciliation students will meet twice monthly for sacramental preparation.  1 week will coincide with the Family of Faith meeting and one additional week.

Reminder: We follow the public school district regarding weather-related cancellations.

Fees are $45 per student ($60 for non-parishioners) or $120 for families with 3 or more students.

Prayer is a way of communicating with a higher power and seeking guidance, support, and strength. It can be a powerful tool for coping with stress, anxiety, and difficult situations.