Religious Education
Religious Education
The parish is the center of faith formation for Catholics. Every person in your pews, every Catholic in your parish community…child or adult…is on their own journey toward Christ and a life of discipleship.
Religious Education Classes Grades 1-8
In the Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis says that
"Catechesis is a proclamation of the Word and is always centered on that word."
As part of the Religious Education program at St. Joseph parish our goal is to create the tools neccesary for the children to build a relationship with our Trinitarian God. Our hope is to foster a relationship to a person, not a subject. We aim to do this by providing the time and tools for everyone to experience an encounter Jesus Christ. The ways they will come to know him is through the Bible, Liturgy, the Sacraments, and Prayer.
One of the greatest strengths of the Pflaum Gospel Weeklies is the connection to Sunday Mass through the Gospel. This connection is needed even more now by children and their families. In the Sunday Mass, we proclaim the Good News, reflect on it, and contemplate how we can put it into action in our lives.
Learning should be fun!
The unique, not-a textbook, weekly format is the perfect way to raise children’s interest and put a smile on their faces while they learn!
The Gospel Weeklies are liturgically based, with fresh, new materials each week. The program is approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. It follows the three-year Lectionary cycle of the Sunday Gospels, lessons are revised and updated every year. This ensures that lessons are fresh, up-to-date, engaging, and reflect Church events as well as current issues and events in the world.
Every lesson is based on the Sunday Gospel, and students learn their faith within the rhythms and seasons of the Liturgical Year.
Every lesson goes home to involve parents (who hear the same Gospel on at Sunday Mass), making it easier for you to discuss topics with your children.
Age-appropriate Catechism handbooks summarize the basic teachings of the Church.
Five levels cover Preschool through Grade 9
Online resources.
Sacrament Preparation for First Communion & First Penance
The reception of sacrament is an important part of a child's faith formation, as such, the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend requires students to fully participate in religious education programs for two years in preparation. Students traditionally receive the sacraments of First Communion and First Reconciliation (Penance) during 2nd grade.
Confirmation Preparation
The preparation for Confirmation takes place during grades 7 and 8 at St. Joseph. This two-year process allows for students to learn more about becoming a Catholic and make a commitment to the faith in the Spring of their 8th grade year. Please contact Eileen Sarrazine (sarrazine@stjosephgarrett.org) with any questions.
