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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION MINISTRIES
The Parish Religious Education Program ministers to our young people attending public and private schools where the Catholic Faith is not taught. Our ministry helps our youth to develop a strong, lasting relationship with God.
Religious Education Classes
Session 1
Sunday, 9:00 - 10:15 am (3 years old through Grade 8)
Session 2
Sunday, 10:30 - 11:45 am (3 years old through Grade 5)
Session HS
High School: Sunday, 10:30 – 11:45am
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS
We count on our dedicated Volunteers who offer their time and talents to help bring the knowledge and love of God to our Parish children. Training and Formation sessions are offered.
Catechists and Co-Catechists -- The root meaning of Catechist is “one who echoes.” The Catechist's role is to echo and re-echo the story of Jesus Christ. Catechist training is provided for all of our Volunteer Catechists and Co-Catechists as each works toward Archdiocesan Certification.
Substitutes, Teen Aides, Office Aides
Confirmation Advisor
Summer Bible Camp
Children's Initiation Program
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STAND TRAINING
All volunteers, ages 14 and up, who work directly with children must complete the Archdiocesan Volunteer Application Form, provide references, agree to a background check, and receive STAND training in the Policies for the Protection of Children and Youth.
Click on the following links for easy access to the forms you may need:
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SACRAMENT INFORMATION
FIRST RECONCILIATION
All children who plan on preparing for the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist MUST FIRST complete the preparation program for First Reconciliation. The parish preparation program for First Reconciliation is distinct and separate from the preparation for First Eucharist and involves parent participation.
Immediate requirements include:
1. The child is in the 2nd grade or older.
2. The child has been baptized in the Catholic Church.
3. The child has, in the previous year, completed religion studies at a Catholic parish program or school.
4. The family is registered at St. Joseph parish.
Click the link below for meeting and workshop dates--
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FIRST EUCHARIST
The Sacrament of Holy Eucharist is normally celebrated after the child has received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Parents are involved in the preparation process.
Immediate requirements include:
1. The child is in the 2nd grade or older.
2. The child has been baptized in the Catholic Church.
3. The child has, in the previous year, completed religion studies at a Catholic parish program or school.
4. The child has received the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
5. The family is registered at St. Joseph parish.
Click the link below for meeting and workshop dates--
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CONFIRMATION
The Sacrament of Confirmation marks the beginning of a life of full membership and responsibility in the Catholic Church and is, therefore, a commitment of choice.
Immediate requirements include:
1. The candidate is in 8th grade or older.
2. The candidate has celebrated the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist.
3. The candidate has, in the previous year, completed religion studies at a Catholic parish program or school.
4. The family is registered at St. Joseph parish.
Click the link below for meeting and workshop dates--
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CHILDREN’S INITIATION (RCIC)
If your child is not baptized, or was baptized in another religion, we invite you to join our Initiation Program (RCIC – Rite of Christian Initiation of Children), which welcomes the entire family to the Catholic Church Community.
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THE NURSERY
The Nursery is a free service provided year round during the 9:00 and 10:30am Masses on Sunday for children 6 months of age up to and including age 4. The nursery is staffed by a qualified professional, Noel Tsakalas, and many dedicated and wonderful volunteers. Let us help YOU worship with our Parish Community while WE share God's love with your young child.
The Nursery is located in the lower level of the Multipurpose Building--the new school building. To reach us, simply drive around to the back of the new building and enter through the door on the South side of the lower level.
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OTHER SERVICES
Other Programs for our families with young children include:
We welcome ALL of God’s children to learn about how much God loves them. If your child has a developmental disability which keeps the child from participating well in a “regular” classroom setting, please contact Marie Lybolt directly.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception offers a catechetical program for children with special needs. The program includes current teaching methodologies, visual and verbal cueing, a structured environment, and clear expectations. Since 2001, the program has served 4 parishes and has prepared students for First Eucharist and for Confirmation. We encourage parishioners to contact Valerie Smitheman-Brown at 410-494-1440 or vsb@comcast.net for additional information.
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