Catechesis
Faith Formation
As described in the Catechism of the Catholic Church #1656:
In our own time, in a world often alien and even hostile to faith, believing families are of primary importance as centers of living, radiant faith. It is in the bosom of the family that parents are “by word and example… the first heralds of the faith with regard to their children.”
Elementary Religious Education
“Let us make this journey as families, let us keep walking together. What we have been promised is greater than we can imagine. May we never lose heart because of our limitations, or ever stop seeking that fullness of love and communion which God holds before us.”
As stated by Pope Francis in “The Joy of Love”
Kindergarten to 6th Grade
Parents of primary-grade children provide the most powerful influence on forming the faith of their children by living out their own faith with consistency and joy. Children experience God’s loving presence in the everyday care and nurturing provided by parents. We encourage all children to attend religious education each year. It is not a sacrament program, it is an educational program to pass on our faith to our children. (See sacramental prep below)
SACRAMENTS: Parents and catechists educate and prepare the primary-age child for first celebration of the Sacraments of Penance/Reconciliation and Eucharist by connecting daily experiences to Gospel teachings and their experience of these sacraments. Families participate at Sunday Mass with the parish community and discuss the meaning of symbols
Sacramental Preparation:
Contact:
Parish Office – 509 586-3820
-OR-
English: Nancy Murray (509)586-3820 x 107
Religious Education Coordinator
When: Classes in English are held on Wednesdays 6-7:15 PM
En Espanol: Maria Rodríguez (509) 586-3820 x 105
Coordinadora de Educación Religiosa
Details:
When: Classes in Spanish are held on Saturdays 10 AM – Noon
Celebration for Quinceañera
One of the Hispano-American community traditions is the Quinceañera. The tradition consists of the presentation of a young woman before the community with two purposes:
1. To thank God for the gift of life with a mass and
2. To be presented by parents before society.
Celebrating a Quinceañera at St. Joseph Church, the following requirements must be met:
- The Quinceañeras parents must be previously registered (provide your envelope # when preparing for a XV Mass) in the parish and be actively attending Sunday Mass. The young girl will be given offering envelopes.
- The Quinceañera must have previously received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist). Please present a copy of the Quinceañeras First Communion certificate at the moment of registration.
- If she has not received the Sacrament of Confirmation, she must register for the classes at the Parish Office during open enrollment.
- Formation: The Quinceañera must attend Youth Group on a weekly basis and six supplementary classes.
- The Quinceañera is required to attend a weekend youth retreat.
- Christian service: The Quinceañera must complete 20 service hours, and the parents must complete 10 service hours.
Registration & Reservations will only take place at the parish office with Nancy during open enrollment. Reservation will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Our Masses for Quinceañeras are all held on the fourth Saturday of the month. For more information, contact Nancy at the parish office at 509-586-3820 Ext. 101 nancy.stjoseph@gmail.com
Adult Religious Education
Please refer to the weekly bulletin for current meeting times and topics.
Learning about our faith is not important just when we are young but in every stage of our lives to fulfill our baptismal call to holiness in family, Church, and society. Ongoing faith formation is essential to accomplish that call, it doesn’t end at confirmation or graduation but extends until death. St. Joseph Parish offers many adult education programs throughout the year. These programs include scripture classes and classes on spirituality.
Contact the Parish Office for Dates
OCIA (Oder of Christian Initiation for Adults)
This program is for those seeking Christ through Baptismal and full communion with the Catholic Church. The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (O.C.I.A.) is the formation process for those who are seeking to become members of the Catholic faith community. It is a formation process rather than just an instruction class. Although it does have instruction as part of the process, the focus is on conversion and initiation into the community of faith. The hope is that those wanting to become Catholic, will not only learn about what it means to be Catholic but that they will experience the faith of those who are already members of the Church.
Each Catechumen has a sponsor who journeys with them through the process. The role of the sponsor is one who shares his or her faith with the catechumen. People interested in our Catholic Faith may inquire anytime in the calendar year.
Details:
When:
Classes in English are held on Mondays 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Classes in Spanish are held on Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Where:
The Parish Office – 2nd floor
520 S Garfield St., Kennewick, WA