Dear Parents and Guardians,
 
Thank you for registering your child or children for the 2024-2025 Saint Joseph Religious Education Program!  I ask that you please review both the Sacramental Calendar and the Religious Education Schedules for your child or children’s respective grade.  As always, the program will begin the week following Labor Day and continue through the first week of May.
 
This year, the first through eighth grade classes will continue to include instruction from the clergy that will take place in the church.  The seventh and eighth grade students will also continue to use the “CHOSEN” Program from Ascension Press as they prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. 
 
Although Jesus comes to us as simple bread and wine, the Eucharist is “the source and summit” of the Christian life.  In addition to using quality resources to prepare the students for this sacrament, it is essential that parents and guardians also have a strong understanding of the sacraments their children will be receiving.  Therefore, a parent or legal guardian is required to attend a First Reconciliation Workshop to learn about Christ’s mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation AND a First Holy Communion Workshop to explore the truth and beauty of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist.  These workshops, led by our Family Ministries Coordinator Becky Davis, can be attended during specified Religious Education classes, or as single day retreats.  It is mandatory for a parent or legal guardian whose child will be receiving their First Holy Communion here at Saint Joseph Parish (both REP and SJS) to attend BOTH Workshops before their child can receive their First Holy Communion.  Please see the “2024 – 2025 Saint Joseph Parish Religious Education Calendar” below for further details.  If you have previously completed one or both workshops, please email Becky Davis to confirm.
 
All of our catechists are working diligently in order to provide your child or children with the best Catholic religious education that they can; however, as we all know, the first (and best) catechists are all of you as their parents and guardians.  I personally look forward to working with both you and your children as we work together to build disciples for our Lord Jesus Christ through our shared Catholic Faith.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.  You may either email, call, or text me – whichever option is most convenient for you.  Thank you very much, and may God bless both you and your families.
 
Sincerely,
Mark A. Rebuck
Coordinator of Religious Education