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Religious Education
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Comments about the School Year
"Thank you so much for a great year. I appreciate all your time and dedication for the children."
-- Religious Ed Parent
"Thank you for a wonderful year of Religious Ed. While this year has been atypical, we feel it has been very successful. We really like the new textbook and both my son and I have enjoyed doing lessons together. It has been a terrific bonding and spiritual experience for us."
-- Religious Ed Parent -
Department of Religious Education
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Matthew DoyleDREsjy.orgReligious Education Coordinator
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Religious Education Mission StatementThe mission of the Religious Education program is to teach the doctrines of the Roman Catholic faith to the children of St. Joseph Parish whose school curriculum does not include faith formation. We strive to build a spirit of Christian community, to foster a spirit of prayer that will enable growth in intimacy with Jesus, and to encourage students, according to their age and ability, to reach out to all people in a spirit of loving service.
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About St. Joseph Religious EducationReligious Education is a catechetical program offered to parish students in grades K-8 who do not attend a Catholic school. We use the Word of Life program, published by the Augustine Institute, which incorporates the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Christian anthropology, liturgy, saints, and prayer into an age-appropriate curriculum. Tuition is $90 for the first child and $80 for each additional child in the family for the year.Classes meet in the St. Joseph School building every Sunday during the school year from 10:10 to 11:25 AM, typically beginning around Labor Day and ending around Memorial Day. Please review the RE Calendar for more information.For families desiring to personally teach the faith to their children, we offer a homeschool option with online access to all Word of Life's educational materials. An in-person special needs class is also available for students with learning difficulties.To enroll in our Religious Ed program, visit our Registration Page.
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Sacramental Preparation and OCIAAre your students looking to receive Confirmation and First Communion? The Diocese of Harrisburg requires two years of Sacramental preparation, which is offered naturally within our program. Typically, First Communion preparation takes place in 1st through 2nd grade, and Confirmation preparation occurs in 7th through 8th grade.
If your children have fallen outside these norms, missed one of the Sacraments, or have not yet been baptized Catholic, your children can still register for Religious Ed. Additionally, they will need to attend OCIA for Sacramental preparation tailored to their age group. The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM and holds classes for adults, teens, and children. Please contact the OCIA Director at [email protected] for more details.
For more information on Sacramental preparation through Religious Ed, visit our Sacramental Preparation Page. -
Not members of St. Joseph Parish?All students enrolled in the Religious Education program must be registered parishioners of St. Joseph Church. If your family is interested in joining our parish, you can begin the registration process online at https://www.sjy.org/join-our-parish. Please contact the Parish Secretary at [email protected] for any questions regarding parishioner registration.
Otherwise, families must seek permission from their home parish to attend Religious Ed at St. Joseph Church. We cannot approve enrollment until a signed letter from your pastor has been received authorizing the transfer of your students' faith formation. -
Get Involved
Catechists and Aides We are in need of catechists and classroom aides for the 2026-2027 school year. Please contact the Religious Ed Coordinator for available grade levels.
Tuition Assistance
We want all families, regardless of their financial situation, to be able to provide their kids with quality education in the faith. If you would like to support a Religious Ed family with their tuition, we are extremely grateful for any donations. You can send cash or a check made out to St. Joseph Church to the parish office, or make a payment online: https://osvhub.com/sjy/giving/funds/religious-education-tuition.
Thank you in advance for your generosity!