CFF Overview

Children’s Faith Formation at St. Joseph Catholic Church helps children and teens grow in their Catholic faith through engaging lessons, hands-on activities, prayer, and sacrament preparation.

We work in partnership with parents, who are the primary educators of their child’s faith, to build a strong spiritual foundation that will guide them throughout life. Our goal is to form joyful disciples who not only learn about their faith but also learn how to live it through worship, service, and a deepening relationship with Jesus.

CFF is more than just a class. It’s a place where children encounter Christ, build friendships rooted in faith, and feel a true sense of belonging in the Church.

Children’s Faith Formation at St. Joseph Catholic Church is designed for students who are not currently attending a Catholic school. If your child is enrolled in a Catholic school, they are already receiving daily faith formation in their classrooms.

However, they are always welcome to join our parish program to grow deeper in their faith, connect with the wider parish community, and participate in additional faith opportunities.

Our doors are open to all families seeking to help their children grow in their relationship with God and live out their Catholic faith more fully.

We offer:

• Grade-Level Faith Formation Classes (Pre-K – 8th Grade)
  Each grade builds upon the next, helping children grow in their faith step by step. Consistent enrollment ensures a complete and well-rounded faith formation experience leading up to the sacraments.

• Sacrament Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion
  This is a two-year process that typically begins in first grade, with students receiving their First Reconciliation and First Communion in second grade. Older students who have not yet received these sacraments are welcome, and we will work with families to determine the best path for their preparation.

• Confirmation Preparation (7th – 12th Grade)
  Confirmation is a two-year process that typically begins in seventh grade, with students receiving Confirmation in eighth grade. Older students who have not yet been confirmed are welcome, and we will accommodate them as needed.

• Vacation Bible School (VBS)
  Each summer, we invite children to join us for a fun-filled week of faith, music, games, crafts, and activities that bring Scripture to life.

Families may select one of the following sessions when enrolling their child:

Pre-K – 6th Grade

• Sunday Morning: 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
• Tuesday Afternoon: 4:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Confirmation Preparation (Year 1 & Year 2)

• Sunday Morning: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Sunday Evening: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Tuesday Evening: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Faith formation is more than just checking a box or preparing for a sacrament. It’s a lifelong journey that helps children grow in their understanding of who God is and how they are called to live as Catholics in the world today.

Each year builds on the last. The lessons, prayers, and experiences offered at every grade level are designed to meet children where they are, helping them grow step by step. Skipping a year often means missing important foundations that not only support sacrament preparation but shape their overall faith development.

When children are enrolled consistently, they gain a deeper understanding of Scripture and Church teachings, grow in their relationship with God through prayer and service, and strengthen their moral foundation and Catholic identity. They also stay more connected to our parish community and feel a greater sense of belonging in the Church.

Sacramental preparation is not meant to be just one year of instruction. It’s something that is built over time. We encourage families to enroll their children every year from Kindergarten through 8th grade so they can receive a full and meaningful faith formation experience.

• Sacrament Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion
  This is a two-year process that typically begins in first grade, with students receiving their First Reconciliation and First Communion in second grade. Older students who have not yet received these sacraments are welcome, and we will work with families to determine the best path for their preparation.

• Confirmation Preparation (7th – 12th Grade)
  Confirmation is a two-year process that typically begins in seventh grade, with students receiving Confirmation in eighth grade. Older students who have not yet been confirmed are welcome, and we will accommodate them as needed.

We invite your family to be part of our faith community! Explore our calendar, registration, and parent resources to learn more about how we can support your child’s faith journey.

For questions or assistance, please contact us:

Children’s Faith Formation Office
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 847-362-5797