- Take a deep dive into Sacred Scripture as we open the Old Testament and live God’s Word in our daily lives!
- This combines thirteen in-person Faith Formation Monday classes, parish events, and Youth Ministry events.
- As part of the thirteen weeks, a one-week lesson on building a safe environment for children will be added to our curriculum (see FAQs for more information)
Monday Program for Grades 6-8
Time: 4:45 PM – 6:00 PM
Dates: Oct 7, 14, 28 & Nov 4, 11, 18 and Feb 3, 10, 24 & Mar 3, 10, 24, 31
At Home Faith Formation- Faith at Home (Grades 6- 8th)
- Take a deep dive into Sacred Scripture with “Encounter: The Bible Timeline for Middle School” presented by Ascension and created by Mark Hart.
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Encounter is a Catholic Bible study designed specifically for grades 6 to 8. Using the color-coded Bible Timeline Learning System, each session of Encounter reveals the story of our faith and God’s plan for our lives. This captivating program guides students toward a powerful encounter with God.
Encounter is much more than your average Bible study program. It is a life-changing experience that speaks directly to the hearts and minds of middle school-aged kids. As your students are drawn into this story, they will come to a new and profound understanding of who God is. Most importantly, they will come to know God not as a distant doctrinal concept but as a loving Father who desires a meaningful and lasting encounter with them.
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- The parish will purchase the online course and workbook for each family that registers through SJCC.
Additional Information
Saint Joseph Catholic Community does not deny religious education/faith formation to any family due to inability to pay. If you are interested in more information regarding payment plans and financial assistance available, please contact us for details: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions:
What am I (middle school student) required to attend for the year?
We request you to attend all thirteen (13) in-person classes. Attendance will be taken at these classes. We also ask you to volunteer at parish events like the Block Party and Breakfast with St. Nick. During the whole year, we invite you to attend at least one 1st Friday Adoration, at least one Lenten Fish Fry & Stations of the Cross. All youth ministry events like the Car Wash, 9/11 Memorial Service, March for Life, Super Bowl Party, and more are encouraged but not required.
What is a Young Disciple? What is a Young Apostle?
This year, we are using the term “Young Disciple” for middle school students and “Young Apostle” for high school students. “Disciple” in Hebrew is the word for “student” or “scholar” and “Apostle” in Hebrew is the word for “one who is sent” such as “one who is sent on a mission.”
What happens at MS Faith Formation?
In the 75 minutes on Monday, Young Disciples will open with a gathering activity, open a passage of Scripture, do an activity based on the passage, discuss how it applies to our daily lives, and pray with the Word of God as a group.
What is the cost of MS Faith Formation?
This year, MS Faith Formation is $100. This covers the cost of administrative costs, snacks, games, the parish-wide FORMED.org subscription, and a pizza party at the end of the Fall & Spring sessions.
I want to help supply snacks/volunteer! How can I help?
If you have gifts in hospitality and service, you are invited to help set up our games, supply snacks, and set up the chapel or main church for prayer. If you have a gift for teaching, you are invited to lead small group discussions and even to facilitate a talk on the week’s lesson.
What is the curriculum?
We are using a homemade Scripture plan of the Old Testament created by Mr. Rosa with Fr. John Worgul’s oversight based on the FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) Bible Study called “Salvation History”.
My teen is in 8th grade and has not received Confirmation. Should I be in Confirmation Preparation or Faith Formation? Can I do both?
You do not need to be in both. Faith Formation is to learn about the Bible. Confirmation preparation is specific prep for the sacrament of Confirmation.
Candidates can be part of both Confirmation preparation and Faith Formation, but please note that Confirmation preparation is offered for Grades 8-10 and has more dates (including a retreat) with more requirements, making it more intensive.
What is the Archdiocesan safe environment training for middle school students & their families?
The Archdiocese of Baltimore requires a portion of our faith formation to provide education about safe environments for families in formation from Pre-K through 8th Grade that discusses topics on safe and unsafe environments such as “see something, say something,” “trust and secrets,” and “safety on digital media.” This is disseminated through a one-day multi-session class.
This year, a parent orientation video outlining the Growing with God content (our parish’s chosen curriculum) will be provided in Spring 2025. The video will help educate you on the information we will provide your children in their Growing with God class on Monday, March 2nd from 4:45-6 PM.