Religious Education Board

Chairperson Name: Joe Biddick 366-7635
Contact Person: Judy Hunter 321-8080

Religious Education Ministries

PURPOSE: To facilitate the ongoing faith formation of all members of our community, from birth through all stages of life, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in total love and devotion to our Lord, Jesus Christ. This integrated ministry embraces the Gospel message which calls us together as a community in service and worship.
Religious Education Board

The Religious Education Board is the consultative board to the Pastor to help oversee all of the educational needs of the Parish. Members meet once a month for a two year term. Anyone interested in serving on the Board should contact the Pastor or the Director of Religious Education.

Classes for Preschool Through High School

Youth are formed in their faith and taught the fundamentals of Catholic Christianity including sacrament preparation in a classroom atmosphere from September to May. Catechists (elementary teachers, secondary teacher and teacher's aides) are needed to carry out this ministry.

Continuing Education for Adults

Faith formation is a lifelong process and offering continuing education for adults is of primary importance. Several opportunities are available:

1. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults are prepared for initiation into the Catholic community. Adult inquirers and Catholics seeking Confirmation or to update their knowledge of the Catholic faith attend. Classes meet once a week for several months and include faith sharing, Scripture, Tradition and Catholic doctrine. Small
group facilitators, hospitality coordinators and sponsors are needed.
Training is provided.\

2. Adult Bible Study and Adult Faith Study is currently offered on Sunday
Mornings and on Monday at noon Groups usually meet to study one book of
the Bible, Church History, or teachings of the Catholic faith. Group
Facilitators are needed and are trained.

Nursery Caregivers

A nursery is provided during Mass times, adult classes and other special occasions when needed to care for young children and facilitate their parent's worship and parish involvement. One adult and an adequate number of teenagers staff the nursery. Adults and teenagers age 14 and older are needed. Training is provided and required. To volunteer contact Marsha Yancey, Nursery Coordinator, 360-8717.

Parish Library

The Parish Library is located in the Parish Center and available to all parishioners. Reference books may be used in the Library and books, videos and tapes are available to check out. A few people are needed occasionally to assist parishioners and check out books.

Other Religious Education Ministries

1. Ecumenical Vacation Church School: St. Joseph's participates with nice other Norman Christian Churches to provide a week long church school from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at different church sites the last week of June each year. Adults and teens are needed as co-teachers, aides, musicians, arts & crafts leaders and snack helpers. Lesson plans, training and support is provided.

2. Reception Committees: Celebrations are held after the reception of all sacraments. A cookies and punch reception is held on Saturday morning in January after First Reconciliation and in April or the first of May for First Communion. A reception is also held for the Adults who have been initiated into the church after the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday evening. Help is needed for all three committees to coordinate the reception, solicit food, to serve and clean up following the reception. (The Women's Club hosts the reception following Confirmation)

3. Daytime General Office Work: The Religious Education Office needs general clerical help during the hours the Parish Office is open. The needs range from setting up classroom supplies, running copies, stuffing envelopes, keeping the supply room organized, computer posting and running reports. At leas one volunteer is needed in the morning and afternoon each day of the week for a few hours or longer. Training, where needed, is provided.

Any volunteer who works with and around youth is required by the Archdiocese to complete a Volunteer Application form, submit to a background check and attend a Safe Environment Training Workshop.

Unless otherwise noted, to volunteer for any of the Religious Education Ministries, call Judy Hunter, Director Religious Education, in the Parish Office, 321-8080 ext. 3005.

Renew

Contact Person: Deacon Larry Rossow 366-8220

RENEW is a program which provides our parish with faith sharing opportunities for small groups. We meet together in living rooms, and each person shares their faith in an open but structured format. These small groups build up the faith of one another and renew our parish through a deepened awareness of Christ's presence in our daily life. Much like the early Church gathered in homes to listen to the "Good News" and build up the Kingdom of God. RENEW uses the lectionary to break open the word. There are many groups that meet at different times and days in both English and Spanish. If you have an interest in growing spiritually, please contact the parish office.