Making Disciples: Grades 1-8

YOUTH FAITH FORMATION (FALL THROUGH SPRING)

We strive to offer quality faith formation programs that provide the teaching of the basic doctrines of the Church and integrate Scripture in every lesson. Youth Faith Formation (YFF) includes the prayers and practices of the Church as well as celebrating the major feasts and seasons of the liturgical year. Children will have the opportunity to pray together and form a community with the other members of our program and our parish. Here are the basics:

Grades 1-8 meet in the school on Wednesday evenings, 6:15-7:30pm, starting in mid-September and usually ending the last Wednesday of April.
Grades 1-5 use the Finding God series from Loyola Press.
Grades 6-8 This year we are using Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible by Ascension Press. A copy of the New Catholic Answer Bible will be furnished for each student.

YFF depends greatly on volunteer catechists. Training, lesson plans, and support are provided. Many people who decide to answer the call to the ministry of catechesis find it deepens their own faith. The time requirement is Wednesday evenings, 6-7:30 p.m., from September through April, plus time to prepare a weekly lesson. Catechists are generally adults but mature high school students who are willing to make a weekly commitment are welcome. Hours served can be counted for service hour requirements.

A diocesan background check and Virtus training is required for all adults working with children. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete or review the Catechist Contract, Code of Conduct, and Virtus Training Instruction.

If you have any questions about St. Joseph’s YFF programs or wish to volunteer, please contact Josh Danilson, Director of Faith Formation, at 515-402-4733 or jdanilson@stjosephcatholicdsm.org.

Registration

St. Joseph Parish supports the YFF programs, but the tuition fee helps with supplies, textbooks, and use of the campus buildings. Tuition for Weekly Faith Formation Programs for the 2023-2024 school year will be as follows:

$50 per child ($200 maximum per family)
Additional/separate $25 per child for the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation.
Online payment through the ParishSoft GiveNow form is preferred, but cash and check payments are also accepted.
Our NEW online fillable registration form can be found here – please complete all sections, print, sign, and return with payment before Parent Orientation on September 6th, 2023.

The 2023-2024 YFF year kicks off with a student-parent orientation gathering on September 6th, but the full calendar is available below. YFF registration forms and payment forms may be submitted to the Parish Office by mail, in person, or in the collection basket during our weekend Masses. Registration forms and payment are due no later than Orientation.