Sacramental Preparation and Sacraments are available
for all St. Joseph Parish children.

Parents of Catholic School Children must submit a Sacramental Registration Form to enroll children.

First Eucharist & Reconciliation (all children)

​If registering a child for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, generally grade two, a child of Saint Joseph Parish must have completed level one and have the appropriate catechetical background and understanding of the sacrament.  Additionally, if baptized outside of St. Joseph, you must supply a copy of their baptismal certificate.

Please Note: We currently have 2 Eucharist Preparation Program approaches.
*** Children Enrolled in PREP or Catholic School***
***Children Enrolled in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd***

  Details for each Eucharist Preparation Program are outlined below in their respective sections.

***Preparation For Children Enrolled in PREP or Catholic School:

Those enrolled in this program will require child participation in two 4 hour Saturday morning retreats and Sunday afternoon practices for both sacraments in addition to the Sacrament date itself.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Reconciliation Retreat – January 4 8:00 am – Church (Mass), Practice 12:10 pm
• Inscription Mass – January 5 9:00 am – Church
• Reconciliation – January 9, 2025 – 7:00 pm – Church
• First Eucharist – May 3, 2025 – 11:00 am – Church
  • Children arrive at 10:15 am

IMPORTANT RESOURCES:

• 2024-25 First Eucharist Calendar updated 7/5/2024
• Encounter With Christ – Parent/Child Resources
• Link for Formed* – Forgiven Series –
  • “For Children: How to Make a Great Confession”
  • “For Parents: Preparing Your Child for First Confession”
• Link for Formed* – Presence Series – “For Children: The Miracle at Every Mass”
• Mass – My Missal
• Picture Form (optional)

*To access Formed – Go to formed.org and click SIGN UP-Click OPTION 3 (I Belong To A Parish Organization). Find our Parish in the SEARCH BAR-Enter your name and e-mail address.

***Preparation For Children Enrolled in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd:

Those enrolled in CGS participate in a five-part parent and child meditation series and a multi-day retreat prior to receiving First Reconciliation and Eucharist.

The 2024–2025 dates are as follows:

• Picture Form (optional)

Confirmation (2 year program begins grade 6):

​To be eligible for the Sacrament of Confirmation, children of Saint Joseph parish should be at least in grade six and have the appropriate catechetical background and understanding of their Catholic faith and of the sacrament.

1. YEAR 1 of the program will be a comprehensive introduction to the essentials and key teachings of the four pillars of the Catholic faith. Archdiocese Doctrinal Framework  Classes will be every other Sunday morning 8:45 – 10:35 AM.
2. YEAR 2 continues study in Catholic tradition, Scripture, works of mercy, ways to more fully participate in the life of the church, develop their own spirituality, and prepare to celebrate the Rite of Confirmation.  It will require 2 student/parent meetings, a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer/service time, a Saturday retreat, an evening reconciliation, a Sunday afternoon practice for the sacrament in addition to the sacrament itself.  Catholic School children are also required to complete an at home or in PREP Class Confirmation study program.  Additional forms will be available at the first parent meeting. Archdiocese Doctrinal Framework Classes will be every other Sunday evening 6:00 – 7:30 PM for the 2024-25 school year.  

UPCOMING EVENTS:

CONFIRMATION RETREAT – National Shrine of Padre Pio, Barto PA – Saturday, November 16 – Bus leaves from Church at 8:15 am, return 3:30 pm

• Confirmation – May 18, 2025 – 2:30 pm (new date) – Church
  • Most Reverend Christopher R. Cooke
  • Children arrive at 1:45 pm – Trailer 3

*Confirmation sign up for service projects

IMPORTANT RESOURCES:

• Confirmation Calendar  Updated 10/07/2024
• Year 2 Study Guide
• Required Confirmation Forms
  • 2024/2025  All Forms
• INDIVIDUAL FORMS
  • Contract of Investiture
  • Youth Code of Conduct
  • Medical Information
  • Activity Permission Form (blank)
  • Sponsor Form (due 1/31)
  • Service Hours Form (due 5/3)
  • Picture Form (optional)