youth discipleship ministry
for children
3K through 9th Grade MorningYouth Discipleship
3K-9th graders meet on the 1st and 3rd Sundays mornings of the month during the school year from 9-10:20am. (Note that, alternatively, there is an evening session for grades 8-11). During this time on Sunday mornings, our 3-6 year olds will be going to be formed using the CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD. See below for a description. Also, children who are in 2nd grade or above, who have not already received their First Reconciliation and Communion, will be prepared to do so. YDM disciples are expected to attend the 10:30 Mass on 1st and 3rd Sundays, and a Mass of your choice on the other Sundays. Additionally, those in grade 3 and up will participate in Mass roles for the 1st Sunday 10:30 Mass. View the sections below for more information on Children's Faith Formation.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Level 1 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, designed for children ages 3-6, is a wonderful Montessori-based religious formation that nutures the child's relationship with Jesus through song, prayer, and scriptutre presentions using child-sized materials that bring the scriptures to life. This all accomplished within a beautiful and sacred prayer space called an Atrium. We meet during the regular morning YDM sessions from 9-10:20am on 1st and 3rd Sundays.
Preparation for the Sacraments
In the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, preparation for the first reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist normally occurs during a child's second grade year because the age of seven is considered the age of reason in the Church. This is the age in which children are able to begin to understand right from wrong and the concept of sin as well as begin to form an understanding of the Eucharist.
The First Reconciliation and First Eucharist preparation programs are parish-based programs. Children who attend our Generations of Faith sessions, as well as those in the parish day school, come together to celebrate these Sacraments.
Before a Child can be registered, the following criteria should be met:
- Child must be Baptized Catholic.
- A copy of the Baptismal Certificate must accompany the registration form. Unbaptized children who are 2nd grade level or above should contact the YDM Director for more information.
- The family is registered as parishioners in St. Joseph's Parish. In some cases a family from another parish may participate if they have the permission of the pastor of their home parish to attend our programming.
- Child must have attended at least one year of Catholic Religious Education or a Catholic school, the year preceding sacrament preparation.
- Child must be currently in 2nd Grade or above.
- Family must be willing to be actively involved in their child's preparation.
- Participate and complete all preparation sessions and materials.
Contact the YDM Director to learn more about upcoming sacrament preparation classes.
Children's Mass Bags
Mass Bags are available for families with young children to pick up before Mass to help them stay engaged in Mass. They include Mass books, picture Bibles, I Spy sheets, and puzzles. All quiet activities that can be done during Mass and are about God's Word. After using, please place in the "used" Mass bag location so they can be refreshed before next week's Masses.
Altar Servers
We are looking for young people to answer the call from God and Father Andy to be Mass Servers. We will provide training, mentoring, and support. Any students from 3rd grade and older are welcome to join the Servers Team. For more information, please email Stacy Abraham at mrsabraham1@wi.rr.com, talk to Fr Andy after Mass, or contact the parish office.
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Learn MoreVBS is an unforgettable summer experience for children entering K5-5th grade. The week is filled with awesome Bible-learning experiences, fun projects, amazing faith-filled songs, tasty treats, and more!
Resources & Forms
Contact Information
Erika Evans
Director of Youth Discipleship
eevans@stjoesbb.com
262-662-3317
