Youth Formation (PreK-8)

“Home Study Plus” began the week of October 12, 2020, and it offers a weekly formation piece for the family as a whole and targeted formation for each registered child in kindergarten through grade eight. Each week offers variety and includes a combination of a short universally-themed (friendly to all ages) video lesson, featuring St. Joe’s clergy, staff, catechists and/or special guests, as well as grade-level and benchmark appropriate activities, prayer and other family-friendly suggestions in the Google Classroom platform. The weekly formation can be completed any time throughout the week and should take no more than (on average) 60 minutes each week. We encourage families to establish a regular time for the video lesson and activities. Of course, it is our hope that the formation will engage families and naturally spill over throughout the week, becoming part of daily routines.

If you still need to pick up sacramental year materials, please come by Monday or Tuesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Wednesday or Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We can also, by request, leave your materials at the Welcome Desk for pick up at a weekend Mass. Please contact us at 248-693-9555. 

While the preparation for the remote "Home Study Plus" has required additional planning and materials this year, we have been able to keep the cost per child consistent with last year's regular program cost, due to reduced building use. Thank you for understanding the dynamics of this process.

We look forward to "Home Study Plus" offering families a break from the "noise" of everyday life and the stress that sometimes accompanies it. We want it to be family time shared with God, feeling and knowing His presence is with you. The faith formation team will provide lessons and assist with your needs on this faith journey. Please stay connected and reach out with comments and questions. We are journeying together.
 

Typically, children in second grade prepare and celebrate First Reconciliation and First Communion. Young people in seventh and eighth grades prepare for Confirmation and celebrate in the fall of ninth grade. Only participation in the St. Joe's program or other pre-approved sacramental preparation program (pre-approved by the director of religious education and pastor) meets the requirements of a sacramental preparation year. Please visit our Sacraments section for information on preparing for these sacraments. If your child has missed a sacrament, please visit our Missed a Sacrament? page.