The first catechists in any child’s life are the family members with whom he or she lives. What happens at home – both positive and negative – provides lessons for life. In the family, faith is shared as part of the unfolding of daily life. The home or “domestic church” provides a real place in which a child learns to live his or her faith as well as understanding it.
Our goal is to create a program of lifelong faith formation that is centered in and flows out of the events of Church life. It embraces all ages and generations, promotes faith growth at home and promotes participation in Church life.
St. Joseph's Parish School of Religion (PSR) is one dimension of faith formation at St. Joseph's. PSR provides Catholic instruction for those children of our faith community who are unable to attend Catholic school. Our program for faith formation is geared toward pre-school, elementary and Jr. High school age students.
Our curriculum and policies are determined by the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Religious Education and locally by our Pastor. The program is administered by the Director of Religious Education with the help of parish volunteers.
The NEW 2023-24 PSR ProgramThis year, our program will be transitioning from a traditional Sunday School program to a family-centered program that will focus on building the Domestic Church. What is the Domestic Church, you may ask. According to the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church: “The family, is so to speak, the domestic church.” (Lumen Gentium #11). This means that it is in the context of the family that we (all) learn who God is and to prayerfully seek His will for us.(https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/parents/tools-for-building-a-domestic-church). You'll find the time commitment to be similar, but with ample opportunities for prayer, service, Catholic experiences, all while learning and experiencing Catholic witness in our daily and family lives.
- Peg Haney, Director of Religious Education (330-274-2268 or [email protected])
ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE
It’s NEW. Now you can register your child(ren) for this year’s Faith Formation Program from this webpage. Scroll down for registration options. The deadline for submitting registration forms for the 2023-24 PSR year (either on paper or online) is Thursday, August 31.
PSR Opening Day - Save this Date!! The 2023-24 PSR School year will begin on Sunday, September 17, with 9 a.m. Mass. A Donut Social and organizational meeting will follow.
PSR FEES - PSR Fees are used for weekly flyers, PSR student supplies, parent information, community service projects, food, etc. Fee is $70 per family and is due by Sept. 17, 2023. Please make checks payable to: St. Joseph PSR
Students and families of our PSR Program take part in several events and fundraisers throughout the year.
Your support and participation are greatly appreciated.
These wonderful opportunities to meet and greet your fellow parishioners and is currently "manned" by PSR parents. Usually held once a month during the PSR school year, the event takes place after Sunday Mass in Hughes Hall. Parent Talks or other presentations and discussions are part of this social event. Please refer to the weekly bulletin for dates and reminders.
PSR's annual Christmas Pageant & Cookie Party is held in December each year beginning at 10 a.m. in the church and ending in Hughes Hall. The Story of Christmas includes readings and singing by the students and those who attend. All PSR families share dozens of their favorite cookies. All families, friends, and parishioners are welcome to attend this wonderful holiday event.
In January, our PSR program transforms the Giving Tree to a Warm Hearts for Warm Hands collection tree. Formerly known as Keep the Kids Warm, this Catholic Charities campaign helps provide winter hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves to families in need. Monetary donations received through this Poverty Awareness month project also helps Catholic Charities provide direct utility assistance to families with children.