Faith formation is a lifetime process.  For Catholics baptized as infants, parents bear responsibility of training their children in the practice of the faith.  This training take shape by the attitudes and practices which children witness within the family and the home: how are the holidays celebrated?  Does the family attend Mass every week?  Is there mutual love and respect for all members of the family?  By time a child reaches school age, many fundamental patterns and attitudes will already be in place.

   Like our public schools which teach reading and math and science and art and all of the other subjects which will help a child take his or her rightful place as a citizen of the world, our Church takes seriously the responsibility to offer age-appropriate Christian education to help form our youngest members in the Catholic faith which we hold most dear.

   The Ss. Mary and Joseph Parish School of Religion (PSR) program provides religious education for children in grades K through 12.  Drawing on Sacred Scripture and Tradition, the Sacred Liturgy, and the moral and doctrinal teachings of the Church, our volunteer staff of laypersons help build on the faith foundations being laid by parents and family, so that our students may grow up not only literate in the faith, but radiant in the graces which flow from the encounter with God alone.

   PSR runs for about 28 weeks on Wednesday afternoons and evenings on the grounds of Ss. Mary and Joseph Church.  The hours are: 

During PSR evenings, the gym is open for older and younger PSR students to play or do homework before and after class from 3:00 to 7:00 pm.  We also serve meals in the parish hall for PSR students, parents, and families.  Starting in October 2009, Eucharistic Adoration will be taking place in the church on Wednesday afternoon and evenings, to encourage family and parishioners to have time for prayer during the busy week.

  Our second grade class has a special curriculum in preparation for the first reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.  Our seventh, eighth, and ninth graders also have a special curriculum in preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, which is celebrated every third year (2009, 2012, etc.).  These programs are designed to further engage children and families in the life of the Church.

   Our PSR program relies on the generous and dedicated work of our catechists, classroom assistants, gym supervisors, kitchen helpers, and other parishioners who provide support for the programming which takes place each week.  Some of these people are:

   Registration takes place in September, but we are always happy to welcome new students throughout the year.  There is a fee of $30 per student or $90 (max) per family to offset the costs of books, supplies, testing, etc, but no child will be turned away for a family's inability to pay this fee.  Registration forms and other relevant are below for viewing and printing:

PSR Registration Form (2009-10)	10-Sept-2009
PSR Fees Worksheet (2009-10)	10-Sept-2009
PSR Calendar (2009-10)	10-Sept-2009
PSR Weather Policy	10-Sept-2009