St. Joseph's uses the "Coming To" Series by Sadlier for our Elementary Program. Parents are the primary teachers and example in handing on the faith to their children. Teacher/catechists strive to enhance this foundation by teaching the basics of our Catholic Faith.

Kindergarten:
God is giver of all things in Creation and Jesus is His very special Gift to us. Prayers to be learned: Sign of Cross, Hail Mary, Grace before and after meals.

First Grade:
Jesus is our Friend, who teaches us to pray and to care about others. Because we are baptized we belong to the Catholoic church and come together to celbrate the Mass in Eucharist. Prayers to be learned: Our Father, Great Commandment: To love God above all things and my neighbor as myself.

Second Grade:
The children are preparing to receive two sacraments this year. They will be learning about being responsible for their actions and forgiveness for the wrongs they have done. The Mass at the Celebration of the Community Meal, the Eucharist, is the focal point this year. Prayers to be learned: Act of Sorrow, Form for Reconciliation, basic parts of the Mass.

Third Grade:
Belonging to the Church as a Community means we believe certain things, we have a Creed and we help one another. Prayers to be learned: Apostles Creed, beginning to learn about Bible and its relation to the Mass.

Fourth Grade:
The Commandments and the Beatitudes are the main guides for our lives as Christians and human beings in this world with others. Things to be learned: Commandments, Beatitudes, Rosary and its Mysteries.

Fifth Grade:
The seven Sacraments are important signs of God's presence in our lives. They are taught in three groups: Sacraments of Belonging: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation; Sacraments of Service and Commitments: Holy Orders and Matrimony; and the Sacraments of Healing; Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. Things to be learned: Sacraments and symbols, Precepts (laws) of the church, Works of Mercy and the Liturgical Year.

Sixth/Seventh/Eighth Grades:
The people and history of the Old Testament become familiar as the children learn hands-on use of the Bible. This gives a strong foundation for a lifelong use of the Bible in their daily lives. Service to others and relating our lives to the way Jesus taught us in the Bible have a strong focus in the growth of our junior high students. Things to be learned: Books and important people of the Bible.