Religious Education at St. Joseph
At St. Joseph, our Religious Education program helps children grow in their faith by learning about God, the teachings of Jesus, the Bible, prayer, and how to live as disciples each day. We believe that parents are a child’s first and most important teachers of the faith, and that children learn best when they see their faith lived out at home and in daily life. Our goal is to support families in building a strong foundation of faith, developing Christian values like kindness and forgiveness, and becoming active members of the Church through worship, sacraments, and community life.
PARENT RESOURCES
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Traditional RE
K-6 GRADE
Students in Kindergarten thru 6th grade meet on Wednesdays 6:15-7:30 PM
ADULT VOLUNTEER
Adults within our church and community are always needed to help make our RE program successful. All volunteers must be Safe Environment trained by the Archdiocese of Omaha. Reach out Sherry Huntwork if you are interested.
EMAIL DRE
Family Formation
The Family Formation (FF) approach is based on teaching parents and children—as well as any other interested parishioners—at the same time. It is focused on dynamic sessions that involve teaching, group discussion, question and answer, and fellowship. This focus differs from traditional religious education, which is more like a K-8 school day.
THE DETAILS:
– Family Formation meets monthly during the academic year on the 2nd Wednesday of each month (September-May).
– Time: 5:30–7:30 PM
– Dinner (provided by the parish) begins at 5:30PM.
Class starts at 6 PM (while we finish dinner).
– At least one parent should plan to attend each month with their child.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
`Family Formation is active and engaging—not a passive experience.
– We follow a three-year cycle based on the four pillars of the Catechism: Creed, Sacraments, Life in Christ, Prayer
– Each session includes prayer, scripture, and activities.
Next year’s focus: Life in Christ will be covered across nine classes.
AT-HOME ACTIVITIES:
– All materials needed for activities will be provided each month in your family’s “Take-Home Packets”
– Regular attendance at Sunday Mass is an important part of Family Formation, helping the lessons take root and grow in daily life.
Preschool Catechesis of the Good Shepherd(CGS)
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a way of teaching children about God that focuses on helping them experience His love personally. It is centered around the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd–a loving protector who knows each of us by name and cares for us deeply.
FOR PRESCHOOLERS
CGS is for Preschoolers (age 3 to 6).
THE ATRIUM
The environment in the Atrium is a peaceful and sacred space where children can work on materials like:
– A small model of the Good Shepherd and His sheep.
– A tiny altar to learn about the parts of the Mass.
– Puzzle maps of Israel to understand where Jesus lived on Earth.
CGS APPROACH
it’s not about rushing through facts or memorizing bible stories. It’s about fostering a deep inner relationship with God, in a way that is natural and gentle for young kids. Learn more here.
Register for 2026-2027 Preschool CGS!
Youth Group
All 9th-12th grade youth are invited to our St. Joseph’s Youth Group.
WHEN: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month
TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
WHERE: 500 S. 10th Avenue, Springfield
Join in a lot of fun and fellowship…and always food!