You can pay for Faith Formation fees ONLINE now through our online giving portal.
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. Through the evangelizing community active discipleship is promoted by way of sharing knowledge of the faith, prayer and worship, moral formation, and service. Our Pastorate seeks to foster full and active participation by our young people in Sunday prayer and worship, in turn strengthened and nourished by the Eucharist to “go out” and live a Christian life of love and service in the world. We offer Faith Formation programs that strive to meet the needs of families that catechizes in a way that also promotes faith growth at home and participation in Church life.
Faith Formation for K-6th Grade
Traditional Faith Formation classes are held Sunday mornings at Saint Joseph's from 9-10AM.
Family Faith is a program that is available to any family in the Pastorate and is a home study option where parents receive materials to teach their children in their own home. Monthly gathering and support sessions are held at St James and St Augustine churches where the young people and their family members share snacks and fellowship while exploring the monthly lessons. St Augustine meets in the lower church after Sunday Mass from 9:30 to 10:30 and St James gathers in the church Hall from 9am to 10am before Sunday Mass. Please see the Family Faith Calendar for dates.
Middle School Faith Formation (EDGE)
The Pastorate of St Augustine, St. James and St. Joseph offers an exciting Catholic program to give seventh and eighth grade middle school children guidance, reassurance and Jesus’ love at a time when they’re faced with so many options and choices. EDGE is a non-traditional model of catechesis where youth are given opportunities to learn about their Catholic faith and to experience a sense of community with their peers and their leaders. Students engage in lessons at their own comfort level with the ultimate goal of experiencing Jesus in a profound and personal way. EDGE Nights are held twice a month on Sunday Nights at St Joseph's from 6-8 PM. Attendance at EDGE is required for enrolling on the Pastorate Confirmation Program in grade 9.
High School Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry offers fun, innovative opportunities for spiritual growth and development. Events are geared toward service, discussion, catechesis and community building. Youth ministry events are open to all high school students of the parish. The expected outcome of participation in youth ministry events are a better sense of living as a Christian in the world and an understanding of what it means to be in the Church.
Child and Youth Protection
Our Pastorate, along with the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the entire Church strive to produce a healthy and nurturing environment for children and youth. We are dedicated to making sure our church is a safe environment for them. Virtus is a process by which we promote healthy ministry by seeking to engage competent qualified volunteers and employees. To protect children and youth, volunteers and employees are screened for their fitness to work with minors. Please visit www.virtus.org to learn more and complete the screening.
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