Building the Domestic Church
Faith Formation....   re-imagined.

Registration and schedule below.

Everyday life in a family may seem filled with ordinary things - and a bit of chaos.  But in the middle of the routines of a family, sibling rivalry, teenage angst, grouchy spouses, un-cut grass and some fatigue, sits Jesus, waiting for us to acknowledge Him.

Within the walls of your home, the domestic church, children learn about their faith through watching their parents and grandparents’ words and example. Parents and Grandparents are their first teachers of our faith.

This, at times, is a huge but wonderful responsibility, one you may not even feel qualified to take on.  St. Joseph Church realizes how busy family life can become and that religious education may fall to the back burner. We have made it easier for you to help your children experience the love and mercy of God by participating in the journey together, as a family, however your family looks at this moment.  Our program is called the Family Kerygma program. What could be more rewarding than your family growing in God's grace....together? Your faith will most certainly be refreshed by accompanying your family through the program! 

If you don't have children, that's okay too.  All are welcome and our program will also speak to you.

The program meets once monthly here at St. Joseph, Sundays after the 8:15am mass from 9:20-10:15 or Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:00pm. There are ten lessons, complete with binder (text book). The cost of the program is $105.00 and an aditional $65.00 for sacramental preparation materials.

Sacramental preparation for First Communion/Reconciliation is part of the BDC experience.  We incoporate a beautiful method of formation called Catechesis of the Good Shepherd together with the BDC sessions.  You will also be provided with extra material to work on at home. We thought of everything in putting the program together…. especially you.

Click the BDC registration form below to sign up for classes. You can call Mindy at 517.546.0090 ext. 400 with questions.

Sunday Sessions (includes First Communion Prep)

BDC = Parent and children 4th gr. and up
Level 1 = Pre-school and Kindergarten (3-5 yr old)
Level 2 = 1st, 2nd, 3rd graders (6-9 yr old)

2-Oct     :             Orientation: Parents & Child (9:15-10:50am) Emmaus Room
9-Oct     :             Level 2: Atrium, First Communion Parent Meeting
16-Oct   :             Level 1: Atrium,  BDC Session and Level 2: Faith Formation Building         
23-Oct   :             Tour of Church:  Parent & Child meet at 9:15am in Church Gathering Space
                                                                                       
6-Nov    :              Level 1: Atrium, BDC Session and Level 2: Faith Formation Building          
13-Nov :               Level 2: Atrium  
20-Nov                 Level 1: Atrium                                                                                  
                                                                                                               
4-Dec    :               Level 1: Atrium,  BDC Session and Level 2: Faith Formation Building         
11-Dec  :               Level 2: Atrium  
18-Dec  :               Level 1: Atrium, BDC Session and Level 2: Faith Formation Building          
                                                                                                               
8-Jan     :               Level 1: Atrium, BDC Session and Level 2: Faith Formation Building                          
22-Jan   :               Parent & Child Rite of Enrollment, Level 2: Atrium  
29-Jan   :               Level 1: Atrium, BDC Session and Level 2: Faith Formation Building                                                                    

5-Feb    :               Level 2: Atrium
12-Feb  :               Level 1: Atrium                                                                                  
26-Feb  :               Level 2: Atrium  
                                                                                                               
5-Mar    :               Level 1: Atrium, BDC Session and Level 2: Faith Formation Building                          
11-Mar :               Parent & Child  First Reconciliation Retreat, Level 2: Atrium  
19-Mar :               Level 1: Atrium                                                                                  
                                                                                                               
2-Apr     :               Level 1: Atrium, BDC Session and Level 2: Faith Formation Building        
16-Apr  :               Level 1: Atrium, BDC Session and Level 2: Faith Formation Building
23-Apr  :               Level 2: Atrium                                           
29-Apr  :               Parent & Child First Communion Retreat, Level 2: Atrium  
                                                                                                               
7-May   :               Level 1: Atrium, BDC Session and Level 2: Faith Formation Building          

Thursday Sessions

We are not able to offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for 3 to 9 yr olds at the Thursday Sessions this year. This BDC will be only for families with children 4th grade and up.

Oct 20 - Holy Family Room, Faith Formation Building (FFB)
Nov. 10 - FFB
Dec. 1 - FFB
Dec 15 - FFB
Jan 12 - FFB
Feb 2 - FFB
Feb 23 - FFB
March 9 - Church, Lenten Mission with Fr. Gary
April 13 - FFB
May 4 - FFB