Faith Life at St. Joseph School
St. Joseph School is a diocesan Catholic school and our faith life is an important part of the SJS experience. Students, faculty, and families have multiple opportunities to live their faith as members of this community.
The entire school population celebrates Mass once a month, gathering together in the parish church. A weekly Mass is held for grades 2-12 on Wednesdays at 8:20 a.m. Students assist as lectors, song leaders, gift bearers, ministers, altar servers, and ushers. Religion classes are required every year a student attends SJS. We are blessed to have priests who interact often with our students serving as role models for each of us. Daily announcements begin with scripture reading and the school prayer. Various service projects allow students to demonstrate their understanding of social justice as an integral part of the Catholic faith.
Praying the Rosary, attending the Sacrament of Reconciliation, working together to support the local food banks, volunteering time at the community free clinic, visiting nursing homes, supporting the Angel Tree, performing drama productions related to Advent and Lent, weekly prayer services, participation in the prayer chain, and spiritual adoption of unborn babies, just to name a few, are all ways we celebrate our faith at St. Joseph Catholic School.
SACRAMENTS:
Baptism:
Parents and God parents must register to attend pre-baptismal classes which are held monthly. Call the parish office at 501-327-6568
Reconciliation & Eucharist:
Instruction takes place during religion class in second grade. Contact the second grade teachers or the principal at the primary campus at 501-336-8149 for further details.
Confirmation:
This is a two year process as determined by the Diocese of Little Rock beginning year one in 8th grade with completion of instruction and sacrament received at the end of the 9th grade.
RCIC-Rite of Christian Initiation of Children
This program is for any students who have missed receiving their sacraments and wish to catch up. These students study the Catholic faith and work toward receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil Mass. Contact the parish religious education office for details. 501-327-6568
RCIA-Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
This is a spiritual formation process for people who are interested in learning about the Catholic faith and/or becoming members of the Catholic Church. Contact Andrea Papini at 501-454-9147 for more information.
EDGE:
Edge is a youth ministry for students in grades 6-7-8. Typically they meet each Wednesday evening for fellowship, prayer, and fun. Contact the parish office for details.
TAGG:
Totally Awesome God Group is a youth ministry for students in grades 9-12. They meet each Wednesday evening in the parish hall. Contact Caryn Hoyt in the parish office.
VIRTUS:
We are grateful to the many volunteers who give of their time and talent in our schools. We all want to work together to do everything possible to protect our children. Virtus is the Protecting God’s Children program for adults. It teaches staff, volunteers, and parents to recognize the warning signs of sexual abuse and to respond appropriately.
The Diocesan guidelines mandate that all volunteers and employees that are a minimum of 18 years old and have a leadership role in the parish or schools and/or work with children be required to complete a Virtus training session. Contact Celeste Bailey to sign up for a training session. 501-327-5528
