NEW Adult Formation Classes Available for Sign Up!

2020-2021 Adult Formation Classes

Each year our Adult Formation Ministry strives to bring our parish opportunities to grow their knowledge and faith on this earthly journey towards Heaven.

Adult Formation Classes are 50min classes teaching about some aspect of our Catholic Faith. Theses take place right here on our St. Joseph’s campus in various meeting rooms and school classrooms. They take place on Sundays, between the 8am and 11am Masses, from 9:30am-10:30am. Classes are taught by various parishioners and sometimes have special speakers that travel from around the Baton Rouge Diocese.

This year - despite COVID’s best efforts - this ministry continues to deliver on their mission! Take a look below on what this year’s classes are being offered and sign up for any of them that tug at you.

“God walks into your soul with silent steps. God comes to you more than you go to Him. Never will His coming be what you expect, and yet never will it disappoint. The more you respond to His gentle pressure, the greater will be your freedom." 

-Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Sacred Music History – the Music of the Psalms

Sept 13th, 20th, 27 th, Oct. 11th, 18th, 25th

Rhonda Rhonda Sorg-Rossano - Choir Room

We sing at least one Psalm at nearly every Mass-the Responsorial Psalm between the reading of the Old Testament Scripture and the Epistle or Gospel. We also sing a Psalm every time we sing the Communion antiphon. Recently, we have heard additional Psalms prayed in chant as Mass begins and during the Offertory as directed by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. Why are the Psalms so important to our liturgy? Continue reading and sign up…

Typology

Sept 13th , 20th, 27th

Mike Fulmer – School Library

Typology is the first and oldest method of Scripture study. Join Mike Fulmer as he leads a 3-part Bible study and unlocks many of the mysteries hidden in Old Testament Scripture. Continue reading and sign up…

Human Trafficking – Hidden in Plain Sight

Oct. 11th

Danielle Van Haute with the Diocese of Baton Rouge – School Library

This presentation will include a broad range of information about human trafficking. The many misconceptions we often have about human trafficking, recognizing warning signs, how to report it, measures we can take to fight it, and more. All while recognizing the dignity of the human person. Continue reading and sign up…

The Sacraments (by Bishop Barron)

Nov. 1st , 8th, 15th, Dec. 6th, 13th

Ben and Rachael Perrin – School Library

The great sacraments of the Church—Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Reconciliation, the Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders—have endured for thousands of years and structured countless lives. Everything in the Church’s life comes from and returns to them.
But there is far more to these ancient rites than meets the eye. Continue reading and sign up…

Be Seen With Your Mother

Jan. 3rd 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st, Feb. 7th

Savanna Balado – School Library

Ever pondered the fact that we share a Mother with the God of the universe? If you think about it, it’s truly amazing! Many of us know that the life of Jesus is foreshadowed all throughout the Old Testament, and just how Jesus is the “New Adam,” so Mary is the “New Eve” and plays a crucial role in our redemption. Continue reading and sign up…

How to Give Your Testimony

Feb 21st, 28th

Sarah Fox – School Library

How to Give Your Testimony Part 1 1 Peter 3:15 says, "but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence." If someone were to ask you why you're a Christian while in a check out line, could you do it? Continue reading and sign up…

Veritatis Splendor

Mar 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th

Richard Coffey – School Library

Join us for four sessions as we take a closer look at The Splendor of Truth. This encyclical letter by Pope Saint John Paul II was six years in the making and was published in 1993 following the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The encyclical presents the moral life as something that is not external to us. It is something that satisfies our capacity for goodness and happiness. In other words, the truth is friendly to us. It fills us with joy. Continue reading and sign up…

Called and Gifted

Sundays Sept 13th – Mar. 28th
(There will be some Sundays off. Please see schedule.)

Lisa Kennedy - Mrs. Notariano’s Classroom

Charisms or spiritual gifts are special abilities given to all Christians by the Holy Spirit to give them the power both to represent Christ and to be a channel of God’s goodness for people.
What would you like to see? Our parish filled with enthusiastic worshipers? Lapsed Catholics returning to the practice of faith? Growth in Stewardship and giving? Parents actively passing on the faith to their children? Faith Formation classes filled with eager participants? New ministry leaders? More priestly and religious vocations? Continue reading and sign up…

Have a question or suggestion about a class? Click here and let our Adult Formation Ministry know!

Adult Formation Inquiry

Family Formation (K-12) Registration is OPEN!

St. Joseph’s Family Formation 2020-2021

We’ve had a lot of twists and turns this summer but we are moving forward with formation this year while continuously keeping an eye on COVID updates and regulations. We ask that you make sure to follow our website and social media for updates and, as always, feel free to call with any questions you may have!

Online pay is now available through our Parish Online Giving system*. You may pay online or at the church office. Feel free to call the office with any questions! (985) 386-3749

*if you already have an account, do not login to register. We are working with the company to fix this and we appreciate your patience.

PSR

Our PSR program is for children going into grades K-5. Paige Bacile is our PSR Director and we have trained volunteers to help teach each grade.

If you are interested in being a Catechist or a Catechist’s Assistant, please call the office at (985) 386-3749

Ablaze

Our Ablaze teens are for all incoming 6th-8th graders. This group is for formation and teen in-person hangouts.

Thirst Confirmation Prep

Our Thirst youth are prepped for Confirmation by joining a small group and staying with them 9th-11th grade. We also have in-person hangouts and online gatherings during this time with COVID.

Virtual VBS Registration OPEN!!

Since we don't know when we can leave the house, and when we can have more than 25 people around us, we're opting to do an at-home, Virtual VBS!

Please spread the word through sharing this article or joining the Facebook event.

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During this time, we are also in need of volunteers to make this happen. Please click the picture, or the button below, to find out what you can do to help:

Mass Guidelines During Phase 1

There are a lot of guidelines to follow this Sunday. Because there are a lot, we have divided them below for you to view more easily.

Our staff and volunteers are following the guidance and guidelines appointed by the Bishop and Fr. McDuffie. When attending Mass please follow their directions.

It will be challenging to find our new normal, and we ask for your patience and understanding.

Regarding mass attendance (inside)

• We can only hold 25% capacity as state mandated.  First come, first serve for the first 200 people.  

• Must have a mask to enter the church building.  There are no masks available for people who do not bring their own.

• No congregating in the Narthex before or after Mass.

• No physical contact (sign of peace, hugs hello, etc.)

• There will be no hymn sheets handed out. You can follow along with Mass readings on My Parish App or the free resources found on our Corona-virus Resource Page

• There will be no collection baskets passed person to person like usual. Instead, you will notice a container in the middle aisle. We ask that you place your offering in the slot on top of the container, and we thank you for your generosity.

• Ushers will lead you to a pew after being approved to come in. Please understand, you will most likely not be seated in your regular spot as certain pews will be roped off to ensure social distancing.

Regarding mass attendance (outside)

• If you don’t make it early enough to sit inside, we will have speakers set up outside so you can still hear Mass.

• A Eucharistic Minister will come into the Natthex during Mass to distribute Communion. Instructions for that below.

• You may bring your own lawn chairs or stay in your car as you feel comfortable. If seated though, we ask that you remain socially distant.

Regarding receiving the Most Holy Eucharist (Inside)

• Holy Communion will be offered under one species only – The Body of Christ. Keep in mind that when we receive only one species, we are receiving both the Body and the Blood of Christ.

• The aisles are marked with blue tape (6 feet apart) please stand on lines and observe social distance.

• If you are able to bring your own hand sanitizer, please use it before going up to receive Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

• DO NOT WEAR GLOVES, MUST BE RECEIVED DIRECTLY ON THE HAND.

• Bishop Duca has asked, for the time being, we all receive Holy Communion in the hand.

• When the person in front of you is receiving Holy Communion, bow and then lower your mask as you approach the minister, make a throne of your hands and receive the Body of Christ, place the Host in your mouth, as you turn to go back to your pew raise your mask back over your mouth.

• In addition, due to the fact that physical contact is not allowed, ministers are not able to sign your forehead to bless you. So, if you are unable to receive Holy Communion, we ask that you remain in your pew.

• Ushers will be at each pew directing people when to go up.

Regarding receiving the most holy Eucharist (outside)

• A Eucharistic Minister will be in the Narthex. Line up in procession as you would inside the church, six feet apart, and maintain social distance.

• If you are able to bring your own hand sanitizer, please use it before going up to receive Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

• DO NOT WEAR GLOVES, MUST BE RECEIVED DIRECTLY ON THE HAND.

Regarding bathroom use

• Bathrooms will be available for those who need it.

• Only 1 person at a time (a parent bringing a child or siblings going together are okay).

• Volunteer will be outside each door to ensure social distance and to disinfect after each use.

Regarding leaving the church after mass

• We will dismiss people according to pew section. Please stay seated until dismissed in order to maintain social distance.

• You may leave by side doors but please be sure they are closed behind you.

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