Congratulations to all of you who have welcomed a new little one into your life! We look forward, as a community, to help you teach our faith to the newest addition to our faith family!

Everyone who wishes to have their baptized is asked to attend our Baptism classes if they have not attended one of our classes in the last 3 years. The Baptism classes are held on the second Monday of every other month from 7pm-8:30pm.

The schedule for 2012 Baptism class is: February 13, April 9, June 11, August 13, October 8, December 10

The Baptisms are scheduled:  1st &2nd weekends of each month at the Sunday morning (8:30am & 10:30am) masses. 2nd and 3rd weekends of each month at the Saturday evening (5:00pm) and Sunday evening (9:30pm) masses.

Group Baptisms: 1st Sunday of each month at 12:15pm.

Please call Natalie in the Administration office at 763-425-6505 ext239 to register for the Baptism class and to set a baptism date.

CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
For initial sacramental celebrations, students need to attend the parish Faith Formation program or an approved Archdiocesan Catholic school a minimum of one year prior to the year in which they will begin preparation for the sacrament:

This means that those who wish to celebrate the sacrament of Eucharist in 2nd grade, need to attend during 1st grade. Likewise students should attend during 3rd grade, if they wish to celebrate Reconciliation in 4th grade. Teens wishing to begin preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation need to attend during 9th grade. Confirmation is a two year preparation program beginning in 10th grade with celebration of the sacrament at the end of 11th grade year.

Parents are the primary catechists of their children and are asked to partner with the parish in preparing their student for sacraments. Because sacraments are celebrated as a community, it is important that students enter more fully into the life of the parish community during their preparation.

Students who wish to celebrate a sacrament must attend Faith Formation at the parish during the year(s) of their preparation for that sacrament. Students who attend an Archdiocesan approved parochial school may receive Faith Formation through their school. Both Catholic school and parish Faith Formation students prepare for the sacraments together at the parish through a series of meetings, retreats, and use of materials provided by the parish.

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In addition to attending an approved Faith Formation program, preparation for First Eucharist consists of a mandatory Parent Session, a Parent-Child Workshop, and completion of sacramental preparation materials.

PARENTS with students preparing for First Eucharist are required to:

1. Attend a Parent Session for sacramental preparation in order to deepen your understanding of the Sacrament and to explore ideas for celebrating Eucharistic themes in the home. THIS IS NOT AN OPTION. Please plan to attend the one of the following sessions offered at 7:00 p.m.:

January 2012 dates to be announced

2. Attend a Parent and Child First Eucharist Workshop. THIS IS NOT AN OPTION. This workshop will be offered twice from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.:

February dates, 2012 to be announced

Please register for the workshop of your choice on the Sacramental form that you will receive through the Elementary Faith Formation program.

3. Typically, reception of the sacrament occurs one of the weekend liturgies after Easter. Families can register for the liturgy of their choice on the Sacramental form that they receive through the Elementary Faith Formation program.

Contact Beth Heimer (763) 425-9801 x 236 for more information on preparation for First Eucharist.

Note:  Parents with students who are 4th grade and older who have not yet prepared for First Eucharist need to contact Katie McCarty, Director of Faith Formation, (763) 425-9801, x230, to arrange for preparation.

RECONCILIATION

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The Community of St. Joseph's celebrates the sacrament of Reconciliation regularly throughout the year. Each Saturday at 4:00 p.m. the sacrament is offered on an individual basis.

Students at St. Joseph the Worker prepare for and receive the sacrament of Reconciliation beginning in 2nd grade (no later than 4th grade). During Faith Formation classes, students are given a more in-depth understanding of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and are readied to receive the sacrament individually with a priest.

In addition to attending an approved Faith Formation program, preparation for 1st Reconciliation consists of a mandatory Parent Session, a Parent-Child Workshop, and completion of sacramental preparation materials.

PARENTS with students preparing for First Reconciliation are required to:

Attend a Parent Session for sacrament preparation in order to deepen understanding of the sacrament and to receive ideas for developing a spirit of forgiveness and healing within family life. THIS IS NOT AN OPTION. These sessions will be offered 7:00 p.m. on:

October, 2011 dates to be announced

Attend a Parent and Child Reconciliation Workshop. THIS IS NOT AN OPTION. These workshops will be offered 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. on:

December  2011 dates to be announced

Reception of the sacrament will be celebrated on:

January dates to be announced, 2012

Families can register for the celebration time of their choice on the Sacramental form, that they receive through the Elementary Faith Formation program.

Contact Beth Heimer (763) 425-9801 x 236 for more information on preparation for First Reconciliation.

Note:  Parents with students who are 5th grade and older who have not yet prepared for First Reconciliation need to contact Katie McCarty, Director of Faith Formation (763) 425-9801, x230 to arrange for preparation.

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"The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name - He will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you." John 14:26

Confirmation Preparation

St. Joseph the Worker offers a two-year Confirmation Prep program for teens entering the 10th or 11th grade. We typically celebrate Confirmation late spring of the student’s 11th grade year with the Bishop presiding. Adults seeking Confirmation should contact Katie McCarty, Director of Faith Formation at (763) 425-9801 ext. 230.

In the sacrament of Confirmation we are affirming our baptismal call to full participation in the life of the Church and the mission of Jesus. This Sacrament seals our soul and initiates us into a life to become what God has always intended for us (Eph. 2:10).

Those seeking the Sacrament are asked to embark on a journey of personal and communal discovery of faith and Truth that leads ultimately to making a commitment to the person of Jesus Christ, His Church and to the Catholic Christian way of life.

Our two-year program is divided into five major areas:

• Immediate Sacramental Preparation

• Mentorship

• Faith Formation

• Discipleship (Volunteer Ministry)

• Prayer and Reflection (Retreat Experiences)

Candidates seeking this sacrament must freely choose to be confirmed and be committed to continuing the faithful practice and study of our faith.

Confirmation is not a “graduation”! Far from it, Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation – a beginning; confirming their commitment to life-long journey of discipleship.

• Candidate Commitment

• Parent Commitment

A detailed handbook and explanation of the Confirmation program will be presented to all first year Candidates and parents at the Confirmation I: Session #1 (Candidate/Parent Night). The 2011 dates for this session are: October TBA and October TBA. (Candidates and parents are only required to attend one).

Immediate Sacramental Preparation:

"He breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" John 20:22

The goal of our catechesis for immediate Confirmation preparation is to help young people to understand and appreciate basic beliefs of the Catholic faith and lead them to apply principles of personal and social morality in their lives.

Confirmation prep sessions focus specifically on the signs and symbols of Confirmation, “what it means to be Catholic”, and to develop a lasting love for Christ and His Church. Candidates seeking this sacrament must attend all six Confirmation prep sessions (Three each year).

2011-2012 Dates to remember: Confirmation I Schedule and deadlines

Confirmation I Sessions: (Candidates in their first year of preparation)

• Session #1: Candidate/Parent Night: October TBA, 2011

(Session #1 is presented twice; Candidates must attend one of these sessions with a parent)

• Session #2: January, 2012 TBA

• Session #3: April, 2012 TBA

Confirmation I Deadlines:

• Confirmation I Retreat Registration Deadline: October 2011 TBA

• Confirmation Sponsor form: April, 2012 TBA

2011-2012 Dates to remember: Confirmation II Schedule and deadlines

Confirmation II Sessions: (Candidates in their second year of preparation)

• Session #1: Candidate/Sponsor Night: October, 2011 TBA

(Session #1 is presented twice; Candidates must attend one of these sessions with their sponsor or a proxy)

• Session #2: January, 2012

• Session #3: April, 2012

• Confirmation Practice Session/Sending Mass/Reception: May  2012

(4pm: Practice Session; 5:30 pm Sending Mass; Reception following Mass; Candidate and Sponsor/Proxy are required to attend)

• Confirmation Celebration: May  2012

(Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis 7:00 pm)

Confirmation II Deadlines:

• Sacramental Registration/Baptism Cert. Deadline: October  2011

• Ministry Hours and Retreats Completed: February  2012

• Sponsor Recommendation Letters Due: March  2012

• Ministry Reflection, Confirmation Name: April, 2012

Note for Candidates: Missing any Confirmation Prep Sessions (or three or more Life Night absences in any year) may mean make-up sessions/assignments or delaying Confirmation.


Mentorship:

“They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’" Luke 24:32

Sponsors

Sponsors play a crucial role on the “Confirmation Journey” as well as providing spiritual mentorship that will last for years to come. Candidates should take care in selecting their sponsor. The Church views the role of godparents and sponsors as being a ministry, not simply an honor or title.

The Catholic Church requires Confirmation Sponsors to be…

• At least 16 years old.

• Fully initiated (Baptized, Confirmed and received Eucharist in the Catholic Church)

• Someone other than the Candidate’s legal parents.

• Someone who leads a life in harmony with the Church.

As part or our Confirmation program, Sponsors are expected to…

• Attended the Candidate/Sponsor Night.

• Meet regularly with the Candidate (and complete exercises in the Sponsor Handbook).

• Write a Sponsor Recommendation Letter.

• Attended the Confirmation Practice Session/Sending Mass/Reception

• Attended the Confirmation Celebration

A detailed handbook and explanation of the Confirmation Sponsor program will be presented to Candidates and their Sponsors at the Confirmation II: Candidate/Sponsor Night; (October, 2011).

2011-2012 Dates to remember: Confirmation Sponsors

(Please note that a Sponsor is necessary at all of these sessions/events; if the Sponsor cannot attend, a proxy will be necessary).

• Candidate/Sponsor Night: October, 2011 (7:00 pm)

• Sponsor Recommendation Letters Due: March, 2012

• Confirmation Practice Session/Sending Mass/Reception: May, 2012

(4pm: Practice Session; 5:30 pm Sending Mass; Reception following Mass)

• Confirmation Celebration: May, 2012

(Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis 7:00 pm)

Check out this link for tips on how to select a Sponsor and tips for Sponsors:

Saints: Your unseen Sponsor…

Confirmation II Candidates will choose and research a Saint. The chosen saint may be adopted as the candidate’s Confirmation name.

The significance of taking on the name of the Saint follows many examples in scripture. Throughout scripture, God changes the name of someone at a crucial time in their lives. He changed Abram's name to Abraham when He made Abraham the "father of many nations"; and He changed Saul's name to Paul after experiencing a conversion of heart.

Saints Index - A listing of Catholic Saints & Feast Days

Faith Formation:

“God confirms us with you in Christ and has anointed us, putting a seal on us and giving us the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22:

As they prepare for Confirmation it is vitally important for Candidates to continue to grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s word as well as the Traditions, teaching and practices of the Catholic Church.

To fulfill the Faith Formation requirements of our Confirmation program…

• Candidates for Confirmation must faithfully attend and participate in religious education (Life Nights) at St. Joseph The Worker. *

• Candidates are expected to faithfully adhere to the Precepts of the Church (Specifically, Candidates are expected to attend Mass every week).

• Participate in special parish-wide events (see the FF Schedule for details).

*This requirement is waived for Candidates enrolled in Catholic Schools approved by the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Follow this link for a full description and schedule for the Faith Formation program.

Discipleship (Volunteer Ministry):

“… the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28

Developing a servant attitude is a vital part of Christian living. To follow Christ’s example we must learn how to pour out our very lives for one another. As part of our preparation for Confirmation, we will explore how to be Christ for, and see Christ in, others.

Each Candidate for Confirmation is expected to volunteer for a minimum of 30 hours of ministry service. Candidates may begin to accumulate volunteer hours for Confirmation during the summer before 10th grade. Each candidate is responsible for finding their own opportunities to serve and to keep track of their hours. Candidates must volunteer for ministries or service in the following areas

• Liturgy Volunteer Hours: (5 Hours, Minimum)

There may not be any better tangible example of our Lord’s sacrifice than in the Mass. To help our teens realize this goal each candidate will be required to volunteer a minimum of 5 hours in Liturgy or Para-liturgy services.

Candidates must sign up in advance to be a part of these ministries and some training may be required before you begin to accumulate volunteer hours. Some ministries will require a commitment beyond the 5 hrs (minimum commitment for Confirmation). To sign up, contact Aaron Carpenter or Tarri Nelson in the main office or Barry in the FF Office.

• Corporal Works of Mercy: (15 Hours, Minimum)

Another way that we learn to serve Jesus is by serving others. In the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 25:34), Jesus gives us practical (and specific) instruction on how we are to serve others with love and compassion. Most teens find this type of stewardship very rewarding on both a personal (sense of accomplishment) and spiritual level (helping others). Each Confirmation Candidate will be required to volunteer a minimum of 15 hours that ministers to the corporal needs of others.

• Other Volunteer Hours: (10 Hours, Maximum)

We recognize our teen’s involvement in a variety of opportunities both within and outside of St. Joseph The Worker that work to build a stronger community. Candidates may accumulate up to 10 hours of volunteer service that benefit the wider community.

Click here to download a detailed description of Volunteer Ministry requirements/service log.

Prayer and Reflection (Retreat Experiences):

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” John 16:13

The life of today’s teen jam-packed with frenetic activity. Retreat experiences allow the candidate to set aside a time for prayer and reflection. This allows space for the candidates to focus on their interior spiritual life and their personal relationship with Jesus. Retreats also serve to help candidates discern their response to God’s outpouring of love and how they will live out this Sacrament as a regular part of the parish.

• Candidates must attend a “Confirmation Retreat”. Candidates have two options to fill this requirement.

o St. Joseph the Worker will offer a Confirmation I retreat in October  2010 at Camp Ihduhapi. Registration materials are available in the Faith Formation Office. The Registration Deadline is October TBA.

o Candidates may attend a NET Ministries Confirmation retreat offered at their campus in South St. Paul. You must register with NET Ministries directly. Space is limited and may fill early. Their dates for 2011-2012 are to be announced:

Return here for schedule updates when they become available.

For more info check out NET Ministries (Follow the link to “Programs” > “Confirmation Retreats”)

• Candidates must participate in a second retreat experience that may be chosen from the following:

o ChristPower Mission Trip (Follow this Link for more info on this event)

o Catholic Heart Work Camp (Follow this Link for more info on this event)

o Twin Cities TEC: We encourage all 10th or 11th grade teens to consider TEC for their second retreat option. TEC is a powerful combination of: Prayer, sacraments, games, presentations, small and large group discussion, recreation time, skits, and a few surprises! Retreat Registrations are made directly with Twin Cities TEC.

TEC Retreat Dates: 2011-12 To be announced:

For more info check out TwinCities TEC

(Please Note: These are the only approved options for the 2nd retreat).

Candidate Commitment

“… you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

Receiving the sacrament of Confirmation is NOT a "graduation" from religious education. On the contrary, through the sacrament, we are commanded by Christ to "go in peace, to love and serve the Lord".

As one of the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation, Confirmation celebrates the reality that the Holy Spirit is already alive in us and working through us. As with all sacraments, Confirmation should be entered into freely and with an open heart.

Therefore Candidates who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation are expected to actively participate in the life and work of the Church and demonstrate the following:

• Attend and participate fully in weekly Liturgy.

• Attend all Confirmation Prep sessions*

• Choose a Sponsor and complete the Sponsor/Candidate Program.

• Research a saint/Choose a Confirmation Name

• Fully participate in the Life Teen Program*

• Volunteer for a minimum of 30 hours of ministry service.

• Write a ministry reflection paper describing your ministry service experience.

• Participate in 2 Retreat experiences.

• Receive the sacrament of Reconciliation shortly before Confirmation

• Make time to pray each day.

Our hope is that all of this will foster the understanding that faith formation is a journey that does not end with Confirmation but is a lifelong process; God is always calling us to more!

*Missing any Confirmation Prep Sessions or three or more Life Night absences in any year may mean make-up sessions or delaying Confirmation.

Parent Commitment

Confirmation is not about deciding to be Catholic. By virtue of their baptism, your son or daughter is already Catholic. Confirmation along with the Sacrament of the Eucharist completes baptism. In this program we are asking your teen to make journey of discovery. A journey to discover the faith of our ancestors; the Truth of God’s Word; the reality of our faith, lived out daily; to discover their own purpose and to respond to God’s generous outpouring of love and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

As parents of these Candidates you are asked to support them by demonstrating the following:

• Attend and participate fully in weekly Liturgy.

• Help Candidate Choose a Sponsor.

• Help Candidate Research a saint/Choose a Confirmation Name.

• Help monitor Candidate’s progress to complete requirements.

• Submit a Sacramental Registration form (both years).

• Provide a copy of the Candidate’s Baptismal Cert. (if not baptized at SJTW).

• Model Christian charity and discipleship and be faithful to the Precepts of the Church.

• Make time to pray each day.

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The Catholic Community of St. Joseph the Worker gladly welcomes and supports all of those called to religious life or vocations. There are opportunities for religious commitments regardless of age or marital status. Please call Fr. Mike Sullivan for more information. He can be contacted through the parish office.  (763) 425-6505

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This sacrament is offered throughout the year with special communal celebrations scheduled twice a year. For immediate scheduling of this sacrament please call our parish office.