Please contact Kelly Thurmes with any questions at [email protected] or at 651-784-3015 X102
I prefer a church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out in the streets, rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.” - Pope Francis
St. Joseph of the Lakes Faith Formation program is different. Instead of using a school model of classes and religious instruction, the children are in placed in small groups. This approach is based on Jesus when he formed a "community of believers/disciples." Core teachings are explored through a variety of creative learning styles: discussions, video, art, music, drama, prayer services and hands-on play.
Faith Formation also has a variety of charity and justice outreach activities during the year, collecting food through our No Empty Hands project: coming to Faith Formation or Church without bringing food, Trick or Canning, Dorie's Promise Orphanage sponsorship program, Centennial Area Food Shelf Birthday Box program, Fair Trade Markets and Kolbe Café and Meals on Wheels. Your child will not come home from Faith Formation saying "I'm bored.” Your child will have the opportunity to participate in the following:
- Trailblazer Elementary Program - Small group, grade level sessions meet October through April during the school year
- Sacrament Prep & Workshop - Preparation for the Sacrament of First Eucharist & First ReconciliationSt.
- Camp St. Joe's - For kids entering kindergarten in the Fall through completion of 5th grade this year. Sign up by May 23, 2021!
St. Joe’s is committed to creating a partnership with families to insure that faith within families continues to grow. We believe that a child’s relationship with Jesus begins at home. Our goal is to work with families to help reinforce a strong foundation of faith and encounter Christ through Catholic teachings.
Because of the pandemic, this ministry year will look a little different than in past years. Kids in grades 1-6 will not be meeting in-person in small groups at St. Joe’s. Rather, we are offering online/at home lessons, monthly Family Nights/Large Group Gatherings in the Worship Space where we are able to properly social distance, monthly Faith-n-Fun Friday Outdoor Activities for families and kids, and monthly Small Group Faith Connections Team Meetings via Zoom or Google Meet per grade so kids have the opportunity to connect with their St. Joe’s friends and adult volunteer leaders. There will also be additional opportunities to participate in Social Justice Activities.
To stay within CDC and MN Deptartment of Health safety guidelines, sign-up is required for most activities. Space may be limited. Please see the Elementary School Trail Blazers Faith Formation Schedule for more detailed information. Please contact Kelly Thurmes at [email protected] with questions.
Scheduling Announcement for Trailblazers on November, 12 2020
Click here for the Revised Trailblazers Calendar from November 2020 through January 2021