OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“Living and Growing In Faith Together”
Our Vision for SMSJ Parish Family ~ Faith Formation Experience

Philosophy
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "RELIGIOUS EDUCATION" AND FAITH FORMATION?
Potentially, everything. When faith is reduced to a subject (only classroom teaching), the power of the Holy Spirit is stifled. Catholicism is not a subject; it is a way of life. In other words, faith is about culture. Our goal for faith formation here at St. Mary/St Joseph is to rise above the status quo and bring the living spirit of faith into the lives of our parishioners. Our faith is not an idea about truth, God, heaven, etc. It lies in our experiencing a person, the living and glorified, Resurrected Christ.
In order to provide ways for you to experience Chirst, we are intentionally steering our language away from "religious education," and especially "CCD to Family Faith Formation." We know that Faith is caught not taught. When we do teach it, the goal of our catechetical leaders is to bring their own lived experience/relationship with Christ into every teaching opportunity. We don't teach the faith, we share it. We prefer the word formation over education since mere knowledge is never enough.
First, we must personally be instructed and formed in the Catholic way of life. By living our faith we make it the animating principal of our culture. Only then can we effectively pass it on.
Formation means lifelong transformation, constant discipline, constant moving closer to God via Christ’ teachings.
If our formation stops at receiving a sacrament, we're suffocating the movements of the Spirit when they're only beginning to flourish. If ever we stop growing in prayer and in wisdom, we underestimate the marvelous work God is doing in us.
Parish wide faith formation
Parish wide Faith Formation is offered for every age level, from cradle to grave. The journey never ends. We implement and promote God experiences at all levels starting with always asking ourselves “Where did you see God today?”
We build upon the fact that parents are called to be dedicated to holding fast to the promise (vow) they made to God to raise their children and bring them up in the Catholic Faith.
Parish wide Faith Formation opportunities are made available to every member of SMSJ Catholic community. Through these opportunities, the participants choose to come in contact with the Living God. A true opportunity to draw them compassionately into this experience.
How do I get involved?
Start by contacting our parish office or our Faith Formation Director;
Parish office phone number ~ 855-288-6704
Our Faith Formation Director can be reached by:
Phone 855-288-6704 x7003
Email ffdsmsj@gmail.com