Contact: Jim Haebig    (262) 375-6500, x104            jhaebig@stjosephgrafton.org

The Lifelong Faith Formation Committee oversees and plans religious education and formation programs for a variety of ministries within the parish:

• Generations of Faith Program
• Child Ministry: K4-Grade 5
• Sacramental Preparation: Baptism preparation/welcoming, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Marriage preparation, FOCCUS Couples & Engaged Enrichment
• RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
• Adult Education and Formation: Small Communities of Faith, Next Generation: Over 60 Group

Join this committee as it plans and oversees the future of Christian Formation at St. Joseph Parish. Meetings are held every other month.

Contact: Jim Haebig    (262) 375-6500, x104            jhaebig@stjosephgrafton.org

This team plans and leads the multi-generational religious education and formation program of the parish. The sessions are designed to encourage the interaction and spiritual formation of the parish through large multi-generational groups or age specific sessions on the topic for the session. Sessions are held on the third Sunday of every month from September through May. A typical 2.5 hour session begins at 5:00 PM with a light meal, followed by a large group presentation, small age specific group discussion, or various stations for family activities on the topic, followed by an evening wrap up and closing prayer.

Contact: (K4 – Grade 2)   Amanda Putzer     (262) 909-8885     a.putzer@live.com
             (Grades 3-5)       Beth Valerius        (262) 387-1615     kvalb@aol.com

Catechists lead a small group of preschool or elementary students in sharing and learning more about their faith. Substitute catechists are also needed. Classes are held September through April. Preschool/ primary school age (K4-Grade 2) meet on Sunday during the 10:30 Mass. Elementary school age students (Grades 3-5) meet Sunday mornings from 9:15-10:15. All materials, including textbooks and lesson plans, are provided for the catechists. No teaching experience is necessary.

84 - Baptismal Preparation

Contact: Christian Formation Office (262) 375-6500, x120     cfoffice@stjosephgrafton.org

The ministry of Baptismal Preparation prepares parents for baptism. Their responsibilities include facilitating a baptism class, helping parents understand what it means to present their child for baptism, and explaining how we baptize at St. Joseph. This ministry requires a sense of hospitality. Preparation ministers attend a class that outlines the specific agenda for the baptism class they will be facilitating. Individuals or couples are invited to participate in this ministry and are called upon 4-6 times a year to facilitate a baptism class, which is about two hours in length.

85 - Baptismal Welcoming

Contact: Christian Formation Office (262) 375-6500, x120     cfoffice@stjosephgrafton.org

Baptismal host families greet the baptismal families at church on the day of baptism and guide them through the Mass. Hosts and hostesses attend a training session to help prepare them for their role and are scheduled according to availability. They are asked to be in church one half hour prior to the start of Mass. The time commitment can be monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly.

Contact: Jim Haebig    (262) 375-6500, x104            jhaebig@stjosephgrafton.org

RCIA catechists lead the catechetical sessions for the adult and children catechumenate, and support them as they journey toward the Sacraments of Initiation through prayer, instruction, personal reflection, faith sharing, and breaking open the Word of God. This ministry requires a love of our faith and the ability to welcome all people. The time commitment for adult sessions is about one evening per month. This includes preparing for each session, which is based on the Catholic Catechism.

Contact: Jim Haebig    (262) 375-6500, x104            jhaebig@stjosephgrafton.org

Sponsors walk with the RCIA catechumens (those to be baptized) and candidates (those who are baptized) on their faith journey to full initiation into the Catholic Church. Sponsors introduce the catechumens and candidates to the community at the Rite of Acceptance and to the bishop at the Rite of Election. Sponsors also join the catechumens and candidates each week for the catechetical sessions. The children in the process are given companions to walk with them. Children over the age of 7 and adults can be sponsors or companions. Parishioners interested in becoming a sponsor should have the gift to welcome all people and have a love of our faith. This ministry is typically a 6-12 month commitment, which includes weekly catechetical sessions.

88 - Meet & Work with Engaged Couples

Contact: Scott and Jenny Wiese      (262) 376-0105        kghiascott@aol.com

Married couples meet and work with engaged couples approximately three times to share personal experiences, giving "real life" stories and examples. The FOCCUS couples concentrate mainly on communication, commitment, conflict, budgeting, parenting, in-laws, interfaith marriages, and dual career families, drawing from the strength of their own marriage. They are also committed to the task of helping engaged couples improve their communication skills and understanding their future spouses. Those who minister to the engaged couples are understanding and able to deal with serious issues in a non-threatening manner. A FOCCUS couple generally works with about two couples a year and are available to participate in the Engaged Enrichment Day.

89 - Small Communities of Faith

Contact: Jim Haebig    (262) 375-6500, x104            jhaebig@stjosephgrafton.org

Small Communities of Faith are groups of 8-12 people who meet weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly to share and study scripture and/or faith. Some groups meet only during Lent or Advent, while others meet all year long or during the school year. If you are interested in learning more about your faith, sign up to be a member of a small community of faith. Volunteers are also needed to lead small groups.

90 - Next Generation Over 60 Group

Contact: Christian Formation Office (262) 375-6500, x120     cfoffice@stjosephgrafton.org

Are you age 60 or older? The group's primary goal is to provide social and formational activities for our senior parish members. Activities include a Sunday brunch and a Saturday evening potluck. We welcome your participation in planning these events.

Contact: Lucy Conard    (262) 375-2682             joecon@prodigy.net

The Youth & Young Adult Ministry Committee meets monthly and consists of those who are already involved in some aspect of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, and who are interested in providing vision and planning for the Youth & Young Adult Ministry program as a whole.

Contact: Brenda Cline    (262) 375-6500, x105            bcline@stjosephgrafton.org

Catechists lead a small group of middle or high school youth in sharing and learning more about their faith. (Substitute catechists are always needed as well!) Youth ministry classes are held September through Easter of each year, and meet on alternating Sunday mornings between the masses (9:15-10:15 am). All training, materials, and lesson plans are provided. Catechists are also encouraged to plan one outreach/service experience with their class each year. No experience is necessary, but all catechists must be 21 years or older.

104 - Retreat Small Group Leader

Contact: Brenda Cline    (262) 375-6500, x105            bcline@stjosephgrafton.org

Retreat small group leaders can participate in daytime, evening, overnight, or weekend retreats with one of our many youth ministry classes or groups. Leaders work with small groups of youth on director-led retreats. Some retreats occur at St. Joseph Parish, while others occur at local retreat centers. All resources and instruction are provided. Small group leaders can participate in the retreats that best suit their schedule. No experience is necessary, but all retreat small group leaders must be 21 years or older.

Contact: Brenda Cline    (262) 375-6500, x105            bcline@stjosephgrafton.org

Chaperones are needed for all youth events and activities, particularly for our retreats and summer activities. Such programs are not possible without adult chaperones! Chaperones assist by being present to the youth and enforcing simple rules. Chaperones can participate in the activities that best suit their schedule. No experience is necessary, but all chaperones must be 21 years or older.

106 - Workcamp Prep Team

Contact: Ron Putzer    (262) 268-1538            ron_putzer@millipore.com

The Workcamp Prep Team meets monthly to plan our annual weeklong summer mission trip. Such planning includes the areas of faith building, community building, skills building, travel, and fundraising.

Check here for information about Workcamp 2011.

Contact: Pat Schindler    (262) 377-8405            pfoxs@yahoo.com

The College Connection Team plans and implements our biannual program of sending care packages to young adults from our parish who are attending college or who are in the military, either at home or away. People are needed to coordinate the packing and mailing of these packages. The team meets approximately twice a year, and also helps on the actual "packing" days. (All parishioners are invited to donate items for our program and help assemble the packages!)

108 - Young Adult Group / Theology on Tap

Contact: Brenda Cline    (262) 375-6500, x105            bcline@stjosephgrafton.org

The Young Adult Group is for people in their 20s and 30s, married or single, who are interested in planning activities for young adults, as well as being a welcoming presence in our parish for young adults. This summer, St. Joseph Parish will be sponsoring Ozaukee County's Theology on Tap program for young adults. Your help and interest is needed to plan and promote this great 4-week program! We also meet monthly, year-round for fun and faith-building.