ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH
SPANISH TOWN, JAMAICA
TEACHING MINISTRY
RCIA (Rite to Christian Initiation of Adults)
Interested in becoming a Catholic? Or are you an adult baptized Catholic that would like to complete the Sacraments of Initiation? (Confirmation and/or First Holy Communion)
St. Joseph Catholic Church sponsors an educational and spiritual development program for those interested in joining the Church, learning more about the Catholic faith, and receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion).
Adults who have been part of the RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and Children receive these sacraments during the Easter Vigil. Other children receive them together, on the same day, during the Eucharist celebrated by a Priest or Bishop, usually on a Sunday morning during the Easter Season (between Easter Sunday and Pentecost Sunday).
The RCIA has several stages that begin with a period of inquiry and basic instruction and proceeds through the catechumenate (period of formation and more developed instruction) that lasts for about a year. Baptized persons from other Christian Churches, and those who have never been Baptized and who are interested in becoming members of the Catholic Church are welcomed and prepared by members of St. Joseph Pastoral staff.
Role of the Sponsor
The parish provides each catechumen and candidate with a sponsor. The sponsor is a member of the parish who is fully-initiated—they themselves have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist and, as such, are full and active members of the parish community.
The sponsor is meant to be an example of faith for catechumens and candidates. It is to the sponsor that catechumens and candidates might turn to with questions or issues regarding their own journey and practice of the Catholic faith.
The sponsors lead catechumens and candidates in a reflection on the scriptures proclaimed at the Sunday Eucharist; this is called the Breaking Open of the Word.
If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact the Parish Office at (876)-984-2291 or send an email to stjoseph1866@gmail.com
All are welcome!
Adult Faith Formation
Our Faith Formation Program (FFP) of religious education will teach the traditions, beliefs, values and practices of the Catholic faith. We are directed by the missionary mandate of Our Lord to go to all peoples everywhere and make them disciples. We will educate and promote the spiritual and moral values necessary to lead productive lives in the practice and faith of the Catholic Church.
Bible Study
Do you want to know more about the Bible? Would you like to find out how to relate scripture to your faith?
Join us every Monday evening at 6:30pm
Sunday School
The Faith Formation programs for our young people deepen their faith with a better understanding of the meaning of what is being taught and experienced through the Church, the sacraments and in their lives. Our goal is to bring every student to a closer and fuller relationship with Jesus Christ.
Sunday school classes for children 3 years through to 18 years are held every Sunday directly after Mass.
Sacramental Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion meet one Sunday per month.