Faith Formation for Grades 7 to 10

Changes for 2024 – 2025  

The upper grade faith formation programs for St. Bartholomew and St. Joseph parishes have  combined into one team under the direction of Dr. Michael Lescault. Working with Michael to ensure a smooth transition are Andrea Fidurko from St. Bartholomew’s and Phil Bonasia.

The Archdiocese of Boston announced that the age of receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation will be moved from 10/11th grade to the 8th grade. The reasons for the change are explained in this FAQ document published by the Archdiocese: Confirmation Age Change FAQ. At St. Joseph Parish, this transition will take place over the next two years. Some specific changes to note:

• Confirmation preparation will now be completed in one year as opposed to spread over two years.

 

• With the exception of the planned Confirmation of 11th graders this fall, all future Confirmations at St. Joseph Parish will occur in the spring.

 

• For the 2024 – 2025 school year, students enrolled in grades 9 and 10 Faith Formation will be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring of 2025.

 

• For the 2025 – 2026 school year, students enrolled in grades 8 and 9 Faith Formation will be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring of 2026.

 

• Students in grades 9 and 10 who attend a Catholic school may enroll in a shorter Confirmation preparation program which meets monthly from November to April.

The Faith Formation program for grades 7 through 10 focuses on providing the adolescent and young adult members of our parish with a deeper and more mature understanding and experience of our Catholic faith.  The curriculum is intended to invite students to develop a closer relationship with Jesus Christ and his Church, culminating in their celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation, representing their full initiation into the life of the Trinity and the faith community.  

Class Schedule

Grades 7 and 8 classes meet weekly on Sunday or Monday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.
Classes meet on average two to three times per month from September to April. 

Grades 9 and 10 Public school students meet on Sundays from 7:00 to 8:30 PM, twice per month from September to April. 

Grades 9 and 10 Catholic school students meet on Mondays from 7:00 to 8:30 PM, once per month from November to April. 

Please note:
Students entering grades 7 or 8 in the fall of 2024 who are in a Catholic school do not need to sign up for parish-based Faith Formation classes. In 2025, Catholic school students entering the 8^th or 9^th grade should sign up for the parish Faith Formation program which will prepare them to receive Confirmation in the spring of 2026.

Catechists/Facilitators 
We have a wonderful and prepared teaching staff of catechists/ facilitators. We always have openings at the beginning of each school year and are in need of volunteers to teach. For information about our specific needs and how to volunteer please contact the office at 781-444-0245. We look forward to hearing from you.

Tuition

Tuition is $100 per student with a family cap of $300. No student will ever be turned away due to inability to pay tuition. Please let us know if your family is in need of financial assistance.