In This Issue
Family Synod!
Kristy Dominguez
Early Childhood
1st Reconciliation & 1st Eucharist
Kids Quest-Grades 3-5
Middle School
Registration for Religious Education Open
Day Care
Protecting God's Children
Crop Walk
Confirmation
High School Youth Ministry
Middle School Youth Ministry
Sharing Faith Together - Blogging
Passing on Faith
Web Resources
Volunteer Catechists!
Children s Liturgy of the Word
Childrens Choir
Altar Serving
There's An App for That
Adult Faith Formation
Tri-Parish Adult Faith Opps
Social Media
RE Office Hours
Quick Links






Join Our List
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October 2014


Welcome back to all of our returning families!  
Welcome to all of our new families!

This year is starting off as an exciting one!  

 

We have two new programs beginning this year:

Kids Quest - for 3rd-5th graders - engaging these young adventurers in a quest for Jesus - living out their faith every day!  

On the Edge - Youth Ministry for 6-7-8th Graders, engaging them in a faith that will help them Thrive through adolescence- learning to Walk with Jesus at home, at school, with friends and by themselves!

 

This year our theme for Elementary Religious Education is taken from the Family Synod -

 "Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive," (See Section below for more!)

 

I truly believe that God wants our families to be places where we can all be and become the person who God created us to be.  Loved as we are.  Loved into being who we were created to be.  

 

How do we do this?  By being Plugged into the Source. Through attending Mass together as a family, praying at meals, blessing each other, reading Scripture together, reading about the saints together...so many ways.

When we are connected to God, we can allow Him to love us, forgive us and then share that amazing love with each other.  Forgive like God forgives us.  Love unconditionally- like God loves us.  

Here is one way we can do this:

Try spending some time each day (or as often as you can) - especially at meals - sharing with each other a struggle and a joy that you have each day!  Learn to listen fully!  Turn off all the electronic toys (phones, tv, video games, etc).  6 Ways to be a Better Listener at Home.

 

God wants us to be fully alive!  He wants us to Thrive!

Here is a great video from Casting Crowns.  The lyrics are beautiful!  The song inspires me to be fully alive!!!

I hope you enjoy it!

"Thrive lyrics" - Casting Crowns

May you and your family be filled with the Holy Spirit and be fully alive, giving God the Glory!
 

Blessings,
Nancy Longo

A Family Fully Alive!  Theme for Family Synod!

Synod of Bishops on the Family 2014

Family life will be the focus of an extraordinary general session of the Synod of Bishops that will meet at the Vatican between 5-19 October 2014. Around 150 Synod fathers will take part in the meeting to discuss the "pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelization." It is expected to last two weeks.  

 

"We are called to acknowledge how beautiful, true and good it is to start a family, to be a family today... We are called to make known God's magnificent plan for the family...as we accompany them amidst so many difficulties." - Pope Francis, February 20, 2014

For Pope Francis, as for his predecessors Saint John Paul II and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, this is more than just talk. It is a rallying cry. This is the focus of the 2015 World Meeting of Families: Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive.

For Catholics everywhere, it is a time to renew our focus on the family, the "domestic church" - what it means, why it's important, how it fits in with God's plan for us, and how we can become who God created us to be.

 

As Pope Francis has said, we must, "keep before us the beauty of the family and marriage, the greatness of this human reality which is so simple and yet so rich..."

 

What is this all about?  

  • Check out the prepatory document and keep our Bishops, Pope and families in your prayers.
  • There is even more information on the USCCB (United States Catholic Conference of Bishop Website) 
Check out our Marriage Page on the St. Joseph Website for some articles on Marriage and family living!  I will try to keep this page updated with relevant articles so that you can keep your FAMILY FULLY ALIVE!!!    If you find good articles, please email me the link!
Welcome Kristy Dominguez, our new Early Childhood Coordinator!  

Kristy has been a Catechist in the Early Childhood Program for the past few years.  She and her husband Chris are parents at St. Joseph school.  She will be here on Sundays and will be glad to hear from you via email earlychildhood@stjosephlb.org 

or by phone at 562)598-0519).  Feel free to call her or email her and welcome her! 

Early Childhood News!

 

Early Childhood - Ages 3-5  - Sunday Mornings from 9-10 am.   


 Early Childhood Calendar
 

DID YOU KNOW...Our littlest ones learn about the love of God through nature, through family, through church!  They sing, play and pray!  It is never too early to teach our youngest children about God!

Every week we are teaching these beautiful children how much God loves them and how they can respond back to God through prayer.   

Early Childhood Sunday School is more than Babysitting - it is partnering with you, as parents, to open the eyes and hearts of your children to the World of God - to the Love of God all around them!  We only have them 1 hour a week.  You have them 167 hours of the week!  What you do or don't do during the week speaks volumes to your child about God!
News for Parents and Children Preparing for 1st Reconciliation and 1st Eucharist!

Reminder - Preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist is a two year process.   Religious Education Calendar


 
It includes all children and parents (no matter what grade their child begins the process! 1st - 5th)

 

Parent Workshop this Monday, October 6th  (for all parents of children from grades 1-5 preparing for their Sacraments!)

  • If your child is in the 1st year - your meeting is from 6-7pm in the Hall.
  • If your child is in the 2nd year - your meeting is from 7-8pm in the Hall.

Childcare is provided for $5 a child.  Please RSVP to 562)598-0519.

 

If you want to know more about this process and ways to help your child prepare at home...please check out our Sacrament Webpage.   

News for Kids Quest!  Children from 3rd-5th Grades continuing their faith formation!
1

We are beginning an exciting new Program for our 3-5th graders!  They will be on a Quest to grow closer to Jesus this year (the same as all of us!)

 

They will be exploring the Scriptures, they will be learning to journal, they will be exploring ways to live out their faith in every day ways; all with music, games, prayer, Bible lessons - with an Adventure spirit!   Some of these children are also preparing for 1st Reconciliation and 1st Communion!  We are Community!  Living out our Faith together!   Religious Education Calendar.

Middle School Religious Education Class News!

 Middle School - Grades 6-7-8 is on Tuesday evenings from 7-8pm. 

 Not your boring-sit-in-class evenings!  Learn how to put your faith into ACTION!!!  

  Middle School Calendar

 

Our Opening Day is Tuesday, Oct 7th with parents and teens at 6:50pm in their classrooms:  

  • 6th grade - 5th grade classroom, 
  • 7th Grade - Latin classroom and 
  • 8th grade in the School Library.

St. Joseph Middle School Religious Education is a partner with

St. Joseph Middle School Youth Ministry: On The Edge

Once a month - our young teens in Middle School Religious Education -can invite their friends on Tuesday nights - to:
ON THE EDGE Youth Ministry to explore their faith and build community!

(See below - On the Edge! Youth Ministry for Middle School)
Is it too late to join our Religious Education Classes?  NO!

 

Faith Formation - Religious Education is a Life-Long Process!  

We never know and understand God and our faith completely!  It is important to continue our understanding of God and our Catholic faith as we understand life in the different phases of our life!

 

 Here is the Registration Form - Please turn it in soon!!!

Early Childhood/Elementary/Middle School Registration Form can be completed on-line, printed out and signed, given to the Rectory with your registration fee !  Please, BE SURE TO INCLUDE A COPY OF YOUR CHILD's BAPTISMAL Certificate if they are preparing for a SACRAMENT (1st Communion or Confirmation)   

DAY CARE available during the 9am and 10:30am masses!

Please check out this free offering from St. Joseph.  Janet Gomez is our Day Care Coordinator!  Are your little ones restless this morning at Mass?  Bring them to the day care room!

Protecting God's Children and Keeping the Promise Alive!

St. Joseph Parish is very serious about protecting our children from Child Sexual Child Abuse.  One of the main ways we do this - as a community - is to keep our eyes open for dangers to our children.

Come and take the Free Virtus Course - Protecting God's Children on Tuesday, October 7 - from 6:30pm - 9:30pm or Wednesday, October 15 - from 6:30-9:30pm.

 

If you need to be recertified, you can take Keeping the Promise Alive on Wednesday, October 8 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm or Tuesday, October 14 - from 6:30pm - 8:00pm.  We will be meeting in the Parish Hall.

CROP WALK - Sunday, Oct 26th!   - Parish Service Project!

 Long Beach Crop Walk Information Website.

 

 

WALK WITH US!  St. Joseph Confirmation is leading the Walk, but .... 

 

Everyone can help!  All Ages!  All Families!  All Parishioners!!!

 

We will start at St. Cyprian -4714 Clark Ave, Long Beach, CA 90808 at 2:00pm.  The walk through Lakewood/Long Beach will start at 2:30pm.   Look for Marc Leon or Nancy Longo!  

 

You can log on to the Website above and donate, or register for the St. Joseph Team!  You can get a Donation Envelope/Pledge Sheet at the exits of the church beginning on Sunday, October 5th!

 

We will be walking as a St. Joseph Catholic Church Community!  There are other churches involved, but we are in COMPETITION against  St. Cyprian!  Please help us help those who are HUNGRY and raise more money than St. Cyprian!  We will have PARISH PRIDE and help a GREAT CAUSE!!!    Contact Nancy Longo or Marc Leon for more information (see below)

 
Confirmation Begins....

 

Confirmation begins with Parent Orientation on Sunday, October 5th at 10am in the Parish Hall.  Teens begin on Sunday, October 12 at 11am and go through the 12:30 mass.

 

Confirmation Process is two years and for teens from 9-12th grades.

We meet weekly on Sunday mornings from 11am through the 12:30 mass. 

  

Confirmation Registration Form - You can register by completing the form on-line, printing it out, signing the appropriate forms, then turn it in with the registration fee to the Rectory!  Make sure you attach a copy of your teen's baptismal certificate!

 

Contact Marc Leon youthministry@stjosephlb.org  or (562)598-0519

web links: 

 http://www.stjosephlb.org/confirmation/   or http://www.saintjosephlbym.com

High School Youth Ministry Activities

All teens are Welcome - Bring your friends!  Incoming Freshmen through 12th Grade!

 

Revelation will begin again on October 8th!  It will be a great night!  

 


 


The Word will begin on October 9th!  Start your year learning more about God's Word!   

 


 


 

 

Our Calendar will be on the Website later this month!  
 

Contact Marc Leon at youthministry@stjosephlb.org or (562)598-0519 

     

 

Life Teen Inspiration - Magic Mountain - 

November 8th.

 

 

web links: 

 http://www.stjosephlb.org/youth-ministry   or http://www.saintjosephlbym.com  

 

Middle School Youth Ministry Activities

All 6th-7th-8th graders are welcome!   Bring your friends!   

 

Kick off for Middle School - 
COSMIC BOWLING NIGHT at CSULB on Friday, Oct 17 - 7-9pm.  $20
Cosmic Bowling Permission Slip

We will be having Middle School Ministry on Tuesday Nights - once a month from 7-8pm.

 

On The Edge Calendar

 

Contact Marc Leon at youthministry@stjosephlb.org

or (562)598-0519 

 

web links: 

 http://www.stjosephlb.org/middle-school/  or http://www.saintjosephlbym.com

  
Sharing Faith together - for all parents!  

I am out there all alone!  Someone come and pray with me!  Share with me!  

 

Let's Share Faith  - Better prepare for mass!  Reflect with others on this coming Sunday's readings!  

 

Book Club - Rediscover Catholicism - Does anyone want to read Matthew Kelly's Rediscover Catholicism with me and discuss it by chapter?  It is very inspiring!  It's not too late!  We have copies of this book in the PAC...call the office and make arrangements to pick one up for FREE!!!

 

Parents have the Blessing of being the First Educators of Faith!

passing on faith


Parents are the first teachers of God's love!  

"Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child's earliest years. This already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God. The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents." (CCC 2226)
 

Being a parent can be a daunting task, even in the best of situations. In today's society, a parent has to deal with many challenges such as: consumerism, technology, the media, and many other issues. As parents we are responsible for the moral and faith formation of our children. Some parents are unaware of their duties as teachers and models of faith within their homes. Some parents seem to think that their role in the faith formation of their children is to take their children to church for the sacraments of initiation -- Baptism, Communion and Confirmation - and relinquish their responsibility to the priest, the religious sister, and the catechists who instruct their children on basic doctrine.

However, we know that nothing and no one can replace the influence of the example of a parent on the spiritual life of a child.  Many parents feel less than adequate to teach their children religion. Perhaps this is partly because of a misguided presupposition that "religion" is just a school subject. It is, of course, but it is so much more. It is true that what we call "catechesis" is a process of instructing people in the knowledge and practice of the faith. It includes the teaching of specific content involved the creed that we profess, prayer, moral teaching and the sacraments.
 
Religion, however, is much more than a school subject. It is a way of living. By taking the time to pray - both at home and in Church - families show their children the importance of a God-centered life. Opportunities for prayer are as varied as the experiences of life: before and after sleeping, eating, traveling, playing, studying - even shopping or acquiring things! Yes, it is not a bad idea to pray for the wise use of our material resources when there are so many temptations to waste them on non-essentials that do not bring lasting happiness. No prayer, however, surpasses the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, especially on Sundays.
 
The decision to bring the whole family to Church every Sunday, in addition to being an occasion to be fed by the Gospel and the Bread of Heaven, communicates to children that life is more than work or sports, important as both activities are. Sunday Mass communicates the message that we are worth more than what we do, that there we have a Savior who wants to come to us and give us something we can get from nowhere else: total forgiving mercy and eternal life.
 
The essence of our Christian Faith, however, is really a Person: Jesus Christ. It is all about our relationship with him and his Church, which is his mystical body. Christ saves us through us. The experience of being a member of a family which has Jesus as its center - and lives this conviction each day - is something every parent can provide who wishes to, regardless of their level of theological sophistication or book learning. Just "come and see," as Jesus invites us. 

Article taken from http://sjcatholicchurch.org/parents-the-primary-catechists 
Web Resources for Families

 

I have created a new webpage just for families - It has articles, videos, for holidays and family issues...check it out!


Faith at Home Webpage - 

 

  • October is the month of the Rosary - check out our Faith at Home Page to find out how to create a rosary!

Articles about Marriage and family -  (Balancing Family and Work, Stages of Marriage, Marriage Resources, Try a 5-point Tune-Up for your Marriage)

 

You can also: 

 

Listen to Christian Music in the Car:  KFSH 95.9 is a great station and you never have to worry about what is going to be said!  

FAMILY FRIENDLY!

 

_________________________________________________________________________


 

Helping you and your family to Understand more about Liturgy (Mass) - so that you can fully participate!   Here is the Link:   Enjoy!

 

8 Week Liturgy Challenge - Finding Joy in the Mass!   

The beginning of the document has some additional resources to prepare you before you go to mass and before you begin the official challenge.  The actual challenge begins at FINDING JOY AT MASS!

 

 

Thank You to our Volunteer Catechists!  
Why don't you join us?  it's not too late!

 

Melissa Alvarez, Confirmation Aide
Marsha Andrisese, Elementary-Sacrament Preparation
Maria Arroyo, Elementary-Sacrament Preparation
Lauren Beeghly, Confirmation Aide
Kelly Blakeman, Elementary Catechist
Bonnie Blakeman, Elementary Catechist
Tori Casas, Confirmation Catechist
Ivonne Chaikittirattana, Elementary Catechist
Lori Cheney, Early Childhood Catechist
Cecelia Chostner, Confirmation Aide
Richard Dana, Elementary RCIA for Children Catechist
Judy DeRuyter, Master Catechist
Kristy Dominguez, Early Childhood Coordinator/Catechist
Janet Gomez, Day Care 
Monique Greer, Elementary-Sacrament Preparation
Link Hensley, Youth Ministry Aide
Margaret Holland, Elementary Catechist
Marja Hout, Early Childhood Program Assistant
Isabelle Huerta, Elementary Catechist

Marie Hyland, Elementary-Sacrament Preparation
Emily Jackson, Elementary - Program Assistant
Vicky Jackson, Elementary - Program Assistant
Julia Jaynes, Confirmation Aide
Michelle Johnson, Religious Education Admin Assistant
Tera Kaufmann, Middle School Catechist
Megan Kilmarx, Early Childhood Catechist
Shannon Kilmarx, Early Childhood Catechist
Marc Leon, Youth Minister/Confirmation Coordinator
Nancy Longo, Religious Education Director, Master Catechist
Anthony Loya, Confirmation Aide
Jessica MacCaskey, Early Childhood Aide
Liz MacDonald, Early Childhood Catechist
Tevy Mantong, Early Childhood Catechist
Nicole Marquez, Elementary Catechist
Erica Martin Del Campo, Confirmation Catechist
Stacy Martinez, Elementary RCIA for Children Catechist
Gina Mascaro, Early Childhood Substitute Catechist
Debra Mendez, Liturgy of the Word Catechist
Joan Mucci, Liturgy of the Word Catechist
We are on a Mission from God!

Colin Murphy Averill, Confirmation Aide
Gina Neal, Elementary Catechist
Andrea Odom, Elementary-Sacrament Preparation
Diane Ohde, Middle School Catechist
Mary-Janice Rodriguez, Liturgy of the Word Catechist
Lupe Romero, Confirmation Program Assistant
Caroline Root, Middle School Catechist
Lilian Salcedo, Middle School Catechist
Amber Scheuring, Confirmation Catechist
Jesus Serrano, Liturgy of the Word Catechist
Mary Anne Silvestri, Master Catechist
Krista Spina, Early Childhood Program Assistant
Alida Steinhauser, Master Catechist
Briana Tetsch, Confirmation Aide
Lydia Tovar, Confirmation Catechist
Loyalty Traster-Lee, Early Childhood Aide
Marianna Wescott, Master Catechist
Alyssa Westover, Liturgy of the Word Catechist
Virginia Young, Master Catechist
If you are interested in
 learning more about
joining our amazing team, please email Nancy Longo
 at nancylongo52@gmail.com  - See our
Catechist Webpage

 

Children's Liturgy of the Word 

  

Liturgy of the Word for children is offered during the 9am mass most Sundays.  

 

We invite children from 3 years old through 6th grade to go with our catechists to hear and break open the gospel readings so that they will understand it at their age levels.  Parents are welcome to join us!

  

 

 

Help needed!    If you can spare 1 hour a month (30 minutes preparing - 30 minutes sharing with our St. Joseph children)  please email Nancy!  Training and materials are provided!     We need 1st Sundays and 5th Sundays!  

Children's Choir

   

 

Children's Choir is open to children entering 2-8th grade.  First rehearsal is September 6th 8am-9:15am.  children meet weekly and serve nearly once a month, mostly at the 9:00am Mass.  Schedule and Registration forms at rehearsal.

Contact Vivian Doughty at doughty999@aol.com or (562)422-5430 for more information

Altar Servers

 


 

Are you 4th  grade or older?  Do you want to be an Altar Server?


 

Call the Rectory at (562)594-4657 

There's an App for that!

 

What if we treated our Bibles like we treat our cell phones?
  

You Can!  It's on your Smart Phone!  Either IOS or Android!


 

Check it out!  Download the App for Free!  Laudate!  two versions of the Bible - New American, Douay-Rheims.

Laudate also has Daily Mass Readings, Liturgy of the Hours, Order of the Mass, Calendar with daily readings, Rosary and Chaplet, How to go to Confession, Stations of the Cross, Basic Catholic Prayers,Latin Prayers, Catechism, Catholic Media, EWTN & Vatican Documents.  Everything you wanted to know about being Catholic but were afraid to ASK!  You are now smarter than a 5th Grader!!!

 




Read Scripture while you wait for your kids at any sports Practice, dance, music - whatever!  

 


 

Take 5 minutes for you and God!!! 

Adult Faith Formation
Meditation  on Tuesdays in the PAC Chapel from 7-8:30pm.  Everyone is welcome.
  "Let us search a place to meditate on the grace of God." Pope Francis

 

Coming Back this September:

  • "Jesus is Lord" -Begins September 9 at 9:00am and Sept 11 at 6:30pm.  topic:  book of John. Information:  call Rita Smith: 562-533-1243
  • Mom's Prayer and Fellowship group
  • Chris Serrano meets with women at her home once a month to study scripture and share faith!  Please join them!  Call Chris  at 562-243-6959 for more information.
  • Faith and Fatherhood  Series for Dads will continue in the fall. Contact: Jim Crofut (562) 234-1432;jamescrofut@gmail.com
  • CAFE-Catholic Adult Formation and Education will continue in the Fall. 
  • St. Joseph Book Club will be discussing "My Life with the Saints" by Rev. James Martin, S.J.  This is not your ordinary look at the saints - Fr. Martin uses humor and stories to bring the saints to life!   Very easy reading!  Totally inspiring! The book is on sale in the PAC for $15.  We will be meeting on Wed, Oct 1, at 7pm.  

CURSILLO Weekend Retreat

So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away: behold new things have come.  2 Corinthians 5:17  

Men and Women of St. Joseph Parish

Is your heart on fire for Christ?  Is it filled with the Holy Spirit?  Or is your heart like a candle in the wind, flickering and barely alive?  If you want to experience what the disciples felt ot he day of Pentecost, then give yourself the gift of a Cursillo and light your heart on fire! 

The next Cursillo weekend begins 10/23 (men) and 10/30 (women). For more information, contact Dcn. Shane at sfcuda @yahoo.com or go to Occursillo.org

 

There are lots of opportunities for young adults to grow in faith!   There are many Young Adult gatherings happening throughout the Los Angeles Archdiocese.  You can easily stay connected by linking to the following website:


Oct 7th - (First Tuesday of every month) Adoration at St. Cornelius from 7 pm to 8  pm.   
This is sponsored by Youth Ministry and Young Adults and all are welcome.  Live Praise & Worship music is incorporated into this hour of prayer. 


 
Young Adult Website at the Los Angeles Archdiocese...

 

 Follow them on Facebook  and Twitter

 

Tri-Parish Adult Faith Opportunities!

 

St. Joseph - St. Bartholomew & St. Cornelius

have gathered together to share our calendars for Adult Faith Formation Opportunities with you, our parishioners and neighboring parishes.

 

Feel free to find the opportunities that interest you and fit into your schedule.  

 

 October Tri-Parish Calendar

(Each month we will post a calendar of events).

 

Social Media for St. Joseph Religious Education
and St. Joseph Youth Ministry - Let's Share Faith!
I apologize - I got ahead of myself - Facebook and twitter are NOW working!  

Religious Education Social Media:

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook

 

 

Youth Ministry and Confirmation:

We are still working on these...they will be ready by Orientation!

 

Websites:

 

Youth Ministry Website:  www.saintjosephlbym.com

 

 St. Joseph Religious Education Website link:


 http://www.stjosephlb.org/religious-education/

 

We want to hear from you!  

We will be passing on information via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the website:  

What is going on in the Religious Education World (for 3 years old until we pass through to heaven!!!), 

what is going on in the Catholic World around us and 

we want to hear your feedback, 

your prayers,

how you are living your faith in your homes!  

 

Parents to parents, teens to teens - We need to support each other!  Help each other get to heaven!  Let us connect!  The Holy Father says to use the Internet for the Good News!  It is a gift from God!  We can bring Jesus closer to each other!  Let's do it!!!

Religious Education Office Hours

We are here to serve you!  

Monday-Thursday - 8:30-4:00pm - Sundays from 8:00-12:00 noon

Michelle Johnson
Administrative Assistant
Nancy Longo
Director of Religious Education

 If you need to reach us - try emailing us at:

religioused@stjosephlb.org    or leave a message at (562)598-0519  - We will get back to you as soon as possible!  It is always best to call before you drop by - to make sure we are there! 

faith sign
St. Joseph Religious Education Department is here to empower and support families in their ministry to form and teach their children about God and the Catholic faith.  This is a life-long process that includes us as adults and those families with special needs! 

If you have any questions or needs that we can help you with, please feel free to email us or call us!  We are here to serve you!

May God bless you with His abundant Love, Peace and Joy as we grow more like Him every day during our journey of faith!
 

Nancy Longo
Director of Religious Education