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Since the day of Pentecost, the Spirit of God has prompted believers to
proclaim the Good News of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus,
and to pattern their lives on the message of the Gospel.
The activity of the same Spirit prompts our parish efforts
toward Evangelization and Christian Formation.
The followng activities and programs are consistently offered
as part of our Christian Formation Program,
Call 837-2971 for more information.
Adult Education
A committee that plans, organizes, and hosts the adult education offerings for the parish. This group has sponsored the Tuesday Night Adult Education Series.
Sister Jeremy 833-0298
First Friday Club
The First Friday Club meets in the Parish Community Room on the First Friday of each month at 7:30 pm for an evening of discussion, hospitality and friendship. Bring a refreshment to pass.
Mike Egan 835-3294, Patty McClain 874-6137
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
his is a process by which people become members of the Catholic Church. They are introduced to Church doctrine, life, liturgy, and apostolic life. This small community meets on Thursday evenings from fall until after Easter from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the parish center. Parishioners are invited to become members of the team to offer hospitality and personal support.
Sister Jeremy 833-0298
Secular Franciscans
The Secular Franciscans are a group of lay Catholics who follow the Rule of St. Francis of Assisi. In fraternity, they strive to develop their sense of Church, their Franciscan vocation and ministry. They seek to encounter the living, active person of Christ in their sisters and brothers, in Sacred Scripture, in the Church, in Liturgical Prayer, and especially in the Eucharist. They seek to live simply, to value persons above possessions, and to share what they have with others. They strive to identify with the poor and to reach out to the marginalized in society. You are invited to join them and to discern whether you are called to live your life as a Secular Franciscan. Meetings are held on Sunday afternoons at St. Joseph's, usually the second Sunday of the month.
Mike Clark 632-1218
Senior Organization
St. Joseph Seniors is a group for people 55 and older. This organization offers opportunities for social interaction, educational enrichment, and travel. Seniors meet on Monday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. Dues for the year are $20.00.
Maria Perez at 832-4080
Small Christian Communities
The Small Christian Communities consist of groups of 5 to 12 people who come together regularly to share their faith in a prayerful setting, to find ways to make their faith real, and to apply their faith to their everyday lives. The basis for the discussions are the Sunday scripture readings.
Paul Eberz 633-4211, Jan Capuana 835-3489
Religious Education Options
Religious Education classes are offered for students from Kindergarten through 12th Grade. The classes are "Lectionary-based," with each week's lesson based upon the Sunday Scripture readings, and the content for each grade level presented according to the themes of the Liturgical Feast or Season.
There are two options for Religious Education:
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Sacramental Preparation Programs
Baptism of Children
The Family Religious Education Program meets one Sunday each month for intergenerational activities and grade level classes. Its success depends upon weekly home-study of material between the monthly family gatherings.
The Traditional Religious Education Program meets weekly. Classes are held for students in Grades K through 8 on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. High School students meet every other Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. Registration for these programs are accepted throughout the year.
Contact Sister Elizabeth at ebuchala@stjosephbuffalo.com or by phone at 837-2971.
It is with great joy that new infant members are welcomed into our faith community. As parents plan to have their first child baptized, we offer a Baptismal Preparation Class. These classes are presented each month, and are meant to re-introduce the rite and symbols of Baptism and to encourage parents in their new role of guiding their children in faith and in love of God. Children over the age of five are prepared for Baptism through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults adapted for children. Baptism is celebrated during Sunday Mass several times a year and twice monthly on Sunday afternoon. Parents who wish to present a child for Baptism should call for an appointment.
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We prepare children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation beginning in the second grade. Classes are generally held on Saturday mornings. The program brings together the public, private and parochial school students of our parish community, and helps them to share in the discovery of God's unending mercy and love. (January and February) The Sacrament of Penance is celebrated in a Communal Penance Service twice a year, in Advent and Lent. Confessions are also scheduled each Saturday from 3:30 until 4:00 p.m. Individual appointments for Confession can also be arranged by calling the Parish Center. First Eucharist Children in third grade and above are invited to prepare for the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Classes are generally held on Saturday mornings during spring. Parents are invited to be a part of the preparation process, so the entire family can share in the child's joy. (March, April and May)
Confirmation High School Students who are ready to confirm their Catholic faith are invited to participate in a year-long Preparation Program which helps them to know and appreciate the Holy Spirit who fills their lives with the presence and gifts of God. Another series of classes are held for adult Catholics preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Young people of high school age should contact
Marriage Engaged couples should phone the Parish Center to make an appointment with the parish priest at which time they can arrange the date and time for their wedding. They are invited to join Marriage Preparation Couples. Preparation sessions are offered on Sunday afternoons several times a year, and should be completed by engaged couples six months prior to their wedding. Marriage preparation days, Pre-Cana, are directed by Deacon Ted Pijacki and his wife, Carol.
Anointing of the Sick The Sacrament of Anointing is celebrated in a communal Mass once a year. Apart from this, arrangements for individual anointing can be made at other times. In the event of sudden illness or accident, please call the Parish Office at 833-0298 anytime, day or night.
Our Christian Formation Programs are truly built upon the faith and the service of our parish community. Volunteers are always needed for various activities. The primary goal of Christian Formation is to welcome the presence of God in our lives and in our midst, to provide an atmosphere in which our faith can live and grow and be shared.
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