Characteristics of the SJCS Community
St. Joseph’s Catholic School is a loving, Christian environment where Christ’s teachings are promoted and proclaimed. At the heart of our curriculum is the Catholic faith. Although our student body is predominately Catholic, the school welcomes students of many different faith backgrounds. By virtue of their presence at St. Joseph's, all students participate in daily Theology class. In fidelity to the Church’s Magisterium, St. Joseph’s teaches the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Students are required to complete four credits of Theology for graduation, including studies in Christian Doctrine, Church History, Sacraments and Morality, and Apologetics.
In addition to Theology classes, a Christian theme is interwoven throughout the daily life at St. Joseph's. Every subject is taught from the foundation of a thoroughly Catholic worldview, and the Head of School, Chaplain, and Campus Minister work with the parents, students, and staff to foster a Christ-centered focus to every aspect of school life. In accordance with the mission of Christ being at the center of our lives, it is no coincidence that the main Chapel is located in the center of the school.
The whole school community celebrates Mass in the main Chapel every Thursday and on special feast days of the Church’s year. Mass is also celebrated in the small Blessed Sacrament Chapel during the school week, and students are invited to attend when they can. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also available weekly at selected times. For the Sacrament of Confirmation, Catholic parents enroll their sons/daughters in their parish sacramental program, as St. Joseph's is not a parish school. Our Theology teachers teach the academic preparation for this Sacrament; however, the liturgical preparation, parent meetings, and student retreats are completed at the family parish in which the student is spiritually nurtured.
St. Joseph’s offers ample opportunity for spiritual growth in other ways as well. The Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the small chapel, which is open to all students throughout the day for quiet prayer and adoration. The student-driven Campus Ministry Team helps to lead days of reflection for Advent and Lent, and also sponsors special events, such as class retreats, pro-life events, and service projects. The Campus Minister works with parish youth personnel and helps to connect St Joseph’s students to parish, diocesan, national, and international Catholic events.
All students are urged to become aware of the needs of others both within the St. Joseph’s family and the broader community, and to respond in service through the school Household Program. All high school students are required to complete stewardship hours as another opportunity for students to practice and live out their faith. The entire school participates each May in an annual work day celebrating the Feast Day of the school’s patron, St. Joseph the Worker. The school has also initiated various summer mission opportunities for students to travel, serve, and learn more about the worldwide church.
St. Joseph’s Catholic School is a community permeated by a genuine family atmosphere where love for Christ becomes love and care for others, and where joy grows as a sign of Christ’s presence among us.