FAITH FORMATION
General Structure
for Faith Formation
Readiness-Based Sacramental Preparation Pilot-2026-2027
What is a readiness-based approach to faith formation and why are we doing this?
This is a pilot program for the Diocese of Duluth that emphasizes accompaniment, discernment, and family engagement rather that relying primarily on grade level. The goal is to create a process that better recognizes individual readiness and allows families to be accompanied more intentionally before and after the reception of the sacraments.
OVERVIEW OF FAITH FORMATION AT ST. JOSEPH
Formation Night (1st Wednesday) is a night dedicated to catechesis and study of the faith. K-5th graders will meet from 3:30-5:00pm in the parish office with a catechist. Dinner is provided at 5:30pm. 6th-11th graders will meet from 6:15-7:30pm in the parish social hall.
Group Night (2nd Wednesday) is a night dedicated to exploring the faith in a particular way with a group. Each group is different. Group Night occurs once a month on a Wednesday from 6:15-7:30 PM unless the individual group decides otherwise. To learn about particular groups scan the code or go to: https://www.cuyunacatholic.org/group night or scan the QR code below.
Encounter Night (3rd Wednesday) is a night dedicated to encountering the Lord. We have adoration, praise and worship, confessions, prayer ministry and a testimony. It takes place at St. Joseph Church from 6:15-7:30 PM. Dinner is provided from 5:30-6:15pm.
Once a month or sometimes twice a month (if there are 5 Wednesdays in a month), there is a Open night where families can do something on their own or spontaneously with others to grow in their faith. Groups may also decide to meet again during this time.
Sacramental Prep for First Communion and Confirmation will take place as part of Wednesdays with and a local day long retreat.
REGISTER HERE:
https://wmt.suran.com/main/preview/15066
(Goes live Tuesday, September 8th.)
October 2026
Wednesday, October 7 — Formation Night (class)
• 3:30-5:00 pm. - formation for students up to 5th grade at the parish office building.
• 5:30-6:15 pm. - dinner in the social hall for students and families.
• 6:15-7:30 pm - class for grades 6th-11th.
Wednesday, October 14— Group Night (groups)
• 6:15-7:30 pm. - (or perhaps other times depending on the group) Different groups will gather at the parish or possibly at another location to do something together. Each group will have a different purpose. The focus for Group Night is to share and grow together as people following Jesus. Scan the QR code for more details on the options and focus of each group.
Wednesday, October 21 — Encounter Night (adoration)
• 3:30-5:00 pm. - formation for students up to 5th grade at the parish office building.
• 5:30-6:15 pm. - dinner in the social hall for students and families.
• 6:15-7:30 pm - adoration, praise and worship, confessions, testimony in the church. All parishioners are welcome. While this is not required, it is highly encouraged
Wednesday, October 28 — Open Night: families take time to do something together or a group could decide to meet again.
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November
Wednesday, November 4 — Formation Night
Wednesday, November 11 —Group Night
Wednesday, November 18 — Encounter Night
Wednesday, November 25 — Open Night
December
Wednesday, December 2 — Formation Night
Wednesday, December 9 — Group Night
Wednesday, December 16 — Encounter Night
January 2027
Wednesday, January 6 — Formation Night
Wednesday, January 13 —Group Night
Wednesday, January 20 —Encounter Night
Wednesday, January 27 —Safe Environment
February
Wednesday, February 3 — Formation Night
Wednesday, February 10 — Ash Wednesday. Mass at SJ at 12pm and 6pm
Wednesday, February 17— Group Night
Wednesday, February 24 — Encounter Night
March
Wednesday, March 3 — Formation Night
Wednesday, March 10 — Group Night
Wednesday, March 17 — Encounter Night
Wednesday, March 24 — Encounter Night
Wednesday, March 31 — Open Night
April
Wednesday, April 7 — Formation Night
Wednesday, April 14 — Group Night
Wednesday, April 21 — Encounter Night
Wednesday, April 28 — Open Night
May
Wednesday, May 1 — First Communion 10:30 am Mass
Wednesday, May 8
— Confirmation 10:00 am
Fee
$50/ student, $150 max per family.
Share with us the information of a group you plan to start.
We need to answer the following:
1. Who is the group for?
2. What is the focus of the group?
3. How many people can be in the group?
4. How do people sign up?
5. Who is leading the group?
Contact
Tammy Ringhand in the parish office
