The sacramental life of the children of the Catholic tradition is an important component of the religious program at St. Joseph School.  Preparations for two sacraments, Reconciliation and Eucharist, form the core of instruction in Grade 3.  In accordance with diocesan guidelines, candidates for First Eucharist will receive the sacrament of Reconciliation prior to First Eucharist.  Parents are required to be active partners in the preparation of their children for these sacraments.  The sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are only conferred to students baptized in the Roman Catholic tradition. 

The stewardship program for students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 is entitled “Celebrate Service.”  the purpose of this program is to provide students with the opportunity to make a difference in our Church and surrounding communities through various service and support programs.  Each grade will participate in a pre-planned project.  All grades have been assigned a specific area of stewardship emphasis.  Grades K-2 will be organizing events directed towards helping other children.  Projects in grades 3-5 will emphasize the sick and elderly of our community, and the 6th through 8th grades will participate in projects directed toward the hungry and homeless.Examples of service projects include:

• Valentines for Veterans
  
• Flowers for the Ladies of Sodality and shamrocks for the Knights of Columbus
• Setting up or working at the Sodality Soup Supper
• Helping at Special Olympics
• Working at the Batavia Home Show
  
• Creating signs for Brooklyn’s fundraiser
• Filling eggs for the Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt
• Donations to the Batavia Backpack Club
• Penny Carnival Basket Donations
• Earth Day Cleanup at Austin Park
• Participating in Family Masses at area churches
• Operation Christmas Child (NJHS)
• Letters to Shut-Ins during the winter months
• Sponsoring a child’s education in India (NJHS)