August 30, 2019
In This Issue

Welcome to a new year of Faith Formation September 8
Children's Choir looking for more members
New this year: CIA Christ in Action Performing Arts Ministry 
CYO Cross Country sports team
Family Mass 
Parish News
Welcome to a new year September 8!

We are happy to welcome both new and returning families to our Sunday Experience for Families, which includes the Sunday liturgy and classroom formation. 

The 9:30 Mass is particularly family-friendly, so no need to worry if your youngsters don't always sit still and silent.   In addition to the monthly Family Mass (with Children's Choir and the new CIA-Christ in Action Performing Arts Ministry), most other weeks offers Children Liturgy of the Word for younger children who might otherwise get restless through the readings.  On September 8 there will be a special blessing during the 9:30 Mass for all families in Faith Formation.

After a quick hospitality break in the Gathering Space, we have Children's Faith Formation classes in the Elementary School and a whole-family formation series "Growing Up Catholic" for families with children preparing for sacraments this year, from 10:45 to 11:45am.

Details will follow next week about your child's classroom location and catechist's name, but the class schedule is already available online here.

Please contact me (Anne Marie Fourré, Director of Faith Formation) if you have any questions or concerns, at 510-995-9409 or afourre@sjbalameda.org.  
Children's Choir starts September 5
Have a child who loves to sing?  Students in grades one through 8 are invited to join St. Joseph's Children's Choir, with practices starting next Thursday, September 5, at 4pm in the Basilica.  Information here.
CIA - Christ in Action Children's Performing Arts Ministry

We are excited to announce a new ministry, teaching children age 4 to 13 to praise God through music and movement, and to make the Gospel come alive through acting it out.  They will put what they learn into practice at the monthly Family Mass.  Weekly practices start Tuesday Sept 10, from 4 to 5pm in the Basilica.  More information and registration form available here.
CYO Sports   

If your child enjoys sports, Cross Country (in fall) and Track & Field (in spring) are open to students who are registered in Children's Faith Formation AND participated in Faith Formation last year (either here or elsewhere, including a Catholic school), through  St. Joseph Elementary School's CYO sports program. Standard school fees and requirements apply; information available here.  It's not too late to register, even though Cross Country practice has already started.  Contact Coach Tony Lawson directly with questions.
Family Mass
The first Family Mass of the year is September 15.  Please let me know if you're interested in helping.   Click here to learn more.
Parish News
View upcoming events on our website here, or better yet, sign up for the weekly Basilica E-News here.

If you do not wish to receive Faith Formation emails, please email me and I will remove you from this distribution list.  
Anne Marie Fourre, Director of Faith Formation
510-995-9409 | afourre@sjbalameda.org 
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