Family Groups
“Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it be united to the vine, so neither can we unless we are united in Jesus Christ, the vine of which we are the branches.” ~Blessed Basil Moreau
In unifying brothers, priests, and sisters, Father Moreau modeled the Congregation of Holy Cross on the Holy Family. We sustain this family spirit at Saint Joseph Grade School by praying, playing, and celebrating together.
In our signature Family Group program, there are 21 school “families” comprised of students from every grade level, as well as teachers, school and parish staff, and our parish priests. Eighth grade students lead the families, carefully preparing for and directing each get-together, giving our eldest students a unique opportunity to develop as leaders and role models. The purpose, as defined by our 8th graders, is “to grow as leaders and friends and connect the whole school through faith and service.”
Each month we gather in our Family Groups for an activity, offering us a chance to get to know one another, pray together, and serve others in our community. As families, we have collected food to stock the St. Vincent de Paul pantry, made cards for our homebound parishioners, prayed the rosary, written notes to thank members of our community, learned about saints, and united more closely as a school.
Each year, our Family Groups continue to build unity across our larger school family. Each group grows in new ways, as newly-risen 8th graders share their unique spirit with their younger siblings, and each family welcomes kindergartners and new SJGS students into their small faith community.
