Educational Ministries

Education is a vital component of parish life. We attempt to reach out in many ways to assist parishioners in learning about the Faith. We provide the following ministries for this purpose.

Adult Education Programs

Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (formerly RCIA)

The “OCIA” is the process through which anyone who is not baptized or is baptized in another Christian church becomes a Catholic. This is also an opportunity for Catholics to learn more about their Faith and to share their Faith with those on life’s journey. Each year a new class is formed, which meets on scheduled Wednesday evenings in the Parish Center, concluding with the Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Liturgy, where the Catechumens become members of our parish family. For further information, please email st.joseph.coopersburg.rcia@gmail.com or contact the Rectory at 610-965-2877.

Baptismal Preparation 

Parents presenting their first child for Baptism must attend this class prior to the Baptism of their child. An emphasis is made on the all-important task of parental responsibility for raising their children in the Catholic Faith. Classes are held as needed in the church meeting room. To register for this meeting and to schedule a Baptism, please call the rectory at 610-965-2877.

Marriage Preparation

The Diocese of Allentown Office of Marriage and Family Life oversees Marriage Preparation programs in the Diocese of Allentown. If you have any questions about marriage preparation, you can always speak with the priest at your parish or contact Rhady Tulloch, Director of Marriage and Family Life, Diocese of Allentown, rtulloch@allentowndiocese.org, 610-871-5200 ext. 2035. Visit the diocesan webpage at https://www.allentowndiocese.org/marriageprep

Children’s Ministries & Programs

St. Michael the Archangel School -  Click Here

to learn more about our Parish School.

Parish Religious Education Program (PREP)

Our Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) provides for the religious education of children who attend our local public schools. This program assists parents by providing an opportunity for their children to learn their Catholic Faith and to understand the love God has for them. More information can be found on the PREP News page.

Catholic Youth Organization

C.Y.O. is a program open to all youth in St. Joseph Parish. Organized in conjunction with Assumption BVM Parish, Bethlehem, this program provides students with athletic and academic competition. Supportive volunteer coaching staffs are certified through the Allentown Diocese. Information on athletic and academic competitions is announced in the weekly parish bulletin. For more information, visit www.st-mikes.com/CYO.

Scouting

St. Joseph Parish sponsors Cub Scout Pack 334 of the Minsi Trails Council, Lehigh District of the Boy Scouts of America. The pack meets at St. Michael’s primary school and participates in all the activities in the Minsi Trails Council Boy Scouts of America. They have a very active pack and can be seen around the church doing many projects and fundraisers. The mission of the Boys Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Laws. There is a very active Religious Medal program for the cub scouts which is headed up by our COR Sandi Dale.  More information can be obtained by emailing PaPack334@gmail.com.