Youth Programs (Updated July 2025)

YOUTH PROGRAMS, grades 7 to 12 (Updated July 2025)

2025-2026 Classes for Grades 7 to 12

2025 Registrations are OPEN until classes begin in September -
For families with returning, continuing or new students rising to grades 7 to high school, our Registration Packets are available in PDF format from this page, at the Parish Center during office hours and in PDF format, online at https://campsite.bio/ymsjcpinole. For questions, please contact Teena Posas, our parish Youth Ministry Director, at 510-741-4900 extension 1010 or by email at tp.sjcpinole@gmail.com.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS for Grades 7 to 12

** CLASS for 7th and 8th graders

This class is for rising 7th & 8th graders who have never had spiritual formation, who are continuing with their next grade for spiritual formation, or coming for their first year for first communion. This class begins in September, meets on Wednesday evenings, and ends in May. Specific information is in our Registration Packets.

We strive to build the message that God is with us in everything we do, say and experience. Class time is filled with sharing sessions, reflection time, prayer experiences and group building activities to help rising 7th and 8th graders learn that faith weaves through every part of life. We emphasize mutual respect and good listening skills. Registration for the next program year starts in the summer and closes at the end of September. 

(LINK) Registration Packet: Grades 7 and 8 2025

YOUTH MINISTRY - Grades 9 to 12 

(First year, for Confirmation Preparation)

The St. Joseph Parish Confirmation Program is a two-year preparation process. The earliest that a teenager can begin the two-year preparation process is 9th grade. His/her first year is called Youth Ministry. This class for rising 9th graders and older begins in September, meets on Mondays and ends in May. Students who complete the requirements for the first year are invited the following May to enroll for the second year for the Confirmation class. Students who complete the requirements for the second year may receive Confirmation in the spring of their second year. Specific information is in our Registration Packets.

This class is for rising 9th to 12th grade students who wish to grow in their Catholic faith, who have never been in a spiritual formation class, or who wish to begin the two-year preparation process for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Class time is filled with sharing sessions, reflection time, prayer experiences and group building activities to help students realize that faith weaves through every part of life. We emphasize mutual respect and good listening skills. Registration for the next program year starts in the summer and closes at the end of September. 

(LINK) Registration Packet: Youth Ministry 2025 Grades 9-12

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION - Grades 10 to 12

(Second year of preparation)

Confirmation Preparation offers opportunity and choice to deepen the commitment to the Catholic faith initially made at Baptism. Teenagers who meet all of the requirements including completing one full year of parish Youth Ministry and attending the Youth Ministry retreat weekend, are invited to register for this second year. In this class, we offer time for sharing and questioning, support times of need, and help students grow in their faith experiences. We meet at least twice a month on Sundays, from September to June. The Rite of Confirmation may take place in the spring or early summer at St. Joseph Church, as determined by the Diocese of Oakland. Students who complete the second year requirements may receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring of their second year.

YOUTH FIRST COMMUNION - Grades 7 to 12 

(Second year, for 7th grade and older)

This is the second-year class for rising 7th to 12th graders who just completed their first year in spiritual formation and would like to prepare for First Communion. This class begins in September, meets on Wednesday evenings, and ends in May. Students who complete the requirements for the second year may receive First Communion in the following spring. Please read the following information carefully:

* Students who complete all of the requirements in their first year will be eligible to enroll in and attend this First Communion class for their second year.
* Students rising to 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade who complete all of the class requirements in their first year will be eligible to enroll and be required to attend this class in addition to their respective class as a high school student. More details are available from the Youth Ministry Director.

EMMAUS PEER MINISTRY
The Youth Ministry program gains its energy and ideas through youth and young adults in Emmaus Peer Ministry who are committed to sharing the Catholic faith with their peers. This model of ministry promotes closeness and active participation in one's faith community and responsible leadership among peers. The application process for this ministry team starts in the spring. Peer Ministry is open to past and current students who are open to a more active role in sharing their Catholic faith with others.

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES
There is an ongoing need for young people and young adults to represent their age groups and join in the liturgical ministries at Mass. Participation during Mass can be through any of the liturgical ministries after appropriate training - choir (vocal or musical), usher, or altar server. Young people and young adults who are already Confirmed can participate during Mass as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist (communion) or Lectors (readings). We wish to build up representation, involvement and participation in various ministries. Please call the Youth Ministry Office at 510-741-4900 if you would like to collect more information.