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Religious Education

Aims & Objectives

The aim is the teaching of the gospel of Christ and the transmission of the Catholic heritage, fostering through prayer, liturgy and sacramental life a total commitment of one's wholebeing to the person of Christ in the Church.

College Endeavors

  1. To create a suitable Catholic atmosphere which encourage the growth of whole person.
  2. To foster in all students development of their knowledge and love of God through deepening their faith in Jesus Christ.
  3. To promote moral consciousness in students in accord with Christ's teaching and the mind of the church and enable these to relate it to their own lives.
  4. To foster in students a personal relationship with God, through active and sincere prayer life, while personal prayer is encouraged, emphasis is given to moments of community prayer at various times of the day and at religious celebrations.
  5. To encourage the students to receive the Holy Sacraments regularly and attend daily Mass and specially on Sunday & Feast Days.
  6. To provide a critical and systematic teaching of the Bible, Traditions of the CHurch and the Catholic Heritage of Sri Lanka.
  7. To encourage students involvement in his Parish activities with other children

Student Guidelines & Rules

  1. Students must live his life at home, at school, at all these as a young Catholic gentleman & an obedient son to his teachers and parents a pride to his college and an apostolic man in his religion.
  2. The pupils of St. Joseph's College have the great privilege of being under care of priests and so ample opportunities will be available at school for Mass, frequent confession and religious guidance. Students are encouraged to visit the College Chapel daily to honor Christ present in the Eucharist.
  3. Holy Mass
    • The Holy Eucharist is celebrated at 6.55 am and 10.20 am (Monday to Friday) and at 6.25 am (Tuesday & Thursday). On the first Friday of each month the Eucharistic Celebration is at 7.45 am and 9.00 am.
    • The First Saturday Mass is at organized by the members of the Guild of the Immaculate Heart of Mary - a pious association of Old Boys and present Boys is at 9.00 am. This is preceded by the recitation of the Rosary and Litany at the College Grotto. On the 3rd Sunday of each month a batch of Old Boys representing the various years organize the celebration of the Holy Mass at 8.15 am.
    • Once a term each class has Mass celebrated with meditations. ALl students are strongly urged to attend Holy Mass daily or at least every other day as an expression of their faith in Christ's presence among us.
  4. Benediction & Adoration
    • On the first and last day of each term, Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament is imparted. On each weekday adoration of the Eucharist is organized for a class from 7.30 am to 8.00 am. Students are encouraged to visit the Chapel and pray for their personal needs or any particular intention both at the commencement and end of each day.
    • The staff and students join in common prayer at the commencement, at mid morning and at the close of the day.
  5. Reception of the Sacraments
    • Students of Grade Four are prepared extensively for the sacrament of Reconciliation & the reception of the Holy Eucharist for the first time.
    • Students of Grade Seven are prepared for a sensitivity of conscience programme when they receive instructions regarding the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the sense of sin and the Sacrament of Anointing.
    • Students of Grade Ten are prepared for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation wherein they are admitted to Christian adulthood and educated regarding the bearing of witness and the presence of the Holy Spirit's indwelling.
    • Students of Grade Twelve follow a series on the Sacraments of Matrimony and Holy Orders. Here, the importance of these two states of life are explained. The importance of both sacraments in the life of the church are spoken of. A fervent appeal is made to the students to join the Priesthood or become a religious for spread of God's Kingdom on Earth.
    • These preparations include Spiritual Retreats, Prayer Servies and devotions both for the students and their parents.
  6. Religious Associations & Socieities
    • Among the many Associations and Societies are the following: the Altar Servers Union, the Legion of Mary, Jesus Youth Society, Young Christian Students Movement, the St. Vincent De Paul Society, the Biblical Study Group, the Guild of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Primarily for Present and Old Boys which is now in its 98th year) and the St. Cecilia's Choir which by its choral prowess enhances divine worship.
    • All students are encouraged to join at least one of the Religious Associations so as to enhance their own personal development spiritually and morally.

Parent Responsibility

  1. Parents' constancy and example are essential here. A major example being fidelity to Sunday Mass and the Sacraments.
  2. Living their commitment as a dutiful father and mother fostering Christian values in their family life is expected.