The celebration of Mass each weekend  is an essential component of your child's formation.  To help make Mass more accessible for families, our formation offerings are scheduled to to fit before or after Masses at St. Joseph.  Mass times include the 5pm Vigil on Saturday and 7:30am, 9:30 am (with Basilica Choir), Noon and 7pm (with Spirit Ensemble) Sunday.

Prior to COVID, the 9:30 Mass included "Children's Liturgy of the Word" - a break-out session to present the day's Gospel in a format understandable for pre-K to 5th grade.  We are looking for a team of volunteers to resume this practice; if you're interested please contact the Parish Office. 

Active participation by children at Mass is welcome!

• Sign up as altar servers (must have already received First Eucharist). 
• Help as greeters (handing out worship aids before Mass and bulletins after Mass)
• Help prepare the Basilica for the next event by straightening up the pews after Mass: return worship aids to the entrance, remove trash, put missals in their racks.
• Teens can volunteer to read Greeting and the Prayers of the Faithful.

Parents are the first, best and most important catechists for their children.  Therefore our programs are based on a family model, with active participation by parents or guardians.  

Families with children age 4 through Junior High participate in "Whole Family Catechesis" weekly classes led by catechists with parents or adults from each household assisting once a month.   

Children who are preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist attend weekly sessions with their parents or guardians.

Confirmation preparation is available to students in 8th grade and high school, weekly classes and Mass on Sundays.

Visit the  Children's Programs-Classes page for more information.

Classes are available to registered parishioners who actively support the parish (financial support through Faith Direct or using Sunday envelopes is the most obvious method).  Not registered in the parish yet?  Click here for St. Joseph or here for St. Barnabas.

A "Parish Family Activity" is offered for all families (and individuals) monthly on Sunday morning, to provide opportunities for socializing while experiencing some seasonal aspect of our liturgical life. No registration required.  Meets in St. Joseph Elementary School Learning Center, 10:45 to 11:45 am.  Schedule and link to events and seasonal resources at https://sjbalameda.org/family-activity

"Young Proclaimers Ministsry" Enrichment program for TK to 8th grade to learn about God through activities, music and service to others.  Includes occasional enactments at Mass.  Meets weekly Mondays 3:30 to 4:30.  (Suspended for summer; will resume in October) 

Christ In Action flyer