St. Joseph Church (Marksville)

Cause #1 --  St. Joseph CCD program is in need of updated textbooks and resources.  The textbooks currently being used by our CCD teachers and students were published in 2013. The books are monotonous and provide little for engaging and meaningful instruction.  Newer and more informative textbooks for the teaching of catechism are being update and published.  Teachers have reviewed these books and feel these textbooks would greatly enhance the learning of CCD students Grades 1-11.  Our CCD enrollment increases every year. This year we service 165 students.  We want our CCD enrollment to continue to move in a positive direction. Therefore, a worthy curriculum, one which allows the the students to become interactive, as well as to provide our catechists with useful and meaningful tips and strategies.

Cause #2 -- Technology is an integral part of the learning process in this modern day and age.  Students learn best when able to actively participate in the learning process.  St. Joseph Catholic Church CCD program would like to purchase 2 Smart Boards along with a laptop for our 10th and 11th grade students in preparation for confirmation.  In addition, if ample funds are donated, we would like to purchase 30-40 chrome books for students to use and given opportunities to interact with the teacher during weekly classroom instruction.  We feel student interaction leads to a better understanding of what is being taught, therefore an increase of student retention. 

Cause #3-- At present, St. Joseph also provides additional weekly ministry to middle school students Grades 6-8 and high school students Grades 9-12. Students participate in active service ministries such as summer ministry work camps, attend teen retreats, all to enhance their Catholic faith.  The teens have created a comradery with one another, and have built a strong Catholic faith.  It is St. Joseph's hopes all they have learned and experienced through this ministry continues on into their adult life.  There are approximately 65 students at the high school level attending weekly and approximately 50 students at the middle school level.