Inter-Parish Religious Formation (IPRF) provides religious education for youth in grades K-12 at St. Mary and St. Joseph Parishes in Appleton, Wisconsin.  We provide sacramental preparation for First Eucharist, First Reconciliation and Confirmation for youth at both parishes in all education situations, public, Catholic, private, home-schooled, etc.

• Mission Statement

• Background

• Curriculum Overview

• Staff information

Mission Statement

We are forming families of disciples by nourishing them with the Word of God.

We are called as disciples ourselves...

To lead the present generation of families to Jesus.  This process of forming disciples is gradual.  It involves not only inviting and welcoming children and parents to begin the journey, but also includes multiple opportunities for specific instruction, varied participation and meaningful worship/celebration experiences in the heart of the parish.

How will we know if our community of disciples has grown in awareness...

-our families will pray/worship more frequently.
-our families will find ways to participate in parish life.
-our families will be involved in service/outreach experiences.
-our parents will desire to be involved in personal growth opportunities.
-our student assessment results (ACRE test) will meet or exceed national averages.

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Inter-Parish Religious Formation

• IPRF serves over 500 youth, approximately 400 in religion classes and others in Sacramental preparation and youth activities. 

• Provides solid educational and formational programs for our children and families. It is a significant/foundational ministry in the life of our faith communities.

• IPRF was established in 1984.  St. Mary Parish and St. Joseph Parish  combined the religious education programs and youth ministries to better serve the children and families of our parishes. 

• IPRF board consists of three to five members from each parish, the director and coordinators of religious education, the pastor and associate pastor. 

• Staff includes a Director, three Coordinators, Youth Minister, Administrative Assistant, and a part-time bookkeeper. 

• Over 150 volunteers are involved in the program.

• We work from a budget of over $225,000

Browse our website to explore our catechetical ministry. You'll discover IPRF's strong commitment to helping families share faith with our young people.

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Curriculum Overview

Grade Students..

K. Learn that God’s personal love surrounds them daily.
1. Learn that Jesus helps us to understand God’s love.
2. Learn that the Sacraments especially Eucharist are ways to understand God’s love.
3. Learn that the Church is the gathering place for those who are loved by God and who reach out in love to others.
4. Learn that the followers of Jesus are called to live a life of love. 
5. Learn that each of the Sacraments contain a message and challenge of God’s love.
6. Learn that the Old Testament deepens our understanding of God’s covenant love for us as well as our response to God.
7. Learn that the New Testament presents Jesus as a tangible sign of God’s love.
8. Learn that the Church which has unfolded throughout history has been promised the Spirit’s abiding presence.
9. Learn about Revelation and Scripture.  Grow in their understanding of Jesus as the center of faith and history and are challenged to grow in a personal relationship with Him. 
10. Learn about the Paschal Mystery, the mission of Jesus Christ and how that mission continues in the Catholic Church.
11/12. Grow in their understanding of the demands of a discipleship lifestyle and become able to discern their personal response to the Spirit’s invitation to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation.

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IPRF Staff 

Jonathan Ross Elmer is the Coordinator for Kindergarten through fourth grade.  He also assists in preparation for First Eucharist.  Jonathan holds a MA in Community Counseling from Lakeland College and a BA in Religious Studies and Philosophy from St. Norbert College.  He holds Leadership Level Catechist Certification.  He has experience as a grade school religion teacher and parish youth minister / coordinator of religious education.  Jonathan is also certified in Care Ministry, and has been a grief workshop facilitator. 

Jennifer Schubring is the Coordinator for grades 5-8.  Her responsibilities include assisting with retreats grades 6-8, and assisting with First Reconciliation preparation.  She holds a BS in Elementary Education from University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, with several post graduate courses in Education.  She has Advanced Religious Certification.  Jenny began professional Catechetical ministry in 1987 after a successful career as a professional teacher in Catholic Schools.  Jenny enjoyed teaching religion as a classroom teacher and transferred that to a career in catechesis.  She has presented workshops diocesan-wide in catechist training and sacramental preparation, and presents retreats at parishes in the diocese. 

Celia McKee is Youth Minister for St. Mary and St. Joseph Parishes and coordinates grades 9 and 10 religious education.  Celia is responsible for comprehensive youth ministry, including retreats for grades 6-12, social and service opportunities for grades 6-12, and outreach to teens and their families.  She holds a Masters in Servant Leadership from Viterbo University, is a certified secondary teacher, and has Advanced Religious Certification.  Celia has presented workshops at diocesan conventions, has been a frequent member of diocesan committees and advisory boards, and is a key member of the Catholic Youth Ministers Association. 

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