Our Mission
____
The mission of St. Joseph Catholic School is to work in close partnership with families to cultivate a deep love for truth, a strong foundation in virtue, and a lifelong call to discipleship. Rooted in the richness of the Catholic tradition, our rigorous academic program equips students to grow as thoughtful learners, compassionate servants, and courageous leaders who are ready to make a difference in the Church and the wider world.
-
Our Vision
____
St. Joseph Catholic School envisions a vibrant community where faith, reason, and virtue flourish. We strive to form generations of students who seek holiness, pursue wisdom, and joyfully live out their God-given mission. Anchored in Catholic tradition and guided by the example of St. Joseph, we aim to cultivate servant-leaders who will renew the Church and transform the world with truth, beauty, and goodness.
Philosophy
____
At St. Joseph Catholic School, we believe that education is a sacred journey that forms the whole child—body, mind, and soul. We uphold the dignity of every student as a beloved child of God, created in His image and called to holiness. Rooted in the truths of the Catholic faith and guided by the example of St. Joseph, we seek to cultivate a love for learning, a life of virtue, and a heart of service.
Philosophy
____
At St. Joseph Catholic School, we believe that education is a sacred journey that forms the whole child—body, mind, and soul. We uphold the dignity of every student as a beloved child of God, created in His image and called to holiness. Rooted in the truths of the Catholic faith and guided by the example of St. Joseph, we seek to cultivate a love for learning, a life of virtue, and a heart of service.
Faith
Believing in God and all He has revealed, because He is truth itself.
Hope
Trusting in God’s promises and looking forward to eternal life with Him.
Charity (Love)
Loving God above all and loving our neighbor for God’s sake.
Our Core Virtues
_______
Prudence
Knowing what is right and choosing the best way to do it.
Justice
Giving to God and others what is rightfully due to them.
Fortitude
Being brave and strong in doing what is right, even when it’s hard.
Temperance
Using self-control to enjoy good things in the right way and at the right time.
Our Core Virtues
_______
Faith
Believing in God and all He has revealed, because He is truth itself.
Hope
Trusting in God’s promises and looking forward to eternal life with Him.
Charity (Love)
Loving God above all and loving our neighbor for God’s sake.
Prudence
Knowing what is right and choosing the best way to do it.
Justice
Giving to God and others what is rightfully due to them.
Fortitude
Being brave and strong in doing what is right, even when it’s hard.
Temperance
Using self-control to enjoy good things in the right way and at the right time.
Virtue Programming at St. Josephs
List of Services
-
Words of Wisdom Weekly ReflectionItem Link List Item 1
Each week students participate in Mission Monday where they recite the morning prayer, the mission of the school, and recite words of wisdom that encourage thoughtful reflection as they begon their week.
-
Virtue Project (Virtue of the Month)Item Link List Item 2
As part of the Archdiocese of the Detroit's Virtue Project Initiative, students at St. Joseph Catholic School enjoy a deep dive into seven core virtues based upon the Theological and Cardinal Virtues. Each month students will define and look for examples of what a given virtue looks like, sounds like, and feels like. Students who exhibit the Virtue of the Month with fidelity are recognized at the Virtue of the Month Assembly.
-
Home Connection Table TalkItem Link List Item 3
Table Talks are a great way for students to connect what they are learning at school with home. Students are given situation ethics cards and take them home to discuss questions that inspire wonder with their families. This fosters a beautiful partnership between school and home involving parents as primary educators in the moral development of students.
-
Virtue in Sacred ScriptureItem Link List Item 4
As Catholics, we believe in sacred tradition and sacred scripture. Part of the virtue programming at St. Josephs incorporates scriptural passages and references to readings, psalms, and the Gospel where virtue can be observed and analyzed.
-
Lives of the Saints as Models of VirtueItem Link
Exploring and studying the lives of the saints are a fun and motivating way to explore the virtues through the lens of story telling. Looking to the example of ordinary people who did extraordinary things is a great reminder that we can strive for sainthood too.
-
Elements of Virtue Found in Rich Literature and HistoryItem Link
Reading great works of literature and History that contain elements of character profiles, virtues, and vice reinforces cross-curricular conenctions to cultivating good habits. Examining man's fallen nature and how humans exercise freewill provides a road map for how we can pursue the trascendental qualities of the good, true, and beautiful that lead us to live the good life.
-
Virtue Based School and Classroom CultureItem Link
As teachers we strive to model the virtues we wish to instill in our students. Ways that we incorporate expectations that contribute to a positive school culture include fidelity to uniform school culture initiatives, virtue bulletin boards, jobs, rules, and the like.
Our History
____
The story of St. Joseph Catholic School in Erie, Michigan is one of deep faith, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to Catholic education. Our journey began in 1826, when the humble log church became the first classroom for children in the community. Though the school faced early closures and challenges, the seed of Catholic education had been planted—and it continued to grow.
By 1855, under the leadership of Father Henry Rievers and the dedicated Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the school was revived in a two-story frame building. Even when circumstances forced another closure just a few years later, the dream of faith-filled learning remained firmly rooted in the hearts of local families.
A new era began in 1914 when Father Emil Wolstyn oversaw the construction of a new convent and school at our current location. The school flourished, expanding multiple times to serve a growing population. A small high school even graduated its first class in 1919 and served students for nearly two decades.
While the elementary school closed in 1971, the spirit of St. Joseph endured. In 1979, under Father Robert Haener’s leadership and with the support of the Sisters of Notre Dame, St. Joseph Catholic School reopened—beginning with Kindergarten through Grade 2. One grade was added each year until a full PreK–8 program was reestablished.
By the 1990s, the school continued to thrive, adding a Pre-Kindergarten program in 1986, Preschool in 1992, and a gymnasium and dining hall in 1994 to meet the growing needs of students and families.
Slide title
Write your caption hereButton
Slide title
Write your caption hereButton
Slide title
Write your caption hereButton
Slide title
Write your caption hereButton
Slide title
Write your caption hereButton
Slide title
Write your caption hereButton
Slide title
Write your caption hereButton
Slide title
Write your caption hereButton
Slide title
Write your caption hereButton
Virtue Programming at St. Josephs
List of Services
-
Words of Wisdom Weekly ReflectionItem Link List Item 1
Each week students participate in Mission Monday where they recite the morning prayer, the mission of the school, and recite words of wisdom that encourage thoughtful reflection as they begon their week.
-
Virtue Project (Virtue of the Month)Item Link List Item 2
As part of the Archdiocese of the Detroit's Virtue Project Initiative, students at St. Joseph Catholic School enjoy a deep dive into seven core virtues based upon the Theological and Cardinal Virtues. Each month students will define and look for examples of what a given virtue looks like, sounds like, and feels like. Students who exhibit the Virtue of the Month with fidelity are recognized at the Virtue of the Month Assembly.
-
Home Connection Table TalkItem Link List Item 3
Table Talks are a great way for students to connect what they are learning at school with home. Students are given situation ethics cards and take them home to discuss questions that inspire wonder with their families. This fosters a beautiful partnership between school and home involving parents as primary educators in the moral development of students.
-
Virtue in Sacred ScriptureItem Link List Item 4
As Catholics, we believe in sacred tradition and sacred scripture. Part of the virtue programming at St. Josephs incorporates scriptural passages and references to readings, psalms, and the Gospel where virtue can be observed and analyzed.
-
Lives of the Saints as Models of VirtueItem Link
Exploring and studying the lives of the saints are a fun and motivating way to explore the virtues through the lens of story telling. Looking to the example of ordinary people who did extraordinary things is a great reminder that we can strive for sainthood too.
-
Elements of Virtue Found in Rich Literature and HistoryItem Link
Reading great works of literature and History that contain elements of character profiles, virtues, and vice reinforces cross-curricular conenctions to cultivating good habits. Examining man's fallen nature and how humans exercise freewill provides a road map for how we can pursue the trascendental qualities of the good, true, and beautiful that lead us to live the good life.
-
Virtue Based School and Classroom CultureItem Link
As teachers we strive to model the virtues we wish to instill in our students. Ways that we incorporate expectations that contribute to a positive school culture include fidelity to uniform school culture initiatives, virtue bulletin boards, jobs, rules, and the like.
Our History
____
The story of St. Joseph Catholic School in Erie, Michigan is one of deep faith, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to Catholic education. Our journey began in 1826, when the humble log church became the first classroom for children in the community. Though the school faced early closures and challenges, the seed of Catholic education had been planted—and it continued to grow.
By 1855, under the leadership of Father Henry Rievers and the dedicated Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the school was revived in a two-story frame building. Even when circumstances forced another closure just a few years later, the dream of faith-filled learning remained firmly rooted in the hearts of local families.
A new era began in 1914 when Father Emil Wolstyn oversaw the construction of a new convent and school at our current location. The school flourished, expanding multiple times to serve a growing population. A small high school even graduated its first class in 1919 and served students for nearly two decades.
While the elementary school closed in 1971, the spirit of St. Joseph endured. In 1979, under Father Robert Haener’s leadership and with the support of the Sisters of Notre Dame, St. Joseph Catholic School reopened—beginning with Kindergarten through Grade 2. One grade was added each year until a full PreK–8 program was reestablished.
By the 1990s, the school continued to thrive, adding a Pre-Kindergarten program in 1986, Preschool in 1992, and a gymnasium and dining hall in 1994 to meet the growing needs of students and families.
-
Slide title
Write your caption hereButton -
Slide title
Write your caption hereButton -
Slide title
Write your caption hereButton -
Slide title
Write your caption hereButton -
Slide title
Write your caption hereButton -
Slide title
Write your caption hereButton -
Slide title
Write your caption hereButton -
Slide title
Write your caption hereButton -
Slide title
Write your caption hereButton
A Living Tradition
____
Today, St. Joseph Catholic School stands as a beacon of Catholic education in Monroe County—proud of our rich history and passionate about forming the next generation of saints and scholars.
We are more than a school—we are a faithful, close-knit community where children are nurtured spiritually, challenged academically, and inspired to serve joyfully, all in the example of St. Joseph, our patron and protector.
Take The Next Step
Take The Next Step