ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED AT THIS TIME.
Dear Religious Education Families,
Haz clic aquí para leer esta carta en español.
Happy beginning of summer! Although the temperatures are below average at the moment, the calendar says SUMMER. That's good enough for me.
Registration for the 2023-2024 Family Religious Education Program is underway. The entire registration process and payment will be completed online. If you have questions or need assistance, kindly contact the Religious Education office at 973-226-0209, ext. 29 or 35, Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM or by email at any time. We are here to help.
Do you recall on the last day of class, each family was asked to complete a year-end survey to share their comments regarding our Family Religious Education Program? Here are the results: one hundred eighty-five families responded, as did the catechetical team. The number one suggestion was to provide a hybrid model of in-person sessions for parents and children, as well as classes for children alone, combined with lessons to be completed at home. You spoke; we listened.
CLICK HERE to view the calendar for the 2023-2024 Religious Education Family Program.
One final point regarding registration, if your family attended the 10:00 AM session on Sundays, you surely recall the large number of parents and children in the gym. Quite often, it was very difficult to see or hear the presenter. For the comfort of everyone, we will cap the number of attendees at the 10:00 AM session. If this day and time is your first choice, please register early to ensure the date and time is available. If the session is filled, you will be redirected to choose another option. Thank you for your understanding.
Two additions for this year:
1. As you may have heard, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops established a three year process called the National Eucharistic Revival: National Eucharistic Revival: A Grassroots Response to God’s Invitation. We are currently in year two, the "year of the parish revival." It is our desire, as a parish staff, to strengthen our liturgical life through faithful celebration of the Mass. Therefore, we will ask each child in our program to bring a Grandparent or Special Friend to Mass on one specific Sunday as noted on the abovementioned calendar. Our celebration of Mass will be followed by breakfast in the gym. We pray this friendly invitation will spark a fervent desire to return week after week to worship the Lord and therefore, build a living, loving relationship with Jesus Christ.
2. At the conclusion of eighth grade classes in April 2024, a unique retreat experience will be presented to our young people and their parents. The retreat is entitled, “God is the potter; we are the clay.” This retreat, to be held in church on May 13, 2024, will introduce the sacrament of Confirmation.
A few final notes:
Catechist Information
Catechist's may deduct $150.00 from the registration fee. Check the box on the registration form. Please contact the Religious Education Office if you are interested in volunteering as a new catechist.
SACRAMENT PREPARATION
Confirmation Preparation
The young people of our parish, who have completed Grade 8 in Religious Education or in Catholic schools, are welcome to begin the preparation process culminating with the celebration of Confirmation in the spring of Grade 9. Registration for Confirmation preparation will be available shortly. Parents and future candidates are requested to attend a family gathering on Sunday, October 15, at 1:15 PM in the church. Details to follow after Labor Day.
First Reconciliation & First Communion Preparation
After the completion of one full year of Religious Education, children in grade 2 or older may begin preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion. We will begin with a family gathering on Sunday, October 22, at 1:15 PM in the church. Details to follow after Labor Day.
Now it's time to register. Please CLICK HERE to be taken directly to the registration page. Please register on or before September 1st to avoid a $25 late fee.
Thank you for your support of our Family Religious Education Program.
Sincerely,
Cathy Gibbons