Contact: John Cammarata (973) 335-9713
e-mail: [email protected]
Religious Education is the name given to the religious and spiritual formation process of children attending public school. The purpose is to assist parents as the primary religious educators in guiding their children to God. Great reliance is put upon the home to nurture the seeds of faith instilled in class in living out what was taught. This is not an easy mandate, but if parents are ever called to be attentive to the spiritual needs of their children, it is now in this age when the very need for God is almost negated. Religious Education promotes and encourages weekly participation at Sunday Mass in a special way.
Saint Peter the Apostle Religious Education program provides religious education for parish children attending public schools from kindergarten through the 8th grade. The director of religious education coordinates the sacramental preparation program (First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation) for all children in the religious education program at Saint Peter the Apostle School and the instruction of parents of children preparing for these sacraments. The children meet weekly for an hour, starting in September and continuing to the middle of April. They utilize religion textbooks, audiovisual equipment, art materials, music, and guest speakers.
Catechists are trained and offered opportunities to become certified catechists and maintain validation status. All adults working with our young people undergo a background check and attend the "Protecting God's Children" workshop. Various courses, seminars, evenings of reflection, and guest speakers are among the spiritual formation and enrichment opportunities offered to catechists on the premises at no cost to them. We always reach out for new catechists and substitute catechists for our Sunday (8:45-9:45 am), Monday (4:15– 5:15 p.m. classes. We welcome volunteers committed to the faith and teachings of the church to join our catechetical staff.
First Communion and Confirmation each require a minimum of two years of preparation.
The present schedule for religious education is as follows:
Sunday: 8:45– 9:45 a.m. Grades K-7
Monday: 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. Grades 1-6
Sunday: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Grades 8 (final year for Confirmation prep)
Registration of children for the new religious education year begins on June 1st. Registration forms for grades K-8 can be submitted online through this website. Any questions e-mail John Cammarata at [email protected]