Contact: John Cammarata (973) 335-9713
e-mail: [email protected]
Religious Education is the name given to the process of religious and spiritual formation of children attending public school. The purpose is to assist parents in their role 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 ever parents are 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 in a special way weekly participation at Sunday Mass.
Saint Peter the Apostle Religious Education program provides for the religious education of approximately 525 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 as well as the instruction of parents of children preparing for these sacraments. With the exception of the high school Confirmation process, the children meet weekly for an hour and 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 that work with our young people go through 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 premises at no cost to them. We are always reaching out for new catechists and substitute catechists for our Sunday (8:45-9:45 am), Monday (4:15– 5:15 p.m.), and Tuesday evening (7:15 – 8:15 p.m.) classes. We welcome volunteers committed to the faith and teachings of the church to join our catechetical staff.
The present schedule for religious education is as follows:
Sunday: 8:45– 9:45 a.m. Grades K-6
Monday: 4:15 – 5:15p.m. Grades 1-6
Tuesday: 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. Grades 7– 8
Sunday: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Grades 9
Registration of children for the new religious education year begins on June 1st. Registration forms for grades K-9 can be submitted online through this website. Any questions e-mail John Cammarata at [email protected]