Let the children come to me and do not hinder them.  It is to just such as these that the Kingdon of God belongs. 

The Religious Education of our young people is very important to the Parish Community.  We offer Religious Education for grades 1 thru 8.  We have very dedicated Catechists and Aides who are committed to sharing our faith with the young people enrolled in the Religious Education Program.  We do believe that the primary Catechists for children are the parents.  In order for the children to have the best experience it is necessary for parents to be actively involved in the Religious Education of their children by talking about matters of faith and sharing in the experiences of the children.

P.R.E.P. offers preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation.

 

REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR 2020-2021

 Well, after much agonizing, attempts to find an acceptable solution and a lot of praying, I have decided that Religious Education will have to at least start as Home Study with support.  The decision was based on many factors including: 

 - the safety of all involved (volunteers and students) 

 - the fact that classrooms are not big enough for proper distancing 

 - the fact that we have students from a number of schools (Millstone Twp, Manalapan, Jackson and others) 

 - the fact that some parents do not feel comfortable in sending their children for in-person instruction at this time

 - the fact that some volunteers are not comfortable at this time to provide in-person learning 

 - the acceptance that trying to offer something that will meet everyone's preference will produce something that is unmanageable and impractical at this time   

 - the rules and limitations imposed by both the Diocese of Trenton and the State government

Over the past months, I have agonized about what Religious Education would look like for this year.  I have gone through at least 5 different options in an attempt to offer the best possible solution.  During that time, rules in regard to in-person meetings changed a number of times.  

At some point, this may change and we will be able to return to in-person instruction, which is my preference.  I also believe that in-person classes for Religious Education help to foster community and an understanding of our faith as being rooted in a community of faith trying to live out the message of the Gospels.  For now, I believe that home learning with support is the safest and most practical way.  I keep praying that we will be able to resume all the things that help us to be community.   

Catechists will be offering assistance and direction during the time of Home Study.  They will inform of assignments and try to answer questions about the material.  I do not want anyone to feel that I am leaving you without resources.  There will also be additional online resources because we have gone to an upgraded version of the program we are using for grades 1-7.  Those in the 8th grade will have access to materials that would be used in class.  

I have decided to wait until the first week of October to start the Religious Education Program this year.  I made this decision in order to allow students and parents to adjust to classes and work in whatever school your child attends this year.  I know that there are a variety of things going on with school and do not want to simply pile on more before things settle down.  We will still be able to cover the required material.  It may mean going a few extra sessions at the end, but we will face all of that in time.  My hope is that we will be back in classes by that time.  

For those in grade 2 and grade 8 (immediate Sacramental preparation years), I am working on some ideas to have at least a few times for being together for the preparation of receiving the Sacraments.  

For those who signed up for Home Study - - - you will be assigned to a class so that a Catechist can keep in touch and offer support.  If we return to in-person classes, you may then decide to continue Home Study or participate in the in-person class.  

You will be contacted about picking up books a bit later. They have not arrived yet, but should be arriving soon. 

I am still in need of some Catechists to help with this endeavor - someone for 7th grade on Monday at 4:30PM and someone for 6th grade on Tuesday at 4:30PM .  If you are interested in volunteering or finding out more information, please contact Jean at the Parish Office 732-792-2270 or jeanstjoseph@optonline.net or contact me frmikestjoseph@optonline.net.  

Let us lift one another up in prayer as we continue through what are challenging times.  Our Christian faith reminds us that hope is essential for living life.  Hope, as it applies to faith, means trust.  So let us trust that the challenge will be over and become but a memory as we experience the never-ending gift of God's love