During the Rite of Baptism, when you presented your child to the Roman Catholic Church - this was stated:
" You have asked to have your child baptized. In doing so, you are accepting the responsibility of training him/her in the practice of faith. It will be your duty to bring him/her up to keep God's commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. "
Those were the words spoken to you on the day of your child's Baptism. You have been entrusted with the awesome responsibility of presenting Jesus Christ to your children. This is a responsibility that is both demanding and rewarding, and like most worthwhile things in life - a commitment.
We are happy to welcome your children to our parish Religious Education Program for St. James the Greater and St. Thomas the Apostle. Our goal is to help them grow in faith, learn about our Catholic Tradition, and become witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as they were called to through their baptism.
Religious Education is a lifelong process.
It begins in the home, where parents are the primary educators and role models, and continues within the faith community. There, our volunteer catechists dedicate their time and talents to help your children grow in their faith, a faith to be celebrated and lived. When they leave our program, it is our prayer that it is not perceived as an end, but rather a beginning for them
- as they strive to live a life strengthened and confirmed in friendship with Jesus Christ.
To enroll your child(ren) in the parish program, you must be a registered and participating member of the parish.
Registrations
Re-registrations for children and teens for the upcoming catechetical year are sent out by mail and need to be returned in early August.
Parents of children entering first grade, new children to the parish or children enrolled in Catholic school or home school who will be preparing to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Eucharist, or Confirmation - which require two years of preparation must call the Religious Ed Office at 973-948-7004 to register.
Each year we need additional Catechists and adult or teen helpers. Prayerfully consider if God is calling you to this ministry, and speak with Mary Flexer if you are interested, or have any questions. And thank you!
CURRENT YEAR'S INFO
On September 24th and 25th, we celebrated Catechetical Sunday.
The 2022/2023 theme focuses on the Institution of the Eucharist ~ “This Is My Body, Given For You.” During that weekend's Masses, those who the Church community has designated to serve as catechists were called forth and commissioned for their ministry. Parents were be blessed for their very essential role in forming their children in the Catholic faith – as they remain the first and primary teachers for their children.
Religious Education Classes are normally held on Tuesday Grades 4, 5 & 6; on Wednesday Grades 1, 2 and 3; on Sunday Confirmation I (grade 7) and Confirmation II (grade 8).
Our parishes religious education program begins in Grade 1. Children will receive their Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist (formerly known as First Communion) in Grade 2.
Religious education classes continue throughout their grammar school years, so that each child may receive a full education in their faith, as they grow in age and understanding.
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is done over a two year period. The young people normally receive the Sacrament in the Spring. Following Confirmation, we hope they chose to take on a more active role and will serve our parish as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, or Usher.
For all of our students, attending & participating at weekly Sunday Mass remains an essential part of their religious growth and on Holy Days of Obligation - and should be always be a priority for them and their family.
Our families are encouraged to become active within the parish, and are always welcome to attend the parish events as they occur throughout the year.
Mrs. Mary Flexer is our Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE).
The Msgr. Gacquin Youth / Religious Ed Center (REC) is located at 122 Layton-Hainesville Rd. Sandyston, right across from the Sandyston Town Hall.
Phone number (973) 948-7004
Please speak to Mrs. Flexer or to any of the parish staff for more information, or if you may be interested & able to assist us as a catechist.
See Liturgy/Sacraments for more information.
The C.L.O.W. is normally a part of the 9:30 AM Sunday Mass at St. Thomas on the weekends as designated in the Church Bulletin. All children grade 6 & lower are welcome to participate. Older children who may be assisting younger K-6 siblings are welcome.
Dates for C.L.O.W. are normally posted in the bulletin & viewable online [see top right].
We invite all our K - 6th grade children and the Middle and High School teens to continue attending Mass each weekend with their family or viewing a live-stream Mass on TV or online if ill.
We welcome Confirmation Candidates (grades 7 and 8) and Confirmed teens to serve as Lector and/or as Hospitality Minister. Adult Parishioners are asked to serve as the Lay Presider. You would be prepared to serve in any of the above mentioned positions at your convenience.
Please call Mary at the Religious Education Office (973-948-7004) or cell (862-268-1876) for further information and your call will be returned just as soon as possible.
It is our hope and prayer that our children will have a positive experience, that they may come to know and love the Liturgy of the Word and that they will grow closer to Jesus through this opportunity of Children’s Liturgy. Prayerfully consider serving the children of our Parishes in this important and beautiful ministry.
Weekday Masses
Should either the Sandyston-Walpack {click school name to reach website} or Montague Township Elementary Schools at http://www.montagueschool.org/ms/ decide to Close or declare a Delayed Opening due to the weather, do not attempt to venture out. The week-day Mass for that day will be cancelled.
Religious Education Classes
Please check if info is posted at WSUS 1023.com or call the Education Office phone number at 973-948-7004.