Parents of children entering first grade, those new to either parish, or any children enrolled in a Catholic school or being home-schooled - especially any who will be preparing to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation & First Holy Eucharist, or Confirmation, all of which require two years of preparation, must contact the Religious Ed Office at 973-948-7004 to register.
The Sacraments of Christian Initiation - for students who will receive their First Holy Eucharist and Confirmation, build on the grace each child first receives at Baptism.
Reception of those two sacraments requires two specific years of preparation for each Sacrament, usually 1st & 2nd grades, and again 7th & 8th grades.
All children entering school & 1st grade in Sept. should be enrolled for that year's term. Each grade in between is a necessary stepping stone, to help assure that each child will more fully grasp and understand their faith, & cannot be skipped.
Children should remain enrolled yearly until they are confirmed.
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.
Each year we seek additional Catechists, as well as adult or teen helpers.
Prayerfully consider if God is calling you to this ministry.
Speak with Mary Flexer if you are interested, or have any questions.
And thank you!
Our religious education program begins in Grade 1. The children normally receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and of 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 also done over a two year period. The young people normally receive the Sacrament in the Spring. Following Confirmation, we hope they will chose to take on a more active role and serve our parish - possibly as Lector, Eucharistic Minister, or Usher, or in some other manner.
For all our students - attending & participating weekly at Sunday Mass [or Sat. Vigil] remains an essential part of their religious growth and also on Holy Days of Obligation - and it should be always be a priority for them and their family.
Our families are encouraged to become active members in the parish, and are always welcome to attend any 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 attend Mass each weekend with their family. If ill or incapacitated, they should view a live-stream Mass via TV or online.
We welcome Confirmation Candidates (grades 7 & 8) and Confirmed teens to serve as C.L.O.W. Lector and/or a Hospitality Minister. Adult Parishioners are asked to consider serving as the Lay Presider.
You would be prepared to serve in 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 {click school name to reach websites} the Sandyston-Walpack or Montague Township Elementary 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 or call the Education Office phone number at 973-948-7004.