Divine Mercy Parish
Religious Education Program
Phone: 609.393.5233 Ext. 101
Fax: 609.393.3538
***********************************
Religious Education classes are held every Tuesday evening from 6:15 to 7:30 PM. The children meet for approximately 34 sessions yearly.
2010/2011 Religious Education Program News:
You are invited to an Open House at the Religious Education Program's new location: the former St. Stanislaus School at Smith Street and Home Avenue.
Date: Tuesday, September 14 Time: 6:15-7:30 PM
- Meet Sr. Karen Crawford, FSSJ and Mrs. Rosemarie Micharski, CRE, the Religious Education Program Co-coordinators and Sr. Loretta Janiszewski, FSSJ, Mission Moderator
- Hear about our Religious Education Program and how much parent involvement is needed for your child(ren)’s faith education
- Meet the catechists, pick up class information, tour the classrooms, and ask questions
- Find out what your child will be learning at Religious Education classes
- Meet other parents whose children attend Divine Mercy Parish’s Religious Education Program
If you have not already registered your child for the upcoming year (2010/2011), you will have the opportunity to do so at designated weekend Masses in the month of August or at the Open House. Or, you may do so by coming to the Parish Business Office, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Please have your child’s Baptismal Certificate available at time of registration.
We look forward to welcoming you back to our Program again in September 2010!
See other important information about the Religious Education Program below.
_____________________________
SEEDS OF FAITH
"Seeds of Faith" focuses on the Sunday readings and provides an opportunity for families to engage in faith sharing discussions. We ask our parish family to reread each of the Sunday readings during the week and to reflect on one sentence or paragraph in one of the readings - and then to put the words into action. During evening dinner, we ask our families to discuss the "Question of the Week" with their children.
Click on the words "Seeds of Faith" above to access the current week's readings and question.
Registration and Fees
$40 for 1 child
$80 for 2 children
$100 for 3 or more children
In order to register your child(ren) in the Religious Education Program, the family must be registered parishioners of Divine Mercy Parish. Registration in the parish can be done by visiting the Parish Business Office (233 Adeline Street) or the Parish Rectory (201 Adeline Street).
A copy of the child's Baptismal Certificate, First Reconciliation, and First Eucharist Certificates (if applicable) must accompany the completed registration form.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION:
The sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are celebrated in Grade 2. The Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred in Grades 7-8 every two years. Sacramental Preparation is a two-year program.
RELIGION CURRICULUM:
Sadlier We Believe series is the religious text used in Grades K through 6. Grades 7 and 8 use Sadlier middle school texts. The textbook is the primary tool used in the classroom. However, the children are exposed to many religious activities, such as Evening Prayer, Stations of the Cross, praying the rosary, researching the Lives of the Saints, etc.
SUNDAY LITURGY:
It is expected that families will attend weekly Mass. Families have the opportunity to worship in their primary language whether it is English, Polish or Spanish.
Families are encouraged to participate in the designated Family (Children's) Mass throughout the year.
CATECHISTS/AIDES:
Volunteer catechists, aides and office assistants staff the program. Catechists must complete the Certification Program of the Diocese of Trenton and maintain certification throughout their teaching years.
VIRTUS PROGRAM:
The children will participate in the "Safe Environment Program" as outlined by the Diocese of Trenton. Parents have the option to have their child(ren) "opt out" of the program.
All catechists, aides and office assistants must be fingerprinted and have a background check completed by the New Jersey State Police.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The media continues to report stories of how the Christian religion is experiencing a decrease in the numbers of their membership. It is worth noting that the Catholic Church in the United States gains more new members every year than any other religion. Who are the people who join the Catholic Church?
. . . Young people who are planning to marry in the Catholic Church are a major part of the group that enters this process. At this important time in their lives, these young couples wish to share their faith lives and values by establishing a religious base for their relationship.
. . . Young persons who are expecting their first child, or who may have a child starting school often find this to be the right time to join a faith community that will help them find God in their lives and expand their moral values.
. . . People who have not been baptized, for whatever reasons, feel that now is the time to begin a journey with God. As they interact with their Catholic neighbors they realize there is something missing that needs to be fulfilled. They are attracted to the Catholic Church and the family atmosphere that is offered.
. . . People who experience grief and tragedy in their lives are now seeking to understand it. So often we hear people say, "I have a Catholic neighbor who went through the same thing I am going through and their faith seemed to sustain and comfort them. I want to find a faith like that."
. . . People from all backgrounds are seeking God in their lives. We all look for answers to Life and Death questions about God and ourselves.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process by which the Catholic Church welcomes new members into its communal life. The RCIA process is a living experience of the church, and not just a series of classes to teach you about Christianity. These are lessons in the facts of faith. This process allows you to learn and share with others who are on the same journey, living the faith with members of the Church.
For more information about the RCIA in Divine Mercy Parish, please contact Msgr. Edward Arnister at the Parish Office (393.4826), our Pastoral Associate, Mrs. Rosemarie Micharski, at the Religious Education Office (393.5233 Ext. 101), or Deacon John Grussler (215.295.1991).
Classes for the RCIA process begin in September of each year.