Religious Education
St. Peter’s Religious Education Program strives to support families, especially parents, “the primary heralds of the Gospel”, in the formation of their children’s religious education and sacrament preparation.
Our program is an on-going sharing of our faith and beliefs, with one year building upon another. Therefore, it is important that children remain in the program throughout grades 1-8. The program includes: (1) a traditional setting for children in grades 1-8; (2) an activity oriented program for children ages 4-5 called “Little Sheep” and (3) a Family Sacramental Preparation Program for those children preparing to receive First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation.
To learn more about Religious Education at St. Peter's, please use the links below. Please feel free to contact Anne-Marie Calderone, Director of Religious Education, through the parish office with any concerns or questions you may have regarding the program.
General Information
Sacramental Preparation for Children
Integrating Family and Faith
Prayers
Special Education
General Policy Information
General Information
The Religious Education program is in session from September through June. Re-registration for children already in the program, as well as families registering for the first time, takes place in April prior to the new school year. Children entering the program for the first time must provide proof of baptism at registration. Late fees are imposed after June 1st. Mailings will be sent home over the summer with information regarding class placements as well as our calendar and policies regarding emergency closing information, etc.
Sacramental Preparation for Children
According to the guidelines set forth by the Diocese of Metuchen, any child preparing for a sacrament must complete one full year of formal catechesis prior to the reception of the sacrament. Therefore, children wishing to receive First Reconciliation, First Eucharist or Confirmation must attend the program for two years in order to be fully prepared for the sacraments.
First Reconciliation – Children who have completed the necessary preparation for Penance will receive the sacrament in 2nd grade, prior to his/her First Holy Communion. Children will come to know the love and joy of being reconciled to God and one another through this beautiful sacrament of God’s love and tender mercy.
First Eucharist – A child who has completed first grade will be prepared to receive the sacrament of Holy Eucharist in the spring of 2nd grade. Details of dates are made known to parents as soon as they become available. The preparation to come to the table of Jesus for the first time is an extensive one, fully supported by the Pastor, staff and the parish of St. Peter’s. Many opportunities are offered to the children and their families to further understand the special gift of the Eucharist. Agape Services, retreats and Communion Breakfasts, etc. deepen the child’s knowledge of Jesus’ love for us all in what is hoped to be a life-long relationship with Him.
Confirmation – Confirmation is celebrated during the spring of 8th grade, therefore any child wishing to be considered for Confirmation must attend 7th and 8th grade to be eligible.
Confirmation marks an important time in the life of a young teenager; the commitment to confirm your faith and to be responsible for its growth. Believing that we are “called to serve one another”, the Confirmation program provides for service opportunities throughout the 7th and 8th grade. Our Confirmation candidates are strongly encouraged to “put on Christ” and live out their Confirmation promise through spiritual and corporal works of mercy and service opportunities provided throughout the school year. Additional services, including retreats, penance services, etc. encourage the candidates to deepen their relationship with God through the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Integrating Family and Faith
As mentioned before, family faith and life is a key element in the faith formation of a child. Parents are encouraged to attend your own faith formation opportunities offered at the parish. These sessions are offered to aid parents come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Church’s faith and teaching. Regular attendance at mass and frequent participation in the celebration of the sacraments, a devout prayer life, embracing Christian moral principles, the example of making generous and loving sacrifices, promoting social justice and the dignity of the human person are all ways in which you can witness to your child and provide a consistent message about the importance of our Catholic Faith. Especially in today’s society, parents and families need the help and support of the Church. The Pastoral Ministry of St. Peter the Apostle Church together with the Religious Education Program wishes to do their best to support you. For additional information see the Spiritual Formation section of our website.
Prayers
The following is the list of prayers taught at each grade level. We ask your support in helping your child learn them. Please contact the Office of Religious Education if you need a copy of any of the following:
Pre-K/Kindergarten: Sign of the Cross, Our Father
Grade 1: Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be
Grade 2: Act of Contrition, Simple Mass Responses and above prayers
Grade 3: Apostles’ Creed, Grace Before and After Meals and above prayers
Grade 4: Beatitudes and above prayers
Grade 5: Rosary, Memorare and above prayers
Grade 6: Stations of the Cross, and above prayers
Grades 7 & 8: Mass Prayers and Responses, Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Special Education
Sometimes circumstances exist that do not allow for a child take part in a regular classroom. If your child requires special education needs, please call the Office of Religious Education to discuss/arrange for suitable alternatives. Every possible consideration will be given to help your child grow in his/her faith.
General Policy Information
Attendance
Regular attendance is an important factor in your child’s religious education. Diocesan policy requires us to maintain formal records of attendance and that absences are kept to a maximum of two times in any one year. When a child is absent, he or she will be expected to make up the work missed before the next session. All class curriculums will be available for students and parents to view on our parish web-site.
Discipline
When a student cannot be disciplined by a catechist, he/she will be directed to the Director of Religious Education. Any child who repeatedly interrupts a class, or is defiant or destructive, will be removed from the class and a parent will be called immediately. If such behavior continues after this first incident, the child will be removed from the program and must be home-schooled. Those children preparing for reception of a sacrament will have to repeat the curriculum the following year.
Catechists
All of our catechists are volunteers who give of their time and talents generously throughout the year. All catechists are encouraged to attend in-house certification classes to further their faith knowledge. A catechist workshop is offered each year, as well as other classes available throughout the Diocesan Center. Volunteers are always welcome! Please call the Religious Education Program if you would like to help out in any capacity. All of our catechists are finger-printed and attend a VIRTUS training session as part of our ongoing effort to protect children.
Arrival & Dismissal Procedure
Arrival time for Religious Ed classes will be at 10:15am and dismissal time is at 12 Noon. All sessions take place in the elementary school located on Somerset Street opposite Robert Wood Johnson Hospital. Please enter via the Division Street entrance and exit via Hardenberg Street to maintain the safety of students leaving the building.
If another person other than the custodial parents or guardians are picking up a child, the DRE must be notified in writing prior to dismissal. This person should have a picture ID with them when picking up a child. No child will be allowed out to a car waiting for them without this information in order to ensure their safety.
The back door to the school will be closed after 10:20am. Please call 908-415-2646 in order to be let into the building once the doors are closed. The same procedure applies to early/emergency dismissal of any child.
Change of Address/Phone Number/Emergency Information
It is important that our records are kept up to date. Please contact us as soon as there is a change in any of your contact information. This information is needed when there is a cancellation in session or an emergency situation arises.
Snow or Emergency Closings
In the case of a snow closing, every effort will be made to make the decision to close class by 7:30pm on Saturday evening. You may call the Office of Religious Education at 732-545-6820 ext. 15 after 7:30pm for a voice message. Please do not call the rectory! Every effort will be made to have a call made to your home telephone with a class cancellation message by your child’s teacher.
Fire Drills
Fire drills are required by the Diocese of Metuchen and the State of New Jersey. In the case of a real fire, parents will be contacted once the situation is under control.
Lockdown/Evacuation
In the case of “lockdown”, the New Brunswick Police Department will contact us immediately. All catechists will lock doors, pull shades down in classrooms and gather the children away from the windows. Once an “all clear” has been given by the Police Department, the children will be immediately dismissed to their parents/guardians. In the unlikely event that this should happen, please do not come down to the school until notified. In the case of an evacuation, the DRE will notify each parent/guardian. Once contacted, you will need to go to the second floor of the school where the children will be released upon your signature in order to maintain the safety of each child during a time of emergency.
Child Abuse Policy
If a catechist or the Director suspects child abuse, New Jersey State Law mandates that the State Division of Youth and Family Services be notified immediately and Diocesan policy requires that the Director of the Diocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection also be notified, (732-562-2413). All adults who come into contact with children and who work or volunteer for the church are required to have background checks and special training under the “Protecting God’s Children” diocesan program.