The Faith Formation Program of St. James Parish exists to assist parents in fulfilling the vital ministry of catechesis: teaching the truths of the faith and accompanying the faith formation of their children.
Catechists
We are grateful to those who serve as Catechists. They share their faith with their students, not only with words, but above all, by the witness of their lives. They strive to present carefully planned lessons in order to enable the students to grow in their relationship with God and in their knowledge of the Catholic faith. They receive training from the Diocese so that what they teach is faithful to the teachings of the Church.
Schedule
Classes are held every Sunday at 9:00 am – 10:00 am in the Academy of St. James School, unless specified.
Begin: September 15, 2024 End: May 18, 2025
Emergency Closing and Safety
If a class is cancelled for any reason (example: Bad weather), and emergency alert will be sent to you via voicemail and/or text message.
Pleaes be extra careful and courteous when dropping off your child/children and leaving your parking space.
Communication & Parent Involvement
Good communication between parents and our office is valuable! We encourage genuine communication that facilitates understanding and growth.
Please let us know if there is anything we should be aware of that might impact our child/children’s participation in class.
We ask that parents check your child/children’s bag each class to review the booklet and to see if any important announcements were sent home.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Arrival Children may be dropped off in the parking lot and enter by the side door of the school from 8:45 am to 9:00 am.
Classes begin punctually at 9:00 am. Please be on time so class is not disrupted.
Dismissal All children will be brought to the Church at 10:05 am to meet their parents and sit together for Mass.
If a child is not picked up by 10:15 am in Church, he/she will sit with the Catechists or Director during Mass and be brought to the Religious Education Office after Mass to wait for his/her parents. This should occur only in an emergency.
If it is necessary for a parent to pick up a child early, a written note must be provided to the teacher.
For obvious safety reasons, no child will be allowed to leave the building early unless a parent comes to request that the child be excused.
Class Attendance and Prepration
Consistent, weekly attendance is very important.
If a child is absent, parents will be responsible to pick up the booklet and teach the lesson. Completing the assignment will count as a home-school lesson and not an absence.
Please provide a pocket folder for your child/children so they can keep all the weekly handouts and a pen or pencil.
Parents are encouraged to help the children review the material presented. Please check to see if homework was assigned and that assignments are completed before each Sunday.
Mass Attendance and Prayer
Each Saturday evening or Sunday, we gather as a parish family to praise and thank God for all His blessings and ask Him for his help. It is important for the children to see their family putting into practice what they are learning in class.
Prayer is an essential part of all our classes. Catechists teach traditional prayers as well as spontaneous prayers and special prayers for celebrations. Please practice praying these with your child/children.
Witness is the best formation to a life-giving habit of prayer and a solid relationship with God.
Contacts
Fr. Marc Mancini, Pastor Parish House Phone: (973) 790-0288 ext. 3
Sr. Antoinette Cedrone, FMA Director of Religious Education (973) 790-4860