Mrs. Lynda Fiorenza, Coordinator of Religious Education
Religious Education Office: 732-747-6006
The philosophy of the St. James Parish Religious Education Program is to aid the parent(s)/guardian(s) of each student in preparing that child to become a mature and contributing member of the Christian community and society at large. The program will aid parents/guardians in their role as the primary educators of their child by providing directives and opportunities for their child to increase his/her knowledge of God, the Church, self, and society.
The program further assists the parents/guardians by cooperating with them in preparation for their child's reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance), First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Similarly, the program aids the parents/guardians in increasing their child's understanding of, appreciation for, and participation in the Church's celebration of these sacraments and in fulfilling the Church's mission of service to society.
The transmission of the Christian faith consists primarily in proclaiming Jesus Christ in order to lead others to faith in Him. In catechesis, "Christ, the Incarnate Word and Son of God, is taught - everything else is taught with reference to Him and it is Christ alone who teaches - anyone else teaches to the extent that he or she is Christ's spokesman, enabling Christ to teach with his lips. Every catechist should be able to apply to themselves the mysterious words of Jesus: 'My teaching is not mine, but His who sent me.'” CCC 427
These Guidelines have been developed to provide the family with important requirements for the Religious Education Program as well as information regarding the policies and procedures. All parents/guardians are being asked to return the attached Acknowledgement indicating they have read these Guidelines.
Admission Requirements
The family of each student in the Religious Education Program should be registered members of St. James Parish. All new students at the time of their registration are required to provide a photocopy of their Baptismal certificate. Proof of First Penance and First Eucharist must be provided it they received these sacraments at a parish other than at St. James Parish. Any student presented for admission without sufficient documented catechetical history shall be evaluated and placed accordingly in a class.
A $170.00 fee for one student; a $285 fee for two children and $400 fee for three or more children in a family is charged in order to defer the cost of books and materials used for instructional purposes. Other fees for sacramental preparation (First Eucharist and Confirmation) will be charged separately.
New registrations please contact the religious education office at:
Time and Place
Classes are held on Sunday mornings from 9:00 am to 10:15 am in St. James Elementary School for grades K-7 and in Red Bank Catholic High School for the 8th grade Confirmation class. All students are expected to be on time and ready to begin class promptly. All students must respect the property and items in the classroom in which they meet.
Contact
Mrs. Lynda Fiorenza, Coordinator of Religious Education
Religious Education Office: 732-747-6006
