Religious Education Programs
R.C.I.A.:Rite of Christian Initiation for Returning Catholics, Adults, Teens and Children
“Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.” St. Augustine of Hippo
Calling all adults, teens, and children who have not yet received one or more of their Sacraments. St. Veronica’s Program for Returning Catholics is here to welcome and help you and your family. Would you like to talk with someone about receiving the Sacraments, someone who can answer your questions privately and without judgment? Is God calling you by name?
RCIA is the door to a new, full life in the Catholic Church. The program welcomes family members who may have missed Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist and/or Penance. RCIA provides the means of preparing for the reception of one or all of these Sacraments. Children must be age 7 or older and not already baptized.
RCIA embraces each one of God’s children, no matter where they may be on their spiritual journey, helping every new member of this special community, to grow in the Spirit through prayer, reading of the Word of the Lord, hearing the testimony of those who have already been renewed in the Holy Spirit and sharing your own stories of faith.
For information to help you say YES to your call, please contact Brenda Heffernan at the St. Veronica’s Office of Religious Education, 4219 Highway #9 North, Howell, NJ. Phone 732-364-4137 or Email: Bheffernan@stveronica.com.
Religious Education for Catholic Children (CCD)
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go: I will counsel you with My eye upon you” Psalm 32:8
The Religious Education Program at St. Veronica’s helps young children from pre-school through 8th grade, to grow in their Catholic faith. When you encourage your precious child to learn that the most important choice in an entire lifetime is to choose Jesus, there can be no greater gift, you, the parents can give. Your child will be empowered to measure success in life by the treasures each piles up in the only treasure chest that counts.
Parents, first and foremost, begin the important task of developing faith in God when they bring their child forward to receive the gift of faith through Baptism. You are your child’s first teachers, nurturing the growth of love of God and faith in salvation.
Your commitment as a parent is to prepare your child to walk hand-in-hand with Jesus on the narrow road, the only road that leads your child to eternal joy.
Regular attendance at Holy Mass and at a weekly Religious Education class, is part of this commitment. Only through your example, in your own home and through your sincere support, will your child see reflected in the family, the faith-filled life the sacraments offer….the life Our Father has planned for His children in this world and through eternity.
Religious Education classes are offered to all Catholic children who attend non-Catholic private or state schools or who are home-schooled. The program has been developed to assist parents with the spiritual development of their children. Religious Education is an ongoing experience through which students will become familiar with Catholic traditions, prayers, sacraments and devotions, as they move deeper into faith through the reception of the sacraments.
Preparation for Receiving the Sacraments:
Religious Education classes not only educate children about Jesus and their Catholic faith. The program also prepares children to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
Registration is held from May to July each year for the following Fall. New members of the Parish are invited to contact the Office of Religious Education for more detailed information. The office is located in the entrance lobby of St. Veronica’s School. After July 1st. there is a late fee for all but those parishioners who move into the Parish after the deadline.
Contact Brenda Heffernan at 732-364-4137 or Email: Bheffernan@stveronica.com.
Wee Wisdom Program for Pre School Children
‘Wee Wisdom’ is a Pre School religious education program for 4 and 5 year old children. Wee Wisdom classes are available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. All classes are held at St.Veronica School from 4:15 to 5:30, through the school year. God bless you and your family on your spiritual journey.
For more information, contact Brenda Heffernan at 732-364-4137 or Email: Bheffernan@stveronica.com.
Resources for Parents as First Catechists in the Home
Books:
To Dance with God: Family Ritual and Community Celebration, Gertrud Mueller Nelson http://www.paulistpress.com/bookSearch.cgi
The Catholic Home: Celebrations and Traditions for Holidays, Feast Days and Every Day,Meridith Gould
http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/resource_info/158.html
Blessings and Prayers for Home and Family
http://www.actapublications.com/detail.html?id=9780879463809
Make Room for God: Clearing Out the Clutter, Susan K. Rowland http://catalog.americancatholic.org/product.aspx?prodid=I16778&pcat=111
Source, “The Monitor” 9/08
Life in the Spirit Seminar Talks
