2023-2024 Religious Formation (CCD)

The Religious Formation Program relies on volunteers to serve as catechists, classroom aides, hall monitors and child-care aides. Tuition is waived for those who volunteer, although there is $20.00 per child book fee. Volunteers are responsible for the cost of fingerprinting and background checks through MorphoTrak. Volunteering to help with the Religious Formation Program is one way to show your child you value the importance of the program.

The Religious Formation Office, located in the rectory. Email [email protected]. Office telephone number is 732-985-5063.

Registration for the Religious Formation Program is conducted each year. All students currently attending the program must re-registered each year. Tuition is due at the time of registration which must be done in person. Dates for registration will be sent home in the spring and published in the parish bulletin.

“Catechesis aims to bring about in the believer an ever more mature faith in Jesus Christ, a deeper knowledge and love of his message, and a firm commitment to follow him.” National Directory for Catechesis 19

WE ARE NOW TAKING  REGISTRATIONS FOR THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION UDPATE 
To All Families: All classes will be back IN-School this year!

Start Dates for Religious Education Classes to be determined!

And we need folks to help teach our children!!
If interested, please email David Jules at:
[email protected]  
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If you have questions, please email :
[email protected]  
_________________________
Adhering to the exhortation of Vatican II, we recognize parents “as being primarily and principally responsible for the education of their children.” In support of this mandate we offer Religious Formation classes weekly from mid September to early May for children attending the public schools. The General Directory for Catechesis, teaches the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church, upholds current document, including The Catechism of the Catholic Church and utilizes Diocesan programs to train catechists

Attendance at Sunday Liturgy, either on Saturday or Sunday morning, is a part of your child’s Religious Formation Program. This is an obligation you as parents agreed to at the time of your child’s baptism.

Classes for Grades 1-4 will meet on Tuesday from 4:15 to 5:30

Classed for Grades 5-8 will meet on Thursday from 6:00 to 7:15

Tuition for the current year 2022-2023 is as follows:

Active and Contributing St. Matthew's Parishioner
$150   one child
$230    two children
$300    three or more children
$60 for Confirmation

Non-Active and Non-Parishioner
$250    one child
$330    two children
$400    three or more children
$60 for Confirmation

No child who is a parishioner is ever denied Religious Formation if the family is truly in need. If there is a financial problem, please contact the Religious Formation Office for assistance.

Our program is based on four major themes:

• We Believe: the Creed
• We Worship: Sacramental Life of the Church
• We Live: Making Moral Decisions
• We Pray: Prayer in the Catholic Church

Using the Be My Disciples Edition as the basic textbook these four themes are developed in age-appropriate context. An excellent web site, bemydisciples.com, expands the lessons taught in class. Parent lessons at the conclusion of each chapter invite the parents to participation in the weekly lessons.
All children are to bring their textbooks to class each week.

Our Bishop has asked that all religious formation programs in the Diocese of Metuchen use the supplemental text Benzinger Family Life Program. The purpose of this program is to help foster in our children personal growth, Catholic moral development and respect for life. It focuses on five themes:

• Family Living
• Personal Growth and Self Understanding
• Respect for Life
• Catholic Christian Sexuality
• Social Living

We suggest that when your child receives his/her book you take a few minutes to read it yourself and then review it with your child.

Attendance

Attendance at all sessions of the Religious Formation Program is expected. Each child is allowed 3 excused absences. Reasons for absence may include illness, death in the family, or other such emergencies. Absence for sports or school related activities are not considered excused absences. Excessive unexcused absences may result in a situation where the child may not be promoted to the next level. All children with perfect attendance will receive a certificate at the end of the year.

Tardiness

All children are expected to be in class on time.

Early Dismissal

If a child needs to be dismissed early, parents must convey that information to the child’s catechist in writing. Parents come into the school office to meet their child.

Progress Reports

Twice during the year, in January and at the end of the year, progress reports are sent home to assess your child’s progress. Please note any areas where you child may need assistance.

Emergency Closing

If the Edison Public Schools close early because of inclement weather, Religious Formation classes will be canceled for that day. Cancellation of the scheduled Religious Formation classes will be announced over the radio on WCTC, 1450 AM.

Controlled Dangerous Substances, Alcohol and Weapons

Controlled dangerous substances, alcohol and weapons are not allowed on the premises. If a student is found in possession of drugs or weapons the police will be notified and the student will be detained until the police arrive.

Child Abuse

If a catechist suspects a child has been abused, New Jersey State Statutes require that the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) be notified immediately.

Fire Drills

In accordance with Diocesan policy, fire drills are conducted twice a year. All children are to observe fire drill procedures.

Parent Meetings

Dates are to-be-determined. Please watch your email for all communication.

Arrival, Dismissal and Security

All children are to enter and leave the building at the school entrance near the Church. As part of our comprehensive security plan, this door will be locked ten minutes after the start of classes. Children arriving late for class and finding this door locked will need to come to the main door of school, ring the doorbell and be admitted by the office staff.

Barriers are placed across Seymour Avenue for the safety of the children when crossing between the school and parking lot. Barriers must not be moved. Park in front of the school is restricted before, during and after classes.

Parents are asked to meet younger children in front of the school and escort them to the car. They should not come to the car unsupervised – there are too many moving cars for the children to maneuver the parking lot alone.

If an emergency delays you in picking up your child, an adult will remain with your child until you arrive. If your child is not waiting outside, please meet your child at the main door of the school.

Homework

When homework is assigned, it is expected that the assignment is completed in a timely and appropriate manner.  Parents will be contacted if a child repeatedly fails to complete their assignments.

Behavior and Discipline Policy

Rules are necessary for the orderly operation of our Religious Formation Program.  Children are expected to comply with the Religious Formation Program Discipline Policy.  This contract is sent home at the beginning of the year, read by children and parents, signed and returned.  Failure to comply witht hte Discipline Policy may lead to dismissal from the program.

Reconciliation and Eucharist

Students preparing to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are required to attend Religious Formation classes for two years of formal class instruction. These sacraments are usually received in second grade.  Parents are expected to attend a parent meeting.

Confirmation

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation begins at the start of seventh grade. Students preparing to receive Confirmation are required to receive two years of formal class instruction in grade 7 and grade 8. Confirmation is usually celebrated at the end of eighth grade. . Parents are expected to attend the parent meeting.