For Children
Sharing the Gift of Faith
Catechesis is more than just religious education—it is an indispensable foundation of a life-long journey of conversion. Our goal is to bring our children to Christ, to prepare them for the sacramental life of the church, and to help them understand the social justice implications of discipleship as we integrate prayer into their lives. It is intended to introduce them to Christ in such a way that they fall in love with Him and continue to develop that relationship throughout their lives in anticipation of living with Him forever in heaven.
Children are typically baptized shortly after birth. Then they are enrolled in the parish faith formation program once they reach school age. As they grow, they make their first Confession and receive their First Holy Communion in second grade. During successive years, the children continue to learn about their faith through age-appropriate instruction. Formal instruction in the faith concludes in ninth grade when the children receive the sacrament of Confirmation.
The Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC) is a process designed to prepare children who have reached the age of seven, but are not yet adults, to complete the cycle of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist).
If you child was not baptized before their seventh birthday (the age that the Church uses as a benchmark for when children reach the age of reason), they would need to complete a two year period of catechesis before being Baptized and receiving their First Holy Communion. They would then be enrolled in the Religious Education program and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation with the other ninth graders.
If your child has been validly baptized in another Christian denomination, they would not be baptized again. Instead, they would be welcomed into the Catholic Church after the two year period of catechesis. At that time, they would make their first Confession and receive their First Holy Communion. They would then be enrolled in the Religious Education program and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation with the other ninth graders.
All of the parishes in Bayonne collaborate to provide one Religious Education Program for the entire city. Unified in September 2016, the program shares common texts in each parish, making it fluid to flow from parish to parish. Participants must be registered in one of the four parishes, but it is possible to attend classes at any location for any given academic year. The program works as follows:
- PARISH REGISTRATION In an effort to maintain effective communications and contact with you and your family, all families must be registered parishioners at one of our Bayonne parishes in order to register in our Religious Education Programs. This should be the parish where your family regularly attends Mass and who you'd like to support financially, not the parish where you want your child to attend Religious Education.
- REGISTRATION FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Religious Education Program Registration for all parishes will begins each year in the Spring and runs through the beginning of September. To register for Religious Education, go to the Parish Office where your family is registered. When you complete the registration forms you will, at that time, choose where and when you want your child to attend classes. You are welcome to choose a program that meets your scheduling needs.
- RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM REGISTRATION FEES
- 1 child - $85.00 if registered by July 31. $110 if registered on August 1st or later.
- 2 or more children $135.00 if registered by July 31. $160 if registered on August 1st or later.
- SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FEES
- Reconciliation/First Communion preparation fees will be combined. There will be one fee of $85.00 for the preparation of both Sacraments per child.
- Confirmation preparation fee will be $110.00 per child – there will be no additional registration fees.
- If you have any concerns regarding finances, location, and/or scheduling, please contact your Pastor or Director of Religious Education.
- BI-LINGUAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION All Religious Education classes will be taught in English. Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) textbooks will be available upon request at your parish. If your child needs Religious Education taught in a language other than English, please contact the Pastor/Administrator of your parish.
- The Archdiocese of Newark has specified that the period of instruction for the reception of Eucharist and Confirmation shall be no less than 2 years.
LOCATION
BMT
St. Henry
St. John Paul II
St. Vincent
DAY
Sunday
Tuesday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Tuesday or Thursday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Sunday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
TIME
8:30am - 9:45am
6:30pm - 8pm
8:45am - 10:00am
8:30am - 9:30am
7:00pm - 8:00pm
4:30pm - 5:45pm
4:00pm - 5:15pm
7:00pm - 8:15pm
10:45am - 12pm
8:40am - 9:50am
6:45pm - 8pm
6:45pm - 8pm
GRADES
K-6, Confirmation, OCIA (Adults)
7-8, OCIA (Teens)
K-8
Confirmation (Remote)
Confirmation (Remote)
6-8 (Remote)
1-5
6-8 (Remote)
K-8, Confirmation, and OCIA
1-5
Confirmation
6-8
All Confirmation Classes meet twice per month.