Children's Religious Education Programs

“On the lips of the catechist the first proclamation
must ring out over and over:  ‘Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.’ "

Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel

Our aim of Religious Education for Children is not to produce students who master all the Catholic Doctrine, but rather to provide an environment in which young people, along with their parents, learn about their Catholic identity and traditions to be able to make a faith response, as a family, to the invitation to live as disciples of Jesus, continuing His mission and putting faith into action.

Religious Education begins in 1st Grade here at the Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley. The young ones meet twice per month. Our Sacramental Prep program (2nd Grade) meets once per month. We offer Family Catechesis (parent + child) for Grades 3 - 5 that meets monthly on Sunday mornings. Our 6th Grade & Confirmation Prep (Grades 7 - 8) sessions meet twice a month on Sunday evenings. To meet the growing needs of our busy families, we offer Summer Intensive Option in August for children in grades 3 - 7.

Sacraments are at the heart of our faith. The liturgical rituals of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation celebrate the important moments of our faith life. Our Sacramental Prep programs prepare both child and parents for the experience of these important moments in their faith journey.

If your child has completed second grade and has not yet celebrated the sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance) and Eucharist, they may join RCIA for Children.

For more information, contact our Office of Faith Formation at faithformation@stjamespennington.org or 609-737-0122 x 821.

Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday, 9:30am - 4pm