The Divine Mercy Parish religious education program provides a parish-based support to the teaching of religious education for Catholic children and young adults in our community. This faith formation consists of classroom studies and preparation for the reception of the sacraments. The goal is to enable and encourage the students to learn and grow in their Catholic faith. The role of parents, in partnership with the catechetical leaders, is an integral part in providing the fullness and richness of our Catholic faith and traditions to the children. It is from the parents where they first receive their proclamation of faith. Additionally, our religious program relies entirely on volunteer support from catechists, teachers, aides and parent partners.

Additional notes:

• Sacraments of Penance and First Communion are offered for students in Grade 1 and 2 while the sacrament of Confirmation is offered for higher grade students which consists of a two-year preparation program. Refer to the below Sacramental Preparation link for more information.

• Students’ attendance in the Sunday 11:00 AM Mass is required.

• Students are encouraged to play special roles during Sunday mass. This may include reciting the first and second readings and helping out in the collection and offertory services. During church events such as the Christmas celebration, students typically participates by showing off their talents in singing and stage acting.

  

Program Information and Checklist

• Early registration is now open for school year 2020 – 2021.
• Parent orientations are held in conjunction with the first day of classes.
• Complete and submit all registration forms to the CCD office or click on the appropriate button below to register your child/children.

• For students that will have First Communion or Confirmation in 2021, please use button below

 

• Birth certificate should be submitted upon registration.
• Baptismal certificate should be submitted upon registration.

Registration Fees

• Fees for parshioners are as follows:

 

• Late fee assessments are applied from August 1 to 31.
• Fees for non-parishioners are as follows:

 

• Special Payment Plan can be arranged by visiting the CCD office. Do not delay in registering due to financial hardships.
• To avail of the parishioner fees, parents are invited to become an active parishioner by completing the Family Registration Form. An active parishioner regularly attends Mass at our church and contributes to the parish either via envelopes or online giving. Active parishioners are assesed on a yearly basis and you can be removed from the roster if we don't see active participation within the year.
• Please note that no registrations will be accepted after the August 31 deadline.

Class Schedules and Other Formation
 

• Our parish CCD program runs from September through May of the following year. For the 2020 school year, classes will start on Sunday September 13, 2020 followed by the Tuesday class on September 15, 2020.
• Classes are held on Sunday and Tuesday, namely:

    

Sacramental Preparation and Information

• First Penance and First Communion

• Confirmation

 

➢ Confirmation Saint Report and Letter To the Bishop  
➢ Confirmation Candidate Profile 
➢ Confirmation Saint Report Template 
➢ Confirmation Bishop Letter Template

Special CCD Events

• First Communion
• Confirmation Retreat
• Confirmation Sunday
• Parent Formation
• Christmas CCD party
• Easter Sunday Egg Hunt
• Lent Penance Service
• Thanksgiving Day Mass

Students with Special Needs

• Our parish CCD program welcomes and support students with special needs and disabilities.
• We will make every effort to accommodate and provide them with inclusive environments such as (for example) wheel-chair accessible pathways and special seating accommodations as needed.
• Parents are encourage to contact the CCD office prior to registration regarding their child’s special needs.

Program Documents

• Parent Participant Handbook
• Student Code of Conduct and Discipline Guidelines Handbook
• Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
• Student Absence Forms
• Early Release form for Student’s
• Faith Literatures:
  • Prayers
  • How to pray the Holy Rosary
  • Penance Procedures
  • Church Etiquette
  • Sunday Mass Readings
• Religious School Year Calendar
• School Safety Protocols

Why Volunteer in the CCD Program?

• Serve God with the skills that He has blessed you
• Develop your spiritual growth
• Refresh your knowledge in religious education
• Encourage child(ren)’s learning
• Become more involved in the parish community

What are some ways I can serve?

• Be a class parent; sit-in and assist the catechists
• Sit with the class during Mass and help guide their behavior, show them which pages to follow during Mass
• Take on a more active role by:
  • Training lector
  • Training ushers
  • Starting a youth choir
  • Taking on the youth group and developing enriching activities to guide our youth that would encourage an encounter with Christ
  • Assist with First Penance
  • Assist with First Communion
  • Assist with Confirmation

What do I need to do? (Volunteer Requirements)

• Fill out and submit a Volunteer Application
• Successfully complete a background screening (done by parish)
• Attend Protecting God’s Children workshop and obtain certification (if working with/being around kids)
• Observe Catechist(s) for a period of time before taking on an active role

 

Welcome to another exciting year of Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) with Divine Mercy Parish. We would like to thank you for entrusting your child’s Catholic Christian formation with us. As Parents, you are primary teachers, educators of your child with regards to their Catholic Faith. The examples that you provide at home, your dedication to our catholic faith and sacraments as a family is an integral part of your child’s spiritual journey.  

As part of our mission to educate your child, Divine Mercy Parish in Rahway is the only parish in the Diocese of Newark that is providing a comprehensive Parent Formation Workshop.  These are classes  that will provide the Parents to grow deeper in their Catholic Faith.  We will be rediscovering our rich Catholic faith, and will provide information and resources from the Catechism of the Catholic Church for you and your family to help you and your children grow spiritually.  We encourage that you attend the Sunday mass after your child’s class and to participate in the sacrament of Eucharist and Reconciliation regularly.

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BIBLE STUDY AND WORKSHOPS

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Please continue to monitor this page for the latest information on Bible Study sessions and Workshops. The Workshops would be free under the CCD program, whereas the bible study could be supplemental and offered at cost. The details of the events will be posted here.

Reborn explores the deeply personal power of Baptism, bringing to light the spiritual reality for parents and godparents and, most importantly, the child being baptized. Reborn presents the foundation of the Church’s teaching on Baptism, with a step-by-step explanation of the rite itself, including its profound place in Scripture and Tradition.

For details, please contact parentformation@divinemercyrahway.church

CCD Resources

Virtus Online
RCAN Guidance on Sex Abuse
Resources for Reporting Abuse
Parish Religious Education Calendar
Catechists Resource
The Need for Catechists
 

Contact Information

Eleanor (Susie) Atienza
Parish Catechetical Leader/Director of Religious Education
susie@divinemercyrahway.church

Janice Marron, CCD Coordinator
Contact email
ccd@divinemercyrahway.church