Saint James School of Religion
Program Information | Calendar |Contact Us
What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life-- for the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the 
eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to us-- what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing this so that our joy may be complete. - 1 John 3:1-4
Assisting parents in their responsibility of faith formation, the School of Religious Education offers sacramental preparation and religious instruction for parish students in 1st through 8th Grade.
Enrollment
Religious Education classes are offered for children who attend public or private nondenominational elementary schools. The classes are held at
Fees
The regular enrollment fee is $110.00 per child. This fee helps to underwrite Religious Education program expenses, including materials and supplies. There are additional fees of $40.00 per child for sacramental preparation classes in the 2nd grade (First Penance and First Holy Communion) and 8th grade (Confirmation).
Religious Education Class Information
Religious Education classes follow this weekly schedule:
| Day | Time | Grade |
| Tuesday | 4:00 - 5:15pm | 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 |
| Tuesday | 6:00 - 7:15pm | 6 7 & 8 (limited) |
| Wednesday | 4:00 - 5:15pm | 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 |
| Wednesday | 6:00 - 7:15pm | 5 7 & 8 (limited) |
| Thursday | 6:00 - 7:15pm | 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 (limited) |
Religious Education Teachers
Religious Education teachers are volunteers from the parish who make a personal commitment to serve as Catechists. The Diocese of Metuchen offers training and workshop sessions, and there are also meetings and workshops at Saint James.
Catechists are an integral part of the Saint James Religious Education program, which enrolls more than 1,200 students each year. Equally important is the role of parents who are asked to volunteer time as needed in and outside the classroom, and to instruct children to treat the volunteer Catechists with respect.
Parents
Parents are the primary teachers of their children in all learning, including faith formation, the basis of which takes place in the home. The goal of the Religious Education program is to assist in this endeavor. As the best role models of faith in action, parents should encourage regular attendance at and participation in the Mass by their own good example.
All parents are invited to volunteer in some way to enrich the Religious Education experience for their children. Volunteers are needed to serve as Catechists in the Religious Education classrooms; to work as aides to the Catechists on a regular or occasional basis; to help organize and execute a safe and orderly dismissal in the parking lot; to assist with other tasks, as needed.
Parents should also ensure that their children demonstrate appropriate and respectful behavior in the classroom.
Sacramental Preparation
Preparation for the sacraments is part of the regular class curriculum. Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is covered in 1st and 2nd grades; preparation for Confirmation is taught in 7th and 8th grades. Class attendance is mandatory during the two-year preparation cycle.
Classroom Assignments
Students are assigned to classes by the Religious Education office. While special requests are considered, manageable class size and appropriate mix of students are the first priorities. Changes in class assignment may be made in consultation with the Religious Education office.
Students with Special Needs
The Saint James Religious Education program is inclusive of students with special needs. If we are unable to accommodate the needs of these students in our program or through special arrangements with their parents, the Office of Religious Education of the Diocese of Metuchen offers alternative options.
Class Attendance
In accordance with the Diocese of Metuchen's policy on classroom attendance, "More than three unexcused absences [may] be cause for repetition of the current level of education... examples of excused absences might be death in the family, illness, etc. Sports or extracurricular activities do not fall into the category of excused absences."
If a student will be absent from a religious education class, parents are required to notify the Religious Education office.
Behavior
Students attending Religious Education classes are expected to behave appropriately and respectfully toward Catechists, each other and school property. There will be no running in hallways, classrooms or stairs; no rough behavior; no gum chewing; no abuse of school property. Students who act disrespectfully or inappropriately will be expelled from the classroom and turned over to their parents. The policy on disciplinary action includes three steps: first incident, teacher will speak with the child; second incident, the student will be sent to the Religious Education office; third incident, parents will be called and their presence in the classroom will be required.
Materials
Students receive textbooks, folders and supplemental materials for their classes. The Saint James Religious Education program is based on the Benzinger curriculum series, Blest Are We Faith and Word, which builds upon creed, sacraments, commandments and prayer for each grade level.
Communication
Please contact the Religious Education office if you have any questions: (908) 766-1227 or stjamesccd@yahoo.com.
Arrival & Dismissal
There is a specific arrival and dismissal process for our Religious Education students to keep the large number of children entering and exiting the school parking lot as safe as possible. Please follow the following procedure:
Arrival
To facilitate traffic flow:
- Park in the church lot and walk to school on the sidewalk. Enter through the centrally located glass doors.
- Drive into the school lot via
- Please do not park in the upper lot (the one closest to the school entrance) since this lot is used for dropping off children at the double doors. If you wish to escort your children into the building, please park in the church lot and walk on the sidewalk to the school's double doors.
Dismissal
All children will exit the building into an orange-coned area of the parking lot on the church side of the parking lot. Please note that due to the large number of students exiting at one time, teachers and volunteers will escort the children from the classrooms to this coned area. Please understand that these volunteers, along with some parents who have volunteered to act as parking lot monitors, will be outside with the children. Please be sure to pick up your children in an organized and timely fashion. Also, please impress upon your children that it is their responsibility to stay within the coned areas until they are picked up by you or the person whom you have designated.
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Enter the church lot from
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Make a sign with your family name printed in large letters, so that your name can be easily read by the car line volunteers. Place the sign in the passenger side front windshield.
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Begin to form rows 1, 2, and 3. If yours is the last car in rows 1 or 2, which will end by the dumpster, please place a cone behind your car. The cones can be found by the dumpster.
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Make your child/children aware that he/she must watch for your car.
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EXIT onto Collyer Lane ONLY.
THERE IS TO BE ABSOLUTELY NO PARKING IN THE SAINT
NO CHILD WILL BE ABLE TO LEAVE THE CAR LINE TO MEET HIS/HER PARENTS AT ANOTHER LOCATION.
Class Cancellations
Please note that the Religious Education calendar follows the schedule of Bernards Township Schools regarding weather-related class closings. There is no phone chain for weather-related cancellations. In the event of questionable weather, follow the
If Bernards Township closes or dismisses early due to weather, Religious Education classes will be cancelled. However, Religious Education will be held if
