This has been an exciting year for the Religious Education Program! In addition to the programs regular events, classes were back in-person, the priests were able to visit with the students and the older children opportunities to go to confession. We added some new activities.
In October we started the year by showing the movie “The Girl Who Believed in Miracles” the children enjoyed an afternoon of pizza with the movie.
In December we held our first “Happy Jesus Birthday party”, celebrated Jesus’ upcoming birth with cupcakes, played games and watched a video. In keeping with the theme of new life and families, we asked the students to contribute to “Baskets of Hope” to support young mothers and their children.
In March the newly formed fundraising committee held our first off campus fundraiser for adults at Pinot’s Palette in Hackettstown; we ate, drank, laughed and painted all while raising $800 for the RE program - the event was a wonderful success! Pictured holding their masterpieces are Laura Oliynik, Margret Arn, Alyssa White and Cathy McGuire.
Also in March we held our annual First Eucharist Retreat day for the children preparing for their Reconciliation and Communion. The students, toured the church, created Prayer Beads, prayed a decade of the Rosary and tasted the host, to help prepare for receiving Jesus.
To celebrate the upcoming Easter Season, we held an Easter Egg Hunt for the children of the parish with eggs filled with prizes and candy and of course games.
In June the Paterson Diocese held a Diocesan retreat and Recognition of Catechists who have served their ministry and parishes from 10 years – 40 years or more. Bishop Kevin Sweeney was the presider for the day-long Catechetical Leaders Association event. Pictured are three of St Therese’s Catechists - Danielle Cmielewski 2nd grade, 17 years; Elaine Rosario 3rd grade, 10 years; Michelle Danielson 3rd grade, 16 years and Cathy McGuire, 23 years, St Therese DRE – CLA President; missing is Natalie Contreras 4th grade, 10 years.
St Therese’s Knights of Columbus honored both the Teacher and Catechist of the year at their last meeting in June. Pictured are honorees for 2021/2022 school/program year were Deacon Stuart Murphy from STS and Jenn Behrens, Religious Education Catechist.
Vacation Bible School
At this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS), which took place July 25th – 29th, kids explored the vastness of God’s power and the depth of his love for each of them. “Monumental VBS” was filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences kids saw heard, touched, and even tasted! Sciency-Fun Gizmos™, team-building games, cool Bible songs, and tasty treats were just a few of the standout activities that help faith flow into real life. We helped kids discover how to see evidence of God in everyday life—something we call God Sightings.
Looking ahead
Are you New to the parish or Religious Education program and have a 1st grade student or older that need’s faith formation? Families are encouraged to join the Catechetical Ministry by registering your children for the Religious Education Program. Parents may stop by, call or email the Religious Education Office Monday – Thursday 8 am – 3 pm for information to request a new family packet. To insure class placement of your first choice day and time please send in your registration in as soon as possible.
Catechists Needed
We are always in need of parishioners who would like to share their faith with the children of the parish. As of this week (July 18th) we are in need of Catechists and / or Aides on the following days and times. If you are interested in becoming part of this vibrant ministry please contact Cathy McGuire, DRE 973-584-9444 or [email protected]. We do supply training and support. Classes meet every other week for a total of 14 sessions.
| Day & Section | Time | Grade |
| Tuesday A Classes begin 9/13 |
4:30 – 6:00 pm | 1st & 2nd Grade – Aide 3rd & 5th – Catechists |
| Sunday B Classes begin 9/17 |
8:45 – 10:15 am | 7th & 8th Grade – Catechists |
| Tuesday B Classes begin 9/20 |
4:30 – 6:00 pm | 1st Catechist – Aide 2nd Aide 3rd , 5th & 7th– Catechists |
Religious Education Parishioner Support (REPS)
Due to the current financial climate of the country, some families are struggling to pay the Religious Education tuition for their children. Currently there are 450 students enrolled in the K-8 program. As a Religious Education program - No child is ever turned away, but due to budget constraints, without their tuition payments, it is getting more difficult to cover the items needed to run the program.
How you can help… Are you looking for a way to honor or remember a family or friend and help a family provide for their child's faith formation at the Parish? Would you like to make a difference in the life of a young parishioner here at St. Therese? Please consider donating to the "REPS Fund" - no donation too small. The donation would reside in the “REPS” fund and will be used on an as-needed basis. Please contact Michelle Danielson 973 584 9444 x301 or [email protected] for more information. Checks should be made out to St Therese indicating REPS on the memo line and mailed to Michelle in the RE office 151 Main St, Succasunna, NJ 07876. Donations will also be accepted through St Therese’s Faith Direct account.