To register, please contact Maureen Doherty to check which sessions
have openings: mdoherty@stbartholomewchurch.org / 908 322 5192

(Formerly Religious Education)

Here's some great news: helping our kids to grow in faith doesn't have to be a fight, or complicated, or boring.  In fact, it can be a real adventure!

The truth is, nobody on earth has more influence on a kid's faith than his or her own parents. Faith is supported and strengthened at Church (and most deeply in the Sacraments!), but it needs to be nourished at home too in order for faith to grow and flourish! Parents are the primary teachers and supporters of a child's faith - they are the first messengers of the Gospel to their children. And parents need support - we're not meant to embark on the journey alone!

That's why we've formed the Emmaus Family Faith Formation initiative. Through Emmaus, we seek to foster an encounter with God, learn and grow together in our Catholic faith, connect families, and empower parents with skills and support in strengthening family life and faith at home. Let us walk with you on the journey!

WHO CAN ATTEND?
Emmaus Family Formation is for families with children in PreK through 6th grade. Our 1st - 6th Graders will participate in age-appropriate small groups while those in Pre-K and Kindergarten will be invited into our craft room. We ask at least one parent to attend each monthly session, but both parents' attendance is encouraged. Grandparents are also welcome.   

HOW OFTEN WILL WE ATTEND?
Families will attend one session per month on a Sunday and complete a take-home family activity once a month. 

WHAT WILL EACH SESSION ENTAIL?
Sessions will run two and a half hours, beginning with Mass, followed by a welcome and introduction to the theme for the month. (If this length of time is too long for children, families are encouraged to attend another Mass of their choosing during that weekend.) Children will then be dismissed into age-appropriate groups to learn more about the weekly theme on their level of understanding. While children are in their classes, we offer a parent session which seeks to provide skills to help support families practically in developing their faith and strengthening family life. At the end of each session, we will conclude with a family activity/experience.

ARE FIRST COMMUNION AND FIRST RECONCILIATION COVERED AT EMMAUS SESSIONS?
Yes, Emmaus Family Formation constitutes our parish's sacramental preparation for children. The classes for second grade are specifically designed to prepare children for their sacraments.

ARE THERE INCLUSIVE OPTIONS?
Yes! Our inclusive and adaptive family faith formation program walks with families that have a child with behavioral, learning or physical difficulties. We will work with your family to create an alternative solution that works for your family's unique situation. Visit this link for more information or reach out to Steven with any questions.

2023-2024 SCHEDULE

Schedule A - Sunday Sessions: 
October 1, November 5
January 7, February 4, March 3, April 7

Schedule B - Sunday Sessions: 
October 15, November 19
January 21, February 25, March 10, April 21

ABOUT OUR INCLUSIVE PROGRAM:
At St. Bartholomew Church, we seek to walk with all of our parishioners in the lifelong journey of faith. Our inclusive and adaptive family faith formation program walks with families that have a child with behavioral, learning or physical difficulties. We will work with your family to create an alternative solution that works for your family's unique situation. 

The sessions will be held once a month, starting around 10:00am on Sunday and will run for 1 hour. It will begin with an opening talk and video, then we will have 25-30 mins of discussion/activity. During that time, our Pastoral Associate, Steven Serafin, will have a separate discussion with the parents, then we will wrap up with a family activity. There will also be a take-home family activity assigned each month.

SCHEDULE:
We are looking to hold our Inclusive program on Sundays after the 9am Mass in Room 107 on the following dates in 2023-2024:
 

October 29, 2023
November 12, 2023
January 28
February 11
March 17
April 14

REGISTRATION:
You can register by clicking here. We ask $225 per family to cover materials, but if you are in need of any financial assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. If you have additional children in the Emmaus Family Faith program, you can select that option at checkout and you will not be charged.

CONTACT:
Please reach out to Steven Serafin at sserafin@stbartholomewchurch.org or (908) 322-5192 x114 if you have any questions.