Through Emmaus Family Formation, we seek to foster an encounter with God, learn and grow together in our Catholic faith, connect families, and empower them with skills to strengthen family life and faith.
2024-2025 Registration Coming Soon!
(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 Pre-K and Kindergarten children can play in our craft room. We require at least one parent to attend, 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 include an exploration of different aspects of our Catholic faith, classes and activities for kids in 1st-6th grade, sacrament preparation for 2nd grade, crafts and games for little ones (PreK), interactive parent sessions, and a family activity to wrap up each gathering.
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
Each family will one Sunday per month over the course of October-May. Please choose either Schedule A or Schedule B during one of two time slots:
9:00am - 11:30AM in the Gym
4:00pm - 6:30PM in the Church
The time slot chosen by each family will remain their designated time to attend all monthly sessions. Schedule A and Schedule B are the same program and cover the exact same content. Sessions A and B are simply two attendance options. We have a capacity limit of 285 people, including parents, per time slot. If that session is at capacity please choose a different session.
Please note that at least one parent must attend with their child.
2023-2024 SCHEDULE
A Sessions:
October 1
November 5
January 7
February 4
March 3
April 7
B Sessions:
October 15
November 19
January 21
February 25
March 10
April 21
To register, please contact Maureen Doherty to check which sessions have openings mdoherty@stbartholomewchurch.org / 908 322 5192
Every family will register for only one session per month and will maintain that timeslot for the year, following the dates for either Schedule A or Schedule B. At least one parent must attend with their children. Please include in your registration the total number of persons attending, including parents.
First Communion families may register for any time.
Volunteers are needed to help as small group leaders, aides, hall monitors, hospitality, and the set up team. Time commitment is approximately 30 minutes on a Sunday, once per month.
You do not need to have any teaching experience or a theology degree, only a willingness to be a witness of Jesus' love with the children of our community. Our volunteers from the past three years have expressed that this is a fun and fulfilling volunteer opportunity and a great way to support the next generation of young Catholics!
We will be gathering volunteers for the 2024-2025 year soon. Please check back soon for the link to sign up or reach out to Steven at sserafin@stbnj.org.
All volunteers will be asked to undergo a background check and complete a Protecting God's Children training course.
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.