Back to the Classroom
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s Catholic families from throughout Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties settle into the new academic year– whether in Catholic school or parish religious education program settings – one detail is certain: The Trenton Diocese can be proud of its more than 45,000 young people who are heading “Back to the Classroom,” as featured in this edition of The Monitor’s In Focus section. “When parents show that religious education is a priority, it signals to children that their faith is important and worth investing in,” said Mariyam Francis, parish catechetical leader in Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton. “This can encourage a lifelong commitment to their spiritual growth.” With a little more than 13,000 in the Diocese’s Catholic schools, and 32,000-plus in parish religious education programs, there’s ample opportunity to till the fertile ground of children’s hearts and minds – and religious education in both settings is doing just that.
Francis encourages parents and guardians to consider active engagement in their child’s learning, as they oversee their child/children’s faith development, “and be an active participant in their spiritual journey.” While the actual start date for religious education and faith formation programs varies from parish to parish, all who serve in catechetical ministry will be spiritually joined on Sept. 15 during the celebration of Catechetical Sunday. That’s when all who are involved in handing on the faith to children and adults – parish catechetical leaders, catechists, teachers, volunteers, aides, Order of Christian Initiation of Adults team members, adult faith formation coordinators and many others – are thanked for all they do. This year in the Diocese, Catechetical Sunday may be the occasion to publicly introduce the 14 new parish catechetical leaders. Catholic schools of the Diocese, meanwhile, are welcoming four new principals and 75 new teachers. Other school highlights include enhancements to the curriculum, technology, mental health programs and school building structures.
Bishop’s blessing as we go back to the classroom
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As a new academic year begins, I extend my blessing to all the students who will return to class – either in our Catholic schools or parish religious education programs – as well as their parents, teachers, catechists, coaches and everyone who works to make our teaching ministry possible. It seems hard to believe that the summer is over! I hope it was a good opportunity for you all to relax and enjoy yourselves. May the new semester bring you and your counterparts in the other private and public schools of the four counties much joy and peace as you grow in wisdom and learning. And may God bless you and keep you and your families healthy and safe. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
September 2024
THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 11