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for pre-k - sixth grade families
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Get ready! Family Faith Formation Registration Opens Friday April 18, 2025
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What is Family faith Formation?
(Formerly Religious Education/CCD/Emmaus)
Here's some great news: helping our kids to grow in faith doesn't have to be 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 Family Faith Formation initiative. Through Family Faith, 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?
Family Faith 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 FAMILY FAITH SESSIONS?
Yes, Family Faith Formation includes preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, which is a two-year process (Level 1 and Level 2) required by our Diocese. In Level 2, children will continue learning and growing in their faith as they prepare to receive these beautiful sacraments during the year.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 Mark with any questions.
2025-2026 SCHEDULESchedule A - Sunday Sessions:
October 5, November 2
January 4, February 1, March 1, April 12Schedule B - Sunday Sessions:
October 26, November 16
January 11, February 22, March 22, April 26
Both schedule tracks offer a 9:00-11:30AM option and a 4:00-6:30PM option.
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Information & Details:
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Each family will join us once a month for a special Sunday session, running from October through May. These gatherings are a meaningful opportunity to step away from the busyness of daily life and come together in faith, formation, and fellowship. Through prayer, discussion, learning, and shared moments, we hope to deepen our connection with Christ and with one another as a parish community.
We’re so excited to welcome your family into this journey—whether you’re new to the program or returning, your presence matters. These Sundays are designed not just to inform, but to inspire—to make faith come alive in our homes and hearts.
When registering, please choose either Schedule A or Schedule B, each offered during one of two time slots:
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM in the Gym
4:00 PM – 6:30 PM in the Church
Once you choose your time slot, that will be your family’s set schedule for the year.
Please note:
Schedule A and Schedule B offer the exact same content—they’re simply two options to help accommodate as many families as possible.
To ensure a welcoming and safe environment, each session is limited to 300 people, including parents. If your preferred time slot reaches capacity, we kindly ask you to select the other.Whether you join us in the morning or evening, each session is crafted with care and intention—filled with faith-based activities, family discussions, and community connection.
We look forward to growing together in faith, community, and love during the 2025–2026 year. Thank you for walking this journey with us.
2025-2026 SCHEDULE
Schedule A - Sunday Sessions:
October 5, November 2
January 4, February 1, March 1, April 12Schedule B - Sunday Sessions:
October 26, November 16
January 11, February 22, March 22, April 26
Both schedule tracks offer a 9:00-11:30AM option and a 4:00-6:30PM option. The Pre-k and K Craft Room only takes place during the morning session.
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Get ready! Family Faith Formation Registration Opens Friday April 18, 2025
Every family will register for only one session per month and will maintain that time slot for the year, following the dates for either Schedule A or Schedule B. At least one parent must attend with their children.
First Communion families may register for any time.
Pre-K - Kindergarten children can participate in our craft room, available only during morning sessions (9A or 9B).
Ignite Confirmation ONLY meets at 4PM
Program Fees:
Family Faith Formation Fees: $225 per family (Pre-K – 6th grade)
Sacramental Retreat Fees:
First Reconciliation & Communion (2nd grade & up, who have not yet received): $50 per child
Ignite Confirmation (7th & 8th grade): $50 per child
The retreat fee helps cover the rising costs of our sacramental retreats.
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We’re looking for caring, committed volunteers to help bring our PreK through 6th grade program to life. Whether you’re greeting families with a smile, leading a small group, helping in the craft room, or simply offering a helping hand in the hallway, every role makes a difference.
Most volunteers serve just one Sunday a month for under an hour, and no prior experience is needed. We provide all the materials, instructions, and support you’ll need. What matters most is your willingness to share God’s love with our children.
This is more than a volunteer opportunity, it’s a chance to help shape the faith of the next generation. Come be part of something truly special.Volunteer Role Opportunities:Welcome Team: We are starting a welcoming team that can help on board new families to the family faith program. A family who volunteers for this role would be assigned no more than 4-5 families to reach out to welcome them to the parish/program, explain the program, and answer any questions.
Family Faith Formation Small Group Leader: Facilitates the small group discussion around our theme and directs the small group activity. Everything is provided in a one-two page discussion guide. All supplies are also provided.
Family Faith Formation Small Group Aide: Helps with classroom management, bathroom breaks, and passing out resources/materials.
Hall Monitor: Station in the hallways helps direct families the correct families and assists with student travel back and forth from the bathroom.
Pre-K and Kindergarten Craft Room: Assist with implementing the craft or activity for the day. All activities and supplies are provided
Confirmation Small Group Facilitator: Help lead a conversation based off the teachings the Director offers. Help and oversee group during activity portion.
*All volunteers will be asked to undergo a background check and complete a Protecting God's Children training course. Information below*
Protecting God's Children: In accordance with requirements set by the Archdiocese of Newark, all adults, staff, and volunteers involved with students must comply with the following:1. Complete a volunteer application. Click here to print the application. Return completed application to Stephanie Ubungen at [email protected].
2. Read "Archdiocese of Newark Policies on Professional & Ministerial Conduct." Click here to download a copy.
3. Sign up for a PGC Workshop. At the time of registration, Verified Volunteers will conduct a background check.
Attending A Protecting God's Children Workshop
You must preregister to attend a class at www.Virtus.org.
Click on the first-time registrant.
Choose Newark, NJ (Archdiocese)
When prompted, you must indicate St. Bartholomew as the location where you will be volunteering.
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Explore More Family Faith Opportunities
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In addition to our core PreK–6th Grade program, we offer two additional programs that support the unique needs of our parish families. Click on each program title below to visit its dedicated page and learn more:
Inclusive Family Faith Formation
A welcoming program designed for children with special needs and their families, offering adaptive lessons and a supportive environment where every child can encounter God’s love.Ignite: Confirmation Preparation
A dynamic and engaging program for 7th and 8th graders as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. It’s a journey of faith, friendship, service, and growing in the Holy Spirit.
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Contact Us
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Juan Carlos Gonzalezjgonzalezstbnj.orgAssociate Director of Faith Formation -
Stephanie Ubungenadminffstbnj.orgAdministrative Assistant for Faith Formation
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