St. Thomas of Aquin Parish: Parish Ministries

Parish Ministries

Religious Education

GATHERING OF GOD'S CHILDREN - RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM

Religious Education Classes are held for grades 1-4 on Wednesday afternoons from
3:00-4:00 PM and for Grades 5-8 on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-7:00 PM at the
  Ogdensburg School. Kindergarten Religious Education Classes are held on Sunday
mornings from 11:00 AM -12 Noon in the Church Hall.

CELEBRATION OF RECONCILIATION: This Sacrament is celebrated for the first
  time in the second grade during the Season of Advent, after the completion of the
  preparation program which includes family involvement.

CELEBRATION OF FIRST EUCHARIST: This Sacrament is celebrated in the Spring
  of the second grade after the completion of the preparation program which
includes family involvement.

  A vital part of each student's spiritual life and growth as a Catholic is regular
participation in the sacraments of the Church. All students and their families are
  expected to attend Mass and participate in the liturgy each Sunday or Saturday
  evening as well as on holy days of obligation. Those who have received the
Sacrament of Reconciliation are encouraged to continue to receive this
sacrament regularly.

For more information about our Religious Education Program please contact the
  Parish Office and we will direct you to our Religious Education Co-ordinator
Mrs. Anna Zamplella.

Confirmation Program
  "Be Sealed With The Gift of the Holy Spirit" - Confirmation Program



The Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred, in the Diocese of Paterson, in the
10th Grade. The guidelines for reception of this Sacrament are issued by the
Office of the Bishop. The guidelines state each candidate must attend the two
  year preparation sessions (9th and 10th Grade). All candidates for Confirmation
must attend sessions in their parish; it makes no difference if they are Public or
Catholic High School students. At Saint Thomas of Aquin our sessions are
held on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:00 PM in the Church Hall beginning in
the Fall. Grade 9 meets on the first and third Monday evenings of the month.
Grade 10 meets on the second and fourth Monday evenings of the month.
Each candidate must complete a specify number of hours of social service,
each year to be confirmed.

A vital part of each candidate's spiritual life and growth as a Catholic is
regular participation in the sacraments of the Church. All candidates and
their families are expected to attend Mass and participate in the liturgy
each Sunday or Saturday evening as well as on holy days of obligation.
They are also encouaged to received the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly.

For more information about our Confirmation Program please contact the Parish
Office and we will direct you to our Confirmation Program Co-ordinator Deacon Ed Reading.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
CELEBRATION OF ADULT BAPTISM, EUCHARIST and CONFIRMATION
Adult Catechumenate (RCIA)

Through the Adult Catechumenate non-Catholics interested in becoming members
of the Roman Catholic Church are introduced to the teachings, worship, customs
  and organizations of Catholic life. This process, which begins in the Fall and
  concludes at Easter-time, is for those adults seeking to know more about the
Roman Catholic Faith.

It is a process for the Unbaptized, Baptized Christians from other denominations
  and for Baptized Catholics who wish to complete the Sacraments of Initiation ~
  Eucharist and/or Confirmation. The developing faith of the participants is
celebrated in various rites along the way to mark their growth and commitment to
  Christ and the Church.

The Parish Community celebrates the reception of these sacraments at the Easter
  Vigil. If you are interested or for further Information, please call the Parish Office.

Social Action

  Saint Thomas of Aquin Parish has a very active Social Action Ministry.

This Ministry sponsors drives throughout the year to benefit people in the local
community. Just to mention a few of the activities: The group prepares lunch
  on the first Thursday of each month at Manna House in Newton, New Jersey,
sponsors the Blizzard Box Collection, a Thanksgiving Food Drive, the Parish
  Christmas Giving Tree during the Season of Advent, a "Souper" Bowl Collection
on Super Bowl Weekend, collections for the Sussex County Interfaith
Hospitality Network and Birth Haven.

If you are interested in being part of this Ministry, please contact the Parish
Office and we will direct you to the proper contact persons.

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