RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND SACRAMENT PREPARATION FOR CHILDREN
You have baptized your child and now what? Keep their faith and love of God alive by nurturing and fostering that faith while completing their sacraments and becoming active members of the Church.
For information on Religious Education and Sacrament preparation for children in grades 1 – 8, contact the Catechetical Office at catoff@olpnp.com or 908-464-8156.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Prior to registering for Religious Education, ✔ Click here to view the 2023-2024 Catechetical Office Handbook to review the policies and procedures. When registering, you will be asked to complete these forms if applicable.
– 2023-2024 Calendars (Religious Education and Sacrament Preparation)
– Digital Communications Consent Form
– Archdiocesan Epi-Pen Policy and Required Forms
✔ Click Here to Register for the 2023-2024 Religious Education Program
SACRAMENT PREPARATION
Baptism
Contact the Rectory at 908-464-7600.
RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
If interested in becoming a Baptized member of the Catholic Church contact the Catechetical Office at 908-464-8156.
Sacrament Preparation
For information on First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, call the Catechetical Office at 908-464-8156 or email catoff@olpnp.com. Or ✔ Click here to view the 2023-2024 Catechetical Office Handbook.
First Reconciliation
Children of the parish celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for their First Eucharist. Preparation begins in grade one, building on the family’s foundation of faith, through attendance at a Catholic school or enrollment in the parish Religious Education Program.
First Eucharist
Children of the parish celebrate the sacrament of First Eucharist after completing one year of religious education. Preparation begins in grade one, building on the family’s foundation of faith, through attendance at a Catholic school or enrollment in the parish Religious Education Program. The sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated before the sacrament of First Eucharist.
For sacrament preparation for children older than 3rd grade, please contact the PCO.
Confirmation
A candidate must have experienced ongoing religious education in grades one through eight either in a Catholic school or parish religious education program. If formal religious education has lapsed, the student must demonstrate grade-specific knowledge of Catholic faith. Families new to the parish should contact the Parish Catechetical Office.
Confirmation Preparation Level I (2023-2024)
Students will attend a catechist-led lessons at the twice a month at the religious education sessions. If a candidate is unable to attend, the required chapters can be completed at home with parents.
Sunday Mass
In accordance with the 3rd Commandment, participating in Sunday Mass is a necessary part of being Catholic. Candidates are expected to attend Sunday Mass each week.
Orientation and Retreat
Candidates are required to attend the Orientation and Rite of Promise, as well as the 8th Grade Retreat.
Works of Mercy
Each student must complete 6 hours of service exercising the Corporal and/or Spiritual Works of Mercy during their 8th grade year. Three of the six hours must be completed at Our Lady of Peace. There must be a signature from each place of service. See form for details. ✔ Click Here to view the 8th Grade Works of Mercy form.
BOLD Middle Youth Ministry
Attend at least one BOLD Middle event during the school year. There will be (8) exciting BOLD Middle activities/outings throughout the school year (Pumpkin Painting, Christmas party, Funplex, etc.). In order to get connected with the wider parish youth community, your son or daughter will be required to attend at least one BOLD Middle event, but is encouraged and invited to attend more. ✔ Click Here to view the OLP BOLD calendar and/or subscribe to the most updated BOLD calendars.
Questions
Contact Rachael Flanagan, Coordinator of BOLD Youth Ministry, at OLP@boldym.com,908-280-2893 or the Parish Catechetical Office, at catoff@olpnp.com, 908-464-8156.
Confirmation Level II (2023-2024)
Sunday Mass
In accordance with the 3rd Commandment, participating in Sunday Mass is a necessary part of being Catholic. Candidates are expected to attend Sunday Mass each week.
Interview
Candidates will come in for a casual 15-minute interview with a member of the Pastoral staff. This interview gives our staff an opportunity to get to know the candidates as well as to discuss faith, prayer, service, and Confirmation. To schedule an interview, contact Rachael Flanagan at olp@boldym.com. Interviews will be held over the summer before 9th grade.
To be completed before Interview
*Online: Name and Sponsor Form and payment of $175 Confirmation Fee. ✔ Click Here to Complete
*Bring to Interview: Confirmation Name Essay – 250 word ESSAY telling us in your own words about the life of the Saint, WHY you admire them and chose their name, and the significance to your faith. Cite sources and please print!
Works of Mercy
Candidates must practice the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Specifically, candidates must complete one service activity of 12+ hours or three service activities of 4+ hours (one being completed at OLP Parish) of Christian service to the poor, hungry, homeless, disabled, elderly, or others in need. After completing these activities, they will fill out an online reflection form responding to specific questions about their Works of Mercy and what they’ve learned.
✔ Click Here to find the Works of Mercy Service Form.
BOLD Youth Ministry
In order to get connected with the wider parish teen community, Confirmation Candidates will be required to attend at least one BOLD Youth Ministry event between September and Confirmation. Summer events do not fulfill this requirement. Candidates are highly encouraged to participate in the BOLD Youth Ministry beyond this requirement. ✔ OLP BOLD Calendar for the most updated information.
Catechetical Sessions and Retreats
Candidates are required to attend all six catechetical sessions as well as the Confirmation Retreat.
Calendar
✔ Click Here to find the calendar and all other forms.
QUESTIONS
Contact Rachael Flanagan, BOLD Youth Minister, at olp@boldym.com, (908)280-2893 or the Parish Catechetical Office at catoff@olpnp.com, (908)464-8156.