- Field Staff Representatives
- Resource Room
- MORE Meetings
- Catechetical Congress
- I'll Walk With God
- CARE (Catechist Accreditation in Religious Education)
- Special Needs
- Religious Education Certification
- Religious Coordinators
Field Staff Representatives
There are some wonderful people throughout the Diocese who have 'volunteered' to be Field Staff Representatives. The purpose they serve is to be a liaison with the Office of Religious Education and the directors / coordinators of religious education at a parish level. They organize deanery meetings throughout the year which are designed to strengthen relationships within a deanery. They are available to help with local problems - i.e. tuition, policies.
Resource Room
The Office of Religious Education has in excess of 1,350 videos on a myriad of topics that are available to directors of religious education, catechists, Catholic School teachers and parents. There is a comprehensive list available in hard copy only (at the present time) in the possession of each parish director of religious education. All you need do is call Pat @ 732.562.1990x1310, tell her what video you want to borrow and she will arrange to get it to you. There is no charge for this service - we ask only that you pay the postage (where possible).
MORE Meetings
The Office of Religious Education sponsors approximately 6 meetings throughout the year. These meetings are designed as enrichment sessions for anyone that wishes to attend. Three continuing formation in religious education are awarded to those that attend. There is no charge for these meetings - we ask only that you call and let us know the number of attendees in your group so we can plan for the light lunch that generally follows the meeting. All meetings are held at the Youth Ministry Center in Plainsboro from 10 AM - 12 Noon. You can find the specific dates and topics posted on the upcoming events.
Catechetical Congress
Once a year, the Office of Religious Education sponsors a catechetical congress at the Double Tree Hotel in Somerset. The day is one of professional enrichment and development for dres, catechists and Catholic School teachers - everyone is invited to attend. This year, 2002, the Congress will be held on November 9, 2002 - more details will follow as the date approaches.
I'll Walk With God
A monthly adult newsletter written by our own Mary Morrell (Associate Director of Religious Education). This newsletter arrives before the first of each month to principals, directors of religious education, and pastors. We encourage you to copy and distribute it to as many parents as is possible. Along with Mary's wonderful style of getting right to your heart, she will provide 'teachable moments' as an aid in adult education.
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CARE (Catechist Accreditation in Religious Education) -
is a catechist formation program. There are four levels of completion. Various levels of CARE are offered throughout the Diocese during the year. Sessions will be posted on the upcoming events.
Special Needs
The Office of Religious Education firmly holds to the tenant that religious education should be and will be available to all children in the Diocese of Metuchen. If you have a student with special needs, or know of someone not enrolled in a program, please call our office - we will assist parishes to provide the necessary specialized religious education for each particular circumstance.
In addition, several times during the year, training sessions are held throughout the Diocese with the support of the Knights of Columbus. These training sessions are offered, free of charge, to anyone interested in being a 'resource person' in their parish for special needs education. No prior experience is necessary; the only requirements are a love of children and the desire to be of service to your parish. Those sessions will be posted on the upcoming events.
Religious Education Certification
The Office of Religious Education provides opportunities for Catholic School Teachers to obtain Diocesan certification in Religious Education. These sessions will be posted on the upcoming events.
Religion Coordinators
The Office of Religious Education provides opportunities for enrichment which allows the Religion Coordinators (one teacher in each Catholic school) to return to their local schools with new ideas and methods to share at staff meetings. There are generally two such meetings per year - the dates will be posted on upcoming events.
