Contact: Deacon Joe and Debbie Marsicovete (973) 334-8428.

This program is conducted during the homily at the 9:00 a.m. Mass in the Church on Sundays during the school year months. Children learn the basic message given in the readings for that Sunday through instruction and art projects. The starting date for this program is announced.

Contact: John Cammarata (973) 335-9713
e-mail: John Cammarata.

Religious Education is the name given to the process of religious and spiritual formation of children attending public school. The purpose is to assist parents in their role as the primary religious educators in guiding their children to God. Great reliance is put upon the home to nurture the seeds of faith instilled in class in living out what was taught. This is not an easy mandate, but if ever parents are called to be attentive to the spiritual needs of their children it is now in this age when the very need for God is almost negated. Religious Education promotes and encourages in a special way weekly participation at Sunday Mass.

Saint Peter the Apostle Religious Education program provides for the religious education of approximately 525 parish children attending public schools from kindergarten through the 8th grade. The director of religious education coordinates the sacramental preparation program (Baptism, first Reconciliation and first Eucharist) for all children in the religious education program at Saint Peter the Apostle School as well as the instruction of parents of children preparing for these sacraments. With the exception of the high school Confirmation process, the children meet weekly for an hour and fifteen minutes starting in September and continuing to the middle of May. They utilize religion text books, audio visual equipment, art materials, music and guest speakers.

Catechists are trained and offered opportunities to become certified catechists and maintain validation status. Various courses, seminars, evenings of reflection and guest speakers are among the spiritual formation and enrichment opportunities offered to catechists on premises at no cost to them. We are always reaching out for new catechists and substitute catechists for our Sunday (10:15 a.m.), Monday (4:05 – 5:20 p.m.), and Tuesday evening (7:15 – 8:30 p.m.) classes. We welcome volunteers committed to the faith and teachings of the church to join our catechetical staff.

The present schedule for religious education is as follows:

Sunday: 10:10– 11:30 a.m. Grades K-6  
Monday: 4:05 – 5:20 p.m. Grades K-6

Tuesday: 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. Grades 7– 8

Sunday: 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. Grades 9-10 

Registration of children for the new religious education year begins on May 1st. Registration forms for kindergarten and first grade can be obtained by stopping into the Religious Education Office located in the school or by calling the office at (973) 335-9713 or e-mail: info@saintpetertheapostle.org

Contact: Dr. Patricia Bartle 
pworship@patersondiocese.org
 (973) 777-8818 (263)

The RCIA is open to all adults interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. The RCIA process begins with a general inquiry followed by weekly meetings in the Rectory. The group attends Mass together and meets on Sunday morning to share and discuss the Scripture Readings that were proclaimed during Mass as well as other topics, and then later in the week on Thursday Evenings gather to share in more discussions on the Catholic Faith. Later in the Liturgical Year of the Church, those who are un-baptized are gradually initiated into the Church through the Rite of Acceptance on the First Sunday of Lent in a ceremony with the Diocesan Bishop at Saint John the Baptist Cathedral in Paterson, and then celebrate the Three Scrutinies on the last three Sundays of Lent. Then, at the Easter Vigil they are fully initiated into the Catholic Church as they receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion.  Those interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith are invited to contact the Parish Office at anytime.