Hello catechists and aides!
We have an exciting year planned for 2023-2024! Below you will find general information, our schedule, calendar, and other upcoming dates for fellowship and formation. Our Patroness once said, “Act and God will act, work and He will work” – your generous act of aiding our families in the faith formation of their children and your loving work for our parish ministry are essential to bringing Christ to others, and we are so very grateful!
**Our main page can be found here. This is where we post general information and updates. We also communicate via Flocknotes, our email/text platform.
Teaching Guides, 2023-2024:
– 1st Grade Guide
– 2nd Grade Guide
– 3rd Grade Guide
– 4th Grade Guide
– 5th Grade Guide
– 6th Grade Guide
Webinar Series for Catechists from the Diocese: Click here for additional info on these webinars!
Catechist Certification Classes:
Catechist certification consists of a methodology course called ‘The Art of Catechesis,’ and a theology course, either through Notre Dame or Franciscan University. Our Diocese asks that all catechists pursue certification; aides are invited and welcomed to do so too! The courses that lead to certification benefit catechists by helping them to grow in their knowledge of the faith and in their own spiritual life, both of which enhance their ministry as catechists. You can read more about catechist certification opportunities this year at this link.
Art of Catechesis at St. Joan of Arc – We will offer the Art of Catechesis course twice during the Religious Education year; scheduling and other information to come.
Calendar, Parent Handbook, Arrival and Dismissal:
Our calendar for the coming year can be found at this link. Our 2023-2024 parent handbook can be found here. Procedures for arrival and dismissal can be found here.
Safe Environment:
The Diocese of Trenton requires that all staff and volunteers (18 and over) working with children attend a Virtus workshop on the subject of child protection and are fingerprinted; both must be done every four years. All individuals 18 and older who work with youth in our Diocese are required to attend Virtus training and go through background check. Please click here for information and registration links.
Dates for our Catechist Appreciation Dinner and Spiritual Refreshment
Helpful Resources:
Here are some links to good catechist resources
Parish Catechist Page on the Diocesan Website – Information on catechist formation, resources and events can be found here.
Sadlier Connect – This page will allow you to access resources related to our textbooks for grades 1s through 8th, as well as other catechist resources. You will be prompted to put in our zip code (08053) at the link, and then select ‘St. Joan of Arc Rel Ed.’ On the page that comes up after that, click ‘Sadlier Religion Resources.’ This takes you to the link to our textbook resources (‘We Believe’ Catholic Identity – Parish Edition) which can be found towards the bottom of the page on the right. Other great resources on the page are the links to the Catechist Development, Catholic Social Teaching, nd Liturgica Year 2023 pages.
Decision Point – This is the site for our text for 7th and 8th grades; it includes the web site and PDF versions of the books
Catholic Icing – A LOT of craft and project ideas, plus printables
Catholic Toolbox – Printables for almost every Catholic topic
Look to Him and Be Radiant – Another great site, a lot of really great free content