Faith Formation

The Diocese of Trenton requires students to attend religious education classes continuously from Grades 1 - 8 as faith formation takes place in developmental sequences . Children who miss a grade level of their formation will have to make up for missed formation year before advancing to the next level. 

Religious Education at Holy Cross Parish

At Holy Cross Parish, Our mission is to offer everyone a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. We are committed to promoting strong Catholic Families by assisting parents in their God-given role of educating their children in the faith, fostering and nurturing the faith of parents and their children and encouraging family participation at weekly Mass and in the parish community.

Please select from the following for further information:

•  CCD Registration
• CCD Class Times
• Religious Education Volunteer Opportunities

CCD Registration

We are  so happy to be a part of your family's faith journey. If you are enrolling a child for the first time, we ask that you please contact Sallie Kabash, Director of Religious Education, at 732.842.0348 x. 218  so we can properly welcome you and answer any questions you may have. 

• Families must be registered members of Holy Cross to participate in the Religious Education Program (click here join our parish)
• A copy of your child(ren)’s baptismal certificate
• If applicable, any documentation of the last level of catechetical  instruction completed from your former parish

CCD Class Times

Grades 1, 2, 7 and 8 meet in person at the times listed below.  Grades 3 through 6 participate in a familiy centered program from home.

Please note, much like your child's grade school, students are expected to attend ALL sessions. Please be mindful when planning activities around your child's scheduled class time. Students who miss class will be required to make up the missed instruction time and work before advancing to the next grade level.

Grades 1 and 2: Preparing for Reconciliation and Eucharist
Class meets on your choice of a Sunday morning or Tuesday afternoon, in-person. You must enroll in either the Sunday or Tuesday class. Classes are filled on a first come, first served basis.  Once a class or session fills up, we will place students wherever there is room as well as the classroom staff needed.  As a reminder, attendance at ALL sessions is required. For more information regarding the sacraments, please visit the following pages:  Reconciliation | Eucharist (First Communion).

• Sunday Mornings (Weekly) from 9:00 am to 10:15am or
• Tuesday Evenings (Weekly) from 4:00 pm to 5:15 pm

 Grades 3 to 6 : Home Based Family Faith Program
Parishes around the country are moving toward Family Home Based Programs.  This approach has been proven to ease the stress of busy family schedules, while empowering parents as the primary catechists of their children to learn, share, and grow in the faith together.  

Each formation school year begins in September at our Faith Formation Kickoff Meeting for Parents. This is a fun evening for families to meet one another and learn about the expectations for the program. Instructions, books and materials will be distributed at this time. At home. parents learn along with their children as they work together to complete weekly lessons in the religion book and Family Portal. Additionally, parish families come together throughout the school year for fun family and parish events. Events.

Grades 7 & 8: Sacramental Preparation for Confirmation
As a reminder, attendance at ALL sessions is required.  Click here for more information regarding Confirmation.

•  Grade 7 meets 2 Mondays a month from 6:30 pm to 8:15 pm
• Grade 8 meets once a month (twice in January) from 4:15 pm to 8:00 pm

Religious Ed Volunteer Opportunities

The success of our religious education program depends on the dedicated individuals in our parish willing to share their time, talents and faith with the future Church, our parish children.

We encourage our parishioners, as well as parents of children in our program to help out in some way.  We are always in need of catechists, classroom aides and substitute teachers as well support staff in the hallway or at family events. 

You do not need to be an expert on religion to teach or to help, all you need is a deep love of Christ, the Church and your faith.  All catechist positions will be supported with training and resources.

VIRTUS training and fingerprinting are mandated by the Diocese as well as teacher training.

For more information and to volunteer, please contact Sallie Kabash, Director of Religious Education, at 732.842.0348 x. 218 for more information.