Saint Stephen's Religious Education program (CCD) for children is an important part of our Catholic identity. It is also important to realize that the family is the primary place to teach the faith: "The family is, so to speak, the domestic church." (the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, #11)
The role of the parish, then, is to support and reinforce what is being taught and lived in the home. Parents whose children have been baptized have an important duty and responsibility to ensure that their children are raised as Catholics.
The approach that Saint Stephen's takes is, like many other parishes today, family-based. That is, we invite and encourage the family to pray together, play together and learn together. CCD classes are designed to teach the children the basics of our Catholic Christian faith. They are not meant to replace what is taught at home. Our parish catechists support the parents and students by providing quality Religious Education in a nurturing faith-filled environment. Through the cooperative effort of parents, catechists and students our children will grow in their love for God, knowledge of their Catholic Faith and develop their God-given talents.
CCD classes take place according to the following schedule:
Grades 1 and 2 (preparation for First Penance and First Holy Communion) take place on Monday afternoons from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. in Hedges Hall.
Grades 3 and 4 take place on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. in Hedges Hall.
Grades 5 and 6 take place on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. in Hedges Hall.
Grades 7 and 8 (preparation for Confirmation) take place on Sunday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. in Hedges Hall, followed by 7pm Mass.
Registration for all eight years is mandatory for all students.
For more information, please call Mrs. Martha Lane at 201-998-3314, extension 338. Her email address is marthalanedre@gmail.com
For those looking for information on St. Stephen's School or Mater Dei Academy, please contact the rectory at 201-998-3314. Both schools have recently closed; however, information about the school and school records can still be accessed by contacting the rectory.