Faith Formation is an important part of the ministry of the Word here at the Church of Saint Anastasia in Teaneck, NJ. We are a people dedicated and committed to bringing the Good News of Jesus to children and adults.
For children in Grades 1 through 9 attending public or private school, (Kindergarten is also available on an optional basis), we offer Faith Formation classes. As part of this program, children are prepared to receive the sacraments, Reconciliation and Eucharist in grade 2 and Confirmation in grade 9.
Our catechists lead our sessions. We call them catechists because they do more than just teach about the faith, they catechize. This means they try to help their groups learn to live their faith, by praying, by recognizing the importance of worship and by putting love of God and neighbor into practice in their daily lives. This is a far different activity than asking children to memorize answers from a catechism as was done many years ago. We do however, ask children to learn certain basics, such as prayers, the law of love and the Commandments. Much more time is spent on reading and discussing the bible stories, the sacraments, the church, and morality and how these things can help us to find happiness in our everyday lives as God intends.
In summary we try to help our students understand that they are being formed in their faith by making a connection between their religious education and their weekend Liturgy.
For information, please contact the Faith Formation office at 201-837-3356 or email us: [email protected]
Please be sure that we have your updated contact information. Please sign up on our Church email listing online at www.saintanastasia.org. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at: Saint Anastasia, Teaneck.
RCIA....... stands for the Rite of Christian initiation of adults. It is a formation period for the non-baptized desiring to enter the Catholic church and receiving their sacraments usually during Easter. Likewise, for the Christians baptized in other denominations or Catholics not yet confirmed. The program takes about 1 year to complete depending on each individual's need. Deacon Kevin manages our program and he can be reached at [email protected].