Kenilworth's St. Theresa's Religious Education (CCD) Program Announces Enrollment

St. Theresa's Religious Education Program is enrolling students for the school year beginning September 20, 2026, inviting families with children in first through eighth grade to join a faith formation community rooted in Catholic tradition and parish life. The program welcomes all families, especially those whose children attend public or private non-Catholic schools seeking spiritual education and sacramental preparation outside the home.

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What Is St. Theresa's Religious Education?

St. Theresa's Religious Education (also known as CCD, the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) is a faith formation program that helps children learn about their faith, prepare for Catholic sacraments, and grow spiritually within a welcoming community. Parents who enroll their children support them in developing a relationship with their faith and their parish through weekly classes, sacramental preparation, and communal spiritual life.

Grades and Program Focus

The program serves children in first through eighth grade, with specialized courses for older students working toward specific sacraments (Baptism, Reconciliation, Communion, and Confirmation). Students also prepare for high school Confirmation during later sessions that combine online and in-person learning.

First and second graders prepare for First Reconciliation and First Communion, learning about these foundational sacraments and their meaning in Catholic life. Third through fifth graders deepen their faith knowledge and understanding of scripture, the Ten Commandments, the sacraments, and Catholic liturgy. Sixth through eighth graders work toward Confirmation, exploring their faith more deeply as they approach this milestone sacrament.

What Children Learn

Children gather with peers and catechists in their grade level to study scripture, the Ten Commandments, the sacraments, and the Catholic liturgy. Classes emphasize community building, family prayer, and personal spiritual growth. Each level is designed to meet children's developmental stage and spiritual journey.

For older students who may be behind in sacramental preparation, St. Theresa's offers specialized two-year courses on Sunday mornings, ensuring all students have the opportunity to receive Baptism, Reconciliation, and Communion before high school. High school students working toward Confirmation are also welcome.

Schedule and Location

Classes meet on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays throughout the school year, beginning the week of September 20, 2026. Specific class times for each grade level can be confirmed when registering. All classes are held at St. Theresa School, located at 540 Washington Avenue, Kenilworth.

Registration and Cost

Registration is ongoing, and families can enroll their children anytime before classes begin. A nominal yearly fee per student covers the cost of the program. To register or to learn more about specific grade-level details and class times, families should contact St. Theresa's Religious Education Office.

Getting Started

Families interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to reach out to the St. Theresa's Religious Education Office by phone at (908) 276-4681 or by email at ccd.kathy.lunn@mysts.org. The office staff can answer questions about the program, help families understand their child's grade-level learning, discuss sacramental preparation, and guide families through the registration process.

St. Theresa's welcomes all families seeking a welcoming, faith-centered community for their children's spiritual growth.

Find more Kenilworth education programs, faith-based learning, and community events on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Church of St. Theresa Kenilworth

FAQ

Q: What is St. Theresa's Religious Education Program?
A: A faith formation program, also known as CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine), that helps children learn about their Catholic faith, prepare for sacraments, and grow spiritually within a parish community.

Q: What grades does the program serve?
A: The program serves children in first through eighth grade, with specialized courses for older students working toward specific sacraments and high school students preparing for Confirmation.

Q: When do classes meet?
A: Classes meet on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays throughout the school year beginning September 20, 2026. Specific class times vary by grade level.

Q: Where are classes held?
A: All classes are held at St. Theresa School, 540 Washington Avenue, Kenilworth, NJ 07033.

Q: Do I have to be a parishioner at St. Theresa to enroll my child?
A: No. St. Theresa's welcomes all families, especially those whose children attend public or private non-Catholic schools seeking faith formation outside the home.

Q: What will my child learn?
A: Children study scripture, the Ten Commandments, the sacraments, and Catholic liturgy, with emphasis on community building, family prayer, and personal spiritual growth appropriate to each grade level.

Q: When does First Communion preparation begin?
A: Children in first and second grade prepare for First Reconciliation and First Communion, learning about these foundational sacraments and their significance in Catholic life.

Q: What sacrament preparation is available for older students?
A: Sixth through eighth graders work toward Confirmation. St. Theresa's also offers a specialized two-year course for older students who need to receive Baptism, Reconciliation, and/or Communion, and welcomes high school students preparing for Confirmation.

Q: How much does the program cost?
A: There is a nominal yearly fee per student. Contact the Religious Education Office for specific cost information.

Q: How do I register my child?
A: Contact St. Theresa's Religious Education Office by phone at (908) 276-4681 or email ccd.kathy.lunn@mysts.org. Registration is ongoing and families can enroll anytime before September 20.