Liturgy and classroom experience go hand in hand as part of a young person's faith formation at Sacred Heart, Dover. There is not one without the other. There is a two-year preparation process for the Sacraments in accord with the statutes of the Diocese of Paterson. Since we are "Children of God in one Parish Family", the children of our Parish School and our Religious Education Program celebrate together their first reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.
Classroom reviews occur periodically in class and reports are offered to parents and/or guardians. These reports are an indication of the child's comprehension of the religion presentations and discussions in class and in no way is meant to be a measure of one's faith or love of God, as this can never be measured by a grade system. However, it is essential that each child try to the best of his/her ability to learn and understand the truths of our Catholic Faith, for it is in knowing Christ that we develop a loving relationship with Him and with the Church which He established.
Students in Grade 8 participate in the Parish Pro Life Spiritual Adoption Program. They alternate with the students from our Parish School and members of the Parish Youth Group writing articles for the Parish Bulletin about the stages of development of their Spiritually Adopted Baby. The articles are accompanied by a request of prayers for their spiritually adopted baby and the baby's mother and father.
Eighth graders are invited and encouraged to join S.H.A.R.E., the Parish Youth Group. (Click on the Youth Group Page for further information)
It is our goal that each child who is enrolled in our Parish Religious Education Program form a loving
relationship with the Lord, worship, praise and thank Him during weekly Mass attendance and cherish and live our Catholic Faith all of their lives…"By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become My disciples." It was not you who chose Me, but I who chose you and Appointed you to go and bear fruit that will last." (Jn.15: 8,16)
The Prep Program here at Sacred Heart meets twice a month on Sunday evenings. On the evenings when the prep sessions are held, Candidates are required to attend the 7 pm Mass, then Confirmation Prep from 8 pm to 9 pm. A yearly religious retreat, sponsored by the Parish, is also required.
All Candidates are invited and encouraged to join the Parish Youth Group where many opportunities are offered in the area of Spiritual and Social Development and Community Service.
Candidates who have fulfilled all of the requirements will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the fall of their Junior Year of High School.