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Diocese of Metuchen Mission Statement
The Office of Religious Education exists to promote a catechesis which strives to express and foster a profound dialogue which arises from God's loving self-communication and the trusting response of persons in faith, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It functions to enable the entire population of this diocese, beginning at birth and continuing through life, to discover, grow and mature in faith experience and to deepen relationships with Christ and his Church.
St. James Mission Statement - "Faith and Action" (St. James 2:14)
In union with the Holy Trinity and with one another, we, the people of St. James School of Religion, are called by God to pass on the gift of faith by word and deed with our parish community. Hence in the words of St. James, we work at being true witnesses of Christ through "faith and action."
By fostering the love of Jesus and following His teachings, we welcome all children to our program regardless of family economic status. By living the example of the Holy Family, we understand the need to nurture and support each other in our family of Faith.
"My brothers and sisters, what good is it to profess faith without practicing it?"
Catechist' Prayer
If I speak interestingly, effectively and well, but I do not understand my pupils, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I know all the methods and techniques of teaching, if I have complete faith that they will work, so that I use them completely, but think only of materials or techniques instead of how they can help my pupils, I count for nothing.
If I go the second mile in teaching, give up many activities, but do it without understanding, it does no good.
Love is very patient, very kind; Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs; it is never tyrannic, never; yet does insist on truth; it does not become angry; it is not resentful.
Love always expects the best of others; it is gladdened when they live up to these expectations, slow to lose faith when they do not. It will bear anything, hope for anything, endure anything. This kind of love will never fail.
If there are teaching methods, they will change. If there are curricula, they will be revised. For our knowledge is imperfect and our teaching is imperfect, and we are always looking for better ways which an infinite God has placed ahead of us.
When I began teaching, I fumbled and failed; Now I have put away some of my childish ways. At present, I am learning bit by bit but if I keep on seeking, I shall at last understand as all along I myself have been understood.
So faith, hope and love endure. These are the great three but the greatest of them is love.
(Paraphrase from St. Paul)
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