Elementary & Jr. High

St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish is privileged to support you as you help your child grow in love and understanding of God and the richness of our Catholic faith. All children and youth are welcome in our program, regardless of their background or previous faith experience.

Our Faith Formation Program seeks to help children and youth grow in faith, deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, participate actively in parish life, and embrace a life of Christian service 

The Church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith. The options we offer are designed to support and supplement the essential formation that happens at home.

Regardless of the format you choose, your child’s faith is most nourished through:

Weekly Sunday Mass

  • Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
  • Participation in parish events and liturgies
  • Regular acts of service
  • Daily family prayer (such as grace before meals and bedtime prayer)

Together, we work to form disciples of Christ who live their faith with joy, compassion, and commitment.

 

Registration Information

We are now registering for St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish’s 2026–2027 Faith Formation Program.

Families may choose from the following Faith Formation models for 1st through 8th Grade:

 

GENERAL OUTLINE:

Faith Formation
Held at the former Good Shepherd School building (100 Lees Ave., Collingswood, NJ 08108):

  • Sundays from 8:20–9:20 AM (Grades 1–6) beginning on September 27, 2026
  • Tuesdays from 3:45–5:00 PM (Grades 1–6) beginning on September 29, 2026
  • Home School Option (Grades 1–6)

Please note: Parents/guardians for youth in 1st-6th grades are required to attend 6 parent meetings throughout the Faith Formation year on Sunday or Tuesday, during faith formation classes.

Families participating in the Home School Option will complete lessons at home and commit to:

  • Six required intergenerational parish events throughout the year
  • A welcome parent meeting will be held in September to get books and to hand out more information.

7th and 8th Grade – Confirmation Preparation

  • Faith Formation for 7th and 8th-grade students will be held 2–3 times per month on Tuesdays from 7:00–8:30 PM beginning on September 22, 2026

**Please note that Confirmation Preparation is a two-year program. Both the 7th and 8th grade years are typically part of the Confirmation preparation process. 

Additional requirements will be included for both years, as well as a sacramental fee for 8th grade. These Requirements can be found below.

If you have questions regarding class dates, times, or availability, please contact the Religious Education Office.

For Faith Formation questions, please contact:

Daniela Lim
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
856-858-0298

 

Fee Schedule

Registration Deadline: September 1, 2026

A copy of your child’s baptismal certificate is required for new students if not baptized at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish.

All children must be re-registered each year. Families should be registered parishioners.

Before August 31:

  • $130 – 1 child
  • $195 – 2 children
  • $255 – 3 or more children

After September 1:

  • $190 – 1 child
  • $255 – 2 children
  • $315 – 3 or more children

Sacramental Fees (for those preparing for First Reconciliation, First Communion, or Confirmation) will be due with the application for the sacrament.


Financial Assistance

No child will be denied participation due to financial hardship. Please contact the Faith Formation Office to discuss confidential arrangements.

 

How to Register

All New Families:

Register here!

This form is only for New Families!

Once you complete this form, the Religious Education office will be notified and will review your application. If approved, you will receive an automated email from Parish Giving with login credentials for an account that was created for you. Sign in to your Parish Giving account to make a payment and select sessions for your child/ren.

All Returning Families:

If you’re a returning family, please do not fill out a form. You will receive an email from Parish Giving on the morning that registration opens (add date here). This email will contain login credentials for a Parish Giving account that was created for you. There is no need for you to create a Parish Giving account. 

If registration opens, and you don’t receive this automated email, please contact 856-858-0298.

All Families:

Please be aware that a late fee will be assessed if you do not register by September 1, 2026

 

Is God calling you to be a Catechist?

 

ELEMENTARY FAITH FORMATION CATECHISTS

Volunteer Opportunity

We are always in need of faith-filled, dedicated catechists and aides to serve our children and keep our program vibrant! Parents, grandparents, or older siblings who volunteer as catechists or classroom aides will receive waived registration fees for their children, grandchildren, or siblings.

If you are interested in volunteering:

    • Contact Daniela Lim at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    • All volunteers must complete a background check and attend a Child Abuse Protection seminar (costs covered by the parish )
    • There will be a catechist/aide orientation in September

 

 

Confirmation Preparation

7th & 8th Grade:

 

St. Teresa of Calcutta Confirmation Prep involves a two year process which usually begins in 7th Grade. Those children who have missed faith formation in 5th and 6th grade will need to attend catch up sessions. This will entail a few gatherings with the child and the family.  Most junior high children are confirmed in the spring of their 8th grade year.  This is an exciting time and a wonderful opportunity for them to deepen their understanding of the call to discipleship.  BTC Faith Formation seeks to develop their discipleship by emphasizing participation in the sacraments and service to the community.

Candidates for Confirmation must attend two full years of Confirmation Prep.

 

High School

Many times high school age students have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation. We offer separate sessions for these students. Call the parish office for more information.

First Reconciliation & First Communion

First Reconciliation

Children begin preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the second year of Faith Formation. This includes:

  • Weekly Faith Formation classes
  • At-home lessons with parents/guardians
  • A dedicated retreat experience
  • Regular Sunday Mass participation

The celebration of First Reconciliation typically takes place several months before First Holy Communion.

 

First Holy Communion

First Communion is celebrated at a special Saturday Mass during the Easter season. Children must first have completed preparation and celebrated their First Reconciliation. Preparation for First Communion includes:

  • Ongoing participation in Faith Formation classes
  • Parent-guided activities at home
  • A shared parent-child retreat
  • Continued participation in Sunday Mass

Eligibility

Children are eligible to begin sacramental preparation in their second consecutive year of Faith Formation. A copy of the child’s baptismal certificate is required.

To ask questions about special circumstances (e.g., older children, unbaptized children, children with special needs), please reach out to Daniela Lim at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 856-858-0298 

Please contact Daniela Perez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more info on sacramental preparation.

Vacation Bible School

Our Vacation Bible School is usually held on weekday evenings in early July. This week is filled with activities, crafts, games, and songs that help children to understand God’s love and care for them. The week is open to children Grades PK4 to 6th. Older children are encouraged to volunteer as aides.