2026–2027 Religious Education Registration is Now Open!

Religious Education Office

Director of Religious Education: Laysa Mercedes

Academy of St. Joseph
6408 Palisades Ave
West New York, NJ 07093

Tel: 201-868-0305
Email: dre@sjpwny.org

Returning Families

Update Your Profile

There is no need to complete a new application. Your family has already been automatically advanced to the next year. Simply log into your existing Parish Giving (PG) account to:

  • Review and update your family information
  • Update student grade and school information
  • Complete your registration payment online

New Families

New Families Registration

We warmly welcome you to join the Religious Education Program at St. Joseph of the Palisades and are excited to have your family become part of our growing parish community.

New families will need to complete a new registration through Parish Giving and provide all required family and student information. To help make the process easier and more convenient, we have transitioned to Parish Giving for secure online registration and payments.

What is Religious Education (CCD)?

Religious Education—often called CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine)—is the parish-based program that forms children and families in the teachings of the Catholic Church.

At St. Joseph of the Palisades, CCD is not simply a class—it is a faith formation journey. It helps children come to know God, understand the teachings of the Church, and grow into active members of the parish community. This program is especially important for families whose children attend public school, ensuring they still receive strong Catholic formation alongside their academic education for children of the parish is a continual program from Grades 1-9.

The goal of religious education is to bring all people into close friendship with Christ. It is fitting then, that our children—who by their participation in the CCD program are coming to know Christ—can be joined to Him by receiving Him in Holy Communion. It must be understood that religious instruction and participation in the Mass each Sunday go hand in hand. Without regular participation in the Sunday Eucharist, the goal of religious education goes unmet. In addition, what your child will learn from religious education class depends on your support and reinforcement at home, attending Sunday Mass as a family, and family prayer.

Our Purpose & Goals

Our Religious Education program is designed to:

1. Build a Living Relationship with God

Children are introduced to prayer, Scripture, and the life of Jesus Christ in a way that is age-appropriate and meaningful.

2. Prepare for the Sacraments

Students are guided step-by-step toward:

  • First Reconciliation
  • First Holy Communion
  • Confirmation

Each sacrament is approached not as a one-time event, but as part of a lifelong journey of faith.

3. Form Catholic Identity

Students learn:

  • Core teachings of the Church
  • Moral decision-making rooted in faith
  • The importance of living the Gospel in everyday life
4. Strengthen the Family’s Role in Faith

Faith formation does not end in the classroom. Parents are the first teachers of the faith, and our program supports families with tools, communication, and opportunities to grow together.