The diocesan Department of Evangelization and Catechesis is offering scholarships to qualified individuals involved in the ministry of religious education. Named for John C. Reiss, the eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton who served from 1980 to 1997, the Bishop John C. Reiss Religious Education Scholarship Fund was established in 1996.

“One of the legacies left by Bishop Reiss to the Diocese of Trenton is a strong commitment of quality catechetical formation,” noted Servant of the Immaculate Heart Sister Mary Agnes Ryan, diocesan director of the Department of Evangelization and Catechesis. “[Scholarship] funds can be a great help in strengthening the catechetical ministry in our parishes and schools through conferences, workshops and seminars.”

Scholarship grants are open to those who are currently engaged in religious education ministry in the Diocese of Trenton as a catechetical leader of parish religious education programs for elementary or high school age parishioners; as an elementary or secondary Catholic school principal; as a leader of adult faith formation programs; as a teacher who has served at least one year in a Catholic school, or as a catechist who has served at least one year in a parish religious education program.

Scholarships are awarded for course work or seminars in theology, religious education, pastoral or liturgical studies at a recognized Roman Catholic institution of higher learning, and may be used toward doctorate programs, workshops, seminars, conferences or stand-alone courses.

Applications may be obtained from the Department of Evangelization and Catechesis. Applicants must submit a completed application, including a brief essay describing their vision for the ministry in which they serve; a letter of recommendation from their pastor, and a letter of recommendation from their catechetical leader or principal by the stated deadline date.

All applications will be reviewed by members of a scholarship board approved for a two-year term by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. In addition to Sister Mary Agnes, board members include Msgr. Leonard F. Troiano, pastor, St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, Lavallette; Msgr. Edward J. Arnister, pastor, St. Rose Parish, Belmar; Resurrection Sister Cherree Power, principal, St. Veronica School, Howell, and John McGuire, director of religious education in St. Paul Parish, Princeton. The board’s decision will be made known within one month.

Applicants who qualify for scholarship assistance will be notified by mail, and awards will be paid directly to the institution designated by the applicant. Funds will be available for use between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016.

Completed applications are to be returned to the Department of Evangelization and Catechesis office by Feb. 28. Awards will be announced in March following review of the applications by the scholarship board.

For further information on the Bishop C. Reiss Religious Education Scholarship Fund and to request a scholarship application, contact Doreen Griffin-Gallway at [email protected] or call 609-403-7144.