John Paglione has worn many hats over the course of his 14 years at Sacred Heart Parish and now has donned yet another. As new coordinator of the Bay Head parish’s religious education program, the catechist, teacher, consultant and financial expert is making plans to shepherd about 100 young minds and souls who attend the program for faith formation.

Paglione earned a bachelor’s degree from New Jersey City University, Jersey City, and a master’s degree in management information sciences from St. Peter’s University, Jersey City. He has taught finance and economics law, served as a consultant in information technology and security, and is a fully certified catechist. He and his wife, Carol, have been married for 36 years.

A parishioner of Sacred Heart since 2000, Paglione has served as a trustee, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults coordinator, president of the Holy Name Society, member of the parish council, liturgy and finance committees, head of the extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion and altar server instructor. He recently expressed how faith formation enriches both the student and family.

“By starting with our children, we are building the foundation of the teachings of our Catholic faith,” Paglione asserted. “I believe we strengthen family values, encourage families to embrace our religion and support their children as they continue their journey preparing them for the Sacraments of First Communion, Confirmation and beyond.”

Speaking on behalf of the 20 teachers, aides and assistants in the Sacred Heart program, he continued, “We reinforce how great it is to have Jesus in our lives each and every day and want our children to experience it as they learn to respect life, establish moral values and not be ashamed to display them in everyday activities in the home, at church or when at play.”