The Holy Innocents Society, a diocesan-based ministry which provides religious education instruction and sacramental preparation for persons with physical and developmental disabilities, is getting ready to open its doors and welcome students to the new school year.

The society operates through its county chapters in six centers across the diocese: Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Riverside, Burlington County; Divine Mercy Parish-Holy Cross Church, Trenton, Mercer County; St. Mark Parish, Sea Girt, and St. Mary Parish, New Monmouth, Monmouth County; St. Martha Parish, Point Pleasant, and St. Justin Parish, Toms River, Ocean County.

Opening day” for the St. Peter Center of Learning in Burlington County is Sept. 20. Classes are held in Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish-St. Joseph Church, 805 Warren St., Beverly, on Saturdays from 10:15 a.m. to noon.

Joyce Chmielenski, coordinator, since 2010, noted that nearly 30 students with varying disabilities – including autism, Down Syndrome and cerebral palsy – attend the center, which is staffed by catechists and aides who work on a volunteer basis to help prepare students for the reception of the sacraments, teach them how to become altar servers and involved in other liturgical ministries, and lead recreational and social activities. For students who have completed their sacraments, adult continuing education classes focusing on topics such as the liturgy, Sunday Scriptures and the Apostles Creed are available.

Chmielenski said the main purpose of the Holy Innocents Society is to “teach the love of God under Roman Catholic doctrine to students of all ages” using various teaching strategies such as music, reading, prayer and art, “depending on their capabilities for learning.” Twice a year the students gather for Mass during which they fully participate as altar servers, readers, in the presentation of the gifts, playing in the hand bell choir and singing.  Social outings and field trips are also offered. To reach Chmielenski, call 609-387-4748.

The Holy Cross Center of Learning, Trenton, will begin its 41st year of ministry Sept. 6 with a Mass held in Divine Mercy Parish’s Holy Cross worship site at 10:30 a.m. The Mass will be followed by a luncheon in the former Holy Cross School cafeteria.

The center, which is located at Grand and Arch Streets, Trenton, operates on Saturday mornings from September to mid-May. Class time is 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The center was organized in 1974 under the auspices of the Mercer County chapter of the Holy Innocents Society of the Diocese of Trenton and operates a religious education program for students ages seven and older who have special needs that prevent them from functioning in typical parish catechesis programs. The center is staffed entirely by volunteers and is sponsored by Knights of Columbus councils, area service organizations and individuals.

There is no charge for a child or adult to attend the program. The center is seeking volunteer aides to assist students in the classroom and for other activities. Any person 13 years or older who wishes to volunteer should contact the program coordinator Rose Anna Romanello at 609-882-4567.

St. Mark Center of Learning, Sea Girt, will hold registration Sept. 6. The following week, Sept. 13, a Mass to mark the opening of the new school year will be celebrated at 10 a.m.

Classes are held Saturdays from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. and are attended by more than 30 students who range in age from five to 60. The classes are facilitated by five certified special education teachers and eight aides. Among the activities offered throughout the year are six Masses in which students are actively involved as readers and altar servers. They also participate in a Passion Play during Lent and enjoy other festive occasions such as a Christmas party.

Contact co-coordinators Joan McGurty at 732-859-4358 or Thomas Dorney at 732-449-9589

St. Mary Parish Center of Learning, New Monmouth, will open the new school year with a Mass and social on Sept. 27. Thereafter, classes will be held on Saturday mornings from 8:45 to 10 a.m., according to Nancy Rubinson, who has been active with the Holy Innocents Society for 36 years. Rubinson said there are currently 16 students, ranging in age from six to 15, enrolled in the center.

“Students are instructed in small groups according to their ability and sacramental level and within the class/group instruction is differentiated to meet the needs of each individual student,” Rubinson said, noting that each class begins with prayer and music, followed by a catechetical presentation and arts and crafts. Rubinson may be reached at 732-671-2115 or by emailing [email protected].

In St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River, classes begin Oct. 4. Center coordinator Pat Hertz looks forward to welcoming a bustling group of some 12 children and 20 adults, who are in need of sacramental preparation and looks forward to offering classes that help to enrich their knowledge of the Catholic faith. Registration will take place in August and September, and sessions are held on Saturday mornings from 9:45 a.m. to noon, October through May.

More information about the learning center in St. Justin the Martyr Parish, as well as volunteer opportunities there, may be obtained by contacting Hertz at 732-255-6216.

Unlike its five counterparts, the St. Martha Center of Learning, Point Pleasant, holds classes on Sundays from 11:30 to 1 p.m., said Stephanie Correa, coordinator. The group current includes five young students preparing for the Sacraments, as well as three adult members.

Correa was pleased to share that most of the students attend Mass before they gather in the learning center, during which they spend first hour in catechetical instruction followed by a half-hour of music where the “kids just love to dance and sing.”

Correa said providing ministry to people with special needs is important: “We need to find ways to get them involved in the Church.” To reach Correa, call 732-279-6406.