Ministry
At Paramus Catholic High School, faith plays an important role in the lives of faculty, staff, alumni, and students. Therefore, we are dedicated to making it a part of our students’ daily lives. Our high school ministry provides an easy way for our students to explore their faith while enriching the world around them.
For more information:
Deacon Michael A. Shea
Dean of Campus Ministry
Theology Department Coordinator and Theology Faculty
Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of Newark
201-445-4466 ext. 117
Key Takeaways
- The ministry at Paramus Catholic High School allows students unique opportunities to further their education and spiritual lives.
- Students will participate in retreats throughout their time at the school, offering off-campus learning experiences.
- Students can participate in a wide selection of volunteer opportunities to help their communities.
Spiritual Formation Programs
We encourage students to strengthen their faith throughout their time on campus. Some of the experiences we offer our students include:
Masses
There are monthly all-school Masses that help foster community within the school. Masses may be held outside in Paladin Stadium on the football field when the weather allows.
Prayer
Individual prayer and daily class prayer allow students to reflect on and build upon their faith. Paramus Catholic High School enables students to plan, run, attend, or minister school prayer services, which may be run within the student’s theology class or performed during an all-school mass. Whether celebrating a specific saint, feast, or day of the liturgical calendar, these prayer services give students the chance to deepen their relationship with the Church.
Peer Leadership Roles
Those looking to take on exciting responsibilities can be trained in one of our Peer Leadership roles. These roles include but are not limited to:
- Greeters/ushers
- Altar servers
- Lectors
- Cantors
- Members of the liturgical choir
- Members of the liturgical music ensemble
Seniors can even serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
Sacraments
Students may participate in reconciliation during the Lenten season or anytime they. Reconciliation allows students to acknowledge their actions in the eyes of God, and to receive forgiveness.
Students who are baptized and would like to continue their sacramental journey or join the Catholic Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) can speak with Deacon Michael Shea.
Retreats and Liturgical Life
At Paramus Catholic High School, we understand that not all learning takes place on campus. That is why we are proud to offer various retreats throughout the year, helping students deepen their commitment to the Church. They include:
All-School Retreats
Helping to broaden the spiritual, communal, and physical needs of the student body, all-school retreats foster a true sense of community by allowing students to step outside of the classroom and into the world around them. These experiences prioritize a strong relationship with God and following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
There are dedicated freshmen class retreats, sophomore and junior class retreats, and senior class retreats.
Overnight Weekend Retreats
For an even more immersive retreat experience, Paramus Catholic High School students can attend one of our Overnight Weekend Retreats. These events are chaperoned by school administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, and volunteers from the school, ensuring that students get a memorable spiritual experience.
Starting on Friday afternoon and ending on Sunday afternoon, these retreats allow students to celebrate Eucharistic Adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Mass, while enjoying exciting activities, student-led songs, and more. Trained members of the school’s Campus Ministry team lead talks, oversee small group discussions, and present icebreakers and other activities throughout the retreat.
Leadership and Service Opportunities
Throughout their time on campus, students will be given the chance to take on special roles and responsibilities. This includes participation in community service events at the school, a local church, or in the surrounding community.
Paramus Catholic High School offers an expansive community service network that includes local religious, civic, county, state, and cultural organizations, as well as plenty of non-profit organizations. Service opportunities allow our students to meet and exceed their service hour requirements and develop a strong bond with the Church and the world. Some organizations that students have volunteered with include:
- American Cancer Society
- American Red Cross
- Bergen County Coalition
- Community Food Bank of NJ
- Girl or Boy Scout Service Programs
- Jersey Cares
- Local Boys and Girls Clubs of NJ
- Local Town Police, Fire, and EMT Departments
- Special Olympics
Students can also volunteer through Paramus Catholic High School clubs, such as the Paladin Food Pantry or the Paramus Catholic Service Club, as well as in town libraries, summer camps, local hospitals, nursing homes, and other local organizations. These opportunities help ensure students get a well-rounded education both inside and outside of the classroom.
Learn More About Our Catholic School Ministry Today
If you’re looking to expand your child’s education through faith-based learning, enroll them at Paramus Catholic High School. Through our high school ministry, we provide many opportunities to help students grow spiritually and emotionally. We also offer clubs and activities, athletics, and more. Contact us today to learn more about our ministry.
