The event, which was held Sept. 13 in the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscatway, offered workshops for: New Jersey Alliance of Catholic School Families coordinators, unit presidents, and local chairpersons for committees on social concerns, spirituality, fund raising and development, treasury and publicity.

Lawrence V. Nagle, diocesan director of Office of Child and Youth Protection, spoke about the effort the diocese is making to being a leader in stopping child sex abuse, such as with its Protecting God’s Children program. Background checks will also be done on anyone who has interaction with children, he said.

"One of my major objectives is to give people knowledge. Create a safe environment for our children," Nagle said.

Sarina Urban, president of the association, said she attended the event for the first time in 1989 as a kindergarten mom and served as chairwoman of the spirituality workshop.

Urban asked association members to seek new parent volunteers. She also stressed that despite the enormous sacrifices parents make to give their child a Catholic education, the spiritual and academic rewards are well worth it.

Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski cited the dedication and spirit of the association members for helping make their schools better places to learn. The bishop also reminded parents that they are the primary educators of their children.

"The Catholic school can do and say everything, but if the example is not set by you, then it means nothing," Bishop Bootkoski said. "It’s just like the child on a Sunday morning who gets pushed out the door to go to church, while daddy turns over in his bed. The little child wonders, ‘Why can’t I stay in bed? Why do I have to go?’

The bishop stressed, "Examples are so essential to the education of our children. It has to be a partnership — you working with the school and the Church. All working together in concert will say something to our kids."

Msgr. Michael J. Corona, director of educational ministry, asked how many of those in attendance remembered their Baltimore Catechism.

"Why did God make us? God made us to know him, to love him and to serve him in this world to be happy with him forever in heaven. That statement still holds true today.

"And that’s what we are about — preparing our children to live as God’s children in this world so that we may be happy with him forever in the next."

Judy Krilla, director of New Jersey Alliance of Catholic School Families and workshop, lauded the efforts of association members.

"We together — parents, teachers, administrators, children — create the magic in our schools. I urge you not to underestimate the effects that your contributions of time, talent and treasure have for the mission of the Church," Krilla said.

"Studies indicate your efforts, your volunteerism, your presence in your children’s schools have a profound effect on your child, not to mention the effect that it has on other children."

Studies also show how a Catholic education helps produce a high percentage of not only priests and sisters, but volunteers and church workers, Krilla said.

"So please, we do need you to continue to make the sacrifices to keep your children and other children in our Catholic schools. It is essential to the life of the Church," Krilla said.

In closing remarks, Dr. Thomas E. Hart, superintendent of schools, asked parents to be faithful witnesses to the many advantages of Catholic education. He said, "Let them know that this is an education that your child is benefiting from."

Maryann Erickson, HSA treasurer, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Old Bridge, attended the workshop for treasurers.

"It’s great to share information and get help in bookkeeping and managing. It was very informative," Erickson said. She also made some new contacts to rely on if she has questions in the future.