Parents intentional in providing their children a Catholic education

When explaining just how vital South Jersey’s Catholic schools are to her children, Erin Moulder mentions the simple, everyday moments.

When she drops off her kindergartener at Saint John Paul II Regional School in Stratford, “I see the joy in Daleigh’s face as she runs into school, holding hands with a classmate, or an older student who knows her, calling her by name and embracing her.”

Her son Luke, is a seventh-grade class representative for the school’s student government association, which has allowed him to thrive in a leadership role.

Simply put, she says, “they really don’t like to miss school.”

Guided by tradition, faith and the desire to see their children succeed, parents are making intentional efforts to provide their children with a Catholic school education.

Family Traditions

“There are no regrets; this was the best decision for our family,” says Megan Bifulco, who has three children at Saint Mary School in Vineland.

Daily, she drives 30 minutes, each way, from the family’s Bridgeton home to the school to drop off her second-grade son, and two Pre-K children. Tuesdays are a little easier; that day, she serves as the school nurse.

The Bifulcos want their children to receive the same vital Catholic education that they both received in South Jersey. Bifulco’s husband, Gennaro, is a 2003 graduate of Saint Mary; both are 2007 graduates of Sacred Heart High School in Vineland.

“We both felt it was important for them to get a strong foundation early on. Saint Mary’s has a safe, disciplined and respectful atmosphere,” Megan Bifulco says, adding that the school is helping students be respectful members of society by fostering values such as “kindness, respect, sense of responsibility, critical thinking and character development.”

Bob McDevitt, a parent at Our Lady Star of the Sea Regional, has deep roots at the Atlantic City school, as his father and uncle are both graduates. McDevitt attended Saint James School in Ventnor.

He has sent his six children to Our Lady Star of the Sea Regional School, with the youngest, Thomas, now in kindergarten. Every morning, he walks 15 minutes from the family’s home to the school’s front door.

“The Catholic lifestyle there is being set early,” he says.

The faith-based tradition runs deep for the Moulders, too. Erin Moulder is a graduate of Our Lady of Grace Regional School, Somerdale, and her husband, Michael, is a graduate of Saint Edward Elementary School, Pine Hill. Both graduated from Saint Joseph Regional School, Hammonton.

“Our parents prioritized faith-based education, so we try to honor them by giving our children that same foundation,” Erin Moulder explained. Her husband drives 15 minutes every morning from their home to drop them off at school, and her father picks them up in the afternoon.

“We wanted a place where our kids could not only grow as people, but grow as Catholics,” she said. “At Saint John Paul II, they are rooted in faith, service and strong moral values. At home, we try to instill in our kids the important of faith, family and community, and Saint John Paul II reinforces that.”

‘Children of God’

In Catholic schools, the young Church of South Jersey experience programs that allow them to not only learn Catholic tenets, but thrive as contributing members of a community.

Daleigh Moulder is a young cheerleader at John Paul II, enjoying friendship and mentorship with the older members of her squad, her mother says. Luke, in addition to his role in student government, is a member of the school’s basketball team.

The children are also able to witness Catholic organizations such as the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and Knights of Columbus, which demonstrate the joy of service.

“They participate in Saint Vincent de Paul donation drives and see the Knights of Columbus making hot dogs at Back to School Night,” Moulder explained. “It’s good to have these organizations be such an integral part of the school.”

Moulder got emotional as she mentions the school’s weekly Friday liturgy. “The Mass instills in them the importance of praising and thanking God. Every time I hear the children pray and sing, it brings me to tears. I’m so glad they have that opportunity.”

Her children have had the opportunity to participate in the liturgy too: Luke has served as a lector and sung in the choir; on Saint Nicholas’ feast day Dec. 6, Daleigh portrayed one of the three daughters visited by the saint.

Bifulco is also thankful for the weekly Masses at her children’s school in Vineland. “Mass gives my children a good understanding of the liturgy and who they are as children of God.”

A notable event was last year’s Red, White and Blue Mass to honor veterans. Her second-grade son, Gennaro III, took part by reading the petitions.

Family Atmosphere

Catholic school families say they witness every day the benefits of a Catholic education, as well as the sense of belonging and connectedness.

“You never regret what you put into your children. We’re giving them the best foundation,” Bifulco notes.

McDevitt hopes his youngest son grows up to be like his siblings, all formed at Our Lady Star of the Sea to become “successful members of society, with self-disciplined, good lives [formed] from that moral and academic foundation.”

For Moulder, Saint John Paul II “has a community that feels like family, around to not just nurture minds, but also hearts and souls. The teachers care about the student’s academic and spiritual growth, and who they are as people.”

“My husband and I are confident that we’re giving our children more than an education, but a foundation for life rooted in faith, service and a deep sense of purpose. We hope the graces of Catholic education will continue to bless our family now, and for generations to come.”