Deacon Anthony -
Religion Grade 8

2026-2027 Classrooms codes are current as of 09/10/2026

• Classes:
  • 8th Grade Religion:
    • 8 Silver 27m4b752 
    • 8 Blue 66jioep2 
    • 8 White hqztggmr

• Clubs Moderated by Deacon Anthony:

  • Catholic Athletes for Christ ogygnaq

    • CAC Webpage

  • Campus Ministry (Altar Servers, Jr. Lectors, Screen Operators)  e65gw5d
    
    

I can be reached at my email, [email protected] with any questions.

Unit 1: Exile, Return, and Waiting (Days 1-15)

Meet Deacon Anthony Cullen
We are excited to welcome back Deacon Anthony Cullen for his fourth academic year at St. Benedict School! Deacon Anthony will be teaching 8th Grade Religion (Church History). In addition to his teaching role, he also serves as the Director of Faith Formation, and Campus Minister for St. Benedict Church.  He will be coordinating Catholic Athletes for Christ, and Campus Ministry (altar servers, junior lectors, and screen operators). He will also be responsible for organizing and running all school liturgies throughout the year along with many other tasks.

Students and parents who use Instagram are strongly encouraged to follow Deacon Anthony. He posts regularly about classes and ministry updates at @deacondad67. You can also connect with him professionally on his LinkedIn profile.

8th Grade Religion
The year begins with The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis in September. This unit will culminate in an engaging, interactive seminar taught by Christian Brothers Academy right here at St. Benedict School on Tuesday, November 3. Afterward, the class will take a  journey through Church history—from the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 587 BC to the time of Jesus, early Church councils, and the development of the modern Church. We are now in Unit 1, Exile, Return, and Waiting; the Unit 1 test is Wednesday, October 28.

Screwtape Letters Resources

Assessments and Academic Expectations
Both Religion classes will feature projects, essays, quizzes, and tests. All written assignments must follow proper MLA format, including double-spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, correct heading, and citation style. Students will receive guidance and examples in class.

Technology & Communication
Students are encouraged to use AI tools responsibly and creatively when appropriate. Each assignment will include approved AI links and directions to help students become familiar with these emerging technologies.

All students must check Google Classroom daily, including when absent. They are also expected to check and reply to school email daily.
Proper email etiquette includes:

• A clear subject line (e.g., “8th Religion – Essay Question Help”)
• Links or screenshots of the issue or question
• A respectful tone, using please and thank you

Service Hours
St. Benedict students are encouraged to live out their faith through Christian service. All service hours are logged in x2VOL, our official tracking platform. To log in: go to x2vol.com, click LOG IN, then Continue with Google and choose your school account ([email protected]). No password needed. Questions about service hours go to Mrs. McAuliffe (Grades 6 and 7) or Deacon Anthony (Grade 8). Student guides and help form

Opportunities to earn service hours will be offered throughout the year and include:

• Serving at the altar (altar servers, lectors, and screen operators)
  • Schedule a training session using this link
• Monthly food bank trips with CBA students to the Asbury Park Food Pantry at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
• Volunteering at St. Benedict’s own food pantry
• Additional school or parish events as they arise

Students are encouraged to get involved early and often as a way to grow in faith, responsibility, and compassion.