Mr. Cullen - Religion Grades 7 & 8 / Financial Literacy Grade 8

Meet Mr. Anthony Cullen
We are excited to welcome back Mr. Cullen for his third academic year at St. Benedict School! Mr. Cullen will be teaching 7th and 8th Grade Religion as well as 8th Grade Financial Literacy. In addition to his teaching role, he also serves as the Campus Minister for St. Benedict Church, coordinating Catholic Athletes for Christ, altar servers, junior lectors, and screen operators. He will also be responsible for organizing and running all school liturgies throughout the year.

Students and parents who use Instagram are strongly encouraged to follow Mr. Cullen’s class and ministry updates at @mrcullentheology. You can also connect with him professionally on his LinkedIn profile.

Upcoming Ordination & Mass of Thanksgiving
Mr. Cullen is humbled to share that he will be receiving the Sacrament of Holy Orders and will be ordained a permanent deacon on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral in Freehold, by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.

His first Mass as a deacon will be celebrated on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 9:30 AM at St. Benedict Church, followed by a brunch in the school gym.
All are warmly invited to attend both events.

To help us prepare, RSVP is required for brunch using the following form:
 Click here to RSVP 

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 October 14. 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.

7th Grade Religion
September will focus on the life and teachings of St. Benedict, the patron of our school. From there, students will explore Christology, learning more deeply about who Jesus is—both historically and personally—as part of our Catholic faith.

Financial Literacy
In Financial Literacy, 8th Grade students will build on the 7th Grade foundation. While 7th graders covered personal financial management, 8th graders will explore business banking, lending, and entrepreneurship. Each trimester will include one major project, which will count as a Social Studies grade.

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 to be logged through x2VOL, our official tracking platform. Mrs. McCahill is the x2VOL administrator; all questions regarding service hour logging and approval should be directed to her.

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.

2025-2026 Classrooms codes are current as of 9/3/2025

• Classes:
  • 8th Grade Religion:
    • 8 White pbu36nsq
    • 8 Blue rvsdfezb
  • 8th Grade Financial Literacy:
    • Monday pbapktq2
    • Friday tfm3ieuz
  • 7th Grade Religion:
    • 7A gzhgyziw
    • 7B 465wh7iu
    • 7C qzmqonnq

• Clubs Moderated by Mr. Cullen

  • Catholic Athletes for Christ ogygnaq

    • CAC Webpage
      

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

I can be reached at my email, acullen@stbenedictnj.org with any questions.