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Sacraments 101: Confirmation (why we're confirmed)
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Sacraments 101: Baptism (why we baptize)
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Sacraments 101: Eucharist (how we receive)
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Sacraments 101: Anointing of the Sick (who it's for)
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Sacraments 101: Matrimony (why make it Catholic)
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Sacraments 101: Holy Orders (what ordination means)
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Sacraments 101: Penance (why we confess)
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August 13, 2011
Dear Parents,
I am sure that many of you are wondering “where did the summer go....” as we all look to our calendars and prepare for school to begin in just a few weeks. With school opening also comes the beginning of another season of Religious Education.
Your child’s religious education and formation in our faith is so important. On the day of their baptism you made a commitment to teach and share our Catholic faith with them. Sending them to our religious education program is but one step in fulfilling this commitment. Equally as important is your example of living the faith in your homes and personal lives, especially attending Sunday Mass. This serves as the best teaching example for our young people.
As many of you know Sr. Rosaria will not be with us this year. She is recovering from her illness and attending some classes in Rome while she convalesces at the mother house for her community. Jackie Paganin, who works part time in our parish office, will be filling in for Sister and helping coordinate this year’s program. You can contact her at the Religious Education Office 474-2579 or her home 768-7236.
You will find enclosed a registration form and calendar for the year. This calendar does not pertain to our classes for 9th through 11th grade. We are making some changes to our high school level program and we will send that program in a separate packet to the high school families.
With the difficult economic times that our nation and many of you are facing, I understand that our tuition fees may be difficult to meet. Please understand that this should not be a hindrance to sending your children to Religious Education. Many people in our parish community have generously donated funds that are used to assist families who cannot pay the fees. If this is a concern for you, please note on the registration form that you’d like a call from me, and I will contact you to work this out.
Over the last several years I have also noticed a trend that I find very disturbing. Some families have chosen to not return to religious education classes after their children have made First Communion. Many have in mind that they will come back later for Confirmation. This is really unacceptable and does not teach your child at all about the value of their faith or religion. In order for a high school student to celebrate Confirmation here at our parish they must have attended the previous four years of Religious Education unless they are newly moved into the area. This means that they are students here from 7th through 10th grades first.
Once again I pray that God continue to bless you and your families as we work together to share the beauty of our faith and traditions with the young people of our community. I look forward to working with you throughout this year.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Michael, O. de M.
Rev. Michael Rock, O. de M.
Pastor
The registration forms for our upcoming year of Religious Education are being mailed out now or you can download it here. If you are new to the parish or your child has not attended in the past, forms are available in church for you to pick up. Parents are reminded that it is your duty and responsibility to see that your child is “raised in the practice of the faith.” This promise that you made at your child’s baptism means that they learn from the witness and example of you, their parents. Attending Mass, prayer at home, and religious education classes are all part of that growth and learning in the faith. Parents are also reminded that there is no “time off” from faith. This means that your child attends classes yearly–not only for sacramental preparation.
If any of our parents or members of either of our parishes would like to assist in teaching religious education or being an aid in the classroom, please call the parish office at 768-6543. Father Michael will be meeting with teachers on Monday evening, August 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in the meeting room at St. Joseph’s Oratory. While Sister Rosaria is still away we are happy to have Jackie Paganin filling in for her. Jackie has worked closely with Sister for many years now and knows our program very well.
Every family enrolling in the Religious Education program should be present at mass each week and regularly participate in other Sacraments. Children cannot understand what they do not experience. While we make every effort to provide a quality religious education program, THE FAITH DEVELOPMENT OF A CHILD BEGINS WITH, AND IS PRIMARILY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENTS.
Attendance
It is parents’ responsibility to assure the student’s regular attendance at class. Excessive absence at any grade level will mean the parents and coordinator will make a determination of the readiness of the student to enter the next grade level.
Elementary level- Kindergarten through 4th grades meet on Saturday, 5th through 11th grades meet on Sunday.Please send a note when a student has been absent. The lesson will be completed at home. If a child has 3 consecutive absence parents must meet with the coordinator.
Youth- 5th through 11th grades meet on Sunday. Please call the teacher if a student will be absent.
Discipline
An atmosphere conducive to learning is necessary so that each student may obtain full benefit from every classroom session. If a student is disruptive, the following procedure will take place.
Parents will be called to discuss and resolve the situation. Continued disruptive behavior will necessitate home study and parents will be responsible for weekly lesson and a monthly meeting with the coordinator.
Students are not allowed to use cell phones during the class. As soon as the students enter the class room, cell phones need to “be turned off and placed on the teachers’ desk”. The phones will be returned as the students leave class. We ask the cooperation of the parents and the students.
Preparation classes for Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation are provided for parents and children. Attendance is expected at all sessions, as is regular participation in the celebration of Eucharist each Sunday.
Sacraments are special graced moments in our spiritual life. Without good preparation, Sacraments do not have the full meaning in this spiritual life. Please consider the importance of your involvement when registering your child. Without your full participation in this preparation the celebration of the Sacraments may have to be postponed.