"The Christian family is a communion of persons, a sign and image of the communion of the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit. In the procreation and education of children it reflects the Father’s work of creation." Dear Parents & Guardians,
Parents are part of our catechist team because you are your child's first catechist. As part of our team we need your assistance and support with the follo
wing:
1.Have your child arrive on time to class
2.Complete weekly homework or missed lessons
3.Reinforce classroom lessons
4.Discuss the Catholic faith on a regular basis
5.Help your child know their prayers
6.Share any special needs or situations that your child may have so accommodations can be made in the classroom
7.Attend parent meetings
8.Speak with your child's catechist periodically
9.Notify R.E. office with any changes in address, email, phone number or family situation
10.Most importantly, attend weekly Sunday Mass with your child! Thank you in advance for your commitment, prayers and support for a successful Religious Education year. Please contact me at (850) 222-9630 ext. 16 or [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns. In Christ,
Maureen Brown-Muir
Director of Religious Education
Registration
All students must be registered in the parish and Religious Education program. If you missed the initial registration, please contact the Religious Education office at 222-9630 ext. 16. Attendance•Students are expected to attend all classes.
•However, if a student is absent, please provide a written note, email or phone call indicating the reason for the absence.
•Missed lessons are to be completed before the next class. Please speak to your child's catechist about making up lessons.
•Parents/Guardians are asked to work with us to ensure that there are no more than two unexcused absences per semester. This will allow us to do a more complete job in the short amount of time we have teaching the children. Sacramental Preparation Class
•First Reconciliation/First Communion - First grade is a prerequisite to second grade Sacramental preparation class.
•Confirmation - Eighth grade is a prerequisite to Confirmation class.
•Children and youth who missed these grade-level preparation classes need to enroll in the R.E. program and complete one full year of faith formation. Sacraments will be prepared for and received the following year.
•Catholic school or home school children interested in Sacramental preparation must register for preparation class with their home parish.
•All those entering Sacramental Preparation must have a copy of their baptismal certificate on file.
•Sacramental Preparation classes and retreats must be attended.
•Missing classes without serious reason may delay reception of the Sacrament. Safety: Arrival/Dismissal•Arrival-- Parents please walk your child to their class (Pre-K4 to 4th Grade). If for some reason the catechist is not present, please do not leave your child unattended; remain with them until the catechist arrives.
•Children in 5th Grade and up: parents are to ensure that students go directly to class and are picked up promptly.
•Dismissal-- Parents should pick up their child promptly from class.
•Catechists will only release the children to their parents/guardians or other authorized adult. Safe Environment Training
This training is required once a year for all Religious Education children. The Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People mandates this training. The focus is on how the child can keep themselves safe in this ever-changing world. Parents will be notified of the training date. If you do not want your child to participate in the training, you will need to fill out an opt out form that can be obtained from the Religious Education office. Safe Environment resources are shared with parents to keep parents up-to-date on safety issues. Volunteers
All volunteers who work with children and youth have completed the diocesan screening and training process. Please call Maureen Brown-Muir, DRE, if you are interested in helping with Religious Education, Children's Liturgy of the Word, Nursery and/or Vacation Bible School. 222-9630, ext. 16. Sickness or Injury
If a child gets sick or hurt, the catechist or assistant will bring the child to the Religious Ed. Parent/Guardian or authorized persons will be called and asked to pick up their child in the office. If it is an emergency situation, 911 will be called. Otherwise, the child will be kept in the office until the parent can be contacted. What to Bring to Class
The children receive a textbook (which is kept in class) and pocket folder. At the end of each lesson, the children will bring home the lesson summary page to review with their parent/guardian. The folder is brought back to the next class. Lost books: Parents are responsible for purchasing replacement textbooks. What NOT to bring to class
Hats/caps, iPods, toys, costumes, sports equipment, food or drinks, and/or anything that may be distracting during class time. Cell phones may be brought to class but kept in pockets or purses on silent. Dress Code
Modest attire - dress your Sunday best! Behavior
The children are expected to:
•Respect the catechist or class visitor
•Respect themselves & others
•Respect others' property
•Listen and participate in class activities so they can develop, grow and mature in their faith. For the benefit of all children, a child will not be allowed to disrupt the class. If a catechist finds it necessary to remove a child from class to maintain a learning atmosphere, the following steps will be taken:
•The first time a child is sent to the office, the child will discuss the problem with the DRE. After a few minutes of quiet time, the child will apologize to the catechist for the disruption and then rejoin the class. Parents/guardians will be informed about the incident.
•Second incident: the parent will be asked to come to the office to discuss the situation with the catechist and DRE.
•Third incident: the child may return to class only if accompanied by parent/guardian.
•Should the inappropriate behavior continue, the parent/guardian will have to take the responsibility for teaching the child at home with the support of the Religious Education team. Program Fees
There is a fee for Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation classes. However, no child will be denied participation in the Religious Education program because of financial issues. Rite of Christian Initiation for Children
Those families interested in having their school-age children who are not previously baptized or catechized enter the Church may contact the Religious Education office at (850) 222-9630 ext. 16.
