Children
CLASS SESSIONS
Preschool/Kindergarten - Classes for ages 3 through K meet during the Masses beginning September 25/26.
Grades 1-5 - Classes meet Monday, 6:00-7:15 Wednesday, 4:00-5:15 beginning with parent meetings September 27th and 29th.
Home-School - Parents who desire to teach their elementary children at home, or who are not able to attend the weekday parish-based programs, may choose to home-teach their child. (Parents who home-school are encouraged to participate in PATHWAYS, the diocesan catechist certification program.)
F.I.R.E./ Generations of Faith - These family-centered programs includes adults and children of all ages, meeting twice a month with a small group of other families.
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
- Families of students enrolled must be registered parishioners.
- Please return registration and parent response forms by June 30, 2010. No phone registrations will be taken.
- Rosters will be prepared and classes filled in the order that registrations are received.
- Registration will be closed September 1 - 30 while class rolls are finalized.
- Once a class has been filled, it is closed. Additional sections of a grade level will be opened if catechists and space are available.
Please note: Although it is never too late to register your child, it benefits the entire program when you return your registrations on or before the deadline. Space is limited - to ensure your choice of sessions we urge you to complete the registration forms soon - this week if possible - so that you don’t forget.
Late Registrations: If you do need to register late, you will need to come into the office. If classroom preparations have already been made you will be responsible for ensuring that materials are prepared for your child.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
Children in 2nd grade and older, who have completed one year of religious education, are invited to prepare for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. By diocesan policy, participation in these preparation programs is separate from and in addition to enrollment in elementary religious education classes.
REGISTRATION FEES
The fee schedule is as follows: For those who register promptly (before June 30) the program fee for 2010-2011 will be $15 per family. After June 30, the program fee will be $20 per family. The program fee applies to families registering for preschool, elementary, youth, Confirmation, and FIRE/Generations.. In addition, there is a book fee of $15 per child for preschool and elementary students, $36 for 6th graders (and 7th-12th graders who are new to the program), and $30 for F.I.R.E./Generations families. Sacramental fees are $15 each for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation; sacramental fees are in addition to the regular R.E program fees. The home-teaching fee is $15 per child. The total fee for F.I.R.E./Generations is $50 per family. Fees are collected at the time of registration and will be waived upon request in cases of financial need.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
The program cannot exist without YOU! Obviously, our first need is for catechists. Catechists have the opportunity to grow in their faith in wonderful ways as they prepare and share with the children of our parish. It is an exciting, challenging, and rewarding ministry. Materials and weekly session plans are provided. The diocesan catechist certification program, Pathways, assists catechists in developing skill for this ministry. We encourage you to consider this ministry!
There are many other needs in the program as well. We expect that every parent can do something! Our programs are better and stronger with your involvement. There are ways to help even if you cannot make a weekly commitment. Please read the “Ways to Help” listed below, study our needs and make your response on your parent response form.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL MEETINGS
Preschool/Kindergarten - Pick up parent packets the weekend of September 18/19.
Grades 1-5 - Parent Meeting during the regularly scheduled class time the week of September 27.
“WAYS TO HELP”
FAITH FORMATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE: This committee will assist our parish in implementing the diocesan norms for formation programs. The group will meet 6-8 times during the year and complete our annual report to the diocese in the spring. Parents and catechists are invited to serve.
ELEMENTARY PLANNING TEAM - Planning team members will plan the elementary calendar and work together to design the session outlines to be used by the elementary catechists.
PRESCHOOL CO-CATECHIST: Preschool co-catechists work with a partner to plan and lead classes for preschoolers and kindergartners during the weekend liturgies. They attend formation sessions in August and September, and participate in the Pathways catechist training program. Preschool co-catechists are scheduled on a rotating basis.
ELEMENTARY SESSION LEADER: Direct the large group portions of the weekly elementary sessions – announcements, opening and closing prayers, etc.
ELEMENTARY CATECHIST: Catechists use the plans and materials provided with a small group of 10-12 children. Attendance at two formation sessions in August and September, and participation in the diocesan catechist training Pathways program is required.
ELEMENTARY ASSISTANT: Elementary Assistants help the catechist with the pre-planned weekly sessions. Assistants attend formation sessions in the fall and are encouraged to participate in the diocesan catechist training program.
ELEMENTARY NURSERY HELPER: Nursery helpers provide care for catechists’ preschool children during the elementary sessions. Helpers are scheduled on a rotating basis.
ELEMENTARY SESSION COORDINATOR: The coordinator is the person in charge during the religious education session. They open and close the building, collect attendance sheets and assist in other areas as needed. Coordinators are to keep a watchful eye on children going to and from the restrooms and promote safety. Coordinators remain until all students have been picked up.
ELEMENTARY HOSPITALITY: Helpers are needed to assist with refreshments at RE sessions on a rotating basis.
ALL VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE CONTACT WITH CHILDREN OR YOUTH MUST COMPLETE BACKGROUND SCREENING FORMS AND ATTEND A VIRTUS TRAINING SESSION
This program cannot exist without the gifts and talents of all –
EVERYONE CAN DO SOMETHING!