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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION MANUAL
Catechesis Catechesis aims to help others recognize the immensity of God’s love and saving power. Catechesis helps us learn to interpret the meaning of human life as a response to this love. So catechesis is the art of learning to see with new eyes, to see the world and human existence as a symbol of God’s love. Catechesis implies formation, not just information. The Religious Education Program (hence will be referred to as R.E.P.) at Immaculate Conception is founded on the following documents: The General Directory for Catechesis, The National Catechetical Directory, Catechism of the Catholic Church, as well as diocesan guidelines.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church quotes Pope John Paul II as he describes the ministry of catechesis: " Catechesis is an education in the faith of children, young people, and adults which includes especially the teaching of Christian doctrine imparted, generally speaking, in an organic and systemic way, with a view to initiating the hearer in the fullness of Christian life." (C.C.C.,5)
The General Directory for Catechesis explains the goals of catechesis: "The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people, not only in touch, but also in common intimacy with Jesus Christ." (G.D.C.,80)
Mission Statement for Immaculate Conception R.E.P. In partnership with their families, the Faith Community of Immaculate Conception Parish will strive to empower our youth with a sense of discipleship, to draw our youth to participate in the mission of their faith, and to foster the personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
" How can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to proclaim him? And how can people proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" ( Romans 10: 14-15)
Vision Statement As young disciples of Our Lord, the youth of Immaculate Conception Parish in partnership with their families will accept the mission to proclaim the Good News and build a world that is more just, more peaceful, and more respectful of human life and creation.
R.E.P. Goals The goals of the Religious Education Program is to help each student grow in faith. This is accomplished by building community, proclaiming the message, leading students to prayer, and by motivating service. They are all aspects of bringing about God’s kingdom. Each of these ministries support the others and none can exist without the other. The ministries promote the idea that faith development is a lifelong, gradual process.
Implementation of R.E.P. Goals The goals of the program are: * To provide a program of religious instruction for the youth and parents of our parish * To support parents as the primary catechists of their children * To help students and parents discover the richness and challenges of Scripture * To invite students and parents to the liturgical and sacramental richness that is part of our Catholic Tradition * To offer sacramental preparation to candidates as they ready to receive the sacraments * To deepen the prayer lives of the students * To motivate the youth to live lives rooted in charity * To build a strong identity among the youth of the parish * To provide the youth with the experience of the Church as a community
The Role of Parents Parents who are enrolling their children in the catechetical program must be aware of their accountability as primary instructors. It is the role of R.E.P. to assist, not replace the parental nurturing of the faith.
" Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child’s earliest years. This already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel."( C.C.C., 2226)
In order to promote the faith-filled growth of the students and to insure a smooth-running program, parents are expected to fulfill the following obligations:
* Must be a registered member of the Immaculate Conception Parish or have permission of his/her pastor and the Immaculate Conception pastor * Must be responsible for providing the Religious Education Office with information regarding the child’s baptism and other sacraments, if applicable * Attend mass weekly with children * Teach their children the traditional prayers of the Church ( list of prayers will be provided in the R.E.P. Office) * Maintain an open line of communication with their children’s catechists * See that their children attend R.E.P. classes at the prescribed time * Attend parent meetings and trainings * Are supportive of the catechists and aides * Are familiar with the contents of this handbook * Inform the R.E.L. of the rights of the non-custodial parent in the case of separation or divorce
Catechist The R.E.L. supervises the catechists in order to help them fulfill their ministry. To insure that they are capable of handling his/her responsibilities, each catechist is required to follow Diocesan guidelines and have Acts 33 and 34 clearances. Catechists are encouraged to encourage to provide assignments for students to complete at home with parental participation. Parents and students are expected to understand the challenges involved in being a volunteer catechist and to support the catechists whole-heartily.
Admission Policy Immaculate Conception R.E.P. does not discriminate because of gender, national origin, or disabilities. Any family that is registered in the parish may enroll their children in the catechetical program.
Students are enrolled in the grade in which they are currently attending in school unless other arrangements are made by the R.E.L
A general registration for all students is held each August. Families who wish to enroll their children during the year may do so by contacting the R.E.L.
Fees- The pastor in cooperation with the R.E.L. determines the annual fees for R.E.P. No student will be denied participation in R.E.P. due to finances. If finances are an issue, contact the R.E.L. or the pastor.
Baptismal Certificate- The family of a child who was not baptized at this parish is to bring a copy of the baptismal certificate, along with any other sacramental records, when they initially enroll their child in the program. The R.E.L. and pastor will assist families who have a child not baptized.
Sacramental Preparation Immaculate Conception follows diocesan policies for sacramental preparations. Copies of the guidelines are in the R.E.L. Office. Each sacramental program entails two years of preparation by students and parents. * Students and parents prepare for Reconciliation in first and second grades. The preparations includes: - mandatory parent meeting - catechesis at home - classroom preparation * Students and parents prepare for First Eucharist in the second and third grades. The preparations include: - mandatory parent meeting - retreat day - catechesis at home - classroom instruction * Students and parents prepare for Confirmation in the tenth and eleventh grades. The preparations include; - mandatory parent meeting - retreat day - catechesis at home - classroom instruction - service hours requirements - Anointing of the Sick service
Class Attendance Students who are enrolled in R.E.P. are expected to be in attendance for each class. It is the responsibility of parents to insure the student’s presence. Each class builds on the materials covered in proceeding classes, hence a student who misses a class, misses a great deal. To insure students’ presences: * Attendance will be taken at each class. * When a student misses a class, without an excuse, the parent will be contacted by an office volunteer.
Class Schedule The Religious Education Office follows Diocesan policy regarding hours of instruction. Each family with a child enrolled in R.E.P. receives a calendar of class dates. * Elementary classes are held on Sunday mornings from 10:15- 11:45. * High School classes are scheduled on Sunday evenings from 6:30-8:00. * There are variations in the schedule to accommodate retreats and field trip.
Classroom Visits Parents are encouraged to visit their children’s classrooms, but must first sign in with the R.E.L.
Progress Report Elementary and high school student progress reports will be sent home via students in December and in March or April. It is not an evaluation of faith devotion. The report will record attendance, effort, home assignments, and class participation.
Student Records The R.E.L. will maintain a file on each student, as mandated by the Diocese of Erie. Parents can review their children’s files by contacting the R.E.L.
Curriculum Textbooks and other materials in the classroom are in conformity with: * The guidelines of the Diocese of Erie * The teachings found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church Parents who would like to examine the teaching materials should contact the R.E.L.
Registration Fees The Pastor in cooperation with the Religious Education Leaders determines the annual fee for the Religious Education Program. The following fee schedule has been recommended: One child……………………$30 Two or more children...........$40 No student will be prevented from attending because of his/her parent’s inability to pay. An inquiry to either the pastor or the religious education leaders is all that is necessary to have fees excused.
Refund Policy Registration fees are non refundable after the start of class.
Homework Catechists are encouraged to assign work for the children to do at home with the assistance of the parent(s). Parent(s) are encouraged to ask their children about homework after each class period.
Discipline Everyone involved in the program is expected to follow the word and examples of Jesus concerning each other others’ right to be treated with dignity, respect, and love. In order to provide for a safe and well-ordered program, the following are to be observed by all: * Show respect to catechists, other students, and program personnel * Act in a respectful manner in areas in which students have permission to be in * Treat parish property and other’s property with care
Discipline is aimed toward growth. Students, as does everyone, make mistakes The role of the catechist, at times, will be one of guiding and correcting these mistakes.
Discipline Procedure * First Correction- Student will be given a verbal warning. * Second Correction- The student will be sent to the R.E.L.’s office. The parent will be contacted by phone or letter. * Third Correction- The student will be suspended from class and parents will be contacted. In order to be readmitted, the student and parents must meet with the catechist, R.E.L., and pastor to resolve the issue.
Drug-Alcohol-Tobacco Policy A student in possession, uses, or under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol will be taken to the office. The parents of the student and the police will be notified immediately. A student in possession or use of tobacco will be taken to the office. The parents will be notified immediately.
Weapons Policy To ensure a safe and Christian environment, it is forbidden for anyone to possess a weapon or any object/material/substance that could be as a weapon or confused with a real weapon by any reasonable person in the buildings, or within geographic boundaries of Immaculate Conception Parish, or any location used by the parish to conduct catechetical activities. If the student has used a weapon against another person or will not surrender willingly the weapon or offending object, the local police will be called first, followed be notification of the parent(s). This is a zero tolerance policy. Any student who violates this policy will be subjected to immediate parish disciplinary action over and above any criminal/civil action that could be instituted.
Search and Seizure At no time does Immaculate Conception Parish relinquish control of hallways, lockers, or any part of the parish buildings or properties. Parish officials reserve the right to search all parish property at any time there exist an immediate danger to the health, safety, and welfare of others. In addition, the parish officials have the right to search students, their direct possessions, and automobiles parked on parish property if there is reasonable suspicion that the student is in violation of parish policy or pose a threat to oneself or to others while on parish property.
Exceptions The Religious Education Leaders and the pastor retain the rights to make exceptions to the disciplinary policies of Immaculate Conception religious education program.
Cancellation of Classes Due to inclement weather, classes may be cancelled. Parents and students are to listen for reports on local radio stations, WCCR/WWCH. Catechists will attempt to contact students regarding the cancellation.
Safety Procedures There are safety procedures posted in each room for emergencies. Catechists will instruct the students in these procedures the first week of classes. In case of an emergency, attendance will be taken after the evacuation. No student will be dismissed without the permission of a parent and the R.E.L.
Sickness Should a student become ill while in class, his/her parent will be contacted. If the parent is unavailable, attempts will be made to reach the person listed on the registration form. The R.E.L. will make every effort to keep the child comfortable until he/she is picked up.
Special Events Parents will be notified regarding any special events or field trips when students will be off parish property. Students will not participate in any events without a proper permission form. Home Schooling Some parents may choose to offer catechetical instruction to their children at home. Parents, who decide on this option, must contact the R.E.L. to follow diocesan guidelines and parish expectations.
Home Schooling
2. Before the homeschooling program for religious education begins, parents will meet with the pastor to discuss the catechetical methods and aids that are to be used.
3. It is the expectation that all catechists, including those in homeschooling, are certified or are actively working toward certification according to diocesan policy and attend pastor’s monthly faith formation classes.
4. The parents will be provided with a copy of the Catechetical Guidelines from the Religious Education office of the Diocese of Erie for the grade level(s) at which the children will be homeschooled for that year. The parents will pay the current student fee and be provided with a copy of the appropriate grade level textbook(s) that will be used in the parish religious education program. They will also be responsible for purchasing any teaching resources the religious education program issues to its catechists for use in the home school program.
5. Homeschooled students will be required to attend any extra-curricular activities REP students attend (i.e. rallies, retreats, service projects, para-liturgical services, etc.).
6. At the beginning of the school year, the pastor and the religious education leaders shall determine when they will meet to review the progress of the children being homeschooled in the faith.
7. Definition of “reviewing progress of homeschoolers:” students’ progress will be assessed monthly. The evaluation shall be conducted by one of the following: the pastor, Religious Education Leader or a catechist from the homeschooler’s grade level.
8. All home school families are expected to attend Sunday Mass weekly.
9. It is the policy of the Diocese of Erie that homeschooling is not permitted for the sacramental years: First grade, second grade, third grade, tenth grade and eleventh grade. |
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