Vacation Bible School
July 27-29, 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Baobab Blast
Click
HERE for registration
form
To make sure we have enough supplies, please register by July 15.
Thank you.
Class Dates for 2009 – 2010
(The following information is also found in the Parent / Student Handbook)
Ss. Anthony & Philip
Community of
Faith
Religious Education
Program
Parent/Student
Handbook
2009-2010
Dear Families,
Welcome to a new
year of opportunities for our parish Religious Education program. We
look forward to sharing our faith with your child and family.
Catechesis is a life
long journey that begins in the home with your personal faith sharing,
grows into the parish family with regular Mass attendance and religious
education, and then to the world beyond with opportunities to serve our
fellow man. Asking your child what they talked about in class is a good
way to let them know you are interested in this aspect of their
development as Catholic Christians.
Most of the
communication from the Parish Center to you as parents, as well as the
parish, is done weekly through a special insert in the bulletin.
PLEASE BE SURE YOUR FAMILY PICKS UP A BULLETIN EACH WEEK-END.
We also send out a parish quarterly newsletter. Another form of
communication is our website
www.stsanthonyphilip.com. It has both the bulletin and
newsletter posted on it. We also send home notes with the students from
class. Please ask them if they have anything to share.
Please consider
getting involved in our program, if you aren’t already. We need
teachers, teacher assistants, substitute teachers, playground monitors,
crossing guards, Thursday morning clean-up crew, and much more.
Your gift would really be appreciated.
If you have any
questions or concerns throughout the year, please give me a call
(929-7701), drop in at the Parish Office (located off of the gathering
space),
or send an e-mail
deggers@mhtc.net.
Blessings,
Delores Eggers, CRE
Day & Time of Religious Education
Classes
Kindergarten –
Once a month
Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 16, Jan. 20, Feb. 10, March 10, April 14.
Please write these dates on your calendar. Reminder letters are also
sent to families the week prior to class.
Grades 1-5 –
Wednesdays
3:15 p.m. – 3:55 p.m., Transport, Recess & Snack
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Class Time
Grades 6-11 –
Wednesdays
7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Class Time
All Religious Education Classes are held at Ss. Anthony & Philip Church,
726 Main Street.
Class Dates for 2009-2010
First Semester
September 30
October 7
October 14
October 28
November 4
November 11
November 18
December 2
December 9
December 16
Second Semester
January 20
January 27
February 3
February 10
February 17 (Ash Wednesday)
February 24
March 3
March 10
March 17
March 24
April 14
April 21
April 28
Important Dates to note:
December 9, 2009 - Penance Service 4:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
January 30, 2010 - First Reconciliation 10:00 a.m. - Grade 2
March 17, 2010 - Penance Service at 7:30 p.m.
April 7, 2010 - Seder Meal with Grade 6 - 7:30 p.m.
April 24, 2010 - First Communion during 4:30 p.m. Mass - Grade 2
Sunday May 16 - 9:00 a.m. Mass
with reception following
Program Fee for 2009-2010
The Religious Education
Program is funded by the annual Faith Fest, a parish subsidy, donations,
and this program fee. Each family with students in Grades 1-11 only
are assessed an annual fee based on the table below.
The program fee is not
meant to be a financial burden for anyone. Families unable to afford
the program fee are asked to contact Delores Eggers. All families are
welcome and encouraged to attend our program whether they can afford to
pay this fee or not!
Registration and fee
form is included in this packet. It can be mailed, dropped; in the
collection basket, or sent to class with your student. The form and an
envelope are enclosed.
An acknowledgement of
program fees received from each family will be included in the financial
statement sent to all registered families. This statement is sent out
quarterly and at the end of the fiscal year (June 2009).
Program Fee ~ Child in
Program
$15.00 ~ 1st child in your family (Grade 1-11)
$10.00 ~ 2nd child in your family (Grade 1-11)
$
5.00 ~ 3rd child in your family (Grade 1-11)
$
5.00 ~ 4th child in your family (Grade 1-11)
In addition to this
program fee, there will be separate fees for certain sacramental
preparation programs & youth ministry events (Confirmation Retreat,
First Communion, First Reconciliation, Diocesan Youth Rallies, etc.) to
help offset additional costs of these programs and special
opportunities.
Written Permission Needed
Highland students in
Grades 1-5 need to bring a written note from their parents to the
Highland School District. This note is a legal document that is
kept on file at the public school. The School system needs to know that
it is OK with parents that their child will not be going directly home
from school on Wednesdays and that they are riding the bus to Religious
Ed Classes. Parents, PLEASE be sure to do this before the first
Religion Class on September 30. Be sure to let the school know, in
written instructions, how your child should go home on Wednesdays in the
event that Religious Ed. classes are canceled or school is called off
early or if there is no scheduled Religion classes.
Bus Transportation
JT Busing has
generously agreed to bus our Highland Elementary Students (Grade 1-5) to
Ss. Anthony & Philip Church on Wednesdays when classes are scheduled
with the understanding that this service may be discontinued at any
time. We are committed to keeping our students safe and we are very
grateful for this service. All students must adhere to the Highland
School District Bus Transportation guidelines. We have assured the Bus
Company that our students will be on their best behavior. In the
unlikely event that our students misbehave, this bus service will be
discontinued.
Promptness is Essential
For the afternoon
program, the Highland students (Grades 1-5) will be bused to Ss. Anthony
& Philip Church right after school on Wednesdays. For safety reasons,
all of our students are asked to ride the bus rather than walk or ride
their bike to the Parish Center. Iowa-Grant students will join the
program in progress. Dismissal is 5:00 p.m. Parents, please be
prompt in picking up your child.
Students in Grades 6-11
are to arrive in the classroom at the Parish Center by 7:25 p.m. in
order for class to begin promptly at 7:30 p.m.. Dismissal is 8:30 p.m.
Attendance
Regular
attendance is the key element to your child’s successful religious
education. The total time given to this important part of their
development in most instances is less than 24 hours per year – one day
out of 365!
Parents are asked to
contact the Religious Ed. Office (929-7701) when their child will not be
in class. It is important that parents know where their child is at all
times and we want to assist you in this effort. We will expect your
child on each Wednesday unless you inform us otherwise. For the evening
classes we will have a caller contact families of students that have not
shown up for class – if we haven’t heard from the parents.
Behavior Expectation
The most important rule
we expect to have observed at all times and by all people attending
classes is respect for themselves, their teachers and support staff,
their classmates, and their meeting space. This includes: 1)
following directions; 2) keeping hands, feet, objects, smart remarks and
put-downs to themselves; 3) listening to others when it is not their
turn to be speaking; and 4) staying in their own space. It is very
important that each student understands that good behavior is a must
during our time together.
Parents are asked to
help our program by instilling in their child the need for good
behavior. Parents will be contacted for their assistance in the event
that their child’s behavior becomes a problem. Parents may also be
contacted on occasion to sit in on classes to help assure good behavior
for a healthy, productive learning environment. Parents are always
welcome to join their child’s class at any time.
After School Treat Program
The students in Grades
1-5 come to Ss. Anthony & Philip Church right after school on
Wednesdays. They go out to play for 20-30 minutes, then come in for a
nutritious snack before going to their classrooms at 3:55 p.m.
PARENTS: IF YOUR CHILD IS ALLERGIC TO CERTAIN FOODS OR IS ASKED NOT TO
EAT CERTAIN FOODS, PLEASE BE SURE TO LET THE PARISH OFFICE KNOW
IMMEDIDATELY!
Communication
Often your child will
bring home letters pertaining to an upcoming lesson/event or other
important information. Please read any and all notes brought home to
you. Asking your child about what they talked about in class is a good
way to keep informed. The weekly bulletin insert also has announcements
about religious education activities. You can also find this bulletin
insert on the parish web site:
www.stsanthonyandphilip.com
No Gum in the Classrooms
We ask that no gum be
chewed or brought into the Church or classrooms. We also request
students to leave chore boots or muddy shoes at home. Cleaning the
carpet of mud is very difficult and we would like to avoid it. Thank
you.
Safety Issue-
Creating a Safe Environment for our Children
The Most Reverend
Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison, has implemented a “Safe
Environment Program” for all parishes. The purpose of this program is
to provide education and training about measures necessary to create and
maintain safe environments for children and vulnerable adults. The
staff and volunteers in our Religious Ed Program follow certain
guidelines implemented by the Diocese of Madison. Contact the Religious
Ed Office (929-7701) for complete information on this program.
In following the above
guidelines, our parish will offer the following each year.
1.
The
children in Grades 1-10 will be offered lessons on Valuing God’s Gifts
in Ourselves and Others. A letter regarding these lessons is enclosed
with this handbook.
2.
Protecting God’s Children Awareness session for Adults.
3.
Protecting God’s Children Awareness session for Parents.
We believe by following
these guidelines, our children will continue to be in a safe environment
here at Ss. Anthony & Philip. Please watch the bulletin inserts for
information on when these sessions will be held.
Cancellation of Class
In the event of bad
weather or threatening weather conditions, Religion classes may be
canceled. The Parish Center will make a decision by 1:00 p.m. on
Wednesdays. The Center will contact Highland Elementary School,
Highland High School, Iowa-Grant Schools, the families on the e-mail
distribution list, families that have requested to be contacted,
Religion Teachers and support staff, and D99.3.
If you would like to be
contacted personally in the event of a cancellation, please let the
Parish Center know. You can have the choice of a call or e-mail sent to
you. If you’re interested in being contacted personally, please contact
Delores at 929-7701 or
deggers@mhtc.net
Parents of students in Grades 1-5:
PLEASE leave written
instructions with your SCHOOL DISTRICT on how your child should go home
in the event of cancellation or early release on Wednesdays.
The school expects the students to be going to the Rel. Ed. classes on
Wednesdays so when school is called off early and Religion classes are
canceled, it tends to be quite confusing at school. If the school
system does NOT have written instructions regarding this particular
situation from parents, they contact the Parish Center for directions!
Your written instructions are needed at SCHOOL.
In the event that bad
or threatening weather conditions develop after the afternoon Religious
Education Classes have been released, a decision will be made to cancel
class by 7:00 p.m. at the latest. The Parish Office will contact the
Middle & High School Religion Teachers and support staff, and D99.3.
The teachers will be asked to contact their students.
If the Highland School
District cancels classes or releases early due to bad weather, both
afternoon and evening Religion classes will be canceled as well. The
religion teachers, support staff, Highland Schools, and Iowa-Grant
Schools will be called. There will be no further announcements, unless
families request to be contact by phone or e-mail.
Sequence in Learning
There is a progression
in how we present the religious study program to the students. Starting
in First Grade, the students learn more about their faith, scripture,
and Catholic Church each year. The focus, knowledge, and challenges
progress as they get older.
Kindergarten
Our Kindergarten
friends are introduced to the fact that God loves them and Jesus is our
friend!
Grade 1 -
6 use Faith First textbooks from RCL. This program uses a spiral
approach to learning our Catholic Faith. The four pillars of the
Catechism of the Catholic Church - Creed, Sacraments, Morality, and
Prayer - are taught and developed on every grade level every year. This
ensures that the beliefs of our faith are introduced to and reinforced
for the young people as they grow, develop, and mature as Catholics. In
addition to the Faith First series, the following grades prepare for
sacraments and take a deeper look at parts of our faith.
Our
2nd graders focus and prepare for two Sacraments:
Reconciliation and Eucharist.
Our
5th graders take a special look at our Mass and have an opportunity to organize
and celebrate their own Mass with our pastor.
The 6th grade students
study the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). The Seder Meal is a
tradition found in scripture that our students and families experience.
Our
7th & 8th Graders have a discussion type series to explore and
review their faith. 7th grade topics include: The Church, Sacraments, Jesus
Christ. 8th grade topics are: The Trinity, Revelation and the Kingdom of
God.
The
mini-courses begin in High School. The Freshmen have two mini-courses: Old Testament Course
& Christian Morality
Course. The two mini-courses for our Sophomores are: New Testament Course
& Jesus Course.
Confirmation
preparations take place in the Junior/Senior years.
Memorized Prayer
Prayer is a very
important ingredient in everyone’s life. Our Catholic faith is blessed
with rich traditions of prayer forms. Each student in grades 1-8 is
introduced to memorized prayers. In addition to the Religious studies
done in the classroom, the students are asked to memorize these prayers
at home with their family. Copies of the prayers are sent home with
each student. A copy of all the prayers are enclosed with this
handbook.
The Religious Education
program supports the family efforts in memorizing these prayers by
reciting them from time to time during class. Prayer listeners visit
each class during the second semester to listen to each student recite
the prayer(s) and encourage them in their efforts. These visits are
scheduled and students are informed a week or two in advance.
Grade 1: Sign of
the Cross & Hail Mary
Grade 2: Act of
Contrition, Our Father, Glory Be
Grade 3: Morning
Offering, Angel of God, Grace Before Meals
Grade 4: Ten
Commandments, Acts of Faith, Hope & Love
Grade 5:
Apostles’ Creed, Rosary
Grade 6: Peace
Prayer (Prayer of St. Francis)
Grade 7:
Beatitudes
Grade 8: Apostles
Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be
Prayer Listeners Schedule
Grades 1, 2, 3 & 5
March 24, 2010
Grade 4 March
17, 2010
College Scholarships
Our parish offers two
$200 college scholarships to the High School Seniors in Highland and
Iowa-Grant. High School seniors who plan to attend a college or vo-technical
school are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Information and
application forms will be available in the public school guidance
office. The Religious Education Commission chooses the scholarship
winners. Scholarships are awarded at the High School Graduation
Ceremony.
Youth Ministry
“Youth Ministry is the church’s mission of reaching into the daily lives
of modern young people and showing them the presence of God . . . It is
a return to the way Jesus taught”
(Quote from Archbishop
John Quinn)
In our attempt to
minister to our youth in Middle and High School, we offer a variety of
events in addition to weekly Religion classes. These events are at
various days and locations in our diocese. The students will receive
information packets when they become available.
TEC Retreats for
juniors (16 years old) through adult: A TEC (Together Encountering
Christ) is an experience in Christian living, especially designed for
young people and adults. These retreats are offered at various parishes
throughout the Diocese of Madison. A schedule of dates and locations
are available from the Religious Ed. office. Contact Delores Eggers if you are interested in
attending a TEC Retreat.
Please note:
Juniors & Seniors who participate in TEC’s can be reimbursed half the
cost of this retreat weekend from our parish. All they need to do is
ask Delores for reimbursement.
Sacramental Preparation - Baptism
In the life of
Christians, the Sacraments of Initiation have a traditional first
place. Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation are the means by which the
community welcomes and progressively initiates a member into full
communion.
The National
Catechetical Directory reminds us, “Full initiation into the Church
occurs by stages.” Baptism is the first of these stages of
initiation as a Christian which celebrates the individual’s
participation in the life of the Spirit, and therefore the Church.
Christian parents celebrate the baptism of their infant children because
of their own adult faith which they promise to share with the child in
the coming years.
We invite parents of
unbaptized children to have their child baptized before they begin
Religious Education in Grade 1. Having a child baptized before this
time provides a natural unhurried separation between the receptions of
sacraments. In our parish program, the students in grade 2 prepare to
receive First Reconciliation and First Communion. The sacrament of
Baptism is required before a child (or adult) can receive any of the
other sacraments.
Special note regarding Baptisms in other parishes:
If a child/adult is baptized outside of our parish, we request a
photocopy of the baptismal certificate before other sacraments are
provided. This is a normal practice in our diocese and in many other
dioceses. As a courtesy, we notify Catholic parishes (that hold the
baptismal records) of all sacraments received in our parish. We also
record the new sacrament received in our own sacramental records.
Sacramental Preparation - First Reconciliation
Through Baptism, a
child is initiated into the Christian Community. Ideally all children
should have already received Baptism before they begin Grade 1.
The Sacrament of First Reconciliation cannot be received until a person
is baptized.
“Catechesis for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is to precede First
Communion and is to be kept distinct by a clear and unhurried
separation.”
(NCD #126)
Parents have a right
and responsibility to be involved in their child’s preparation. We will
have a Parent Meeting on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
at St. Anthony & Philip Church. Parents and the students preparing for
this Sacrament will be asked to attend this informational meeting. They
will examine the importance of Reconciliation, importance of family
involvement, and the use of the textbooks at home. Textbooks are due
January 27, 2010.
The date for First Reconciliation is Saturday, January 30, 2010, 10:00
a.m. in Ss. Anthony & Philip Church.
A luncheon reception will follow.
In our Religious
Education Program, we celebrate an Advent Penance Service with our students in
Grades 2-12 each year. This year, we will offer a Penance Service
for Grades 6-12 during Lent. Our 3rd graders have
the opportunity to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation once
during our school year. Students in grades 3-12 are encouraged to
participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation with their families when
it is offered to the parish.
The principle of
individual readiness is respected. This or any sacrament will not be
forced or refused to those suitably prepared for it. If a parent or the
pastor determines that a child is not ready, they will be invited again
the following year to celebrate this sacrament, and suitable preparation
will be provided.
Sacramental Preparation - First Communion
“The Eucharist is the center and heart of Christian life for both the
universal and local church and for each Christian. All that belongs to
Christian life leads to the Eucharist celebration or flows from it” (NCD #120)
Baptized children are
ready to receive First Communion when they have a desire to receive it,
when they know that the Eucharist is the true presence of Jesus, and
when they know something of the life of Jesus.
Children in Second
Grade will receive First Communion preparation in regular class, but
this is not enough. Parents have the right and responsibility to be
involved in their child’s preparation.
At least one parent and
the child receiving First Communion are asked to attend the Parent
Meeting regarding First Communion on Sunday, February 28, 2010,
7:00 p.m. in Ss. Anthony & Philip Church.
The families receive a
textbook to complete with their child. The completed textbooks
are due March 24, 2010. The children will also need to complete
an interview with either Fr. Ken or Delores prior to First Communion.
In this interview, it will be determined that the child have the desire
to receive this sacrament, that they know that the bread & wine are
consecrated and become Jesus, and that they know something about Jesus.
This year First
Communion will be celebrated on Saturday, April 24, 2010
during the 4:30 p.m. Mass. At least one parent will need to come
to the rehearsal with their child on that Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m.
The principle of
individual readiness is respected. This or any sacrament will not be
forced or refused to those suitably prepared for it. If a parent or the
pastor determines that a child is not ready, they will be invited again
the following year to celebrate this sacrament, and suitable preparation
will be provided.
Sacramental Preparation - Confirmation
“As a Sacrament of Initiation, Confirmation is intimately related to
Baptism and the Eucharist. Christians are reborn in Baptism,
strengthened by Confirmation, and sustained by the food of Eucharist.
Specifically, they are signed with the gift of the Spirit and become
more perfect images of their Lord. Confirmation renews and strengthens
the Christian’s Baptismal call to bear witness to Christ before the
world and work eagerly for the building up of His Body.”
(NCD #118)
Confirmation may be
administered to any baptized person who gives evidence of sufficient
understanding of the meaning of the Sacrament, and a desire to receive
it.
Beginning in the
2009-2010 school year, the Diocese of Madison is instituting a Regional
Confirmation format. This ceremony will take place in the spring of 2011
and include Class of 2011 and 2012 students at a location to be
determined by the Diocese. As soon as more specific details are
implemented, we will inform parents and students in our Confirmation
Prep program.
The Confirmation
preparation program is designed for students who have participated in a
Religious Education Studies program throughout their formative years. A
young adult wishing to be confirmed without any Religious Education
studies will be encouraged to participate in an R.C.I.A. program (Rite
of Christian Initiation for Adults) or an appropriate program that would
be developed to meet their needs.
Confirmation candidates
in our parish fulfill many requirements before they receive this
Sacrament:
·
Personal
desire to be Confirmed.
·
Have
knowledge of the Catholic faith and a desire to live it, displayed in
weekly mass attendance. Service to others, and everyday living.
·
Participate in all Religion Classes throughout their junior year. It
confirmed as a senior, they are required to participate in special
assemblies in their senior year.
·
Choose a
sponsor who is a registered Confirmed practicing Catholic Christian,
other than a parent, who is willing to journey in faith with the
candidate. If a sponsor belongs to a parish other than ours, we will
need to know the name of the Catholic parish where they are registered.
·
Candidate
and sponsor participate in a Day of Recollection
tentatively set for
fall of 2010.
·
Participate in the Confirmation Retreat in the spring of 2011.
·
Complete
service for our parish amounting to ten hours. After participating in
service activities, students will need to submit a signed “Service
Project Report” to the teacher or Coordinator of Religious education..
·
Experience ministries during weekend liturgies at least 5 times. After
each ministry is completed, a signed “Ministry Report” needs to be
submitted to the teacher or Coordinator of Religious Education.
·
Participate in practice for the Confirmation ceremony with their
sponsor.
Christ himself declared
that he was marked with his Father’s seal. Christians are also marked
with a seal: “It is God who establishes us with you in Christ and
has commissioned us; he has put his seal on us and given us his Spirit
in our hearts as a guarantee.”
(2 Corinthians 1:21-22) “This seal of the Holy Spirit [which is received
through the Sacrament of Confirmation] marks our total belonging to
Christ, our enrollment in his service forever, as well as the promise of
divine protection in the great eschatological trial.” (Catechism of
Catholic Church #1296)
The principle of
individual readiness is respected. This or any sacrament will not be
forced or refused to those suitably prepared for it. If a candidate or
the pastor determines that they are not ready, the candidate will be
encouraged to participate in the RCIA program when they feel ready.
Religious Education Teachers 2009-2010
Kindergarten (2 groups)
Lynn Michek
Vicki Mueller
Angela Mueller, Asst
1-2 more
Teachers/helpers needed
(this class has 22 students)
Grade 1
Andrea Benish
Grade 2
Jenny Biba
943-6181
Tina Webster, Asst. 574-0758
Grade 3
Teach needed for 13 students
Grade 4 (2 groups)
Kathy Breiwa
Teacher needed for 10 students
Grade 5
Matt Hebgen
Grade 6
Mark Hebgen
Grade 7
Two teachers needed for 6 students
Grade 8 (2 groups)
2 teachers needed to split 14 students
Freshmen (semester courses)
Old Testament -
Shirley Klar
Christian Morality - Teacher needed for 9 students for half the year
Sophomores (semester course)
Jesus Course - Cindy Drury
New Testament - Teacher needed for 7 students for half the year
Juniors
Mary Brown
Thank You
We are grateful for all the people who have signed up to help in our
parish religious education program! Thank you!!

Note: If we do not have a volunteer to teach your child’s class, we may
ask parents to each take a turn in teaching the class. Please consider
volunteering – even if only part time
Staff
Pastor
Fr. Kenneth J.
Frisch.......................................................... 929-7490
Rectory & Parish Office
Pastoral Assistant
Sharon
Olson................................................. 929-7490 or
929-7701
Parish Office
Coordinator of Religious Education
Delores
Eggers..................................................................
929-7701
Parish Office
2009-2010 Religious Education Commission
Evelyn Esser (Pastoral
Council Rep.)……………………..623-2349
Nancy Gundlach (Pastoral
Council Rep.)........................... 929-7508
Diane Mensch (Pastoral
Council Rep.)……………………929-4544
Fr. Ken
Frisch.....................................................................
929-7490
Delores
Eggers..................................................................
929-7436
Mary
Brown.........................................................................
929-4907
Cindy
Drury.........................................................................
929-7837
Priscilla Esser………………………………………………...929-4951
Ss. Anthony & Philip Parish
726 Main St. PO Box 306
Highland, WI
53543
929-7490
Rectory & Parish Office
929-7701 Religious Education
|