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 ~ 1^st child in your family     (Grade 1-11)

$10.00 ~ 2^nd child in your family   (Grade 1-11)

$  5.00 ~ 3^rd child in your family    (Grade 1-11)

$  5.00 ~ 4^th 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 2^nd graders focus and prepare for two Sacraments: Reconciliation and Eucharist. 

Our 5^th 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 3^rd 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