Ss. Anthony and Philip Catholic Community

Religious Education 
 

_{AFTER SCHOOL TREAT   Attendance   class Cancellation   Day & Time of Classes    GRADE LEVEL SUMMARIES   Memorized Prayer   PROGRAM FEE    Sacraments    SAFE environment   scholarships    Teachers   Transportation   Written permission   YOUTH MINISTRY}

(The following information is also found in the Parent / Student Handbook)

Religious Education Program
 

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.

This year we are asking for much cooperation from the families of Religious Ed students and of all parishioners.  Due to the removal of the Parish Center, our classes will be held in St. Philip Church (basement and upstairs), the Rectory Basement, and at the VFW Building (Juniors only).  Class times will remain the same for both afternoon and evening classes.  We realize that there may be issues which arise any time you make changes, but we hope with your help this year will run as smoothly as possible.  If you have any concerns regarding how things are going, please contact me as soon as possible.  Together we will try and solve the issue.

Most of the communication 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, afternoon play area monitors, 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 at the Rectory), or send an e-mail deggers@mhtc.net

Blessings,

Delores

Day & Time of Classes

Program Fee for 2007-2008

The Religious Education Program is funded by the annual Porkfest, 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!

Since the matter of the fee is confidential we ask families to please send their payment to the Religious Education Center rather than sending it with their child to Religion Class.  It can be mailed or dropped in the collection basket in a specially marked envelope.  A form is provided with this handbook. (See pink sheet.)

An acknowledgement of program fees received from each family will be included in the financial statement sent to all registered families in December and at the end of the fiscal year (June 2006).

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 the Parish Center.  Parents, PLEASE be sure to do this before the first Religion Class on September 26.  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
Again, the Stratton Bus Company has generously agreed to bus our Highland Elementary Students (Grade 1-5) to St. 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 St. 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 St. Philip Church  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 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 the Parish Center 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 IMMEDIATELY!


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.stsanthonyphilip.com


No Electronic Devices During Class Time
We ask that ALL electronic devices (cell phones or music players of any type) are turned off during class time.  If a student is using one of these during class time, it will be taken from them until class is over. 
 

No Gum in the Classrooms 
We ask that no gum be chewed or brought into the Parish Center or Church building.  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.
 

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 Touching Safety Rules and Safe Friends, Safe Adults, and Safe Touches.  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.

 

Cancellation of Class
In the event of bad weather or threatening weather conditions, Religion classes may be canceled.  The Parish Office will make a decision by 1:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.  The office 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 Office know.  You can have the choice of a call or e-mail sent to you.  If you’re interested in being on the e-mail list, please contact Delores at 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 RE 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 in the event of bad weather, Ss. Anthony & Philip 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.

Kindergarten 
Our Kindergarten friends are introduced to the fact that God loves them and Jesus is our friend!

Grade 1 
We begin our educational years by looking at the Holy Trinity:  God the Father and our Creator, Jesus the Son and our friend & brother, the Holy Spirit source of strength, joy & peace.

Grade 2 
Our 2^nd graders focus and prepare for two Sacraments: Reconciliation and Eucharist. 

Grade 3 
Our church has four marks – one, holy, Catholic, apostolic.  These are the focus for our 3^rd Graders.  The 3^rd graders also prepare for First Reconciliation.

Grade 4 
Our 4^th graders have an unique opportunity to explore the moral teachings of our faith.  The Ten Commandments play an important part in that.

Grade 5
Our 5^th graders explore the Seven Sacraments of our faith.  They also take a special look at our Mass and have an opportunity to organize and celebrate their own Mass with our pastor.

Grade 6 
This is the year students begin to study the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament).  The Seder Meal is a tradition found in scripture that our students and families experience.

Grade 7 
Our 7^th Graders have a discussion type series to explore and review their faith. Topics include: The Church, Sacraments, Jesus Christ.

Grade 8 
Our 8^th graders have a discussion type series pertaining to The Trinity, Revelation, and Kingdom of God.

Freshmen 
The mini-courses begin in High School.  The Freshmen have two mini-courses: Old Testament Course & Christian Morality Course

Sophomores 
The two mini-courses for our Sophomores are: the New Testament Course & the Jesus Course

Juniors/Seniors 
Confirmation preparations take place in the Junior/Senior year


 

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 prayers and encourage them in their efforts.  These visits are scheduled and students are informed a week or two in advance.

Grade 1            Sign of 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  The Acts of Faith,   Hope and Love

Grade 5            Apostles’ Creed  The 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  March 5, 2008      

Grades 3 & 4  April 2, 2008    

Grade 5          March 12, 2008    

College Scholarships
Our parish has continued the tradition of our CCW group, by offering two $200 college scholarships to the High School Seniors.  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 continue to minister to our youth in Middle and High School, we have joined with St. Thomas in Montfort for events outside of class time.

For Middle School Students (Grades 6-7-8):
Details are still being worked out for these events.

For High School Students (Grades 9-10-11)
"Take the Plunge" Youth Rally at Sinsinawa Mound January 27, 2008.


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 will be available soon. 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.

 

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)  Our 2nd Graders prepare for this sacrament during the first Semester and receive the sacrament in January.

Parents have a right and responsibility to be involved in their child’s preparation.  We will have a Parent Meeting on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, 10:00 a.m. at St. Philip Church Basement.   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 23, 2008.

The date for First Reconciliation is Saturday, January 26, 2008, 10:00 a.m. in St. Philip Church.  A luncheon reception will follow in the Church Basement.

In our Religious Education Program, we celebrate a Penance Service with our students in Grades 2-12 once each year.  This year, our 3rd and 4^th graders also have the opportunity to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation once during our school year.  Students in grades 6-12 are encouraged to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation with their families when it is offered to the parish – especially as they prepare for Easter Sunday.

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.

 

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, March 2, 2008, 10:00 a.m. in St. Philip Church basement.

The families receive a textbook to complete with their child.  The completed textbooks are due April 2, 2008.   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 19, 2008 during the 4:30 p.m. Mass.  At least one parent will need to come to the rehearsal with their child on Saturday, April 19 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.

 

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.

In our parish, Confirmation is celebrated every two years and we will celebrate this special sacrament in the Spring of 2006.  Please know that we request the Bishop’s presence in January for the spring date.  We will ask for a service on a Sunday afternoon or Wednesday evening in order to avoid scheduling conflicts with school activities, weddings, etc.  The date will be announced when we have it confirmed with the Bishop.

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.  If 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 November 3, 2007, time: 2:00 - 4: p.m. followed by 4:30 p.m. Mass.

 ¡ Participate in the Confirmation Retreat scheduled for April 4-6, 2008, held at Wyalusing State Park.

¡ Complete service for our parish amounting to ten (10) 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.

 

Thank You. We are grateful for all the people who have signed up to help in our parish religious education program!  Thank you!!

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
                                                                                   

2007-2008 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

Tony Kaster........................................................................ 929-4548

Tim Kosharek..................................................................... 929-4077

Peg McCarthy..................................................................... 929-7620

Bob Menke.......................................................................... 929-7831

Donna Thielorn .................................................................. 929-4838

Deb Wolfe........................................................................... 929-7680

Sharon Wolfe...................................................................... 929-4972

Ss. Anthony & Philip Parish
1023 Dodgeville St.  PO Box 306
Highland, WI  53543

929-7490 Rectory & Parish Office
929-7701 Religious Education