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Introduction

This handbook is designed to serve as a guide for parents/guardians, students, and catechists involved in Forward In Faith at Blessed Sacrament Parish. The philosophy, goals, policies, guidelines and schedule serve to communicate the content of our faith formation program.

The catechetical formation of each child is a responsibility shared both by the parent and the parish faith formation program. The goal of faith formation of ALL people is threefold: to present information in the content of our Catholic Christian faith, to enable formation in the values and attitudes needed to live a Catholic Christian faith, which leads to the end-goal of transformation and conversion in Christ Jesus.

The policies in this handbook have been adopted by Blessed Sacrament Board of Education and apply to the Faith Formation Programs of Blessed Sacrament Parish. These policies give the Coordinator/Director of Faith Formation, parents/guardians, students, and catechists a direction in responding to the religious and spiritual needs of parish families.

Parents and catechists are requested to acquaint themselves as well as the children with the contents of this handbook. Knowledge of the policies and guidelines will help achieve the goals of our faith formation program.

Faith Formation Programs

Blessed Sacrament Parish Faith Formation Programs include:

• Preschool for children ages 3, 4 and 5 (Children's Liturgy of the Word)
  
• Faith Formation Classes for children in grades K to 8
  
• Youth Ministry/Adolescent Catechesis
  

Help for Victims of Sexual Abuse

The Archdiocese of Dubuque has established a program of pastoral assistance to people who believe they or those in their care have been sexually abused as minors by clergy or other Church personnel. This assistance will include help in informing civil and Church authorities. Victim Assistance Coordinators are trained to facilitate access to appropriate professional mental health services, social service agencies, support groups and/or individuals who can provide spiritual care. Any individual desiring help from this program is invited to call toll free 800-803-6758 or 866-319-4636 to report ab allegation or receive assistance. This program is part of the “Policy for the Protection of Minors.”

Mission Statement of the Educational Apostolate
Archdiocese of Dubuque

The mission of the Educational Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Dubuque is to guide individuals to:
• respond to God’s call to personal conversion
• form Christian Community
• grow in knowledge and culture, becoming enlightened and enlivened by faith
• shape society in the spirit of Gospel freedom, justice, and love

References
To Teach as Jesus Did, #7
Church in the Modern World, #2
Declaration on Christian Education, #8
Justice in the World
Adopted:February 14, 1976
Revised: May 4, 1996

Mission Statement
of the Office of Catechetical Services

The Office of Catechetical Services for the Archdiocese of Dubuque, guided by the leadership of the Archbishop, carries on the mission of the Church in passing on the Catholic faith and tradition. The goal in catechesis is conversion or transformation in Christ. The value of lifelong formation necessitates meeting the spiritual, theological, and wholistic needs of all people.

To enhance lifelong formation, the staff

• provides educational programs in the content of our faith in the Christ-centered way of life, the sacraments and liturgy, the creedal belief, prayer, leadership, and ways to echo the Word of God.
•promotes a formational process in living the values, rituals, and traditions of the faith.

To nurture faith, the staff

• listens to the needs of the people with/to whom we minister.
• collaborates with each other, catechetical ministers and archdiocesan offices.
• empowers and entrusts others to carry on the Church’s mission within parish communities.
• creates new visions for the future Church.
Adopted: June 7, 1996

Community of Blessed Sacrament Mission Statement
Because our hearts are burning within us, we the
Community of Blessed Sacrament are disciples of Christ, witnessing the love of God through worship, service and lifelong faith formation. 2003

Promotion of the Knowledge of Faith The first task is to “promote the knowledge of the faith” when one chooses to have a relationship with another person, there is an overwhelming desire to be with the person in order to know about the person. An aspect of Knowledge is the opportunity to have God's good news proclaimed in order to hear and know of Christ's life,teachings, mission, and ministry. With the hearing often comes a conversion and desire for becoming a disciple of Christ. Catechesis responds to the desire of discipleship and the desire to “know more” by giving children and adults the content of God's self revelation in a special way through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition and through the basic beliefs expressed in the Creed as outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). This “Knowledge of Faith” of the K-12 programs in the Archdiocese is defined in the Basic Elements of Catholic Faith Formation for the religious education programs and the Religion Standards for Catholic schools.

Liturgical Education A primary task of authentic catechesis is to promote meaningful participation in liturgical worship and the sacramental life of the Church. The seven sacraments recognized by the Catholic Church were instituted and have their foundation in the life of Jesus Christ (CCC, 1145-15). The sacraments are signs and celebrations of significant times in which God's grace and love are most prominently made visible in a ritualized and public manner with and in the Christian community. The Church celebrates in the liturgy, particularly the Eucharist, the sacrament of all sacraments (CCC,1211), the Paschal mystery (passion, death, resurrection) by which Christ accomplished the work of salvation. Good catechesis can provide learners with an understanding of how the sacraments touch all the stages and important moments of Christian life and are mans for encountering the living Christ. The whole liturgical year and all its parts with its rich text, symbols and rituals provide opportunities for children and adults to more fully experience the richness of god's grace.

Moral Formation. A third component necessary for authentic and complete catechesis is the promotion of moral formation in Jesus Christ. Catechesis needs to be rich in the content of Christ moral teachings and delivered in ways that have pratical implications and applications for daily living. Part Three of the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches about the dignity of the human person whose location is one of “holiness” and of being in “right relationship” with God and others. When questioned about the greatest commandment, Jesus said: “You shall love the Lord, your God , with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind . . . . The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself’ (Matthew22: 37-39) Jesus gave further “attitudes” to his followers to live by in His Sermon the mount (Matt 5). The Beatitudes serve as benchmarks for al faith-filled persons a to how they should live. The CCC presents the Church's social teachings as an essential part of of the moral teaching of the Church. These teachings are found in the life and words of Jesus Christ, who came “. . .to bring glad tidings to the poor,. . . liberty to captives . . . recovery of the sight to the blind” (luke 4:18-19). The elements of moral formation delivered in everyday examples and expectations need to be part of each program.

Teaching to Pray A fourth component of authentic and complete catechesis is to teach individuals how to pray with Christ. As stated in the National Directory of Catechesis (NDC n. 34), “Prayer is the basis and expression of the vital and personal relationship of a human person with the living and true God.” Just as food is needed for one's physical well-being, so is prayer necessary for one's spiritual nourishment and well-being. The Catechism states that “God tirelessly calls each person to the mysterious encounter known as prayer.” The invitation comes from God. By grace a person responds by surrendering to this incomprehensible gift of revelation where the Holy Spirit reveal the identity of the Triune God and the identity of human persons to themselves. Catechesis for prayer includes liturgical and personal prayer and leading persons and communities to a deeper faith life. The NDB further states that “catechesis for prayer emphasizes the major purposes for prayer--adoration, thanksgiving, petition, and contrition and includes various prayer forms: communal prayer, private prayer, traditional prayer, spontaneous prayer, gesture, song, meditation,a and contemplation. Catechesis for prayer accompanies a person's continual growth in faith. It is most effective when the catechist is a prayerful person who is comfortable leading others to prayer and to participation in liturgical worship.”

Education of Community Life A fifth task of catechesis is preparation of the Christian to live in community and to participate actively in the life and mission of the Church. From the very getting of time, humans were created to be in relationship with God and one another. Christy established the importance to community when he invited the twelve to come follow Him with the command to “love one another.” It is through this love and the sacrament of initiation, Baptism, that one gains an identity as a disciple of Christ. Baptism is a sacrament of belonging--to God and to parish community Just as it takes a whole village to raise a child, it takes the whole Catholic community/parish to form its baptized members in a life of prayer, social and sacramental celebrations, and beliefs. It is the responsibility of the parish to share with its members the faith nd the teachings of Christ about community life: simplicity, humility, solidarity with and concern for the poor, common prayer, mutual forgiveness,a and fraternal love. (NDV, n 20 #5).

Missionary Initiation. The sixth task of catechesis is the promotion of a missionary spirit that prepares the faithful to be present as Christians in society; simply put, to live according to what is believed. This “missionary spirit” is seen as an outcome of the other tasks of catechesis, all leading toward discipleship with Jesus. Christians are to be actively engaged in daily life with a burning missionary spirit. Christians are to be harbingers, or messengers, of hope in a world that is often disheartened because of isolations, poverty, disease, abuse, addictions, and violence. Promoting a missionary spirit involved evangelization including reaching out to others in one's own family and beyond. The good news of salvation needs to be echoed in all “spaces of life” including office cubicles, factories, hospitals, prisons, universities, gated communities, inner-city streets, homeless shelters, a teenager's room, and any place people work, play or live. The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy (CCC 2447) provide a means for addressing the needs of our sisters and brothers in Christ and for fulfilling the mission of the Church.

1. Adults A study of adult forms of learning is part of the planning for the adult formation programs. A variety of adult programs meets the needs of the all people.
   
   
2. Family A family-centered formation program provides an opportunity for the entire family to do quality sharing and eliminates pulling the family in different directions.
   
   
3. Young Adults Post high-school people often have difficult time finding their place in the Church. Programs of peer ministry, scripture study, spirituality, social and service programs are appropriate offerings.
   
   
4. Adolescents Working with adolescents involves both catechizing and formation e.g. social, recreational, community building and apostolic activities.
   
   
5. Children of Catechetical Age An organized catechetical program helps call children to a greater understanding of their faith. A budget that allows for materials to develop creative, interesting programs is a necessity.
   
   
6. Early Childhood A program to provide an environment where children will develop attitudes of love and respect for themselves and others through sharing, group experiences, awareness of feelings, use of creativity, and developing language skills. These activities call forth the child’s deep sense of wonder.
   
   
7. Persons with Disabilities Programs designed to meet the needs of persons with disabilities and their families flow from a welcoming parish community. When possible, special needs persons are to be included in the parish catechetical and sacramental programs. Gatherings to meet the special needs are encouraged; such as retreats, renewals, “Faith and Light.” Advocacy for special needs includes accessibility to buildings, availability of programs, mentors, and inclusion in parish life and activities.
   
   
8. Catholic Schools Catholic schools provide an atmosphere where the student’s faith grows, and is integrated into all life experiences.
   
   
9. Marginalized Catechesis must address itself to those who are “the least of the brethren” (Matthew 25:40–45) such as immigrants, refugees, nomads, traveling people, the chronically ill, drug addicts, prisoners, and others whose spiritual needs must be nourished and cared for.
   
   
10. Elderly The growing number of people who are elderly represents a great pastoral challenge for the Church. Catechesis of the elderly must happen within the context of the community of believers who see the elderly as valuable gifts of God to the Church and society.
    
    

Archdiocesan Board of Education — Significant Policies

Policy Numbers and titles are in Bold, followed by a short description of the policy. The complete policy can be found in the Archdiocesan Board of Education Policy Book.

4116.1 Sexual Harassment
All educational programs governed by the Archdiocese of Dubuque shall maintain a learning and working environment that is free from sexual harassment.

4116.11 Harassment
All educational programs governed by the Archdiocese of Dubuque shall maintain a learning and working environment free from any type of harassment. No employee, volunteer or student associated with these programs shall be subjected to harassment.

4116.13 Bloodborne Pathogens
All educational programs governed by the Archdiocese of Dubuque shall strive to eliminate occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in schools and catechetical programs.

4116.3 Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse
Any certified or licensed employee must report suspected child abuse to the Department of Human Services within 24 hours. The school will provide training for mandatory reporters within six months of initial employment and every five years thereafter.

5111.11 Enrollment Condition - Non-Discrimination
Schools and educational programs are to make a serious effort to admit minority students including students with disabilities.

5117.1 Home Schooling - faith formation
Parents/guardians and children are expected to participate in the parish-sponsored catechetical programs approved by the Office of Catechetical Services.

5131.7 b Guns/Weapons in Parish/Regional/Diocesan Programs
Weapons or dangerous objects will be confiscated from catechetical program students and reported to law enforcement officials. The participant will be subject to disciplinary action.

5133 Gangs
Youth gangs and gang related activities are prohibited. Involvement and jurisdiction of school program authorities in gang related incidents occurring outside the school or off school/parish property will be determined.

5144 Discipline Guidelines
Schools and catechetical programs establish rules and regulations in keeping with Catholic principles and values. Corporal punishment is not used.

5144.1 Probation, Suspension and/or Expulsion
The administrator has the authority to place a student on probation or to suspend a student temporarily. A Discipline Committee appointed by the administrator shall have the authority to expel a student.

5145.2
Search and Seizure
A school official may conduct search if there is reasonable suspicion of criminal offense, or school rule violated, or the belief that a search will provide evidence.

6141.11
Education in Human Sexuality
Catholic schools and catechetical programs will provide education in human sexuality. It moves beyond the biological and scientific information into the fields of values and moral formation. Parents are included in the education process.

6150 Catechetical Program Standards
Parishes provide catechetical programs for students attending public school. Boards need to evaluate annually the program, the number of students per class and the integration of persons with disabilities. Approved textbooks are used.

6150.2 Parental Involvement
Parents/guardians are the primary educators of children. Parents/guardians are to be involved in the parish catechetical program.

6150.4 Sacramental Catechesis
In parishes with a Catholic school and a catechetical program, the program for parents/guardians, sponsors, and parish involvement is to be conducted jointly in the preparation for sacraments.

Sacraments
The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1131).

The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify, to build up the Body of Christ and, finally, to give worship to God. Because they are signs they also instruct. They not only presuppose faith, but by words and objects they also nourish, strengthen, and express it. That is why they are called sacraments of faith (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1123).

Sacraments of Initiation

The sacraments of initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, lay the foundations of every Christian life. Baptism is the beginning of new life, Confirmation strengthens the life born in Christ; and Eucharist nourishes the disciple with the Body and Blood of Christ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1212, 1275).

Baptism
Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the way to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments.

Catechesis for Baptism
From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present: proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic communion (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1229).

Where infant Baptism is celebrated, it has become a single act of abridging the preparatory stages of Christian initiation. An opportunity for catechesis is to be given to parents in preparation for the celebration of the sacrament.

Children of catechetical age should follow the adult Christian initiation model; that is, catechumenal formation and celebrating the three sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil (Canon 852). The Archdiocese of Dubuque encourages the reception of all three sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Even though the person of catechetical age receives all three sacraments at the Easter Vigil, it is assumed they participate in the preparation program offered in their teen years. If, however, parents, in consultation with the pastor on the options available and the rationale, wish to delay their child’s reception of the sacrament of Confirmation until after age 15, they need to make that request of the archbishop. The dispensation would be granted on an individual basis (Handbook, Archdiocese of Dubuque, #2115).

The Christian initiation for adults, and adapted for older children, begins with their entry into the catechumenate and culminates in a single celebration of the three sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. The rites for these stages are found in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (1972, 1988). The catechumenate, or formation of catechumens, is to bring conversion and faith to maturity. The formation in the Christian life initiates the catechumen into the mystery of salvation and the practice of the evangelical virtues, as well as the life of faith, liturgy, and charity (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1248).
Confirmation

Confirmation, as a sacrament, deepens baptismal grace in us by uniting us more firmly to Christ, increasing the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us, bonding us more fully with the Church, and strengthens us by the Holy Spirit to live the faith by word and action.

Like Baptism which it completes, Confirmation is given only once.

Catechesis for Confirmation

Catechetical preparation is to lead the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and bonding with the Holy Spirit in order to assume the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. Catechesis is to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church as well as the parish community. The parish/system community has the special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands.

The Confirmation Program has four phases: basic preparation, immediate preparation, celebration, and follow-up. Program planning should approach these distinct phases as an integrated whole.

To receive the sacrament of Confirmation, the ordinary norm is the minimum age of 15 in the Archdiocese of Dubuque. However, at Blessed Sacrament, we will be confirming during the junior and/or senior year of high school.

Candidates for Confirmation are to have a sponsor. To emphasis the unity of Baptism and Confirmation as initiation sacraments, it is appropriate that this be one of the baptismal godparents.
Sponsors must be at least 16 years old, already confirmed, and a practicing Catholic. The role of the sponsor is to assist in the catechetical and liturgical preparation for the sacrament, witness the celebration of the sacrament, support the candidate to fulfill the baptismal promises (Handbook, Archdiocese of Dubuque, #2150).

Holy Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. The Eucharist is the efficacious sign and sublime cause of communion in the divine life and the unity of the People of God as Church. It is the culmination of the act of God sanctifying the world in Christ and of the worship offered to Christ and through him to the Father in the Holy Spirit (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1322,1325).

Anyone who desires to receive Christ in Eucharistic communion must be in the state of grace. Anyone aware of having sinned mortally must not receive communion without having receiving absolution in the sacrament of Reconciliation (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1415).

Catechesis for Holy Eucharist

Children must have sufficient knowledge and careful preparation to receive the sacrament of Holy Eucharist. They are to understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity, and receive the Body of the Lord with faith and devotion. Children must be able to distinguish the Body of Christ from ordinary food and to receive communion reverently (Canon 913).

It is the responsibility of parents/guardians as well as the pastor to see that children who have reached the use of reason are correctly prepared and are nourished by the divine food as early as possible, preceded by sacramental confession (Canon 914)

Reconciliation

In the sacrament of Reconciliation, also referred to as the sacrament of conversion, confession and penance, sins committed after Baptism are forgiven. The penitent reconciles with God in grace, reconciles with the Church, receives a penance for their sins, receives an inner peace and spiritual strength to live the Christian life (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1496).

The penitent asks forgiveness, confesses sins to the priest, and makes the intention to do reparation (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1491).

Catechesis for Reconciliation

The decision as to when the child will receive the sacrament of Reconciliation is to be made by the child and his or her parents/guardians, in consultation with the priest who knows the child and the catechist who has helped prepare the child. In all cases the rights of the child must be respected.

Catechesis for the sacrament of Reconciliation is to be separated from catechesis for the sacrament of Eucharist so that the child will come to understand Reconciliation as a distinct sacrament.

A child is to receive instruction on the sacrament of Reconciliation before his or her first Communion.

It is the uniform practice in the Archdiocese of Dubuque that sacramental confession precede the reception of first Holy Communion. In those parishes where this is not the case, the practice should be brought into conformity with the Church's law as quickly as prudently possible (Handbook, Archdiocese of Dubuque, #2219).


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Parental Involvement In Sacramental Preparation

Parents/guardians are to be involved in the preparation of their children for the celebration of the sacraments. Therefore, parishes/systems are to plan and implement programs following the directives of the archdiocese for the reception of the sacraments. These directives are designed to prepare and involve parents/guardians, sponsors, and the parish community in the preparation for sacraments, in particular with regard to Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation.

Parent meetings/parish involvement should jointly involve individuals from all programs offered.
(ABE Policy #6150.4).

Parish Sacramental Preparation Policy

Families in the faith formation program must be registered members of Blessed Sacrament Parish. The faith formation and formation of each child is a responsibility shared by the parent/guardian and the parish faith formation program.

A person must be a baptized member of the Catholic faith and a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish to be in a preparation phase for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, or Confirmation. Persons not baptized in the Catholic tradition must be involved in a catechumenate process to prepare for the sacraments.

The program preparing children for the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation involve parents. Parent education is aimed in assisting parents in fulfilling their roles as primary educators. It is required for parent/guardian to attend meetings for sacramental preparation if a child is to participate in the sacramental celebrations. Parish faith formation is meant to enhance and assist the parents.

Baptism

• Parents of infants and children under the age of seven who wish to have their child baptized must attend a Pre-Baptismal class.
  
• Classes are offered several times during the year.
  
• Baptisms are scheduled by pastoral appointment.
  

• A child must have been in a faith formation program at least one year prior to preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
  
  
• Formal catechesis for the Sacrament of Reconciliation will take place before catechesis for First Eucharist.
  
  
• Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is primarily the responsibility of the parents.
  
  
• The minimum age for a person preparing for the sacrament is seven years old.
  
  
• If the person preparing for the sacrament is of grade school age, a parent is expected to attend the preparation meeting(s).
  

• A child must have been in a faith formation program for at least one year prior to preparing for the Sacrament of Eucharist.
  
  
• Catechesis for the Sacrament of Eucharist takes place after the catechesis for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
  
  
• Preparation for the Sacrament of Eucharist is primarily the responsibility of the parents.
  
  
• The minimum age for a person preparing for the sacrament is seven years old.

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Roles and Responsibilities



Parent/Guardian

You model your faith for your children daily. What your child will learn from faith formation class depends on your support and reinforcement at home, attending Sunday Mass as a family, and family prayer. Your interest and encouragement let your child know you value what is being done in the faith formation class. Learning prayers and the Catholic faith cannot be done only during class time. We expect the parents at home to work with your child in using the family activity pages of the text and dialoguing with your child what is being learned in the classroom.

Catechist

The role of the catechist is to “echo the Good News.” The Good News is the message of Jesus and the Catholic Church, prayer and worship, community with each other and within the parish, and service to all peoples. Catechists help lead the children to grow in their faith and relationship with Christ in the Church.

Parish Education/Faith Formation Committee

The Parish Board of Education is responsible for establishing goals, setting policies in collaboration with the Archdiocesan Board of Education, setting the budget, implementing programs, and evaluating the programs with the Director of faith formation. Members are elected from the parish. The pastor and Director of faith formation serve as ex-officio members.

Director of Faith Formation

The Director of faith formation (DRE) is a catechetical leader and administrator who is responsible for overall direction of parish catechetical programs. This includes working with the pastor(s), other ministers, and appropriate committees, boards, or councils involved in setting policy and planning; supervising coordinators, designing catechetical programs; assisting in liturgical planning; conducting sacramental preparation workshops; and providing opportunities for catechist formation.

Formation

The Coordinator of faith formation (CRE) is a catechetical leader who is responsible for a parish catechetical program(s) on a particular level or for a particular group(s). This includes working with the pastor, the Director of faith formation, and other staff members to implement catechetical program(s) as the onsite coordinator.

Guidelines and Procedures

Calendar Changes
If the calendar is changed, you will receive written notice with your child and/or a notice will be placed in the Parish Bulletin.

Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather, cancellation of classes for that day or night will be announced on radio stations and KWWL TV. If there is no public school for the day, faith formation classes are automatically canceled. Or, if public schools are dismissed early because of weather, there will be no Forward in Faith.

NOTE: The metro Catholic parishes cancel classes after consulting with one another. The TV or radio announcement may NOT specifically state that classes are canceled specifically at Blessed Sacrament. More than likely the announcement will read that the Waterloo Catholic parishes faith formation/Rel Ed/CCD classes are canceled.

Often the weather begins to get bad in the late afternoon. Please use your own judgment whether you can travel safely to class. Many households live in rural locations, where weather conditions are different than in town driving.


Arrival and Dismissal
Classes for K-8 are from 6:00-7:15p.m. Children will enter and be dismissed at the main entry doors of the Blessed Sacrament School building. Parents/guardians are asked to accompany children K-4 to the door. Encourage your children to walk as they enter the building. Many of the days that we meet, darkness has already fallen at arrival and dismissal time. Parents/guardians are to pick up their children at the same door after class.

Students will not be allowed in any classroom before the catechist arrives. After the catechist admits the student to the room, the catechist is responsible for supervising the students. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and courteous manner.

Classes for grades 9-12 (CORE-Cooperative Opportunities in faith formation) are from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m at Columbus High School. We have coordinated our sessions for the connivence of parents going to two different attendance sites.

Attendance
Attendance at programs and classes is essential to develop a sense of belonging to Blessed Sacrament Parish Community, for growth in your child's relationship to God, and for an ongoing understanding of our Catholic faith.

Notification of absence should be made to the Director of faith formation prior to the absence, no later than 6:00 p.m. the night of class.

Unexcused absences will be followed up by phone call, particularly with safety of children in mind. If attendance continues to be a problem, a meeting with the parents, student, and Director of faith formation will be arranged.

In special circumstances, i.e. long term illness, a serious accident, or personal family situation, communication with the Director of faith formation is required to maintain contact and relationship with the student.

Special Needs
Parents are requested to list any health concerns of a student on the registration form. This information will be communicated to the appropriate catechists.

Parents are requested to list any special needs of a student with learning disabilities on the registration form. This information will be communicated to the appropriate catechists.

Communications
There will be written communications to parents during the year. Children will be responsible to deliver notes to parents from catechists or the Director of faith formation. Notes ordinarily will be sent home with the oldest member of the family. Ongoing communication between catechists and parents is highly recommended. Parents are encouraged to contact the catechists or the Director of faith formation if a problem develops.

Property
Respect for a person’s property and for school and parish property is expected in every area of the school. Children are required to walk in school corridors and classrooms for their safety. Food and gum are not allowed in any classroom or building unless it is part of the class program and under the authority of the catechists.

Proper Dress
Appropriate attire in the faith formation program is necessary. Dress reflects attitude towards person and the activity.

Emergency Calls
Phone calls by a child will be made from the faith formation Office. Only necessary calls will be made, with permission and assistance from the Director of faith formation.

Lost Articles
Lost and found articles are kept in the faith formation Office.

Field Trips
If a field trip is planned, parents are requested to give written permission for a child to participate. Permission forms need to be signed by the parents before departure. Parents are encouraged to assist in transportation and/or chaperons.

Progress Reports
Progress reports will be sent home with each child in late December. This is a communication tool for parents enabling the child and catechist to share their progress in Foward In Faith.

Cell Phones
Cell phone usage is not permitted during class. If a child uses a cell phone for any function during class, it will be confiscated by the catechist and returned at the end of the night. The phone in the Religious Education office is available anytime during the night for appropriate use.

Communal Reconciliation:
1st Reconciliation. A parent with 2nd graders meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 from 6-7:15 pm in the parish center. We will celebrate the sacrament on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 from 6:00-7:15 pm. Check the bulletin for Advent and Lenten Communal Penance Celebrations.

First Eucharist:
Parent Meeting with 2nd graders: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 6:00 in the parish ctr.
Bread Party: April 14, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Dress Rehearsal/Photo Day: Saturday, April 17, 2010
Celebrations: Weekend masses of April 24/25, 2010

Sacramental Preparation
Children, who will receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, and their parents are expected to attend Sacramental Preparation Meetings as events are scheduled.

Prayer Experiences

Children in Forward In Faith will be prayer leaders at least once during the educational year.

September 23 Catechist lead

October 28 5th/6th graders lead

December 16 3rd/4th graders lead

January 20 2nd grade lead

March 10 Kdg/1st grade lead

April 7 7th & 8th graders lead

Discipline Policy

Guidelines for discipline in a faith formation program:
•Give support, love and guidance to participants to ensure the goal of self-discipline.
•Set consistent direction and limits in accord with established rules and procedures.
•Establish classroom rules and procedures in keeping with Catholic principles and values.
•Establish the consequences of violating these regulations and procedures. Consequences are to be logical and appropriate to behavior.
•Administer in a calm and just manner, making sure the participant know the reason for punishment and the consequences. (ABE Policy #5144)

The respect and dignity of all persons is valued. Discipline helps all students as it contributes to a climate of learning, loving, and living. It helps each student as it provides an environment to guide students to become a self-disciplined person.

Each catechist in the classroom will clarify and set up goals for learning and establish classroom guidelines. These guidelines will be posted and shared with the Director of faith formation. Goal-setting and positive consequences encourage students to choose appropriate behavior. Normal discipline problems are to be handled by the classroom catechist.

If there are recurrent or serious problems, the catechist discusses the situation with the Director of faith formation. The student will be dismissed from class, following this procedure:

1. First dismissal from the room: child remains with the Director of faith formation for the remainder of the class and does assigned work. The student will fill out a discipline form. The student and the Director of faith formation agree on an appropriate behavior.

2. Second dismissal from the room: Catechist calls parents/guardians. The student and the Director of faith formation will sign the discipline form. After class, the Director of faith formation will give the form to the catechist to sign and the student will take it home to obtain the parent/guardian signature.

3. Third dismissal from the room: parent/guardian, catechist, DRE and child meet to develop a growth plan.

4. Fourth dismissal from room: child is dismissed from the program and materials are provided for the parent/guardian to work with the child at home.

5. Discipline forms will be filed in the faith formation Office for the year.


Legal Action
Contact the Director of the Office of Catechetical Services immediately when any action by the child, parent/guardian, catechist, DRE, or other personnel leads to possible legal action.

Discipline Form

Name_____________________________________ Date_______________________

1. Why was I asked to leave the room?






2. What behavior on my part contributed to this?






3. I will do the following so that my time in faith formation classes will be more profitable by:







Agreement:________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________



__________________________ ____________________________
Student Catechist

__________________________ ____________________________ Parent/Guardian Director of faith formation

Prayers

Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name; Your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Prayer of Sorrow
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Amen.

Apostles Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayer Before Meals
Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are about to receive from your goodness,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer After Meals
We give you thanks for all your gifts, almighty God, living and reigning now and forever. Amen.

Peace Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

The Rosary
How to Say the Rosary:

1. Begin with the crucifix and say the Apostle's Creed.
   
2. On the first bead, say one Our Father.
   
3. On the next three beads, say Hail Mary.
   
4. Next say one Glory be.
   
5. Then announce the first Mystery and say one Our Father.
   
6. Say ten Hail Marys and one Glory Be.
   
7. Announce the second Mystery and continue in the same way until each of the five Mysteries of the selected group or decades are said.
   

Who’s Who 2008-2009

Catechists