Holy Name Church Religious Education Parent Handbook

2015 – 2016

pg. 2

Table of Contents

Welcome ……………………………………….. page 4 Rel. Education contact information ……………. 5 Mission Statement ………………………………………6 Program Overview ………………………………………7 Sacramental Preparation……………………………..9 Program Registration ……………………………….. 11 Arrival & Dismissal/Attendance Policy………..13 Student Responsibility/Dress Code …………….14 Parents responsibilities ………………………………15 Parents Prayers ………………………………………….16 Miscellaneous Resources …………………………..18

Note: The pink page in the center of the booklet, please complete and return to the child’s catechist.

pg. 3 Welcome! Dear Parents/Guardians and Students, It is with great joy that we welcome you to our Religious Education Program! We hope that your heart is open and ready to learn about our Catholic faith and ready to share it with others.

Our Religious Education teachers and volunteers are “ministers of the Church” eager to help you learn more about the Good News of Christ. Through their example they show us how to live a Christian life, both in celebrating the sacraments, and in how to live Christian values.

However, you are the primary educators of your children, and it is in our homes living our Catholic faith with our families, that imprints our faith on our children. Students learn by the example of those around them. Our program is intended to supplement the religious formation the children are receiving at home. We ask you to take an active role in your child’s religious instruction. Please make sure that each week your child brings home “Sharing Faith with My Family Page”: ask questions about what was learned and review the material. If religious education is important to the parents/guardian, it will be important to the students.

We need to know our faith in order to live it. Knowledge is important but above all it is important that we live our relationship with Jesus and live out His teachings. The Eucharist is the center of our Christian life. As disciples of the Lord we come together and worship Him every week. Religious Education does not take the place of Mass each week, nor daily prayer or the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation on a regular basis.

Thank you for entrusting your children and their faith formation to us. We look forward to working with you. If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please do not hesitate to contact the office. May the be your guide as together you continue to grow in Faith.

Sincerely, ______Rev. Martin F. Parayno, Pastor pg. 4 Religious Education Teams:

Fr. Martin Parayno, OSB Religious Education Director Michelle Van Faith Formation Director/RE. Assistant Glenda Lopez Financial Coordinator Anna Martinez Parents/Confirmation Coordinator Minerva Reyna Volunteer Coordinator Patricia Olmos First Communion Coordinator Lourdes Bugher First Communion Coordinator Gina Rios Events Coordinator

Office Hours:

Religious Education Office hours are: Monday and Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 – 3:00 PM Friday: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Saturday and Sunday by appointment

Schedule of Classes:

Grade K to 8: Sunday: 10:15 – 11:30 AM High School/Confirmation Class: Saturday: 3:30 PM to 4:30PM

pg. 5 Mission Statement

We strive to help our children to experience the presence of God in their lives and to learn who Jesus Christ is. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit we aim to follow the ways of Jesus through Gospel teaching. United with our Holy Father, together with our parents we desire “to create the material and spiritual conditions for their full development; to give them a solid basis on which to build their lives; to guarantee their safety and their education to be everything they can be." - Francis

Objectives of our Catechesis

 Emphasize knowledge of the Catholic Faith  Explain the meaning of liturgy and sacraments and encourage participation  Promote moral formation according to Gospel teaching  Teach prayer and ways of prayer  Encourage the young to live in as a positive member of the family/community and to participate actively in the life and mission of the  Inspire a missionary spirit and prepare the young to be leaders in society

pg. 6 Program Overview

Holy Name Religious Education program provides religious instruction to children 5 through 17 years of age who are enrolled in public schools. We follow the guidelines of our Diocesan Office of Faith Formation; we offer Faith Formation from Kinder through High School. After 2 years of sacramental preparation, children receive the Sacraments of First Holy Communion or Confirmation. Just as we continue our learning in school, the Church recommends that children continue their formal religious studies.

Curriculum

The Religious Education program uses catechetical materials published by William H. Sadlier, Inc. The series, entitled “We Believe”, copyright 2011, provides a very good presentation of material in full compliance with the American Bishops’ Committee on Catechetics. Sadlier’s We Believe Series provides a spiral curriculum that presents the key concepts of faith each year in a deeper and broader way as the learner grows more capable of understanding and living in discipleship. The foundation of this program is based on the four components of Catholic teaching as reflected in the structure of the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

1. What Catholics Believe We share a common faith based on Sacred Scripture and the Tradition of the Church founded on the teachings of the apostles under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

2. How Catholics Worship We celebrate our faith in worship when we give honor and praise to God. Church calls it the first “work” of God’s people. The official public worship of the Church is called liturgy. pg. 7 3. How Catholics Live Living as Jesus taught us is not easy, but God gives us help. Our conscience and other special gifts help us to learn God’s will and we turn away from sin.

4. How Catholics Pray When we pray, we express our faith in God. We can pray privately. We can also pray with others in the church community when we gather for worship.

Website: www.sadlierreligion.com/webelieve

Students and parents are encouraged to visit this website often – it offers something for everyone in the family, and is a great way to see what your child is learning in class.

Sharing Faith with My Family Pages

Every week the students will bring home a page from their text that summarizes what was covered in the chapter of the day, and which suggests prayers and activities at home for enrichment. Please ask your child to see these pages and keep informed about what they are learning.

In addition, a variety of supplemental materials from various publishers approved for use in religious education, are used at the various grade levels to enhance the learning and formation process.

Each child will receive a textbook as part of the registration fee. This textbook must be maintained clean and brought to class each week. Lost books must be replaced and can be purchased from the Religious Education Office. ($20.00 for each book replacement)

pg. 8 Sacramental Whether a child is being baptized, receiving the Eucharist for the first time, or being confirmed in the community of the Church, these are special moments in the life of the family.

 Parents play an essential role in sacramental preparation programs. It is vital that parents, parish, and religious education staff work together to nurture and support the children who are preparing to receive a sacrament.

 Parents’ example of regular attendance at Mass and reception of the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation are vital.

 Catechists and parents work together in cooperative and supportive ways to provide the necessary instruction and guidance needed. Parents, as primary educators of their children, are expected to work with the catechists and the Pastor to determine if their children are ready for each sacrament.

REQUIREMENTS FOR :

1. Attend Sunday (or Saturday evening) Mass as a FAMILY. 2. Attend Religious Education classes regularly. NO MORE THAN 2 ABSENCES PER SEMESTER! 3. Choose an appropriate godparent early. 4. Parents must attend ALL REQUIRED MEETINGS listed on the Calendar (TBA) 5. Make arrangements to attend one of Rey Hinojosa's Baptismal classes on the THIRD MONDAY of each month in the Religious Ed. Room. Bring the godparent. (Do this ahead of time.) 6. Bring a copy of the child's OFFICIAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE (no hospital copy) to the Baptismal class.

pg. 9

REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRST COMMUNION: Children will receive communion in 3rd grade.

1. Attend Sunday (or Saturday evening) Mass as a FAMILY. 2. Attend Religious Education classes regularly. NO MORE THAN 2 ABSENCES PER SEMESTER!!! 3. It is the parent's responsibility to teach the child the required prayers (located at the back of the book). 4. Parents must attend the 2 required meetings listed on the calendar. 5. A copy of the child's BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE must be submitted at Registration time. NOTE:  Children that have never attended Religious Education program and under 10 years are required to attend 2 year program before receiving Communion.  Children 10 and older will have to complete a one year program to receive the Communion.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CONFIRMATION (2-year program):

1. Preparation for Confirmation is a FULL TWO-YEAR program separate from the preparation for First Communion. 2. Preparation for Confirmation begins in the 9th grade; confirmation will be completed the 10th grade. 3. Attendance must be consistent with NO MORE THAN 2 ABSENCES PER SEMESTER!!! 4. Families MUST attend Mass every Sunday (or Saturday evenings). pg. 10 5. Parents must attend ALL REQUIRED MEETING listed on the calendar. 6. Students MUST ATTEND the RETREAT! See calendar. 7. Students MUST complete at least 24 hours of COMMUNITY SERVICE in two years of program. We take up the challenge that Jesus gives to each of us. When we step out of our comfort zone and serve others we experience the joy of giving and begin to be transformed into Christ. (Please check with Volunteer Coordinator for Community Service). 8. Choose ONE sponsor (usually a godparent) early in the first semester. 9. A copy of the student's BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE must be submitted at Registration time. 10. Other requirements will be given and explained to the students.

SACRAMENTAL POLICIES: All requirements for the reception of First Communion, Penance and Confirmation will be handled at a parent meeting scheduled for each of these sacraments. These meetings include faith instruction and adult education for parent(s)/guardian(s) on the particular sacraments. Attendance at these meetings is required and failure by a parent/guardian to attend may delay a child’s reception of the sacrament (see Religious Education calendar for specific dates).

Program Registration Registration takes place every year during the month of August. You can register after the Masses on Sunday or you can also register in the parish office during office hours. New students can be registered at any time throughout the year.

Registration Information Tuition fee information is reviewed annually and adjusted as necessary. Tuition covers the cost of each student’s textbook, art supplies, resource materials and other miscellaneous items. It also helps to defray the overall cost of running the program. (A replacement fee may be charged for books that are lost or damaged). pg. 11 In the event that a family is having financial difficulties and the fee presents a hardship for the parents. Please make an appointment to speak with the Pastor as soon as possible

FEES & DOCUMENTS

Tuition covers the cost of each student’s textbooks, art supplies, resources materials. Payments may be made by cash or check ONLY.

One child $40.00 Two children $55.00 Three or more children $65.00

ADDITIONAL FEES: Second year First Communion $10.00 Second year Confirmation $20.00

Note: All fees and sacramental records MUST BE DUE BEFORE classes begin. Please bring copies of sacramental certificates of Baptism, First Communion, and/or Confirmation at the time of registration.

Non-discriminatory Policy

The Holy Name Religious Education Program is operated under the Archdiocese of San Antonio. The Program does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, or national and ethnic origin in administration of its policies, supplementary programs or any other program-based function.

Snacks in the classroom

Since no snack time has been planned for Sunday morning classes, please be sure that your child eats breakfast. Food will be allowed in the class only on special occasions with permission from the Religious Education Director.

pg. 12 Arrival/Dismissal All students are expected to arrive on time. Classes on Sunday start at 10:15am and end at 11:30am. Parents are asked to escort their child to their classroom and make sure their catechist is present before they leave. If they arrive before the catechist, they’re asked to please wait with their child outside the classroom until the catechist arrives in the room. Children are not allowed in the classrooms unattended and/or unsupervised. At dismissal time (11:30 AM) parents of grades K, 1, 2, and 3 may go to their child’s class to pick up the children. Parents must wait outside until the dismissal bell rings before going to the classrooms to pick up the children. All other grades will be dismissed in front of the school building. Parents are not allowed to wait in the hallways; crowding the halls and/or stairways is a violation of safety regulations. Every child has to be signed out by an authorized adult. Children are not allowed to walk home under any circumstances. Parents are asked to please be on time when picking up their children. In the event that children need to be picked up before the end of class, parents need to stop in the office first. They’ll be asked to sign the early dismissal log before going to the classroom.

It is imperative that our drop-off/pick-up procedures are followed to ensure the safety of all our children. Failure to do so may result in your children being dropped from our program. Children should never be dropped off at the entrances of the building. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Attendance Children are expected to be present at each class session. If the child is ill, or will be absent for another reason, the parent/guardian should notify the teacher or Michelle Van, and make up the missed lesson at home. The child cannot be absent more than 4 times for the year. Emergency In case of an emergency during class hours, you may call Michelle Van (210)-417-1235 or Anna Martinez (210)-488-0286 cell phone.

pg. 13 Cancellation of Classes

If classes are cancelled due to an emergency, a member of the religious education staff will notify you.

Health Concerns

Health information is collected on the Catechetical Registration Form. Catechists and other personnel are not allowed to dispense or administer medication to students. If your child is on medications please follow the doctor’s orders in administering the medication.

Student Responsibilities/ Code of Conduct Students are expected to: 1. Treat others with Christian charity, and Church property with respect. 2. Always walk carefully and quietly. 3. Address others respectfully. 4. Refrain from using electronic devises (no cell phone during class). 5. Attend classes each week, be prepared with necessary materials, and be punctual. 6. Read and complete any work that was missed due to an absence. NOTE: Kindly inform us on the registration form if your child has any learning difficulties that the teacher should be aware of so that we can be prepared.

Dress code Students must dress in attire that is appropriate. Our efforts to teach children reverence for God and for each other include guiding them to present themselves appropriately. Clothing that’s too tight or revealing should not be worn and undergarments should never be showing.

pg. 14 Parent Responsibilities

Parents are the primary educators of their children. Our program is intended to complement, the teaching children receive at home. We look forward to working with you in this joint venture of bringing up your children in our Catholic Faith. Parents are responsible to: 1. Read all the information provided in this booklet. 2. Keep our office informed of any changes in status, including telephone numbers, e-mail and home addresses, and emergency information. 3. Bring the children to every class, on time. 4. Present us with a note explaining an absence when the child returns to class. 5. Make sure their child comes to class prepared. 6. Use Sharing Faith with My Family Pages. Ask your child what was learned in class, and encourage discussions as it pertains to what they’re learning in class. 7. Be a good Christian role model and live by the teachings of Jesus Christ. 8. Be a good example for the children by being involved in the parish community. 9. Attend parent meetings. 10. Read all notices sent home, either by mail or through their children. 11. Pray with your children daily. 12. Bring your child to Mass and celebrate the Sacraments together every week.

If you are not attending Mass each week with your child/children, ask yourself: why attend Faith Formation classes? This is a question only you can answer!

pg. 15

PARENT’S PRAYER

Most loving Father, you have entrusted our children to us to bring them up for you and prepare them for everlasting life.

Assist us with your grace, that we may fulfill this sacred duty with competence and love.

Teach us what to give and what to withhold. Show us when to praise, when to reprove, and when to be silent.

Make us gentle and considerate, yet firm and watchful. Keep us from the weakness of indulgence and the excess of severity.

Give us the courage to be disliked sometimes by our children, when we must do necessary things that are displeasing in their eyes.

Give us the imagination to enter their world in order to understand and guide them.

Grant us all the virtues we need to lead them by word and example in the ways of wisdom and piety.

One day, with them, may we enter into the joys of our true and lasting home with you in heaven. Amen.

pg. 16

Loving Students as St. John Bosco Did

St. John Bosco tells us what is important: “That the youngsters should not only be loved, but that they themselves should know that they are loved.” Only in mutual love can real catechesis begin.

Together

As Parents, Catechists, Parish Community And Global Community

We will bring all of Our Children To the Lord, Our God!

“The family “Today more than ever, is the school of love.” the Christian family has a (Pope John Paul II) very noble mission.” (Pope Benedict XVI)

pg. 17 Miscellaneous Resources ITEMS EVERY CATHOLIC HOME SHOULD HAVE: Holy Bible. Be sure you have a Catholic Translation. The New American Bible is recommended. The text of scripture can also be accessed online at www.usccb.org/nab/bible. Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC): the universal and official explanation of the teachings of the Catholic Church. Find it easily on amazon.com by searching “the catechism” (get the 2nd edition). Complete text is also at www.usccb.org/catechism. Crucifix in a prominent place. Search “Catholic gifts” to buy online. Holy Water. Bring a small, clean bottle to church and ask Father where you can fill it with blessed water. Rosaries. Go online to www.hail‐mary‐rosaries.com/free‐rosaries.html. Statue(s) of the Blessed Mother. Search “Catholic gifts” to buy online.

CATHOLIC RADIO! Tune in to Relevant Radio 930 or 950AM: Joliet’s Catholic Radio Station with terrific programming 24/7 Guadalupe Network radio (ewtn) 87.9FM Learn more or listen online at www.relevantradio.com.

CATHOLIC WEB www.vatican.va: Official website of the Vatican. Papal documents, homilies, and more. www.pope2you.net: Pope Benedict connects with you via YouTube, Facebook & more! www.usccb.org: Website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops www.catholic.com: Website of Catholic Answers, including Apologetics, Online Library, Catholic News, Catholic Q&A and Forums, and more

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