Catechetical Ministry Parent Handbook 2008-2009

Cat e che` sis (Greek , to echo) “Hand down” the faith tradition

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church 14085 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills CA 91709
909.465.5503 x6370

The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 1 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 Table of Contents

I. Introductory Letters

II. Mission Statement

III. Expectations

IV. Catechetical Ministry Personnel

V. Calendars (Sessions & Parent Mtgs)

VI. Curriculum

VII. Sacraments

VIII. Policies & Right to Amend

IX. Emergency Preparedness

X. Code of Conduct & Parent

Acknowledgement Form

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 2 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 Section I: Introduction Letters

Dear Parents,

Once again it is my pleasure to welcome you and your family to another enriching faith-filled Catechetical year. The year provides opportunities for all of us to gather as community and to pass on the richness of our Catholic faith – our experiences, our beliefs, our rituals and our spiritual traditions.

The nation-wide theme for 2008-2009 is The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church. Our catechists will be focusing on making God’s word take root and come alive with meaning in the present moment.

We will continue to promote Bishop Barnes initiative Respect Whom God Has Made - promoting Christ’s message of love and respect for one another, and discouraging children and youth from treating each other with unkind words and attacks. Bishop Barnes calls on children and youth to refrain from bullying and harassing each other.

Along with entire Catechetical Ministry Staff, we welcome you and look forward to your presence and participation. We encourage you, as parents, to share your faith stories as a family and discuss with your child(ren) what he/she is learning in their faith sessions. May our gracious God shower your family with an abundance of happiness and renewed faith. And may the work that we do bring Him honor, glory and praise.

In Christ,

Lori Muniz Director of Catechetical Ministry

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 3 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008

Dear Parents,

Last summer Pope Benedict XVI announced that the Church would observe a celebration in honor of St. Paul the Apostle from June 28, 2008 to June 29, 2009. St. Paul the Apostle is the patron saint of our parish, therefore this Pauline Holy Year will be of great significance to us.

Paul was born a few years after Jesus, between the years A.D. 5 and 10. His parents were strictly observant Jews, living in the city of Tarsus. Paul was a Roman citizen by birth and a citizen of Tarsus. His Jewish name was Saul.

Scripture offers an invaluable primary source of Paul’s life; his letters and the Acts of the Apostle. In addition we have several early traditions about him outside of Scripture. We first encounter Paul in the account of the stoning of St. Stephen. After Stephen’s death, Paul was “trying to destroy the church entering house after house and dragging out men and women to be handed over for imprisonment” (Acts 8:3). The young man’s anger was ferocious toward Christians. What a change took place in Paul when Christ called him.

Through your teaching and presenting Jesus to our young men and women their lives will change also. You will see some of the changes before your eyes, other changes you won’t see as Jesus works in their hearts and souls. In this year of St. Paul we do well to remember him with gratitude, and ask him to intercede for us to spread the word of God to the youth.

Down through the ages, the traditional image of St. Paul has shown him holding an open book of Scripture and a sword. These symbols remind us not only of his courageous labors in planting churches but also his invaluable role in providing the Church with, as he once called it “the sword and the spirit which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:17)

May the word of God enlighten our hearts, our lives and our parish this year. Thanks for taking time to be part of our great religious education program. May we have a great year together. God bless you.

Fr. Patrick O’Hagan, SS.CC.

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 4 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 Mass Attendance The Religious Education sessions cannot be a substitute for attending Mass. As parents we need to model our faith to our children – we need to live our faith. Some of the ways we model our faith are by family prayer, living our Christian values, and most especially, through weekly attendance at Mass. The core of our Catholic faith is the Eucharist… it is what separates us from all other churches. Weekly Mass attendance is not option, it is a Church requirement.

A letter from our Pastor…. It has come to our attention that many of our families enrolled in the Religious Education program are not attending Mass on a regular basis. In fact, the majority of Catechists report that more than 50% of the children in their session do not attend Mass. And in some sessions, the statistics are even greater. Some children report that they have never been inside a Church. As Pastor, Associate Pastor and Director of Religious Education, this saddens us greatly. We realize that raising a young family is becoming increasingly demanding, with jobs, homework, sports, and family activities competing for our “ free time.” We recognize that bringing your child(ren) to Religious Education sessions weekly can be a struggle at times. We commend you on fulfilling this parental responsibility and applaud your efforts. However, the Religious Education sessions cannot be a substitute for aattendingttending Mass . As parents, we need to model our faith to our children – we need to live our faith. Some of the ways we model our faith are by family prayer, living our Christian values, and most especially , through weekly attendance at Mass. The core of our Catholic faith is the Eucharist. It is what separates us from all other churches. Weekly Mass attendance is not an option; it is a Church requirement. It is extremely difficult for the Religious Education Catechists to teach the children about the Catholic Faith, the Sacraments, Commandments, and Community, when these children have no lived experience from which to draw. The Mass is the best expression of what it is to be Catholic. It is our chance to connect as community, to worship together as family, and to celebrate Christ’s presence. More than in any other way, we believe that at Mass Jesus is in our midst. We need the Mass as nourishment, for growth and energy to fuel our busy lives. What an awesome gift and opportunity to grow! Please don’t take it for granted. As pastors of your faith community , we are asking you to make a family commitment to attend Mass weekly. We ask you to spend this time with us and with the Lord. It’s a time to be nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ, it’s an opportunity to spend meaningful time with your own family, it’s a time that gives comfort to you as parents, it’s a time to experience a deep, loving relationship with Jesus. It’s a time that will help make you feel good about yourself. It may be the best time of your week. We ask you to give this letter some prayerful thought and examine your own reason(s) for sending your child(ren) to Religious Education sessions. As Parish leaders, we are here to support our parents in the faith development of their children. We are hopeful that you will come to us with any concerns you may have. We will be visiting the sessions periodically and speaking with the children. We hope to see a renewed effort to make Mass a priority.

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 5 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 Section II: Mission Statement

Mission Statement

St. Paul the Apostle Parish offers youth an opportunity to learn and grow in their Catholic faith within the parish community. Through the sharing of our faith, church tradition and teachings, we aim to form a mature faith life that will sustain individuals along their lifelong faith journey. We strive to enrich their experience of God through the sharing of our own unique faith stories, as well as those of our ancestors in Scripture and history. By breaking open and understanding those God moments, we will help the youth recognize the God who has always existed in their life.

Team Effort and Responsibility Parents…Parish…Community Parents are the primary educators of their children. It is their responsibility to teach their children in the ways of the foster faith and their spiritual formation. The Parish stands ready to help by providing vibrant religious education sessions for the children, as well as providing formation and informative meetings to support our parents; and the parish community supports the parish families through volunteering as Catechists to share the faith with the children and teens .

Ongoing Faith Formation The Catechetical Ministry Department provides ongoing faith formation for youth of all ages – preschool through high school, including sessions for children with special needs. The focus or emphasis of the curriculum advances year to year, and is age appropriate. Sessions are also available for sacrament preparation for Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation .

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 6 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 Session III. Expectations

Parent Responsibility Parents should ensure that their children attend sessions regularly and on time; communicate with the catechist and/or staff any special needs or circumstances that affect their child within the classroom; be an active part of their children’s learning and be involved in the sessions at the catechist’s request. Parents are expected to attend all required parent meetings and adult formation sessions. We encourage all parents to take the online Safe Environment course (www.sbdiocese.com)

Student Responsibility Each child is asked to respect the church property or the home of the volunteer catechist; children are expected to cooperate and behave in ways that encourage the learning of all in Religious Education sessions; actively participate in session activities and discussions; attend sessions regularly and complete any assignment or home- work; children (and Catechists!) are asked to wear appropriate clothing that is respectful of church environment whether the sessions meet at the parish or in a home site.

Respect Whom God Has Made We expect that all participants live as children of God, treating each other with respect, courtesy and kindness. Bishop Gerald Barnes has initiated a new program in Diocesan schools, catechetical programs and youth programs aimed at promoting Christ’s message of love and respect, and discouraging children and youth from treating each other with unkind words and attacks. He calls on children and youth to refrain from bullying and harassing each other. The more playful teasing behavior of previous generations has turned to mean-spirited verbal harassment today. This program is intended to be a value statement that hateful behaviors will not be tolerated in the Catholic education or catechetical environment. Those who engage in these behaviors will face swifter, stricter consequences.

Catechist Responsibility Catechists responsibilities include • Providing a loving, Christian atmosphere within the learning environment so that children will be able to grow in their faith • Prepare and teach designated curriculum and share their faith story • Be a Christian role model • Communicate regularly with and involve parents in the faith development of their children . In addition, The Diocese of San Bernardino requires all Religious Education Catechists be fingerprinted through the Department of Justice and F.B.I., complete Safe Environment training, and Mandated Reporter Training. As a Mandated Reporter, Catechists are required to report any sign of child abuse to Child Protective Services. This includes suspicion of physical or sexual abuse, child exploitation, child pornography, severe and general neglect, extreme corporal punishment resulting in injury, willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment; abuse or neglect in out-of-home care

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 7 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 Session 4 Personnel St. Paul the Apostle Parish Office 465-5503 Fax 465-1683 Email: [email protected] Website: sptacc.org Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8-6; Sat 8-12 noon

Catechetical Ministry Office (909) 465.5503 ext 6370 FAX 465-1593 Office Hours: Monday thru Friday, 8:30 am – 7:30 pm Saturdays, 8:30 am – 12:00 Noon

Personnel Fr. Pat O’Hagan, Pastor 465.5503 x6300 [email protected]

Lori Muniz, Director of Catechetical Ministry 465.5503 x6375 [email protected]

Jeanie Kiefer, Coordinator Grades 1-8 465.5503 x6376 [email protected]

Pending , Coordinator Grades 9-12 465.5503 x6387

Alice Keyser, Preschool Coordinator . 465.5503 x6370 [email protected]

Concha Ebbitt, Bilingual Coordinator . 465.5503 ext. 6372 [email protected]

Richelle Chuatuan, Retreat Coordinator 465.5503 x5371 [email protected]

ADULT FORMATION Adult Confirmation Dcn Pat Martinez 465-5503 RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults ) Peter Curti 714.231 ext. 9281

Children’s Catechumenate /RCIA adapted for children Lori Muniz 465-5503 ext. 6375

Support Staff Lynn Bell x6370 [email protected] Stella Carmona x6386 [email protected] Rosie Gonzalez x6372 [email protected]

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 8 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 ADVISORY BOARDS Chairpersons : Assists the Director of Religious Education in the planning of the Religious Education Program, Conducts meetings with grade level catechists; Plans and instructs Catechists at workshops; Prepare grade level calendar with dates as to when to teach specific chapters or lesson; Helps Catechists with lesson plans and ideas as needed; Grade level phone contact person; Visit classes when possible; attend bimonthly Board meetings.

Parent Representative – Represents the voice of the parents in the Religious Education program; attends bimonthly Board meetings.

Secretary – Attends the Religious Education Board meeting, records minutes, distributes minutes to Board members .

Religious Education Advisory Board 1st Grade Bonnie Kunz 909. 597-5141 [email protected] 2nd Grade pending 3rd Grade Vicky O’Brien 949. 715-2141 [email protected] 4th Grade pending 5th Grade Gloria Ruddell 714. 993-4510 [email protected] 6th Grade pending 7th Grade Vivian Campagnolo 909. 393-5763 [email protected] 8th Grade Martha Yepez 909. 597-3894 [email protected] Sacrament Prep Yr1 Lynn Bell 909. 597-0627 [email protected] Sacrament Prep Yr2 Georgiana Rountree 951. 817-5352 [email protected] Parent Representative Madeleine Carmona 909393-2904 [email protected] Bilingual Coordinator Concha Ebbitt 909. 597-7317 [email protected] Preschool Coordinator Alice Keyser 909.465-5725 [email protected] Elementary Coordinator Jeanie Kiefer 909. 627-7988 [email protected] Director Lori Muniz 951. 352-9529 [email protected]

Confirmation Advisory Board Catechist Representative Sharon Ramirez 909.465-0273 [email protected] Catechist Representative Katey Sixsmith 909.393.0342 [email protected] 9th Grade Chairperson Michelle Rowley 909.597-1213 Con1 Chairperson Randa Smith 909.393.9848 [email protected] Con2 Chairperson Jim Juback 909.597-3161 [email protected] Con2 Chairperson Mary Juback 909.597-3961 [email protected] Confirmation Coordinator Pending 909.465-5503 x 6387 Retreat Coordinator. Richelle Chuatuan 909.465-5503 x6371 [email protected] Youth Ministry Ed Noriega 909.465-5503 x6345 [email protected] Director Lori Muniz 909.465-5503x6375 [email protected]

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 9 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 2002008888----2002002009999 Calendar Calendar 20082008----20092009 th *Calendar for all Grades EXCEPT 7, 8 & 9 For all Grades except 7, 8, 9 See backside for Jr. high & and 9 th grade calendar Monday Schedule Tuesday Schedule Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat October 6, 13, 20 October 7, 14, 21 OCTOBER 6 7 8 9 10 11 November 3, 10, 17 November 4, 18

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 December 1, 8, 15 December 2, 9, 16 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 5, 12, 26 January 6, 13, 20 26 27 28 29 30 31 February 2, 9, 23 February 3, 10, 17, 24 NOVEMBER 1 March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 April 20, 27 April 21, 28 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 May 4, 11 May 5, 12 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Wednesday Schedule Thursday Schedule 30 October 8, 15, 22 October 9, 16, 23 1 2 3 4 5 6 DECEMBER November 5, 12, 19 November 6, 13, 20 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 December 3, 10, 17 December 4, 11, 18 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 January 7, 14, 21 January 8, 15, 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 February 4, 11, 18 February 5, 12, 19 JANUARY 1 2 3 March 4, 11, 18, 25 March 5, 12, 19, 26 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 April 1, 22, 29 April 2, 23, 30 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 May 6, 13 May 7, 14 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Friday Saturday October 10, 17, 24 October 11, 18, 25 FEBRUARY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 November 7, 14, 21 November 8, 15, 22 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 December 5, 12, 19 December 6, 13, 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 January 9, 16, 23 January 10, 17, 24 February 6, 20, 27 February 7, 21, 28 MARCH 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 March 6, 13, 20, 27 March 7, 14, 21, 28 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 April 3, 24 April 4, 25 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 May 1, 8, 15 May 2, 9, 16 29 30 31 APRIL 1 2 3 4 Sunday (Preschool ) 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 October 12, 19, 26 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 November 9, 16, 23 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 December 7, 14 26 27 28 29 30 January 4, 11, 25 MAY 1 2 February 1, 8, 22 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 April 5, 26 17 May 3, 10, 17

Holidays Observed Holidays Observed Veteran’s Day Nov 11 Veteran’s Day Nov 11 Thanksgiving Nov 24-30 Thanksgiving Nov 24 thru 30 Christmas December 21 thru Jan 3 Christmas Dec 21 through Jan 3 Martin Luther King: January 18, 19 Martin Luther King January 18, 19 President’s Day February 13, 14, 15, 16 President’s Day February 13, 14, 15, 16 Ash Wednesday February 25 Ash Wednesday February 25 Holy Week April 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Holy Week April 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Easter Week April 12-19 Easter Week Apr 12 thru April 19 Catechist/Teacher Planning Day ( no classes) Catechist/Teacher Planning Day ( no sessions/classes) Oct 27-31  Nov 1, 2 Jan 27 – 31  Feb 26  Oct 27 thru 31  Nov 1, 2 Jan 27 – 31  Feb 26 

Lori Muniz, Director ext. 6375 [email protected] Jeanie Kiefer (Grades 1-8) ext. 6376 [email protected] Catechetical Ministries Office Pending , (Conf.)ext. 6387 465-5503 x6370 Fax: 465-1593 Richelle Chuatuan (Retreat) 6371 [email protected] Concha Ebbitt, (Bilingual) ext. 6372 Cebbitt@sptaccorg [email protected] Alice Keyser, Preschool ext. 6372 [email protected]

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 10 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 Track Calendar for Jr High & 9 th Grades 7, Grade 8 & Grade 9 Grade 7, Grade 8 & Grade 9 Calendar 20082008----20092009 20082008----20092009 Calendar JR HIGH ––– Track 1 TRACK 1 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Oct 6, 20 Oct 7, 21 Oct 8, 22 Oct 6 7 8 9 10 11 Nov 3, 17 Nov 4, 18 Nov 5, 19 Dec 1, 15 Dec 2, 16 Dec 3, 17 Oct 20 21 22 23 24 25 Jan 12, 26 Jan 13, 27 Jan 14, 28 3 4 5 6 7 8 Nov Feb 9, 23 Feb 10, 24 Feb 11 Nov 17 18 19 20 21 22 Mar 9, 23 Mar 10, 24 Mar 11, 25 Dec 1 2 3 4 5 6 Apr 20 Apr 21 Apr 22 Dec 15 16 17 18 19 20 May 4, 18 May 5, 19 May 6, 20, 27 Jan 12 13 14 15 16 17 Jan 26 27 28 29 30 31 Thursday Friday Saturday Feb 9 10 11 12 ------Oct 9, 23 Oct 10, 24 Oct 11, 25 23 24 ___ 26 27 28 Nov 6, 20 Nov 7, 21 Nov 8, 22 Feb Dec 4, 18 Dec 5, 19 Dec 6, 20 Mar 9 10 11 12 13 14 Jan 15, 29 Jan 16, 30 Jan 17, 31 Mar 23 24 25 26 27 28 Feb 12, 26 Feb 27 Feb 28 Apr 20 21 22 23 24 25 Mar 12, 26 Mar 13, 27 Mar 14, 28 May 4 5 6 7 8 9 Apr 23 Apr 24 Apr 25 May 18 19 20 21 22 23 May 7, 21 May 8, 22, 29 May 9, 23, 30 May ------27 --- 29 30 JR HIGH ––– Track 2

Monday Tuesday Wednesday TRACK 2 Sep 29 Sep 30 Sep ----- Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Oct 13, 27 Oct 14, 28 Oct 1, 15, 29 Sep 29 30 Nov 10, 24 Nov 25 Nov 12 Oct 1 2 3 4 Dec 8 Dec 9 Dec 10 Oct 13 14 15 16 17 18 Jan 5 Jan 6, 20 Jan 7, 21 Oct 27 28 29 30 Feb 2 Feb 3, 17 Feb 4, 18 Mar 2, 16, 30 Mar 3, 17, 31 Mar 4, 18 Nov 1 Apr 6, 27 Apr 28 Apr 1, 29 10 ---- 12 13 14 15 Nov May 11, 18 May 12, 26 May 13, 27 24 25 Nov Dec 8 9 10 11 12 13 Thursday Friday Saturday Jan 5 6 7 8 9 10 Oct 2, 16. 30 Oct 3, 17 Oct 4, 18 Jan --- 20 21 22 23 24 Nov 13 Nov 14 Nov 1, 15 Feb 2 3 4 5 6 7 Dec 11 Dec 12 Dec 13 Feb --- 17 18 19 20 21 Jan 8, 22 Jan 9, 23 Jan 10, 24 Mar 2 3 4 5 6 7 Feb 5, 19 Feb 6, 20 Feb 7, 21 Mar 5, 19 Mar 6, 20 Mar 7, 21 Mar 16 17 18 19 20 21 Apr 2, 30 Apr 3 April 4 30 31 Mar May 14, 28 May 1, 15, 22, 29 May 2, 16, 30 1 2 3 4 Apr Holidays Observed Apr 6 27 28 29 30 Veteran’s Day Nov 11 Apr Thanksgiving Nov 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 1 2 May Christmas December 21 thru Jan 4 May 11 12 13 14 15 16 Martin Luther King: January 19 May 18 22 President’s Day February 13, 14, 15, 16 May 26 27 28 29 30 Ash Wednesday February 25 Holy Week April 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Easter Week Apr 13-19

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 11 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 MinisteriMinisteriosos de Catechetical de San Pablo El Apostól 20082008----20092009

domingo lunes martes miércoles Jueves viernes sabado No hay clase – 27 Octubre Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Día de Planificación de Catequista OCTUBRE 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31 NOVIEMBRE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 No hay clase – 24 Noviembre 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Día de Planificación de Catequista 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 DECIEMBRE 1 2 3 4 5 6 No hay clase – 22 Diciembre 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 No hay clase – 29 Diciembre 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Christmas/New Years Navidad 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 ENERO 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 No hay clase – 19 Enero 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Martin Luther King 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 FEBRERO 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 No hay clase – 16 Febrero 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 President’s Day Dia de los presidentes 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 MARZO 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 ABRIL 1 2 3 4 No hay clase – 6 Abril 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 No hay clase – 13 Abril 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Holy Week/Easter semana santa/Pascua 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 1 2 MAYO 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Holidays Observed/Dias Festivos (no hay clase ))) Christmas/Navidad 22 Diciembre hasta 6 Enero New Year’s Eve /Ano Nuevo 29 Diciembre Martin Luther King 19 Enero President’s Day/Dia de los presidentes 16 Febrero Holy Week/Semana Santa 6 Abril Easter Week/Semana de Pascua 13 Abril Día de Planificación de Catequista 27 Octobre, 24 Noviembre

Ministerios de Catechetical de San Pablo El Apostól Officina , 465-5503 x6370 Fax 465-1593 Coordinadora de Educaci ón Biling üe: Concha Ebbitt La directora: Lori Muniz

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 12 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 Section VI: Curriculum

Curriculum The curriculum is based on the guidelines of the General Directory of Catechesis, National Catechetical Directory and the guidelines of the Diocese of San Bernardino. Copies of all religious education texts/materials are available in the Catechetical Ministry Office for parent/participant review. All textbooks are Diocesan approved. Bilingual Sessions are offered for where denoted with an (*)

Sunday morning PRESCHOOL Preschool sessions are offered for children ages 3, 4 or 5 years old. Curriculum is centered on Catholic based materials, scripture, prayer and song. Textbook: I AM SPECIAL

Faith Formation for Special Needs Children Special Ed - This Faith Development Session is for children with special needs who are physically or mentally challenged. This session strives to relay that we are all an integral part of our faith community and that our presence is important. The methods, words and symbols each match the child wherever he/she is in the developmental process. Materials: Rose Kennedy Foundation

*1st Grade - First Year Study Creemos Dios nos ama This is an introductory to the faith session and includes the following themes: God the Father, creation, God knows and loves us, Jesus is our friend and brother, sending of the Spirit, Baptism, belonging to parish and church. Textbook: God Loves Us/ Creemos Dios nos ama (William H. Sadlier, Publisher)

*2nd Grade – Second Year Sacrament Preparation Creemos Jesus comparte la vida de Dios/ The themes in the second year session includes believing in God, Jesus reveals God’s love, Jesus gives us the Mass, Living the Ten Commandments, Being sorry, being forgiven, examination of conscience, living as peacemakers and celebrating the sacrament of Reconciliation. Textbook: Jesus Shares God’s Life/ Creemos Jesus comparte la vida de Dios & We Believe & Celebrate First Penance/ Celebramos Primera Recon ((William H. Sadlier, Publisher)

*3rd Grade – Third Year Sacrament Preparation The themes for the third year session include Jesus our Friend, our parish prays, the Bible, marks of the church, praying the Mass, listening to God’s Word, celebrating the real presence of Jesus, receiving Jesus in Holy Communion; celebrating the sacrament of Eucharist. Textbook: We Are the Church & We Believe & Celebrate First Penance (William H. Sadlier, Publisher)

4th Grade – Commandments The themes for fourth grade session includes living as a Catholic Christian, Jesus preached the Good News, the Exodus story – Ten Commandments, Law of Love, God’s will, responsibility, putting God first, the Holy Spirit: gift and guidance, patron saints, Mary and the rosary. Textbook: God’s Law Guides Us/ Creemos–Somos la Iglesia (William H. Sadlier, Publisher)

5th Grade –Sacraments The themes for the fifth grade session includes a detailed study of the Sacraments of Initiation and the Sacraments of Healing and Service, Works of Mercy, the Beatitudes and the Liturgical year Textbook: We Meet Jesus in the Sacraments(William H. Sadlier, Publisher)

6th Grade – Scripture The sixth graders receive their own copy of the bible and the study themes includes the Bible, books of the Bible, literary forms, symbols, our covenant in Jesus, our ancestor’s covenant with God, and living by Faith. Textbook: We Are God’s People (William H. Sadlier, Publisher)

7th Grade – Discipleship The seventh grade sessions centers on Jesus’ life, his teachings, and the sacraments he instituted. It presents Jesus’ call to each person to become his disciple and the ways in which his teachings, his sacraments, and his Church nourish people for discipleship . We Live our Faith as Disciples of Jesus William H. Sadlier, Publisher)

8th Grade – Faith & Witness / Creed & Morality The 8 th grade session follows a course on Morality (purpose of a moral life is happiness, power of goodness in each of us, discipleship, virtues and moral decision making) and a course on the Creed/Catholic beliefs (divine revelation, qualities of faith, mystery of the Blessed Trinity, the incarnation, and Jesus, our everlasting new covenant. The lessons are enhanced by using activities that develop self-confidence, improving relationships, handling peer pressure, stress, parents, and more. 9th Grade Formation - Main themes include Believing in a Media Culture , recognizing the power of popular culture and examining its effects on their lives; Celebrate Life: Living Life Fully and Loving All Life , personal commitment to life and their challenge to live each day with reverence; Celebrating the Sacred —Sacraments and their awareness of their significance, richness and the power of symbol and ritual; Praying All Ways , variety of prayer forms and styles

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 13 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008

*Sacrament Preparation for Older Children The Sacrament Preparation Program is a two year program to prepare the participants for receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession/Penance) and Eucharist (First Communion). The first year of study is an introduction to the faith. During the second year of study the participants will be prepared for, and receive both sacraments – Reconciliation & Eucharist. Textbooks used: Our Catholic Faith or One Faith, One Lord; Nuestra Fe Catolica o Una Sola Fe, Un Sol Senor

Confirmation 1: Themes include Understanding Morality, Discipleship, the Catholic faith and traditions. Retreat attendance required Textbooks used: St. Mary’s Press, Horizon’s.

Confirmation 2 : Immediate Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation - Themes include Baptismal identity, Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation, exploring the symbols of confirmation, understanding their relationship with Christ through baptism and connection to their church community through Confirmation. Textbooks Used: Confirmation/RCL

Safety Lesson St. Paul the Apostle Parish will present a sexual abuse prevention program, the Touching Safety program, to our Religious Education students beginning the week of *January 6-12 . The creators of the Protecting God’s Children ™ program developed the Touching Safety program. This program is provided to us by the Diocese of San Bernardino, and is a part of our ongoing effort to help create and maintain a safe environment for children and to protect all children from sexual abuse.

The themes that will be covered this year (in an age-appropriate way, of course) are: • Boundaries – Participants learn about personal boundaries and how identifying and honoring those boundaries can give a child or young person the self assurance needed to pspeak up when someone tries to step over the line..

• Telling Someone You Trust - Children and young people learn who to tell when something makes them feel uncomfortable or confused. This lesson also begins to explore the phenomenon and power of “secrets” in a child’s life at various ages .

Growing Faith Sessions for Adults! Fr. Pat O’Hagan and the Catechetical Ministry staff are excited to offer our parents an added opportunity to grow in their faith. We are offering a series of twelve adult sessions throughout the year. We invite the parents to attend all twelve sessions, but are only requiring attendance at TWO Growing Faith sessions per year. Only one parent is expected to attend, but we encourage you to make it a date night and attend together. We hope you will embrace this opportunity as a way of modeling to the children that faith formation is ongoing and doesn’t end no matter what our age!

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 14 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 Section VI: FORMATION FOR SACRAMENTS

Sacrament Preparation for Reconciliation & First Communion Grades 3-6 & Grades 7-11 who are ALREADY BAPBAPTIZEDTIZED

For children entering the Religious Education in grade one or grade two, it is a three year process. Introduction to the Faith (year one), Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (year two), and Preparation for Eucharist/First Communion (year three).

Older Sacrament Preparation - The Sacrament Preparation Program is for children in 3rd Grade or above , who are entering the Religious Education Program for the first time . The Sacrament Preparation Program is a *two year program to prepare the participants for receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession/Penance) and Eucharist (First Communion). The first year of study is an introduction to the faith. During the second year of study the participants will be prepared for, and receive both sacraments – Reconciliation & Eucharist.

Second Year Study – During the second year the participants will prepare for receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance/Confession) and First Communion. Main themes include a covenant relationship with God, Ten Commandments examination of conscience, types of sin, making choices, contrition, doing penance, absolution; understanding the Mass, holy days, Liturgy of the Word, Mass as a sacrificial meal, parish, presence of Jesus in Eucharist, prayer and celebrating the Eucharist

Confirmation Confirmation sessions begin in the Sophomore/10th grade with Confirmation 1, followed by Confirmation 2. The Diocese of San Bernardino’s Confirmation policy states that Confirmation candidates must be 16 years of age or older at the time of confirmation.

For Children ages 7-777-17--17 WHO ARE NOT YET BAPTIZED Step One:One : Inquiry Register child with Catechetical Ministry Office Director/Coordinator interviews family & will place child in first year Religious Education—grade level with peers. Grades 3-12:

Children attend Religious Education sessions the entire time they are in the RCIA process. Parents will be asked to attend 4 faith formation gatherings with their child throughout the year. When a decision is made by the parent and child to continue faith formation, and there is a desire to continue more intense study of the Catholic faith, the child will: • Obtain a sponsor or godparents • Participate in The Rite of Acceptance into the Catechumens • Children will remain in this discernment process for approximately one year Step Two : Celebration of the Sacraments Now Catechumens, the child(ren) will learn more specifics about the Catholic faith, especially the sacraments. In addition to the Child attending Religious Education session during the week, the child will also: 1) attend Mass each Sunday & “Breaking Open of the Word” session after the homily 2) Attend Rite of Election (first Sunday of Lent) 3) Child and parent(s) will attend a Eucharist Retreat 4) Child receives the Rites of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) at the Easter vigil

Step Three : Post-Post ---BaptismalBaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy Child/teen returns to receive catechesis to prepare for the sacrament of Reconciliation, and return each year for continued ongoing faith formation. For children, infant through age 6, who are not baptized, please contact the parish office for a Baptism date and schedule. Children over the age of reason (age 7) must attend Religious Education sessions/ RCIA prior to being baptized .

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 15 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 Section VII: POLICIES

Registration The Catechetical Ministry Office will begin accepting registration for 2008-2009 sessions on Sunday, July 20, 2008. Registration remains open throughout the year. All families enrolled in Religious Education sessions are required • to be *registered members of St. Paul the Apostle • are expected to attend weekly Mass with their families &support the parish emotionally, spiritually and financially . • Submit baptism certificates for new enrollees • Attend required parent meetings as necessary

Out of parish registrations - Families that are not registered at St. Paul the Apostle: • May register after September 2, allowing St. Paul the Apostle parishioners first priority. • Families not registered at St. Paul the Apostle will be charged a $20 out of parish registration fee per family • Shall submit a copy of child’s baptism certificate is required at the time of registration

Attendance All those involved in religious education - students, parents, catechists - are expected to be present for all events. This includes class time, regular and special meetings, rites, rehearsals, etc. Too many absences send a message about the importance and the commitment of the individual.

We allow 3 excused absences. More than 3 absences indicate a lack of interest. Parents are asked to contact the Catechetical Ministry Office if a child will be absent from class (909) 465-5503 ext 6370 . The Office will notify the Catechist.

Excused Absences includes a student’s illness or death in the family. All doctor/dentist appointments need to be scheduled for time other than the child’s class time.

Make Up Assignments If a child misses a session, a copy of the chapter work is available from the Catechist. Parents are asked to review the chapter work with the child, turn in the child’s assignment, and parents are asked to include a written explanation (paragraph) of what material was covered.

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 16 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 Pick Up and Drop Off of Children Parent’s COOPERATION is asked regarding the safety of the children which is our primary concern. W e ask that all children be dropped off & picked up ON TIME .

NEW THIS YEAR ! Sign In, Sign Out! Our parish has seen a tremendous change in demographics over the past few months with opening of “THE SHOPPES” and Civic Center right next door to the parish. Our parish is not as secluded as it once used to be. Therefore, in a greater effort to ensure safety for our children, all parents are asked to SIGN IN and SIGN OUT their child(ren) (preschool through eighth grade). A parent/guardian , (not a sibling under the age of eighteen) should accompany the child to the room and sign in.

Participants in High School sessions (9 th grade, Confirmation 1 and Confirmation 2) are to required to sign in when they arrive to class, and sign out before they leave.

Arrival We ask that you walk your child to the door. Please do not drop off your children in the parking lot and let them walk across the parking lot unattended. It is the parent’s responsibility to stay with the child until the Catechist has arrived.

Parents that drop off children at home site classes are asked to walk their child to the Catechist’s door and verify that the Catechist is home and the session is on schedule. SIGN IN!

Dismissal We ask that you pick up your child ON TIME. Our volunteer catechists have families waiting for them. If you have an emergency and must be late please call and notify the office immediately so that arrangements may be made for your child’s safety. Children will only be released to a parent or guardian, or someone that has been designated on the emergency card. SIGN OUT! If you are sending someone to pick up your child(ren) that is not on the notification card, please send a written note .

EARLY DISMISSAL We highly encourage our parents to set a good example to their children by putting their faith enrichment before sports and other after school activities. If a child needs to leave early, the parent/guardian must give a signed note (stating the reason, time, date, and catechist’s name and room location) to the Catechetical Ministry Office. If your child’s class meets on the parish grounds, your child should be picked up in the Catechetical Ministry Office and

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 17 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 signed out by the parent/guardian. Your child will be released only to those persons whose names are listed on the emergency card.

Emergency Session Cancellation Best efforts are made to ensure that all classes are held as scheduled. However, there are occasions when a catechist has to cancel (illness, death in the family, etc.). If we are not able to find a substitute for the session, we will notify the parent/guardian by phone calls from the Catechetical Ministry Office.

Conflict Resolution We are here to serve the religious education needs of our children, youth and adults. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions please feel free to share them with your child’s catechist or call the Catechetical Ministry Office

If there are conflicts between children, parents and teachers, they must first be addressed (and hopefully resolved) between the catechist/parent and/or child. If no satisfactory resolution occurs, the matter is given to the Coordinator or Director for resolution. We maintain an attitude of shared responsibility in matters of conflict.

Diocesan Policy requires that all adults working around children need to be fingerprinted and attend Safe Environment training. Any parent who wants to stay or sit-in on a Religious Education session must meet these requirements .

We are here to serve the religious education needs of our children, youth and adults. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions please feel free to share them with your child’s catechist or call the Catechetical Ministry Office.

Confidentiality Catechist will respect confidence of the child except when there is a danger to life, health or safety .

Tuition Fee The yearly registration fee is $65 for one child, $100 for two; and $120 for three or more children per family. This includes all books and materials. Payments can be made throughout the year. Financial hardship should NOT keep you from registering your child(ren). Financial arrangement can be arranged.

Emergency Card An updated Emergency Card will be required annually for each participant registered in a Religious Education session.

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 18 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 Permission Slips Permission slips signed by the parent/guardian are required for any off site activities, retreats, field trips, etc.

Religious Education Accident Insurance The parish maintains a safe environment for your child while he or she participates in the Religious Education sessions and related sponsored and supervised activities. Even so, accidents can and do happen. Insurance is provided while your child attends sessions. If your child sustains a covered injury, please contact your coordinator for a claim form and instructions or you may direct questions to the plan administrator at Myers-Stevens & Toohey & Co., Inc. (949) 348-0656.

Right to Amend This handbook is primarily a means of communication. It is meant to provide you the parent/guardian, with helpful information on how we intend to go about our work. St. Paul the Apostle Catechetical Program reserves the right to amend this handbook as necessary. Parents will be notified, in writing, if changes are made to any procedures or information contained in this handbook.

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 19 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 Catechetical Ministry: EMERGENCY PREPARDENESS

Earthquakes 1. Choose a safe place in the classroom, i.e. under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you. 2. Practice DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON at least twice a year. Drop under a study desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there is no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you. Teach children to DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON. 3. Take a first aide class from your local Red Cross chapter. 4. Be informed as to the location of the fire extinguisher in the building you are teaching.

Know what to do when the shaking begins : 1. DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. Stay away from windows.

2. Expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake.

3. Evacuation Plan --- when it is safe to move, direct the children out of the building onto the parking lot area that is FURTHEREST from any buildings or trees. Back parking lot near the Annex property. Stay away from the northwest property line where the electrical/power lines are located along the wall (City property/Post Office area). If possible, take emergency contact phone list with you when leaving the building

See Building Diagram Rooms 1 & Room A Exit Door A Rooms 2 & Room 3 Exit Door D Room 4 & Room 5 Exit Door C Room 6 and Room B Exit Door B

Maher Hall – Front Exit South Door #1 proceed to back parking lot Maher Hall – Middle Exit South Door #2 proceed to back parking lot Maher Hall – Rear Exit South Door #3 proceed to back parking lot

What to Do After the Shaking Stops • Check yourself for injuries. • Check others for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries. • Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. • Turn off gas if you smell/detect a leak • Expect aftershock. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON.

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 20 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 • EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Exiting the Damien Center Building: Rooms 1 & Room A Exit Door A Rooms 2 & Room 3 Exit Door C Room 4 & Room 5 Exit Door D Room 6 and Room B Exit Door B

Exiting Maher Hall: Maher Hall – Front Exit South Door #1 proceed to back parking lot Maher Hall – Middle Exit South Door #2 proceed to back parking lot Maher Hall – Rear Exit South Door #3 proceed to back parking lot

Exiting Church – Mother’s Chapel (crying rooms) : Church – Mother’s Chapel North Exit door#1 proceed to FRONT of parking lot Church – Mother’s Chapel South Exit door #2 proceed to FRONT of parking lot

Post Office City Property P E Y T O N N W E S Damien Center A B Chapel Parish Offices

C h u r Parking c h Courtyard

Maher Hall

Restroom Restroom

#3 #2 #1 C D Parking P E Y T O N Ayala Ayala Ayala

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 21 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008 Section IX. Parent Acknowledgement Form

CODE OF CONDUCT St. Paul the Apostle Behavior & Responsibility Policy

 Participants will not attend any church activity while under the influence of illegal substances, including alcohol, drugs or smoking  Participants will not carry any form of knife or weapon  Participants will not be disrespectful toward any adult leader, church property and/or peers  Participant agrees to display appropriate “Christ-like” Christian behavior during events, trips, sessions, etc.  Participant will remain respectful while attending sessions and show reverence to God – remember where you are – inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated  When bringing cell phones and/or pagers to class – they must remain OFF during the event times or will be confiscated – these items are NOT allowed on retreats  Participants are expected to wear appropriate clothing and to remove all hats while in church  No participant will be allowed to leave during class unless a parent has obtained permission from a staff member  All requests for changes in class schedules need to go through the Catechetical Ministry Office. Participants will receive a Notification of Change slip to present to the new teacher.  Any participant displaying questionable behavior will be dismissed

Participant Acknowledgement Form This is to acknowledge that I/we have received St. Paul the Apostle Handbook for Religious Education. We understand and agree to cooperate with the parish policies set forth in the handbook. (If married, both parents should sign)

Print Name Signature ( Parent/Guardian ) Date

Print Name Signature ( Parent/Guardian ) Date )

Print Name Participant Signature Year/Grade

Print Name Participant Signature Year/Grade

Print Name Participant Signature Year/Grade

Print Name Participant Signature Year/Grade

Print Name Participant Signature Year/Grade

Word/Forms/Parent Handbook2008-2009 22 Prepared by Lori Muniz, DCM 7/30/2008