St. Gregory the Great Parish

St. Gregory the Great Parish Saturday School of Religion

Family Handbook 2016 - 2017 St. Gregory the Great Religious Education 5545 N. Paulina St. Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 561-3546

St. Gregory the Great Religious Education

Pastoral Staff:

Pastor: Rev. Paul Wachdorf Pastoral Associate: Sister Regina A. De Vitto, C.N.D.

Catechetical Staff:

Beginners: Mrs. Lynn Carro First and Second graders new to religious education.

Sacraments: Ms Lauren Siapno Second and Third graders entering their second year in our program. Includes preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.

Grade 3-4: Ms Lourdes Diaz

Grade 5-6: Ms Barbara Lea

Confirmation1: Elizabeth Wilschke

Confirmation2: Sister Darleen Mayo, C.N.D.

St. Gregory the Great Family Handbook Page The Role of the Catechist A Catechist is a person of faith who has the task of creating the atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to foster an active, living, conscious and mature faith within those persons under his/her care.

Our Religious Education Program Religious Education is the work of the Holy Spirit who fans into flame a hunger for God. Religious Education begins when we invite God to breathe His Word and Spirit into our hearts.

We as adults must enter into Religious Education ourselves: for if we ourselves do not want to risk a change of heart . . . then we cannot ask this of our children. Are we ready, together with our children, to be converted to Jesus Christ again and again?

The parish community of St. Gregory the Great has been given the task to proclaim and witness the presence of God in our lives. We use doctrine and theology from the catechism to achieve this end.

WE ARE THE MESSAGE!

Parents are the primary educators in the faith and “the first heralds of the faith with regard to their children.” (National Directory for Catechesis) St. Gregory’s Religious Education Staff is committed to working together with you, parents and guardians, for the most effective religious instruction of your children.

We firmly believe that Religious Education happens at St. Gregory's only if it is already happening within your own family and home.

St. Gregory the Great Family Handbook Page Our Saturday School Staff is committed to working with you: 1. to foster in our children a sensitivity to God's presence in everyday happenings;

2. to develop a closer relationship to Jesus Christ through the study of His life and teaching;

3. to create an environment where they will experience the Catholic faith as a call to community;

4. to teach ways of offering a loving response to God through prayer and the way they live their lives;

5. to meet Christ in the Sacraments - especially in the Eucharist – to help them appreciate His power and grace in their lives.

6. to provide opportunities for reflection and prayer;

7. to foster moral development and decision making skills;

8. to encourage sensitivity in their ability to care about others.

Our Religious Education Program at St. Gregory's is an on-going one. It does not begin and end with the reception of a particular sacrament. The Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation mark special moments that strengthen a person’s continuous journey and growth in maturity as a member of the Catholic Church.

Tuition Go to our website at www.stgregory.net and click on the current tuition form for the 2016-2017 fees. If tuition poses a financial burden which would prohibit enrolling your child in the program, contact Sister Regina at #773-561-3546.

St. Gregory the Great Family Handbook Page Communication Sister Regina may be reached at the Parish Center, 5545 North Paulina, 60640. The phone number is 773-561-3546. Email: [email protected]

Please notify her of any change of address, phone numbers or pertinent information about your child. Up to date records must be kept, especially in case of an emergency. Call anytime with your questions, suggestions or concerns.

St Gregory’s website and the weekly Sunday bulletin, “The Gregorian,” contain ongoing and updated information about our religious education program. Periodically, letters will be sent home with reminders of upcoming, important events.

Attendance Attendance for every class is important for learning and growth and should be the first priority on Saturday mornings before anything else. This includes athletic activities or social events. An attendance record is kept on each student. If you know your child will be absent, you must notify Sister Regina or your child’s teacher prior to the beginning of class. If your child is absent two weeks in a row, we will call you if you have not called us. Students must make up all missed classwork. Six (6) absences may result in repeating the grade.

Guests Parents or legal guardians are welcome to visit at any time. Other guests are advised to call ahead for permission.

St. Gregory the Great Family Handbook Page Class Times Classes are from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30A.M. Class begins promptly with opening prayer in the Gymnasium at the corner of Ashland and Gregory. Children are to be brought to the gym entrance. After the opening prayer, students will go to their assigned classrooms. At dismissal time you may park in the lot across from the gym building and pick up your children in the gym lobby.

Tardiness Saturday School begins at 9:30A.M. sharp. Parents and students coming after 9:30 A.M. will be late.

Dismissal Policy Children will be dismissed class by class to the lobby of the gym. Parents may enter the front of the gym to wait for their children in the lobby area. Notify Sister Regina in writing if a different arrangement is needed.

Early Dismissal Early dismissal is discouraged. However, when necessary, parents must notify the teacher in advance with a written note. Parents may wait in the lobby area at the designated time.

Textbooks Each student receives a textbook from the series Finding God. These books are used in class and go home for study. They are to be kept clean and free from all graffiti.

Parents are to help children with assigned homework and see that all necessary materials are brought to class.

St. Gregory the Great Family Handbook Page Cancellation of Religious Education Classes Inclement weather school closings will be posted on www.emergencyclosingcenter.com and announced on WGN Radio AM station 720, WBBM Newsradio 780 and on television on the CBS, NBC, ABC, WGN, FOX, and CLTV channels. Do not call the parish.

Emergency Procedures

Fire Children will be instructed for fire safety and will practice the procedure for quickly and quietly exiting the building. Proper conduct is maintained at all times. Fire directions are posted in each room

Tornado Children will take cover during a tornado warning in the appropriate, designated area. Proper conduct is maintained at all times during this emergency. Tornado directions are posted in each room.

St. Gregory the Great Family Handbook Page Behavior / Discipline in the Classroom

Children participating in the Religious Education Classes at St. Gregory Parish are expected to follow this basic code of conduct:

1. Walk to one’s classroom and sit in one’s assigned seat. (There is no running at any time, no horse-play on stairs or hallways, no washroom privileges without permission and no loitering or playing outside.)

2. Treat adults and other children with respect and reverence.

3. Respect the property of the building, classroom and materials, (books, pencils, etc.) and leave the classroom in good order.

4. Listen carefully whenever the teacher is talking and follow the instructions, directions and class rules given.

5. Please note: personal items such as Ipods, CD or MP3 players, sports equipment or headphones are NOT permitted in class and will be taken by the teacher.

The chewing of gum or candy during class is also NOT permitted.

St. Gregory the Great Family Handbook Page Behavior that will result in discipline action:  Injury to another person; fighting or actions of physical harm or abuse

 Defiance of school authorized personnel

 Use or possession of unlawful substances or items (matches, lighters, weapons) in and around the school or church property or at any Religious Education Event

 Inappropriate behavior that interferes with a teacher’s right to teach and a student’s right to learn

 Inappropriate language or gestures

 Bullying, intimidation, threats or harassment of others

 Negative, hurtful or hateful attitudes, gross misconduct, indecent or immoral behavior

Disciplinary Action The role of our catechists is not that of disciplinarians. The catechist is required to document all incidents of serious behavior and these will be kept on file. If a serious discipline problem arises, parents will be contacted. If the problem continues, parents will be asked to withdraw the student from the program. No refund in tuition will be given.

St. Gregory the Great Family Handbook Page Parental responsibilities are: 1. To attend Parent meetings as required. 2. To participate in all the preparation activities. 3. To attend Mass each Sunday with your child. 4. To provide the child’s Baptismal Certificate. 5. To review prayers at home. 6. To use daily family living experiences as a practical way to develop Christian values.

Sacraments Sacraments nurture an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. They are not “things” we get when we reach a certain age. The Church encourages that enough time be given for proper catechesis to take root in a child’s heart.

Policy for Reception of Sacraments Children preparing to receive First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation at St. Gregory’s must have completed the previous year of catechesis. If the previous year of instruction was from a different parish, a letter of documentation must be presented to St. Gregory’s verifying this fact at the time of registration.

Unbaptized Children Who Are Older: RCIC Older children who have not been baptized and who want to become members of the Catholic Church will be enrolled in our Saturday School of Religion AND participate in additional instruction called “RCIC.” The Rite of Christian Initiation of Children helps children understand their call to full membership in the Catholic Church and the responsibilities that full membership entails. The three Sacraments of Initiation are conferred at the Easter Vigil only.

St. Gregory the Great Family Handbook Page St. Gregory Saturday School of Religion Class Schedule for 2016-2017: Time: 9:30AM – 11:30AM

September 17 All classes begin Mass in Church 24 All classes meet NEW TIME 9:30am – 11:30am

October 1 All classes meet 8 All classes meet 15 All classes meet 24 All classes meet 29 All classes meet 13

November 5 All classes meet 12 All classes meet 19 All classes meet 26 Happy Thanksgiving NO CLASS

December 3 All classes meet 10 All classes meet 17 Last class before Christmas 24 No Class

Enjoy the beautiful season of Christmas!

St. Gregory the Great Family Handbook Page January 7 All classes meet 14 All classes meet 21 All classes meet 28 All classes meet

February 4 All classes meet 11 All classes meet 18 NO CLASS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 25 All classes meet

March1 Ash Wednesday

March 4 All classes meet 11 All classes meet 18 All classes meet 25 All classes meet

April 1 All classes meet 8 All classes meet 15 NO CLASS EASTER 22 All classes meet 29 All classes meet

St. Gregory the Great Family Handbook Page May 6 All classes meet – followed by First Communion Class Pizza Party and Practice 7 First Communion, 10:30 Mass 13 All classes meet – May Crowning in Church 20 All classes meet Last class - Mass and Celebration

Date of Confirmation Retreat / Confirmation: TBA

Other items to be determined: Safe Environment presentation, Advent and Lenten Confessions

St. Gregory the Great Family Handbook Page Prayers

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

The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is 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.

The 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 to the Father 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, now and forever. Amen.

St. Gregory the Great Family Handbook Page The 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; on the third day, He rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; From there he will 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.

Act of Contrition 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. Our savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.

Blessing Before Meals

St. Gregory the Great Family Handbook Page Bless us, O Lord, and these Your gifts, which we are about to receive from Your Goodness, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thanksgiving After Meals We give You thanks for all Your gifts, almighty God who lives and reigns now and forever. Amen.

The Ten Commandments 1. I am the Lord your God. You shall not have strange gods before Me. 2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. 3. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s day. 4. Honor your father and your mother. 5. You shall not kill. 6. You shall not commit adultery. 7. You shall not steal. 8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

St. Gregory the Great Family Handbook Page The Corporal Works of Mercy (For the Body)

 Feed the hungry.  Give drink to the thirsty.  Clothe the naked.  Shelter the homeless.  Visit the sick.  Visit the imprisoned.  Bury the dead.

The Spiritual Works of Mercy (For the Spirit)

 Forgive people who hurt us.  Be patient with others.  Pray for people who are living and for those who have died.  Comfort people who are sad and are suffering.  Help people understand and learn.  Help people who sin understand and live by God’s law.  Give good advice to those who are not sure what to do.

St. Gregory the Great Family Handbook Page The Beatitudes: Jesus’ Way to Happiness

Blessed are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the gentle; they shall have the earth for their heritage. Blessed are those who mourn; they shall be comforted. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for what is right; they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful; they shall have mercy shown them. Blessed are the pure in heart; they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers; they shall be called sons and daughters of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted in the cause of right; theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and say bad things about you because of me; Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

Matthew 5:3-11

Notes:

St. Gregory the Great Family Handbook Page St. Gregory the Great Family Handbook Page When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, And I wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, And I thought it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, And I knew that little things are special things.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer, And I believed there is a God I could always talk to.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I felt you kiss me goodnight, And I felt loved.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, And I learned that sometimes things hurt, But it’s all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared, And I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked………, And wanted to say thanks For all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking. - Author Unknown Family name: ______

Student enrolled: ______

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Parent signature: ______Date:______