Faith Formation Handbook Blessed Sacrament Community 3109 Swede Ave, Midland MI 48642-3842 (989) 835-6777, Fax (989) 835-2451

September 7, 2019

Dear , Soon we will be starting this year’s faith formation programs. The opportunity to learn about our relationship with God is an amazing gift. I cannot think of another thing that not only impacts our lives now but will also echo for all eternity. I am personally excited to be walking this journey with you and your families.

As you may already know…our focus is on truly being TEAM . Being the part of any team requires cooperation and a common goal. Our goal is to do our part to help bring about the kingdom of God. We do just that whenever we take the gifts that God gives us and share them freely with one another.

Allow me a quick sports analogy. In the late 1980’s Steve Yzerman was a perennial top scorer in the National Hockey League. In spite of that, the Red Wings couldn’t win in the playoffs. That was until their coach asked Yzerman to change his playing style. This change, while costing him individual statistics, would turn him into a defensive superstar and transform the Red Wings into Stanley Cup Champs. As a member of TEAM CATHOLIC it isn’t about individual accolades but is about the team. We want all people to know that they are valued and that they are part of this diverse and sometimes quirky family we call the Church.

Peace and Love, Fr. Rob

Blessed Sacrament Parish Community 3109 Swede Ave, Midland MI 48642-3842 (989) 835-6777, Fax (989) 835-2451

August 20, 2019

Dear Families, Welcome back to another faith filled and awe inspiring season of formation opportunities for your entire family! Our theme for the year is TEAM CATHOLIC, and we want you to know that not only are each of you invited to join the team but that there is a role on this team that only YOU can fill. To be our best, we need you to worship with us, pray with us, and celebrate with us, and in order be the team that God is calling us to be we need to practice our faith every day in our homes and in our communities. Our faith formation offerings from pre- through adults are all geared for us to understand what it is to truly be Catholic and how to live that faith in the world as disciples of Jesus. This year each household is receiving a copy of Joe Paprocki’s Practice Makes Catholic, and you are invited to come between the Masses or during Sunday evening Youth Ministry to learn about how being a “practicing Catholic” is more than just going to Mass. What a beautiful witness to our children that the adults they look up to are practicing at the very same time that they are!! Practicing and playing alongside of you on TEAM CATHOLIC is our deeply committed and passionate Faith Formation Team. As you may already know, there have been some changes to our team roster this year, and I am excited to announce the following additions: Justin Rose as our High School Youth Minister; Corinne Cathcart who is coordinating the Elementary Sacramental Prep program, and Chris Buchalski as our Coordinator of RCIA and Baptismal Preparation. These are awesome adds to our amazing returning team made up of Ansley Dauenhauer heading up our engaging children’s faith formation programs; Christine Sellnow bringing her creative energy to the programs and Eileen Surbrook giving her all for VBS! And let’s not forget our faith formation “team manager” for the past 20 years, Lorraine Beacom. In closing, I leave you with some inspiration from St. Mother Teresa, “What you are doing I cannot do, what I am doing you cannot do, but together we are doing something beautiful for God!” There are no bench warmers on God’s team. We all have our part to play. Let’s get up and get practicing. GOOOOOOOO TEAM CATHOLIC!!!! Wishing you the peace and joy of knowing how much you are truly loved by God,

Lyn Pajk Director of Faith Formation FAITH FORMATION TEAM

Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Middle of August to Middle of June

(Voice messages left on the weekends will be answered on Monday,) Coordinator’s hours vary because of night and weekend meetings.

Lyn Pajk Director of Faith Formation Coordinator of Discipleship Initiatives Coordinator of Adult Formation [email protected] 835-6777 ext. 233

Men & Women’s Retreats Formation Series, and Events. Christ Renews for Men and Women SPRED/CARE– for Adults with Special Needs. Social Awareness Committee/Alternative Gift Fair Adult Formation Committee Small Faith Groups Ongoing Scripture Study Divorce Recovery Grief Recovery

Chris Buchalski Adult Formation

[email protected] 835-6777

New Parishioner Registration Coordinator of RCIA Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (Adult and Families) process for becoming Catholic

Justin Rose Coordinator of High School, Young Adult Ministry

[email protected] 835-6777 ext. 234

HS Youth Ministry Program Sunday evenings HS Small Group Leader Recruitment & Training MACY – Midland Area Catholic Youth Events High School Retreats Youth 2 Youth Outreach Team National Catholic Youth Conference

Christine Sellnow Coordinator of Middle School Youth Ministry

[email protected] 835-6777 ext. 227

Middle School YM Program Sunday Evening Small Groups Catechist Recruitment & Training Family Events Socials Service/Outreach Youth Ministry “On the Go” Retreats MACY – Midland Area Catholic Youth Events

Ansley Dauenhauer Coordinator of Elementary Faith Formation (Pre-K – 5th Grade)

[email protected] 835-6777 ext. 235

Elementary Faith Formation (Pre-K-5th Grade) Sunday Program Children’s Liturgy of The Word Catechist Recruitment & Training Moms in Prayer Group Christian Parents Group

Corinne Cathcart Coordinator of Elementary Sacraments: Reconciliation & Confirmation/Eucharist Family preparation and Jesus Experience Day [email protected] 835-6777 ext. 231

Eileen Surbrook Coordinator of Vacation Bible School Program 835-6777

Lorraine Beacom Office Professional for Faith Formation

[email protected] 835-6777 ext. 236

Works with Faith Formation Coordinators and their programs Office Hours – 8:30-4:30 M-F

Team Catholic! Children’s Faith Formation 2019-2020

Join Our Team to Explore the Mass and the Sacraments!

Signups in the Faith Formation Office!

Just like sports or other activities, to have an active faith, we have to practice! You don’t learn how to swim by looking at the water. You jump in! Join the Faith Formation Team this year to jump into our faith. In Elementary Faith Formation this year, we’ll do some laps together to figure out what we believe and why, and we’ll put what we learn into practice to make our world and God’s world a better place to be! Just like in sports, families are an important component of our faith life. In addition to weekly Faith Formation classes, there will be family events during the year to encourage families to practice their faith together.

PreK/K classes are based on the Sunday Lectionary Cycle. Children explore the weekly gospel through songs, puppets, dramatic play, dress-up, felt board activities, and art to learn how these stories relate to our lives today.

1st and 2nd grade classes use the Loyola Press Finding God series to build the foundation nec- essary for the reception of the sacraments.

3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classes meet together as a whole group to explore how to be an active and effective member of Team Catholic! Students will explore how they can grow their faith using a vari- ety of activities and experiences to bring the Mass and the Sacraments alive.

Vacation Bible School! June 15-18, 2020 VBS is held in conjunction with Assumption and St. Brigid’s parishes at the Assumption campus shortly after school gets out in June. More details to come in late winter. Faith Formation and Elementary Calendar 2019-2020

Sunday Mornings 9:45-10:45 am

September 22—Family Assembly for All Grades* 25 OT Come with your child to kick off the 2019-2020 year and Team Catholic! October 6 27 OT October 13 28 OT October 20 29 OT November 3 31 OT November 10 32 OT November 17 33 OT November 24—Family Gathering— Advent Wreaths* Christ the King December 8 2 AD December 15—Nativity Play*3 AD January 12 Baptism of the Lord February 2 4 OT/Presentation of the Lord February 9 5 OT February 16 6 OT February 23—Family Gathering—Lent Prayer Garden* 7 OT March 1 1 LN March 15—Stations of the Cross*3 LN March 22—Reconciliation for Grades 3rd-5th 4 LN April 19 2 ES April 26 3 ES

*Family event—Please join us!

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Please prayerfully consider becoming a catechist with the CLOW program! With enough volunteer catechists, Children’s Liturgy of the Word will be offered on the dates below.

CLOW catechists commit to teaching three Sundays during the school year. Materials and training are provided.

If you would like to help break open the word for our youngest parishioners, please contact Ansley Dauenhauer in the Faith Formation Office or at [email protected].

CLOW Dates 2019-2020 VOLUNTEERS September 21/22 January 11/12 NEEDED! October 12/13 February 1/2 October 19/20 February 8/9 November 2/3 February 15/16 November 9/10 February 28/March 1 November 17/18 March 7/8 December 7/8 March 14/15 December 14/15 March 21/22 April 25/26 May 2/3 May 9/10

All elementary school children are invited to Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) at the 5:00 Mass on Saturday afternoon and the 11:00 Mass on Sunday morning. After the Introductory Rites, Father will ask the children to come forward for a blessing.

At the 11:00 Mass, we have two CLOW sessions to accommodate the different needs of the age groups of our elementary children. The second grade and under session meets in the vestibule by the bride’s room. The third, fourth, and fifth grade session meets in the next vestibule over. Vestibules are marked with signs during Mass.

The goal of CLOW is for the children to “graduate” from CLOW into Mass with the regular assembly with an understanding of both the Sunday gospel and the underlying structure of the Mass. CLOW is not held on baptismal Sundays because the CLOW space is needed by the baptismal families.

SACRAMENTAL PREP

Reconciliation*

Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation consists of: attendance at one parent/child session Choose one: Saturday, October 5, 9:30-12:00 or Sunday, October 13, 2:00-4:30 following the home study program the child’s attendance at Reconciliation Jesus Experience Day Reconciliation Jesus Experience Day is Saturday, December 7, 9-12.

*Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a prerequisite for the reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

Confirmation-Eucharist**

Preparation for the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist consists of: attendance at one parent/child session Choose one: Saturday, February 1, 9:30-12:00 or Sunday, February 9, 2:00-4:30 following the home study program the child’s attendance at Confirmation/Eucharist Jesus Experience Day Confirmation/Eucharist Jesus Experience Day is Saturday, March 21 from 9-12.

**The date for the celebration of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist is set by the bishop’s office. We will get that date out as soon as we know it, usually in late October.

**There will be a required practice before the celebrations of Confirmation and Eucharist. Sponsors are ex- pected to attend the Confirmation practice.

Middle School Youth Ministry Calendar 2019-2020

Our Sunday evening Youth Ministry program is designed to be a fun, welcoming place, full of energy and joy, where your child not only grows in relationship with Jesus, but also with his/her peers and the larger Catholic community. Every Sunday, students gather in both large-group and small-group settings and par- ticipate in prayer, praise and worship, fun activities, games, and service projects. This year, middle school students will be diving deeper into topics such as the Mass, the Sacraments, the , and our Catholic symbols, signs and Traditions. Let’s practice our faith together! Everyone has a position to play on Team Catholic!

YM small groups meet Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Blessed Sacrament.

September 22: Youth Ministry Kick-off Event: Team Catholic Parish Center

October 6: YM Small Groups: Catholic Identity Parish Center

October 13: Holy Fire Event Bowling Green, OH

October 20: YM Small Groups: Symbols, Rituals, and Tradition Parish Center

November 3: YM Tag Night for United Way Sharing Trees Parish Center

November 8-9: Lock-in with the Midland EV-Free Church Community Center

November 10: YM Small Groups: Why Mass is Cool: Part 1 Parish Center

November 17: YM Small Groups: Why Mass is Cool: Part 2 Parish Center

November 24: Middle School YM Outreach Weekend Various locations

December 8: Adoration & XLT (families welcome!) Church

December 15: Middle School Christmas Family Gathering Parish Center

January 12: YM Small Groups: Holiness and the Saints Parish Center

January 20: MLK Day of Service Parish Center

February 9: YM Small Groups: The Creed Parish Center

February 16: YM Small Groups: The Sacraments Parish Center

February 23: YM Small Groups: Let’s Get to Know Francis Parish Center

March 1: YM Small Groups: Sacraments of Service Parish Center

March 15: YM Small Groups: Sacraments of Healing Parish Center

March 22: Destination Unknown Event (8th Grade Only) Parish Center

April 19: YM Small Groups: Sacraments of Initiation Parish Center

April 26: YM Closing Event Parish Center

May 3: Welcome to YM Event (5th Grade Only) Assumption BVM

The annual Girls’ Event and Boys’ Event dates and locations are to be determined! YM Reach Out

Spread kindness around like confetti at Reach Out! Fridays // $15 per 6-week session This after-school program helps middle school students more fully recognize the pres- ence of God in his/her life and then share that presence of God with others through service. This year’s program is designed to give students the opportunity to serve people in several different spheres of our community: our Blessed Sacrament Parish community, the Midland area, our country, and our world.

Students can sign up for one six-week session or for all four!

Session 1: Our Parish Session 3: Our Country September 6 January 10 September 13 January 17 September 20 January 31 October 4 February 7 October 11 February 14 October 18 February 21

Session 2: Our Community Session 4: Our World October 25 February 28 November 1 March 6 November 15 March 13 November 22 March 20 December 6 April 17 December 13 April 24

HIGH SCHOOL YM

Small Group Host Homes Sunday Evenings 6:15-8:15pm.

9th Grade—Being Human 101 10th Grade—CHOSEN

11th Grade—Walking the Walk

12th Grade Will meet at a Host Home

Youth 2 Youth Retreat: April 24-26, 2019 The Youth 2 Youth Retreat is a yearly retreat held in the spring at Camp Rotary. The retreat is planned and facilitated by high school students who have previously participated in the retreat. This retreat helps teens recognize God's presence in many ways through prayer, worship, witness talks, God Time, games and much more!

Outreach Trip: June 14-20, 2019 The Youth Outreach Team is an opportunity for those in high school to put their faith in action by reaching out to others in service. This group meets about twice a month beginning in September through the begin- ning of June in preparation for the summer mission trip. The meetings include , prayer and team building activities as well as opportunities to serve within our parish and in our community. In order to participate in the mission trip, each member is required to have a minimum of 25 service hours with the team each year. The team also has about 20 adult volunteers who help teens prepare for service and attend the week long mission trip. Space is limited.

YM High School Calendar:

September January

22 YM Kick-off @ Blessed Sacrament 12 Lesson 6

October February

06 Lesson 1 09 Lesson 7 (Youth Led Mass at 11:00) 16 Lesson 8 13 Lesson 2 23 Lesson 9

20 Lesson 3 (Youth Led Mass at 11:00)

March

November 01 Lesson 10 03 Lesson 4 08 Lesson 11 10 Lesson 5 15 Lesson 12

17 Outreach Weekend

April

December 19 No session (Youth Led Mass at 11:00) 08 Adoration & XLT 25-26 Youth 2 Youth Retreat (offsite) 15 Small Group (Youth Led Mass at 11:00)

\

All sessions are from 6:15-8:15 unless stated otherwise.

Calendar subject to change

C

T E A M T

H Youth Led Masses @ 11:00 am: O L October 20, December 15, February 9, April 19. I C

Outreach Fundraising Calendar

2019-2020

October: March: 26-27 Wreath Sales after Masses 07-08 Easter Flower Sales after Masses 14-15 Easter Flower Sales after Masses November: 02 Spaghetti Dinner April: 02-03 Wreath Sales after Masses 04-05 Easter Flower Pick-up after Masses 23-24 Wreath Pick-up from 5-7pm 06 Easter Flower Pick-up 5-7pm

December: Push the Envelope—ongoing 08 –17 Bow Sales

February: 03-04 Bottle & Can Drive 16 Pancake Breakfast

Push the Envelope: Here’s How It Works!

We have a basket of 100 numbered envelopes (#1-#100) that we’re hoping to be claimed. Here’s what will happen if you decide to take an envelope…

You will pick an envelope and place the coordinating dollar amount in your envelope and either drop in off in the parish office or in the collection baskets. (For example, if you get envelope #37, you’d put in a check or cash for $37.00). Checks can be made payable to Blessed Sacrament. If you pick an envelope you will get a prayer card for our youth and a hand written thank you note from one of the Blessed Sacrament teens thanking you for your support.

The best part is, if all 100 envelopes are collected, that means we will raise over $5,000 for high school retreats, mission trips and supplies!

BAPTISM The sacrament of Baptism is celebrated several times throughout the year. Parents need to schedule an initial appointment and then attend a Baptismal Preparation session. Sessions are scheduled for September 14, Octo- ber 17, November 16, January 16, February 8, March 19, May 9.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) The RCIA process adult sessions meet on Sunday after the 8:30 liturgy. Please contact Chris Buchalski in the

Faith Formation office for more information.

Out in the Fields with God

Elizabeth Browning The little cares that fretted me, I lost them yesterday Among the fields, above the sea, Among the winds at play; Among the lowing of the herds, The rustling of the trees, Among the singing of the birds, The humming of the bees.

The foolish fears of what may come, I cast them all away Among the clover-scented grass, Among the new mown hay; Among the rustling of the corn, Where drowsy poppies nod, Where ill thoughts die and good are born-- Out in the fields with God!

Pathways to Discipleship

Laidback Book Club Please join us ONLINE as we read our pastor recommended book The Holy Longing beginning in October. Buy your book online or at the store, join our FACEBOOK group and start reading and sharing your insights into this wisdom-filled book! If you would like to read along and not be part of the Facebook group that’s great too. We will all be gathering on the evening of December 12 for an opportunity to “continue the conversation” face to face!

(Next Laidback Book Club offering: Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans begins in March)

Theology by the Glass Beginning September 11: Father Rob and Lyn Pajk will be hosting “Theology by the Glass” on the second Wednesday of each month at Grape Beginnings Winery on Main Street from 7:30 until 9:00. Join us for fellowship and conversation around an advertised monthly topic. At our first gathering we will hear a little bit about our theme for the year, “Team Catholic,” meet our new “coach,” and share what our favorite teams are No RSVP is necessary. The conversation is free, but the wine and snacks are not.

The Journey

 Come encounter or re-encounter Jesus Christ by beginning THE JOURNEY with us. For six weeks we will have “an opportunity to experience Jesus through the eyes of those who knew him or were affected by an encounter with him” in the first of this 3 part series from Paulist Evangelization Ministries. During our 90 minutes together there will be a 4-6 minute video presentation as well as meditation, contemplation, prayer and action.  This is a program for EVERYONE: those very active in their faith, somewhat active, those of different faiths, and those who have never really gotten into the “Jesus thing.” We encourage you to bring a friend along for The Journey.  We begin October 8 at 7:00 pm at the Parish Center. A daytime session may be added depending on response and need.

Mark your calendars! Part 2 begins January 14 and Part 3 starts February 25.

Midland Area Catholic Community Mission October 27-30, 2019 Join other Midland area Catholics and renew your faith and spiritual life during this four-day mission.

Sunday, October 27 – St. Brigid of Kildare

Monday, October 28 – Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

Tuesday, October 29 – Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church

Wednesday, October 30 – Assumption of the Blessed Mary Catholic Church Faith Formation Family Handbook

2019–2020

Blessed Sacrament Parish Mission Statement

TO HELP EVERYONE RECOGNIZE AND EXPERIENCE THE PRESENCE OF GOD.

Accidents: First aid is administered only in minor cases, as an emergency treatment, until the injured person is placed under professional care. It is the parent’s responsibility to notify our office of any changes in emergency information that occur during the year.

Administration: All concerns and questions should be handled by the appropriate Program Coordinator. Parents may contact the Faith Formation Director for further assistance after having tried to address the question/concern with the appropriate person.

Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance is an important factor. Every effort should be made to keep absences to a minimum.

Certification: Our youth leaders and catechists are encouraged to attend workshops/seminars and required to participate in our Certification Program.

Change in Any Information: Please keep us informed of any change of e-mail address, telephone, emergency contact information or work and home address. Changes can be done by a phone call to the Faith Formation Office or by submitting a written note. This will help us keep in contact with you about opportunities or items of importance to you or your family.

Child Safety: In order to help ensure the safety of our Faith Formation participants, all preschool and elementary aged students need to be picked up at their classrooms at the end of each session. This allows for proper supervision of your children from the time you drop them off with us until you have picked them up.

It is Blessed Sacrament Parish policy that young children must never be left alone in a vehicle on parish property. When you come into the building you must bring young children and infants with you.

Communication: Communication is the key to any successful Faith Formation Program! We will communicate with adults, children and youth primarily through the parish bulletin, newsletter, e-mail, web- site, letters and handouts sent home with the children. You may at times be contacted by a catechist, youth leader or director to share good news, express a concern or to pass on special information. This handbook is another important source of communication. Feel free to call with any questions, suggestions, or concerns.

Crime Free Policy: Illegal activity will not be tolerated at Blessed Sacrament Parish or sponsored events. Weapons are not permitted on Blessed Sacrament property, host homes or sponsored events. Weapons shall be defined as, but not limited to: guns, firearms, daggers, knives with a blade over three inches in length, pocket knives, iron bars, clubs, brass knuckles, explosive devices, facsimiles of weapons used in a threatening or frightening manner. The administrator (Pastor, Faith Formation Director or Program Coordinator ) reserves the right to determine what constitutes a weapon. A child/youth that violates this may be subject to expulsion from Faith Formation.

Curriculum: All curricula are from a Diocesan approved list. If you have questions about the curriculum please contact the appropriate Program Coordinator.

Discipline: Disciplinary actions will convey basic Christian values. Discipline methods will include; modeling and encouraging expected behavior; involving children/youth in setting clear and consistent rules, redirecting children/youth to acceptable activities and meeting with individual children/youth to discuss concerns. If a child/youth has difficulties, parents will be consulted to discuss the problem and solution.

Distribution of Printed Materials: The Program Coordinator shall determine the suitability of any printed materials for distribution within the classroom or home setting.

Driving Children/Youth: Adults driving children must submit a driver information sheet annually requiring minimal acceptable liability limits for a privately owned vehicle of $500,000 combined single limit. The driver shall have no more that 6 points on his/her driving record. A copy of their valid driver’s license is needed.

The booster seat law requires all children to be in a booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4’9” tall. Children must be in a booster seat until they reach the age requirements or the height requirement, whichever comes first. All other passengers are required to wear seatbelts.

Drugs & Alcohol: The possession or use of legal or illegal drugs and alcohol by children/youth is strictly forbidden except in accordance with a physician’s direction, i.e. asthma inhalers. A child/youth who violates this may be subject to expulsion from Faith Formation.

Faith Formation at Home: Although we encourage the children/youth to attend Faith Formation Sessions/activities within the community, we understand at times a child must be home-schooled. Please contact the appropriate Program Coordinator to see if it is possible to complete a specific program within the home.

Field Trips: Parents must submit formal written permission before children/youth are allowed to participate in field trips. We cannot accept permission by phone.

Fund Raising: The entire parish community through its stewardship program supports Faith Formation. Fund-raising projects are kept to a minimum and must follow parish guidelines.

Harassment & Bullying: Persons who engage in harassment/bullying, or threats of violence are subject to disciplinary action, including suspension and expulsion. Sexual harassment is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Michigan Elliot-Larson Civil Rights Act.

Lost & Found: Blessed Sacrament’s “lost and found” is located in the west entrance of the Parish Center. Any lost articles may be reclaimed in this location. After a reasonable period of time, unclaimed articles will be given away to charitable organizations

Parent Responsibility: The Church recognizes parents have the primary right and obligation to educate their children. Parents should, therefore, view this program as an extension of the religious training received at home—not a substitute for it.

The goal of the parish staff is to assist parents in this awesome responsibility. The Catechism of the Catholic Church #2226 states: “Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child’s earliest years. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God. The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents.”

As Catholics, we have an obligation/opportunity to attend Mass each weekend and teach our children about the Mass by word and example. It is the parents’ right, responsibility and opportunity to ensure their children attend Mass weekly. Faith Formation does not take the place of Mass nor does it fulfill the obligation/opportunity of participating in the Mass.

Parish Resource Center (Library): The center includes sections devoted to: Catechesis, Youth Ministry, Liturgy and the Parish Circulating Library. Reserve books, magazines and other periodicals may not be taken from the resource center. Books may be borrowed from the Circulating Library for 30 days, videos and audio tapes for seven. All new materials must be approved by the Faith Formation Team Leader.

Publicity/Release of Information: If you do not want your child’s work or photograph to appear in publicity materials you must contact the Faith Formation Office.

Registration: Registration is required to participate in the Faith Formation programs. Registration takes place in the spring.

Registration fee is $45.00 per child with a maximum of $120.00 per family. Registration fees will not be pro- rated through the Faith Formation calendar year.

No one will be denied registration due to financial difficulties. Please mark scholarship on the registration form or contact one of the Program Coordinators.

Children need to be 4 years old by September 1 to register for the 4 year old program.

Youth Ministry Sixth-Twelfth grade can choose a friend; we try to honor the request of those who register by the established deadline.

Sacraments are celebrated at Sunday Liturgies throughout the year. Baptismal preparation sessions are required for parents. Parents are encouraged to complete these sessions before the birth of their child.

Christian Initiation for Adults: Adults interested in becoming Catholic enter the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. (RCIA)

RCIA Adapted for Children: Children over the age of six, who ask for baptism or at the discretion of parents/guardians, are prepared for initiation similarly to the adult process. This process can also accommodate baptized children who have not celebrated Confirmation or Communion. The process is centered on forming the entire family. All sessions are for all ages. Confirmation for Adults/Youth: Baptized Catholics who celebrated their first Eucharist but have not celebrated Confirmation should call the Faith Formation Office, 835-6777 ext. 236.

Reconciliation, Confirmation/Eucharist All sacramental preparation sessions include both our school AND our Faith Formation families. Children are expected to complete two consecutive years of Catholic school or Faith Formation, the second of which is the year of preparing for the sacraments. That is, a second grader in sacramental preparation needs to have participated in Faith Formation or Catholic school in first grade.

Students follow the requirements prepared by the parish for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirma- tion and Eucharist. Arrangements for reception of these sacraments are made through the Faith Formation Office. Our sacramental preparation programs require parents and children to attend instructional sessions in order to effectively prepare at home for reception of the sacraments. Also, all children receiving these sacraments are required to attend a morning retreat. The dates, time and place of these sessions are publicized in advance in the Sunday bulletin and newsletter.

Severe Weather: If Midland Public are closed because of inclement weather, then all daytime (before 6 p.m.) parish events, including Faith Formation and parish offices, will be closed. A decision will be made by 3 p.m. for evening meetings/activities. Either all evening meetings/activities will take place or all will be cancelled.

On Saturdays, Sundays and weekdays when school is not in session, a decision to cancel all events (daytime and evening) due to inclement weather will be made by 7:00 a.m.

When Midland Public Schools announce the early dismissal of students due to weather conditions, Blessed Sacrament’s Faith Formation is included. On weekdays, when school is not in session, the school day policy will apply with a decision on evening meetings/events by 3:00 p.m.

Special Needs: Our policy states: Blessed Sacrament Parish is a welcoming and faith-filled community. We shall provide a supportive and caring learning environment to all Faith Formation children, inclusive of those with special needs. The Program Coordinator shall consult with parents who are the primary sources of information and training. Together, catechists, youth leaders and staff, will determine how best to meet each child’s needs, which may include special arrangements. The Faith Formation team shall be cognizant and respectful of families’ rights of confidentiality.

Stewardship: Stewardship is time, talent and treasure. It takes all of us working together to make these wonderful programs succeed. We ask you to share your time or talent with us in some capacity. Please call the office if you can help us in any way.

Sponsor a Youth: The youth at Blessed Sacrament are truly blessed to have many ministry opportunities. We provide scholarships to any youth with a financial need. Please consider supporting a youth financially in a parish sponsored event. Your gift will make it possible for a youth to participate in a conference ($600), a social event ($10-$75), a retreat opportunity ($10-$60) or an extended service trip ($440). Sponsor a Youth envelopes are available in the Faith Formation office. Your donation is tax deductible.

Volunteers Catechists, Youth Leaders & Adults: Catechists and youth leaders must be Catholics who are actively participating in the life of the church. They must agree to communicate authentic Catholic teaching and traditions as outlined by the present curriculum. Our catechists continue life long formation through the diocesan basic formation program.

To keep our children and volunteers safe, each volunteer who works with children on a regular basis must participate in: VIRTUS “Protecting God’s Children”, have a background check and sign the “Standards of Ministerial Behavior Acknowledgement” form as outlined by the diocese.

We are so grateful to our youth leaders, catechists, aides, adult leaders, childcare providers and office assis- tants who generously give their time, talent and treasure to us. We ask that you pray, support and express your appreciation to them.

Web Page: Check out the web site www.blessed-midland.org for the latest happenings and up coming events. All Youth Ministry permission slips and other forms will be posted on the website so that you can print them out at home at your convenience. If you do not have internet access, forms will be available in the office.

The Faith Formation Team Director retains the right to amend the handbook for just cause and parents will be given prompt notification.

If you would like to see our policies in more detail, our policy book is located in the Faith Formation office

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