RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT REDEEMER

2008 - 2009 ELEMENTARY AND YOUTH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMS

CLASS SESSIONS

Preschool/Kindergarten - Classes for ages 3 through K meet during the Masses beginning Sept. 20th/21st.

Grades 1-5 - Classes meet Mon., 5:00-6:15 & 6:30-7:45, Wed., 4:00-5:15 beginning the week of Oct. 6th.

Grades 6-10 - Classes meet on Sundays, 11:30 AM -1:30 PM and 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.

Grade 11 (2nd Year Confirmation) - Classes meet on Sundays, 11:30 AM- 1:30 PM.

Home-School - Parents who desire to teach their elementary children at home, or who are not able to attend the weekday parish-based programs, may choose to home-teach their child. (Parents who home-school are encouraged to participate in PATHWAYS, the diocesan catechist certification program.)

F.I.R.E. - This family-centered program includes parents and children of all ages, meeting twice a month with a small group of other families.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURE

- Families of students enrolled must be registered parishioners.  If you received this registration packet in the  mail you are registered - if not, please call the office to register.

- Please return registration and parent response forms by June 30, 2008. No phone registrations will be taken.

- Rosters will be prepared and classes filled in the order that registrations are received.

- Registration will be closed September 1st - 27th while class rolls are finalized.

- Once a class has been filled, it is closed.  Additional sections of a grade level will be opened if catechists and     space are available.

Please note: Although it is never too late to register your child, it benefits the entire program when you return your registrations on or before the deadline.  Space is limited  - to ensure your choice of sessions we urge you to complete the registration forms soon - this week if possible - so that you don’t forget.

Late Registrations: If you do need to register late, you will need to come into the office.  If classroom preparations have already been made you will be responsible for ensuring that materials are prepared for your child.

 

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

By diocesan policy, participation in sacramental preparation programs for Eucharist and Reconciliation is separate from religious education classes.  Participation in classes is expected of those registering for sacramental preparation.

 

REGISTRATION FEES

The fee schedule will remain the same as last year.  For those who register promptly (before June 30th) the program fee for 2008-2009 will be $15 per family.  After June 30th, the program fee will be $20 per family.  The program fee applies to families registering for preschool, elementary, youth, Confirmation, FIRE or home-teaching. In addition, there is a book fee of  $15 per child for preschool and elementary students, $36 for 6th graders, $16 for 7th 8th and 9th graders, and $30 for F.I.R.E. families.  Grade 10 will pay just the RE program fee.  Sacramental fees are $15 each for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, and $50 for the Confirmation retreat; these are in addition to the regular R.E program fees.  Catechists, Assistants & Youth RE Coaches receive a $10.00 discount. Fees are collected at the time of registration and will be waived upon request in cases of financial need.

           

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

            The program cannot exist without YOU!  Obviously, our first need is for catechists.  Catechists have the opportunity to grow in their faith in wonderful ways as they prepare and share with the children of our parish.  It is an exciting, challenging, and rewarding ministry.  The diocesan catechist certification program, Pathways, assists catechists in developing skill for this ministry.  We encourage you to consider this ministry!

            There are many other needs in the program as well.  We expect that every parent can do something!  Our programs are better and stronger with your involvement. There are ways to help even if you cannot make a weekly commitment.  Refer to the  “Ways to Help” list on back of this page.  Please study our needs and make your response on your parent response form.

 

BACK-TO-SCHOOL MEETINGS

Grades 1-5 - Parent Meeting during the regularly scheduled class time the week of September 29th.  

Grades 6-10- Youth Kick-Off & Parent Meeting on September 28th at 11:30 AM for BOTH sessions.

“WAYS TO HELP”

FAITH FORMATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE: This committee will assist our parish in implementing the diocesan norms for formation programs.  The group will meet 8-10 times during the year and complete our annual report to the diocese in the spring. Parents and catechists are invited to serve.

ELEMENTARY PLANNING TEAM - Planning team members will plan the elementary calendar and work together to design the session outlines to be used by the elementary catechists.

PRESCHOOL CO-CATECHIST:  Preschool co-catechists work with a partner to plan and lead classes for preschoolers and kindergartners during the weekend liturgies.  They attend formation sessions in August and September, and participate in the Pathways catechist training program.  Preschool co-catechists are scheduled on a rotating basis. 

ELEMENTARY SESSION LEADER:  Session leaders guide the opening prayer, introduction of the weekly theme, closing prayer, etc. Session leaders attend formation sessions in August and September, and participate in the Pathways catechist training program.

ELEMENTARY CATECHIST: Catechists use the plans and materials provided with a small group of 10-12 children.  They attend formation sessions in August and September, and participate in the Pathways catechist training program.   
         
ELEMENTARY ASSISTANT: Elementary Assistants will be responsible for leading a small group through a pre-planned lesson.  Assistants attend formation sessions in the fall and are encouraged to  participate in the Pathways catechist training program.

ELEMENTARY NURSERY HELPER:  Nursery helpers provide care for catechists’ preschool children during the elementary sessions.  Helpers are scheduled on a rotating basis.

ELEMENTARY AND YOUTH SESSION COORDINATOR:  The coordinator is the person in charge during the religious education session.  They open and close the building, collect attendance sheets and assist in other areas as needed.  Coordinators are to keep a watchful eye on children going to and from the restrooms and promote safety.  Coordinators remain until all students have been picked up.

YOUTH LEAD CATECHISTS:  Lead catechists work as a team in planning and presenting the large group portion of the gatherings.  Lead catechists attend formation sessions in August and September, participate in the Pathways catechist training program, and are encouraged to attend diocesan-sponsored events.

YOUTH COACH:  Coaches will facilitate activities with the small teams. Each team will have 2 coaches and no more than 10 youth. The activities are planned by the Lead Catechists. Coaches are invited, but not required, to attend formation sessions in the fall, participate in the Pathways training program and attend diocesan/nationally sponsored events.

ELEMENTARY AND YOUTH HOSPITALITY:  Helpers are needed to assist with refreshments at RE sessions on a rotating basis and/or for special RE events.

This program cannot exist without the gifts and talents of all –

EVERYONE CAN DO SOMETHING!