PARENT HANDBOOK
MISSION STATEMENT:
Nativity of our Savior Faith Formation Program (FF) assists our parish families in providing religious instruction and formation for children and teens in Kindergarten through middle school according to the Religious Education Guidelines of the Diocese of Gary. It is also responsible for providing/supervising sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation for all students.
This instruction and formation seeks to evoke and mature an intimate relationship with the Person of Jesus Christ, the Church He founded and a life-long process of conversion in each of the children’s lives. It endeavors to develop this relationship with Christ through the liturgy and the sacraments, the promises and commandments contained in the Good News of His Gospel message, as well as through prayer and charity. This effort is accomplished within the context of the student’s family (the domestic Church) as well as being supported by the parish community (the parish Church).
PURPOSE:
We attempt to nurture the threefold fundamental task of catechesis:
1. To proclaim Christ’s message
2. To develop community leading to worship and prayer
3. To motivate service
DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION:
Doris Stanish - Religious Education Office Phone – 764-3143
Email – nativityfaithformation@yahoo.com
Website – www.nativityfaithformation.org
Administrative Assistant: Liz Cogswell 764-3143 ext. 313
Email – formationassistant@yahoo.com
In order to run our office more professionally and efficiently the Faith Formation office be open during the following hours:
MASS ATTENDANCE:
In the Code of Canon Law #226 we read; “Because they have given life to their children, parents have a most serious obligation and enjoy the right to educate them; therefore Christian parents are especially to care for the Christian education of their children according to the teaching handed on by the Church.” In Canon #774.2 we read, “Parents above others are obliged to form their children in the faith and practice of the Christian life by word and example.”
When you presented your child for Baptism, the priest read from the Rite of Baptism, “You are accepting the responsibility of training him (her) in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring him (her) up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us.” Simply put, children first learn the practice of the Catholic faith at home by the example of their parents. At the appropriate time, the Church teaches that the parish should assist the parents by providing a more formal catechetical program that helps to educate and for their children in the Catholic Faith.
In no way does the Church envision that the parish is to take over the role of parents and become the primary teacher of children in the ways of faith. In other words, the parents must continue to practice the faith in word and deed. Minimally, practicing the faith means to faithfully attend Mass each Sunday and on Holydays and not to live a life that is contrary to the teachings of the Church. A religious education program exists to support and enhance what the parents do in their role as mentioned above. However, when the parents fail to do this, the partnership that should exist between the parish and the parents breaks down. The children are then taught two sets of standards, one by the parish and the other by the parents. Not only is this unfair to the children but it’s confusing to the moral and spiritual development of the child. Therefore:
Regular attendance at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation here at Nativity Parish is a necessary part of the Faith Formation Program.
Every child is to attend Mass each Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation. Attendance at Religious Education Class does not count for Mass. Regular attendance at Mass will be determined through the use of the parish envelopes.
COMMUNICATION
It is very important that we have a phone number that a parent can be reached on file for each student, in case of illness or emergency. We would also like to have an email address for every family so that we can send important information to parents via email. This saves time, paper and postage and in turn keeps costs lower.
TEXTBOOKS
The Diocese of Gary approves all textbooks used. Students are expected to bring their books to class each day and to take reasonable care of their books. If a book is lost or stolen replacement books will be made available at the cost of $25.00/ set for grades 1-8 and $15.00 for K.
ABSENCES:
Because we only meet once a week and instructional time is very important, it is imperative that the students attend class each week. We ask that you do not make doctor appointments and other scheduled activities during the time your child should be in class. However, if your child is sick, we ask that you call the Religious Ed office at 764-3143 before their scheduled class, to let us know that they will not be here. If we do not receive a phone call, we will have to call you to ensure the safety of your child. Sporting events and or practices do not constitute a legitimate reason to miss religion class, retreats and or formation classes.
A student who is absent is expected to make up all assignments and/or tests that were missed. It is the responsibility of the student to inquire as to the nature of the missed work. Parents can request work when they phone in the absence and make arrangements to pick it up if need be.
TARDIES
Students are to be in their assigned area in the parish hall for our opening prayer no later than 9:15 AM on Sunday or 5:00 PM on Tuesday. Students who are not will be marked tardy.
ACADEMICS
In determining the academic nature of our catechesis we echo the ideas proclaimed in the General Catechetical Directory #73 which states: “It is necessary, therefore, that religious instruction in school appear as a scholastic discipline with the same systematic demands and the same rigor as other disciplines”.
Report cards will be issued twice during the year; half-way through the program and again at the end of the year. The grading system is explained on the report cards and is set by the Diocese of Gary.
We encourage parents to go through the books with their children. The students in grades 1-8 are required to know the answers to all the questions in the colored boxes at the end of each chapter and the vocabulary words from each chapter. It will be very helpful to them to work with them at home to reinforce these lessons. The “CCC” that is referred to after each question is the Catechism of the Catholic Church and you can find this resource book online at:
http://www.usccb.org/catechism/ Students are also expected to know the prayers that are required for each grade.
PROGRESS REPORTS
Half-way through each semester, progress reports are issued to the student. If, however, a catechist notices that a student is having difficulty with the subject he/she is to notify the parents and the director.
PROMOTION
Students who have completed the requirements of the grade will be promoted to the next grade.
RETENTION/INCOMPLETE
Students who experience academic difficulty or who have excessive absences may be retained. Prior to this decision, the parents must be notified of the possibility of retention. Catechists must give written notification and have made at least two phone calls to the parents informing them of the situation and warning them of the likelihood of retention. Students who have incomplete or missing assignments must make up the required material in a timely fashion (determined by the teacher) in order to be promoted to the next grade level.
ARRIVAL / DISMISSAL
Arrival – Students may arrive no more than 15 minutes before class is to begin. (9:00 AM on Sunday and 4:45 PM on Tuesday) They will be able to use the “B” or “F” entrances to the school. If they arrive after 9:15 am on Sunday and 5:00 PM on Tuesday, students will be marked tardy.
ALL STUDENTS ARE TO REPORT TO THE PARISH HALL at the beginning of each session. We are going to pray together as a group before going to the classroom. Parents of children in grades K-4 should walk their children in and all parents are invited to stay and pray with us.
Departure: Sunday – The parents in grades K-4 are to come to the classroom to pick up their child. Parents are not to enter the hallways before dismissal time. It is too disruptive to the other classes.
All older students will be dismissed only through door “B” or “F” or they can walk to the lobby of the church to go to Mass. Younger students are not allowed to be released to their older siblings unless there is a note on file, instructing us to do so. This is for the protection of your children.
Students in grades K-4 who are not picked up within 10 minutes of dismissal time will be sent to the Faith Formation Office to wait for their parents.
Please be prompt in picking up your children. Many of the catechists and staff are trying to get to the 11:00 am mass and if there are children that are not picked up we are late for mass.
Tuesday- All students will be dismissed under the overhang by the church to their cars. If the parent parks away from the overhang, they will need to walk up and get their child. Students will not be allowed to cross in front of the line of cars unless there parent is with them.
Both Days – If someone other than the parent will be picking up the child, the parent needs to send a note stating who will be picking up the child. If the child is to be picked up early, the parent must send a note to the teacher before class and the parent must come to the classroom through door “F” to pick up the child.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
Students are expected to be courteous and respectful to teachers, staff and other students at all time. Each student will receive a “Code of Conduct” with basic behavioral guidelines to sign and return to us. We have implemented the following discipline policy that all catechists are to follow in the event that students are misbehaving.
· Catechists will discuss with students what constitutes inappropriate behavior. As a minimum, it includes: fighting, cursing or any vulgar language, talking out of turn, disrespect to the catechist or other students, destruction of property, disruption of the classroom, and failing to cooperate with requests of the catechist.
· The first time inappropriate behavior is exhibited the catechist will talk to the student and explain to them what they were doing and why it was wrong.
· In the case of a second incident the student’s name will be written on the board.
· At the third occasion of inappropriate behavior, an adult will escort the student to the DRE.
· The DRE will speak with the student about their behavior the first time. The student will be required to apologize to the catechist at the end of class. The DRE will also speak with the catechist about that student's behavior; right after class or some time that week, in order to obtain appropriate details.
· The second time a student is sent to the DRE; the parents will be called and briefed about the situation.
· The third time a student is sent to the DRE, the parents will be required to come pick up the student immediately. They will not be able to attend class again until a conference is held between the parent(s), student, and DRE.
· If the situation is not resolved with these steps the parent will be required to attend class with their child in order to maintain their good behavior.
SACRAMENTS
· Students will be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Second Grade.
· Students will be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist in Third Grade.
· Students will be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the fall of Ninth Grade after participating in the 2-year preparation program.
Nativity of Our Savior Faith Formation program follows the Guidelines for Reception of the Sacraments in the Diocese of Gary. The guidelines state that a student must be enrolled in a religious education class for 2 years prior to reception of a sacrament, therefore if a students in a sacramental year has not previously been enrolled in a Faith Formation program, they will attend a special class once-a-month in order to help prepare them and they WILL NOT receive the sacrament until the following year.
Every student in a sacramental year is expected to attend all special sacramental preparation classes and retreats that are required by the director.
SEVERE WEATHER
If Nativity School or Portage Township schools are cancelled for the day because of severe weather, then Faith Formation classes will also be cancelled for that day. If the severe weather did not start until later in the day then it will be decided on a case-by-case basis if classes will be held. Closures because of weather will be posted on our Faith Formation website by 8:00 am on Sunday or 4:00 pm on Tuesday. Please check the website if the weather is bad. www.nativityfaithformation.org
Catechists for each grade will also call each family so please make sure you have a current phone number on file that we can contact you during the day your child has class.
Nativity of our Savior Faith Formation Program (FF) assists our parish families in providing religious instruction and formation for children and teens in Kindergarten through middle school according to the Religious Education Guidelines of the Diocese of Gary. It is also responsible for providing/supervising sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation for all students.
This instruction and formation seeks to evoke and mature an intimate relationship with the Person of Jesus Christ, the Church He founded and a life-long process of conversion in each of the children’s lives. It endeavors to develop this relationship with Christ through the liturgy and the sacraments, the promises and commandments contained in the Good News of His Gospel message, as well as through prayer and charity. This effort is accomplished within the context of the student’s family (the domestic Church) as well as being supported by the parish community (the parish Church).
PURPOSE:
We attempt to nurture the threefold fundamental task of catechesis:
1. To proclaim Christ’s message
2. To develop community leading to worship and prayer
3. To motivate service
DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION:
Doris Stanish - Religious Education Office Phone – 764-3143
Email – nativityfaithformation@yahoo.com
Website – www.nativityfaithformation.org
Administrative Assistant: Liz Cogswell 764-3143 ext. 313
Email – formationassistant@yahoo.com
In order to run our office more professionally and efficiently the Faith Formation office be open during the following hours:
- Monday - Thursday: 11:00am – 4:00pm
- On Tuesday when class is in session the office will stay open until 7:00pm
- On Sunday when class is in session the office will be open from 8:00am – 11:00am
- On days when school is out of session, the office will be closed.
MASS ATTENDANCE:
In the Code of Canon Law #226 we read; “Because they have given life to their children, parents have a most serious obligation and enjoy the right to educate them; therefore Christian parents are especially to care for the Christian education of their children according to the teaching handed on by the Church.” In Canon #774.2 we read, “Parents above others are obliged to form their children in the faith and practice of the Christian life by word and example.”
When you presented your child for Baptism, the priest read from the Rite of Baptism, “You are accepting the responsibility of training him (her) in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring him (her) up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us.” Simply put, children first learn the practice of the Catholic faith at home by the example of their parents. At the appropriate time, the Church teaches that the parish should assist the parents by providing a more formal catechetical program that helps to educate and for their children in the Catholic Faith.
In no way does the Church envision that the parish is to take over the role of parents and become the primary teacher of children in the ways of faith. In other words, the parents must continue to practice the faith in word and deed. Minimally, practicing the faith means to faithfully attend Mass each Sunday and on Holydays and not to live a life that is contrary to the teachings of the Church. A religious education program exists to support and enhance what the parents do in their role as mentioned above. However, when the parents fail to do this, the partnership that should exist between the parish and the parents breaks down. The children are then taught two sets of standards, one by the parish and the other by the parents. Not only is this unfair to the children but it’s confusing to the moral and spiritual development of the child. Therefore:
Regular attendance at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation here at Nativity Parish is a necessary part of the Faith Formation Program.
Every child is to attend Mass each Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation. Attendance at Religious Education Class does not count for Mass. Regular attendance at Mass will be determined through the use of the parish envelopes.
COMMUNICATION
It is very important that we have a phone number that a parent can be reached on file for each student, in case of illness or emergency. We would also like to have an email address for every family so that we can send important information to parents via email. This saves time, paper and postage and in turn keeps costs lower.
TEXTBOOKS
The Diocese of Gary approves all textbooks used. Students are expected to bring their books to class each day and to take reasonable care of their books. If a book is lost or stolen replacement books will be made available at the cost of $25.00/ set for grades 1-8 and $15.00 for K.
ABSENCES:
Because we only meet once a week and instructional time is very important, it is imperative that the students attend class each week. We ask that you do not make doctor appointments and other scheduled activities during the time your child should be in class. However, if your child is sick, we ask that you call the Religious Ed office at 764-3143 before their scheduled class, to let us know that they will not be here. If we do not receive a phone call, we will have to call you to ensure the safety of your child. Sporting events and or practices do not constitute a legitimate reason to miss religion class, retreats and or formation classes.
A student who is absent is expected to make up all assignments and/or tests that were missed. It is the responsibility of the student to inquire as to the nature of the missed work. Parents can request work when they phone in the absence and make arrangements to pick it up if need be.
TARDIES
Students are to be in their assigned area in the parish hall for our opening prayer no later than 9:15 AM on Sunday or 5:00 PM on Tuesday. Students who are not will be marked tardy.
ACADEMICS
In determining the academic nature of our catechesis we echo the ideas proclaimed in the General Catechetical Directory #73 which states: “It is necessary, therefore, that religious instruction in school appear as a scholastic discipline with the same systematic demands and the same rigor as other disciplines”.
Report cards will be issued twice during the year; half-way through the program and again at the end of the year. The grading system is explained on the report cards and is set by the Diocese of Gary.
We encourage parents to go through the books with their children. The students in grades 1-8 are required to know the answers to all the questions in the colored boxes at the end of each chapter and the vocabulary words from each chapter. It will be very helpful to them to work with them at home to reinforce these lessons. The “CCC” that is referred to after each question is the Catechism of the Catholic Church and you can find this resource book online at:
http://www.usccb.org/catechism/ Students are also expected to know the prayers that are required for each grade.
PROGRESS REPORTS
Half-way through each semester, progress reports are issued to the student. If, however, a catechist notices that a student is having difficulty with the subject he/she is to notify the parents and the director.
PROMOTION
Students who have completed the requirements of the grade will be promoted to the next grade.
RETENTION/INCOMPLETE
Students who experience academic difficulty or who have excessive absences may be retained. Prior to this decision, the parents must be notified of the possibility of retention. Catechists must give written notification and have made at least two phone calls to the parents informing them of the situation and warning them of the likelihood of retention. Students who have incomplete or missing assignments must make up the required material in a timely fashion (determined by the teacher) in order to be promoted to the next grade level.
ARRIVAL / DISMISSAL
Arrival – Students may arrive no more than 15 minutes before class is to begin. (9:00 AM on Sunday and 4:45 PM on Tuesday) They will be able to use the “B” or “F” entrances to the school. If they arrive after 9:15 am on Sunday and 5:00 PM on Tuesday, students will be marked tardy.
ALL STUDENTS ARE TO REPORT TO THE PARISH HALL at the beginning of each session. We are going to pray together as a group before going to the classroom. Parents of children in grades K-4 should walk their children in and all parents are invited to stay and pray with us.
Departure: Sunday – The parents in grades K-4 are to come to the classroom to pick up their child. Parents are not to enter the hallways before dismissal time. It is too disruptive to the other classes.
All older students will be dismissed only through door “B” or “F” or they can walk to the lobby of the church to go to Mass. Younger students are not allowed to be released to their older siblings unless there is a note on file, instructing us to do so. This is for the protection of your children.
Students in grades K-4 who are not picked up within 10 minutes of dismissal time will be sent to the Faith Formation Office to wait for their parents.
Please be prompt in picking up your children. Many of the catechists and staff are trying to get to the 11:00 am mass and if there are children that are not picked up we are late for mass.
Tuesday- All students will be dismissed under the overhang by the church to their cars. If the parent parks away from the overhang, they will need to walk up and get their child. Students will not be allowed to cross in front of the line of cars unless there parent is with them.
Both Days – If someone other than the parent will be picking up the child, the parent needs to send a note stating who will be picking up the child. If the child is to be picked up early, the parent must send a note to the teacher before class and the parent must come to the classroom through door “F” to pick up the child.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
Students are expected to be courteous and respectful to teachers, staff and other students at all time. Each student will receive a “Code of Conduct” with basic behavioral guidelines to sign and return to us. We have implemented the following discipline policy that all catechists are to follow in the event that students are misbehaving.
· Catechists will discuss with students what constitutes inappropriate behavior. As a minimum, it includes: fighting, cursing or any vulgar language, talking out of turn, disrespect to the catechist or other students, destruction of property, disruption of the classroom, and failing to cooperate with requests of the catechist.
· The first time inappropriate behavior is exhibited the catechist will talk to the student and explain to them what they were doing and why it was wrong.
· In the case of a second incident the student’s name will be written on the board.
· At the third occasion of inappropriate behavior, an adult will escort the student to the DRE.
· The DRE will speak with the student about their behavior the first time. The student will be required to apologize to the catechist at the end of class. The DRE will also speak with the catechist about that student's behavior; right after class or some time that week, in order to obtain appropriate details.
· The second time a student is sent to the DRE; the parents will be called and briefed about the situation.
· The third time a student is sent to the DRE, the parents will be required to come pick up the student immediately. They will not be able to attend class again until a conference is held between the parent(s), student, and DRE.
· If the situation is not resolved with these steps the parent will be required to attend class with their child in order to maintain their good behavior.
SACRAMENTS
· Students will be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Second Grade.
· Students will be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist in Third Grade.
· Students will be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the fall of Ninth Grade after participating in the 2-year preparation program.
Nativity of Our Savior Faith Formation program follows the Guidelines for Reception of the Sacraments in the Diocese of Gary. The guidelines state that a student must be enrolled in a religious education class for 2 years prior to reception of a sacrament, therefore if a students in a sacramental year has not previously been enrolled in a Faith Formation program, they will attend a special class once-a-month in order to help prepare them and they WILL NOT receive the sacrament until the following year.
Every student in a sacramental year is expected to attend all special sacramental preparation classes and retreats that are required by the director.
SEVERE WEATHER
If Nativity School or Portage Township schools are cancelled for the day because of severe weather, then Faith Formation classes will also be cancelled for that day. If the severe weather did not start until later in the day then it will be decided on a case-by-case basis if classes will be held. Closures because of weather will be posted on our Faith Formation website by 8:00 am on Sunday or 4:00 pm on Tuesday. Please check the website if the weather is bad. www.nativityfaithformation.org
Catechists for each grade will also call each family so please make sure you have a current phone number on file that we can contact you during the day your child has class.
