Religious Formation (CCD)

Purpose
“Catechesis aims to bring about in the believer an ever more mature faith in Jesus Christ, a deeper knowledge and love of his message, and a firm commitment to follow him.” National Directory for Catechesis 19
 
Introduction
Adhering to the exhortation of Vatican II, we recognize parents “as being primarily and principally responsible for the education of their children.” In support of this mandate we offer Religious Formation classes weekly from mid September to early May for children attending the public schools. The General Directory for Catechesis, teaches the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church, upholds current document, including The Catechism of the Catholic Church and utilizes Diocesan programs to train catechists
 
Attendance at Liturgy
Attendance at Sunday Liturgy, either on Saturday or Sunday morning, is a part of your child’s Religious Formation Program. This is an obligation you as parents agreed to at the time of your child’s baptism.
 
Class Times
Tuesday
4:15 to 5:30pm grades 1, 3, 4, 5
7:00 to 8:15pm grades 5, 6, 7
 
Wednesday
4:15 to 5:30pm grades 1, 3, 4, 5
6:00 to 8:00pm grades 2 & 8 {see Religious Formation Calendar for dates}
 
1st Sunday of the month & once a month Family Catechesis
10:00 to 1:00pm grade 2
 
2nd Sunday of the month
9:00 to 12:00pm grade 8

 

The Religious Formation Program relies on volunteers to serve as catechists, classroom aides, hall monitors and child-care aides. Tuition is waived for those who volunteer, although there is $15.00 per child book fee. Child care is provided during sessions for volunteers with younger children. Volunteers are responsible for the cost of fingerprinting and background checks through MorphoTrak. Volunteering to help with the Religious Formation Program is one way to show your child you value the importance of the program.
 
Tuition
Tuition for the current year is as follows:
 
Parishioner
$109    one child                     
$188    two children    
$259    three or more children
 
Non-Parishioner
$209    one child                     
$289    two children    
$359    three or more children
 
No child who is a parishioner is ever denied Religious Formation if the family is truly in need. If there is a financial problem, please contact the Religious Formation Office for assistance.
 
Registration
Registration for the Religious Formation Program is conducted each year. All students currently attending the program must re-registered each year. Tuition is due at the time of registration which must be done in person. Dates for registration will be sent home in the spring and published in the parish bulletin. A late fee of $35 will be incurred if registration is completed after the registration deadline of June 30, 2012.
 
Curriculum
Our program is based on four major themes:  
  • We Believe: the Creed
  • We Worship: Sacramental Life of the Church
  • We Live: Making Moral Decisions
  • We Pray: Prayer in the Catholic Church

Using the Be My Disciples Edition as the basic textbook these four themes are developed in age-appropriate context. An excellent web site, bemydisciples.com, expands the lessons taught in class. Parent lessons at the conclusion of each chapter invite the parents to participation in the weekly lessons.

All children are to bring their textbooks to class each week.
 
Our Bishop has asked that all religious formation programs in the Diocese of Metuchen use the supplemental text Benzinger Family Life Program. The purpose of this program is to help foster in our children personal growth, Catholic moral development and respect for life. It focuses on five themes:
  • Family Living
  • Personal Growth and Self Understanding
  • Respect for Life
  • Catholic Christian Sexuality
  • Social Living
We suggest that when your child receives his/her book you take a few minutes to read it yourself and then review it with your child.
 
Attendance
Attendance at all sessions of the Religious Formation Program is expected. Each child is allowed 3 excused absences. Reasons for absence may include illness, death in the family, or other such emergencies. Absence for sports or school related activities are not considered excused absences. Excessive unexcused absences may result in a situation where the child may not be promoted to the next level. All children with perfect attendance will receive a certificate at the end of the year.
 
Tardiness
All children are expected to be in class on time.
 
Early Dismissal
If a child needs to be dismissed early, parents must convey that information to the child’s catechist in writing. Parents come into the school office to meet their child.
 
Progress Reports
Twice during the year, in January and at the end of the year, progress reports are sent home to assess your child’s progress. Please note any areas where you child may need assistance.
 
Emergency Closing
If the Edison Public Schools close early because of inclement weather, Religious Formation classes will be canceled for that day. Cancellation of the scheduled Religious Formation classes will be announced over the radio on WCTC, 1450 AM.
 
Controlled Dangerous Substances, Alcohol and Weapons
Controlled dangerous substances, alcohol and weapons are not allowed on the premises. If a student is found in possession of drugs or weapons the police will be notified and the student will be detained until the police arrive.            
 
Child Abuse
If a catechist suspects a child has been abused, New Jersey State Statutes require that the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) be notified immediately.    
 
Fire Drills
In accordance with Diocesan policy, fire drills are conducted twice a year. All children are to observe fire drill procedures.
 
Parent Meetings
Parent meetings are scheduled for parents having children in grades 2 and 8. Dates and times of these meetings are on the 2012-2013 calendar. At least one parent is expected to attend the scheduled meetings.
 
Arrival, Dismissal and Security
All children are to enter and leave the building at the school entrance near the Church. As part of our comprehensive security plan, this door will be locked ten minutes after the start of classes. Children arriving late for class and finding this door locked will need to come to the main door of school, ring the doorbell and be admitted by the office staff.
 
Barriers are placed across Seymour Avenue for the safety of the children when crossing between the school and parking lot. Barriers must not be moved. Park in front of the school is restricted before, during and after classes.
 
Parents are asked to meet younger children in front of the school and escort them to the car. They should not come to the car unsupervised - there are too many moving cars for the children to maneuver the parking lot alone.
 
If an emergency delays you in picking up your child, an adult will remain with your child until you arrive. If your child is not waiting outside, please meet your child at the main door of the school. 
 
Homework
When homework is assigned, it is expected that the assignment is completed in a timely and appropriate manner.  Parents will be contacted if a child repeatedly fails to complete their assignments.
 
Behavior and Discipline Policy
Rules are necessary for the orderly operation of our Religious Formation Program.  Children are expected to comply with the Religious Formation Program Discipline Policy.  This contract is sent home at the beginning of the year, read by children and parents, signed and returned.  Failure to comply witht hte Discipline Policy may lead to dismissal from the program. 
 
Religious Formation Office
The Religious Formation Office, located in the rectory, is open 9:30am to 4:30pm Monday thru Friday, excluding holidays. Office telephone number is 732-985-5063.
 
SACRAMENTAL POLICIES
Reconciliation and Eucharist
Students preparing to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are required to attend Religious Formation classes for two years of formal class instruction. These sacraments are usually received in second grade. No child may be home-schooled in Religious Formation for the sacrament preparation years. Parents are expected to attend a parent meeting scheduled for March 6 at 7:30PM in the cafeteria.
 
Confirmation
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation begins at the start of seventh grade. Students preparing to receive Confirmation are required to receive two years of formal class instruction in grade 7 and grade 8. Confirmation is usually celebrated at the end of eighth grade. No child may be home-schooled in Religious Formation for the sacrament preparation years. Parents are expected to attend the parent meeting scheduled for October 16 at 7:30PM in the Conference Room.