st. gregory the great parish saturday school of religion family handbook 2014-2015.pdf · st....
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St. Gregory the Great Parish Saturday School of Religion
Family Handbook 2014 - 2015
St. Gregory the Great Religious Education
5545 N. Paulina St.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 561-3546
St. Gregory the Great Religious Education
Pastor: Rev. Paul Wachdorf
Pastoral Associate: Sister Regina A. De Vitto, C.N.D.
Catechetical Staff:
Beginners: Lynn Carro
First and Second graders new to r
Religious Education.
Sacraments: Lauren Siapno
Second and Third graders entering their
Second year in our program.
Reception of the sacrament of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
Grade 3-4: Lourdes Diaz
Grade 4-5: Barbara Lea
Confirmation 1: Elizabeth Wilschke
Confirmation 2: Sister Darleen Mayo, C.N.D.
The Role of a Catechist A Catechist is a person of faith who creates an atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to foster an active, living, conscious and mature faith within the hearts of students 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. It begins when we invite God to breathe His Word and Spirit into our hearts. We 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 regards to their children.” (National Directory for Catechists) 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.
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 growth in maturity as a
member of the Catholic Church.
Tuition
$100/year per child; $130/year for two children; $160/year for three or more
children. All tuition should be paid by November 29, 2014. If tuition poses a
financial burden which would prohibit enrolling your child in the program,
contact Sister Regina at #773-561-3546.
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 changes of address, phone number 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.
The weekly Parish Bulletin “The Gregorian”, contains ongoing information about our
religious education program. Periodically, letters will be sent home with your child
reminding you of important events.
Attendance
Attendance for every class is important for learning and growth and should be the
first priority on Saturday mornings before any other activities such as. This includes
athletic 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 any time. Other guests are advised to
call ahead for permission.
Class Times
Classes are from 10:00A.M. to NOON. Class begins promptly with an opening
prayer in the Gymnasium located 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 10:00A.M. sharp.
Parents and students coming after 10:00A.M. are late.
Dismissal Policy
Children will be dismissed class by class to the lobby of the gym. Parents may
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 written note. Parents may wait in the lobby area at the
designated time.
Textbooks
Each student receives a textbook from the series Finding God. It is
used in class and go home for study. Please keep it clean and free
from all graffiti.
Parents are to help children with assigned homework and see that all necessary
materials are brought to class.
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, 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
exiting the building quickly and quietly. 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.
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 an 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. Leave personal items such as Ipods, CD or MP3 players at home.
Sports equipment or headphones are NOT permitted in class and
will be taken by the teacher.
The chewing of gum or candy is also NOT permitted.
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 a disciplinarian. 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.
Safety Policy
In light of the recently passed Illinois Conceal Carry law, St. Gregory
the Great remains a “GUN FREE ZONE.” No Guns are Allowed in any of
the St. Gregory the Great buildings!
Parental responsibilities are:
1. To attend Parent meeting as required.
2. To participate in all 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 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 into the Catholic Church and
the responsibilities that full membership entails. The three Sacraments of Initiation are
conferred at the Easter Vigil only. The date of the Easter Vigil is Saturday evening
April 4, 2015.
2014-2015 SATURDAY SCHOOL of RELIGION CALENDAR
September 13 10AM Opening Mass in Church followed by classes and Parent Meeting
20 10am – Noon
21 Catechetical Sunday 10:30AM Mass Teacher Blessing and Commissioning
27 10am – Noon
October 4 10am – Noon Parent Confirmation Meeting
11 10am – Noon
17- 18 NO CLASS CATECHETICAL CONFERENCE
25 10am - Noon
November 1 10am – Noon
8 10am – Noon
15 10am – Noon
22 10am – Noon
29 NO CLASS THANKSGIVING
December 6 10am – Noon Reconciliation
13 10am – Noon Reconciliation (last session before Christmas)
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY/NEW YEAR BREAK
January 10 10am – Noon Classes resume
17 10am – Noon
24 10am – Noon
31 FAMILY CONCERT 10AM in Church followed by regular classes Noon dismissal
February 7 FAMILY DAY 10am Mass in CHURCH followed by a light reception
14 10am - Noon
18 ASH WEDNESDAY LENT BEGINS
21 10am – Noon
28 10am - Noon
March 7 10am - Noon
14 10am - Noon
21 10am - Noon
28 10am – Noon Palm Sunday weekend
April 2 HOLY THURSDAY
3 GOOD FRIDAY
4 EASTER VIGIL NO CLASS
11 10am - Noon
18 10am - Noon
25 10am - Noon
May 2 10am – Noon First Communion Practice 11AM Church
3 FIRST COMMUNION 10:30AM Mass Church
9 10am – Noon May Crowning 11AM Church
16 10AM Church Closing Mass/ice cream social
Date and Place of Confirmation to be determined
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.
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.
(Short Form)
O my God, I am very sorry for all of my sins, because they displease you, who are all good and deserving of all my love.
With your help, I will sin no more. Amen.
Blessing Before Meals
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.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
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 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.
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:
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
Saturday School of Religion
St. Gregory the Great Parish
Parents Handbook
2014-2015
I have read the pages of this handbook for the Saturday School of Religion
Family name: ________________________________________________
Student enrolled: _____________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Parent signature: ___________________________Date:_____________
Email:______________________________________________________
Please return by Saturday, October 4, 2014