St. Michael

Roman Catholic Church

Gastonia, NC

FAITH FORMATION

HANDBOOK

2008-2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mission and Visioning Statements …………………………………………….…………2

Our Philosophy on Faith Formation …………………………………………………….. 3

List of Catechetical Leadership …………………………………………………….…… 4

Preparation for the Sacraments …………………………………………………….……. 5

Religious Education for Children ……………………………………………………..….7

Code of Honor for Youth …………………………………………………………..……. 8

Attendance Policy ………………………………………………………………….……. 9

Dress Code ………………………………………………………………………………10

Registration and Safety Procedures ………………………………………………….… 11

Reporting Ministry-Related Sexual Abuse of a Minor ………………………………… 12

Adult and Continuing Religious Education ………………………………………….… 13

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults …………………………………………………. 14

Resources …………………………………………………………………………….… 15

Directory of Catechists ……………………………………………………………….... 16

Learning Catholic Prayers, Practices, and Facts ……………………………………….. 17

Mission and Visioning Statements

bababababa

2008-2009 Parish Vision Statement

Through education, prayer, and Catholic living raise our awareness of Catholic Doctrine in order to know Jesus Christ more fully.

bababababa

2008-2009 Commission Vision Statement

Bringing people to growing holiness through the study of our Faith at all age levels so that they may practice the Faith as Intentional Catholics.

bababababa

Our Philosophy on Faith Formation

“Catechesis is the transmission of God’s Word to invite people to personal faith.” The faith response should include faith in the person of Jesus and in His message. This faith should be living, conscious, and active. (The Mystery We Proclaim, Francis D. Kelly)

Every baptized Catholic has the privilege and responsibility to be actively engaged in becoming aware of Divine Revelation through Sacred Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium. Church law obliges the pastor of a parish to provide for this instruction in the truths of the faith (Code of Cannon Law c.528.1). He does this with the assistance of our Faith Formation Secretary, Youth Ministry Team, and Catechists.

Our religious education programs have five goals: 1) to bring participants to individual and constant conversion to the Lord; 2) to build an Intentional Catholic Community; 3) to teach the content of God’s revelation clearly and fully; 4) to lead participants to contemplation in the presence of the Transcendent God; and 5) to foster commitment to living out the Gospel ideals in the practical circumstances of everyday life. We are committed to assisting people in becoming disciples of Jesus Christ.

Regardless of our age or educational background, we continue to seek a deeper and fuller understanding of what Christ has revealed to His Church through study and reflection of the daily readings from Sacred Scripture and spiritual works, keeping up with current teachings of the Church, attending religious education programs, participating in the Holy Mass and Confession and engaging in an active prayer life that includes Catholic devotions (e.g. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament).

Under the direction of their pastors the parents are the primary catechists of their children and youth. As models of practicing Catholics, parents show their children the importance of being engaged learners and practitioners of their faith. Parents then teach and support their children in learning about and practicing the Catholic faith, especially in the preparation for receiving the Sacraments of Confession, Eucharist, and Confirmation. They create a home church for their families in which prayer, Scripture reading, and seasonal religious rituals (e.g. Advent and Lenten devotions, mealtime prayers) are experienced as a family; and in which celebrating the Sacrament of Confession regularly and going to Mass each Sunday and on Holy Days of obligation are family priorities.

The parish of Saint Michael, according to the promise made to these parents at their children’s baptisms, supports the faith formation of our children and youth by providing formal religious education programs.

Saint Michael Roman Catholic Church

Catechetical Leadership

Parish Office 704-867-6212

Principal Catechist:

Father Roger Arnsparger 704-867-6212 x105

(RCIA, Marriage Preparation, Catechist Training)

Permanent Deacons:

Reverend Mister Jack Weisenhorn 704-866-4329

(Marriage Preparation)

Reverend Mister Art Kingsley 704-867-6212 x128

Faith Formation Secretary

Mrs. Theresa Webster 704-867-6212 x114

(Faith Formation, Confession/Eucharist Preparation, Confirmation preparation, Catholic Scripture Study, Youth Ministry)

Youth Ministry:

Mrs. Theresa Webster 704-867-6212 x114

Preparation for the Sacraments

(Baptism, Confession, Eucharist, and Confirmation)

General Requirements:

1. Families of children and youth preparing to celebrate a sacrament must be registered and active in the parish community.

2. For the sacraments of Confession, Eucharist, and Confirmation the child or youth must have attended formal religious education classes with regular attendance for two years prior to the Sacrament.

3. Present a Baptismal certificate for the child preparing for these sacraments.

Baptism: Contact Ray & Debbie Kurtiak as soon as possible after the family learns that they are expecting a child. The Baptism of the infant should occur within a few weeks after birth and is celebrated on Sundays after Mass. Both parents are expected to attend the class. Refer to the parish bulletin for dates and times of classes.

First Confession: Children, aged seven and older, usually 2^nd grade, are invited to prepare for the Sacrament of Confession in the fall preceding First Holy Communion. Parents and children are required to attend one preparation class in addition to home study and regular religion classes. Contact Theresa Webster for more details.

First Eucharist: Children, aged seven and older, usually 2^nd grade, and having previously celebrated First Confession, are invited to prepare for the Sacrament of First Eucharist in the spring. Parents and children are required to attend one preparation class in addition to home study and regular religion classes. Contact Theresa Webster for more details.

Confirmation: Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation begins in the fall. Candidates must be:

· In the eighth grade or beyond,

· Active in their sacramental lives,

· Active in stewardship (giving service to God and to others), and

· Knowledgeable about the Catholic faith.

In addition to regular catechetical classes, candidates are required to:

· Attend two afternoon meetings with sponsors,

· Have an interview with the Faith Formation Secretary or one with the Pastor,

· Pass an assessment test at the end of the preparation process,

· Participate in three liturgical rituals at a scheduled Parish Sunday Mass throughout the year, and

· Participate in service activities in the parish and community by active involvement in the Youth Group.

A general meeting is held in August that gives further details or you could contact Joy Cassidy.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Children: Uncatechized children or youth are welcome to prepare for receiving the Sacraments with the Church. Contact the Pastor for more information.

Religious Education for Children

Classes for Pre-K through 12^th grade are held on Sundays from 8:45 – 9:45 AM.

Textbook Series:

Pre-K and K: Ignatius Press, Image of God, an exciting and comprehensive Catholic program that has as its foundation the creation of human beings in God's own likeness, a confirmation of man’s unique dignity.

Grades 1-8:

Ignatius Press, Faith and Life, correlated with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, with Scripture to complement the presentation of Catholic doctrine and practices.

Grades 9-12:

Midwest Theological Forum, Didache Series: The focus of the Didache Series is to sufficiently present, in a manner that is both comprehensive and accessible, the basic tenets of the doctrinal, scriptural, moral, and sacramental life of the Church.

Homework is given as preparation for each lesson. Completed assignments are checked and recorded by the catechist or the assistant. Parents are encouraged to work with their children in reviewing, memorizing vocabulary, or completing other activities assigned by the catechist to reinforce the lessons taught.

Assessment Tests will be given to the children after the end of each unit, sometimes as homework. Parents are asked to go over the graded test with their children and correct any incorrect answers.

Mid and End of year reports will be sent home with the children in January and May. These reports will give the parents a picture of how their children are doing at their religious studies as well as update parents on their children’s attendance.

Parent Volunteers: In order to register a child, parents are required to serve in one of the following ways: as an assistant in the classrooms of their child for at least one month, as hall monitor, as catechist, or as a substitute catechist.

Code of Honor for Youth

As youth of the Roman Catholic Church and of Saint Michael Parish, we pledge to honor our Lord, Jesus Christ and one another in our study, prayer, service, and play.

We honor Christ and each other in the way we dress.

· We consider neat and clean jeans, slacks, skirts, dresses, sweaters, and t-shirts or sweatshirts that do not promote alcohol, sex, tobacco, drugs, profanity, death themes, or violence appropriate clothing to wear during youth programs.

We honor Christ and each other with our attention.

· We complete tasks assigned to us and consider our religious studies as important as our other school subjects.

· We leave cell phones at home during Youth Ministry sessions.

We honor Christ and each other by creating an environment of welcome and safety.

· We follow all policies that assure our safety and well being.

· We keep all parish, vicariate, and Diocesan events and activities tobacco, drug, and alcohol free. The use of these substances by minors is illegal and will be met with the appropriate consequences.

We honor Christ and each other by treating everyone and everything with reverence and respect.

· We pray with reverence even if the prayer or music is not “our style”

· We speak and listen with consideration and kindness promoting learning and friendship.

· We emphasize friendships rather than dating relationships, refraining from public displays of affection (e.g. kissing, clinging, overly long hugs…)

· We introduce friends who join us as guests to the youth leaders before class begins. No one among us should be a stranger.

· We expect that our guests will follow our code of honor.

· We keep our buildings and its grounds clean and use equipment and furnishings in the manner for which they were designed (e.g. we do not sit on tables).

Attendance Policy

It is a privilege to learn Christ’s teaching and enter into discipleship with Him. Attendance in religious education classes is essential for growth and pride in our Catholic Faith. Therefore, we look forward to and expect attendance from all of our children and youth in their particular religious education program.

Attendance Records are kept by the catechist or assistants and recorded on the student’s permanent record. These records are used to evaluate sacramental readiness and, if the family should move, follow the student to a new parish program for their files. We consider 95% attendance as regular attendance.

Tardiness is always detrimental to the learning environment. While we do not regard late arrival as an absence, it does negatively affect the child’s advantage in learning and sets a poor example. If a student is more than five minutes late, inform the Director or the assistants, so that the attendance records can be corrected.

Excuses: We do not require written excuses for a student’s absence, but please notify your child’s catechist. We do not count as present children or youth who attend family sacramental celebrations, field trips with other church or school groups, religious plays or concerts in place of scheduled catechetical classes. We require that all missed work be completed and returned in a timely fashion. Contact the catechist for missed assignments.

Dress Code

In order to provide a positive and proper environment for studying our Faith, we have a dress code for Faith Formation classes. Everyone should wear his/her Sunday best.

· No shorts.

· No flip-flops.

· Dress shoes are preferred, but clean and neat gym shoes are acceptable.

· No flashing lights on shoes.

· No inappropriate wording or pictures are allowed.

· All clothing should be modest as befits honoring the body and reverencing God.

Registration and Safety Procedures

Registration fees: $50 for one child, $80 for two children, and $120 for three or more children from the same family.

Schedules of classes are distributed at registration and are subject to change. Consult the bulletin and website for changes or additions.

Arrival and Departure:

1. For their safety, children in grades Pre-K through 5^th must be escorted to and from their classrooms by a parent. Please, be prompt when picking up your children. Catechists will not release children to older siblings without the approval of the Faith Formation Secretary.

2. Written permission is required if a child or youth will be leaving class early or riding home with another family or an adult other than the parents. This includes car-pooling arrangements.

3. Everyone must enter and leave by the front doors of the school.

4. After Youth Group meetings, pick up your youth by forming a car-pool line in front of the Parish Center doors.

5. Driving youth are to park in those spaces in front of the Parish Center doors.

6. If older youth are transporting siblings, he or she is to wait for their siblings and walk to their car together.

7. Teen drivers are not permitted to give rides to youth other than their siblings without written parental permission.

Friends are always welcome but must be introduced as a guest to the Youth leaders and bring a permission slip signed by their parent.

Disclosure of Health Information about your child is important to us, especially if your child or teen had food allergies, is on long term medication, or has specific needs due to physical, emotional, or learning disabilities. This information will assist us in providing your child with a safe and successful catechetical experience.

Protecting God’s Children is a Diocesan sponsored program that trains and educates adults on the means to protect our children from child sexual abuse. Attending this three-hour workshop is a requirement for all parish volunteers. We require that parents plan to participate in this worthwhile program. Call the Parish Office for more details.

Reporting Ministry-Related Sexual Abuse of a Minor

All cases of alleged, known or suspected ministry related sexual abuse of a minor must be reported to the proper civil authority. Any person having actual knowledge of, or reasonable cause to suspect an incident of ministry related sexual abuse by any church personnel of the Diocese of Charlotte is to immediately report the incident to the Chancery, unless to do would violate the Sacrament of Penance. The Chancery will then report the incident to the proper civil authority.

After notifying the proper civil authority, the Chancery will immediately notify the Assistance Coordinator, the Promoter of Justice, and the Review Board. Following this, the individual reporting the incident to the Chancery will be notified of the particulars regarding the filing of the incident with civil authority. This reporting requirement is not intended to supersede the right of a victim or witness to individually make a report to public authorities, but is to ensure proper, complete and timely reporting to the proper civil authority. At the time of reporting, the diocese will request to be kept informed as to the progress of that authority’s investigation. Should an individual choose to make a report to civil authorities, the requirement to make a report to the Chancery is not removed.

You may make a report of sexual misconduct by calling the Chancery at 704-370-6299, or by writing to:

Chancellor

Diocese of Charlotte

PO Box 36776

Charlotte, NC 28236

At the time of reporting an incident alleged sexual misconduct to the Chancery, the person making the report will be asked to complete the diocesan form, Report of Suspected Ministry Related Sexual Misconduct by Church Personnel.

Adult Continuing Religious Education

Every adult, regardless of age, is encouraged to continue growing and learning about our Faith. To assist the adults of Saint Michael, the parish catechetical leaders provide a variety of offerings throughout the year. There is no charge other than the occasional need to pay for a text.

Scripture Study- Catholic Scripture Study

Monday evenings 7-8:30 PM in the Parish Center Meeting Room.

Thursday mornings 9-10:30 AM in the Parish Center Meeting Room.

Cost $60

RCIA- Anyone interested in refreshing his or her knowledge of Catholic

basics is invited to attend these sessions, Thursdays, September

through April, 7:00-9:00 PM. Contact the Pastor for more

information.

Doughnuts and Dogma- Sundays during Faith Formation from 8:45-9:45

AM. Presentations on the Catholic faith presented by Father.

Bring the doughnuts or muffins. Coffee provided.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

The right of Christian Initiation of Adults designed to answer the questions of adults thinking of converting to Catholicism begins with Inquiry sessions held in September. Should the adult wish to continue learning more, he or she participates in a Rite of Acceptance.

This period of inquiry is followed by the catechumenate, an intensive year of study of the Roman Catholic Faith. A sponsor, a practicing Catholic, accompanies the catechumen (one who has not been baptized a Christian) or candidate (one who is a baptized Christian) at these sessions. The sponsor prays for and with the catechumen or candidate, answers questions and is present throughout the process.

At the beginning of Lent, those catechumens and candidates who wish to be in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church participate in the Rite of Sending before leaving to be presented to the Bishop. The Bishop welcomes the catechumens and candidates in the Rite of the Elect.

The Elect continue their studies and enter into a time of reflective prayer. The Elect also participate in The Scrutinies, prayers said over them by the priest, the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent.

During Holy Week the Elect participate in a retreat or day of reflection. The Elect are brought into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil, celebrated the Saturday evening before Easter Sunday. At this time those previously not baptized will be baptized. All will be confirmed and join the Church for the first time in Holy Communion. The newly confirmed are now called Neophytes.

The Neophytes complete the process by participating in Mystagogia, a short period of reflection, prayer, and thanksgiving for the many blessings and graces given them.

Resources

A variety of Catholic educational resources are available to you as you assist a child in learning about his or her faith or for your own knowledge.

Internet Sites:

Vatican- http://www.vatican.va/phome-en.htm

Catholic News Service- http://catholicnews.com

Diocese of Charlotte- http://www.charlottediocese.org

EWTN- http://www.ewtn.com

Catholic Religious Goods:

Mary’s Garden, New Hope Road, Gastonia

The Catholic Shop, Belmont Abbey College, Belmont