Religious Education

Religious Education Office
508-393-7445

Registration Form 2008

Saint Bernadette Religious Education Policy Brochure

Volunteer Form 2008

Diocese Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct Acknowledgement Form

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION POLICY FOR GRADES PRE-K through HIGH SCHOOL

The following criteria is only part of the Religious Education Policy of St. Bernadette Parish. Religious Education Policies may be obtained through the Parish Religious Education Office.

We cannot stress strongly enough the importance of weekly participation at Mass by you and your child(ren). Your child will respond to the example you set. No matter what age they are or what they are learning about their faith, their faith experience culminates and is enhanced by their involvement in Sunday Liturgy.

REGISTRATION FOR ALL SACRAMENT PROGRAMS WILL BE HELD BEFORE THE CLASSES BEGIN. THE REGISTRATION FEE FOR SACRAMENT PROGRAMS IS SEPARATE FROM REGULAR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES . PARENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE ORIENTATION / REGISTRATION MEETING WITH THE PARISH STAFF BEFORE THE START OF A SACRAMENT PROGRAM . REGISTRATION WILL TAKE PLACE AT THIS MEETING.

Jesus sent the Apostles to ‘Go and make Disciples of all nations.’ Matthew 28:1

Questions regarding any of our religious education programs can be directed to the Religious Education Office. You must be a registered parishioner to enroll your children in the religious education programs.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN & KINDERGARTEN

Classes for pre-k and kindergarten are held every other week on Sundays from 10:15AM -11:15 AM in the early childhood center. This program is optional. However, if the choice is made
to register your child for these classes, we ask that every effort be made to have your child attend on the scheduled dates or to contact the teacher as soon as possible in case of absence or illness. The curriculum is lectionary-based which means that they develop the scripture reading of the day at their own level and learning capacity and there is an every day lesson associated with the reading. Music and crafts are part of their classes and they take their work home on a regular basis. We ask you to support and encourage your children as they participate in this program.

FIRST GRADE

Classes for First Grade are held everyother week on Sundays from 10:15AM -11:15 AM in the early childhood center. This program is required for all students in the first grade who do not attend catholic school. All students who wish to participate in the sacrament programs in the second grade are required to attend First grade classes. Every effort must be made to have your child attend on the scheduled dates or to contact the teacher as soon as possible in case of absence or illness. As in the Pre-K and Kindergarten programs the curriculum is lectionarybased which means that they develop the scripture reading of the day at their own level and learning capacity and there is an every day lesson associated with the reading. Music and crafts are part of their classes and they take their work home on a regular basis. We ask you to support and encourage your children as they participate in this program.

GRADES 3 THRU 6

Students in grades 3 through 6 will attend Classes every other Sunday from 10:15 until 11:45 AM. The schedule of classes will be sent at the beginning of the school year. If a student is sick and unable to attend a class, the teacher or the Religious Education Office should be notified as soon as possible. Parents are responsible for getting the work missed for any class. Parents are expected to attend any adult enrichment sessions that are scheduled - these sessions are scheduled to promote adult education and enrichment and aid in your responsibility of educating your child(ren) in their faith.

JUNIOR HIGH & HIGH SCHOOL

Students in grades 7 through 11 meet on Sunday evenings for 2 semesters Fall and Winter - October through March. Classes are held on Sunday evenings from 6pm - 8pm. Students are expected to attend all sessions. This program is required for all students who do not attend a catholic junior high or high school. The curriculum for Junior High will be a general overview of our Catholic Faith using the Sadlier Program We Live Our Faith as Disciples of Christ and as Members of Our Church. The High School curriculum will emphasize Creed, Liturgy and Sacraments, Prayer, and Morality. If more than two sessions are missed, the student must meet with the director of religious education before attending the next class. Students are responsible for obtaining and completing all work that is missed. Faith Building (service) hours are a required part of the Junior High and High School programs. Speakers may be brought in or a special event may be scheduled for enrichment for students and/or parents. Students and parents are expected to attend these sessions. There are no make-ups for these sessions.

SACRAMENT PROGRAMS

GRADE 2

Children begin their preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist when they enter the second grade. These programs are immediate preparation programs each with 8 learning sessions and a retreat. Students and parents are required to attend the retreat together. Children will prepare for and receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving First Holy Eucharist. Reconciliation classes begin in the fall and First Eucharist in the spring. Parents are required to attend the scheduled parent meetings. We emphasize the importance of attending weekly Mass with your child(ren). This is especially important during sacrament preparation. We will meet with each student at the completion of the reconciliation program to determine if they are ready to receive the sacrament. These programs run on Sunday mornings from 10:15 - noon.

GRADE 11

The preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation begins in March of grade 11 with classes running on Sunday evening from 6pm - 8pm. This is an immediate preparation program which is 8 weeks long. Students desiring to receive this sacrament must be attending Mass and have completed religious education through their junior year. Students will be interviewed before entering the program. Requirements include a retreat, service hours , regular Mass attendance and attendance at all classes during the preparation period. There is a registration/orientation meeting in the spring for this program. The confirmation program runs on Sunday evenings from 6pm - 8pm.

REGISTRATION

Registration for all programs PK thru 11 takes place in June
Grade 2 Sacraments have a separate registration

The schedules for all religious education programs are sent out in September to those students who are registered.