Blessed Sacrament Church at 3127 James St, Syracuse, NY 13206 US - Handbook

Our purpose is to assist parents and families in nurturing a relationship with Christ in each young person who participates in our program.  Curriculum is prepared according to the criteria and guidelines of the Diocese of Syracuse.  Teachings are enriched through scriptural and liturgical experiences that will hopefully lead each individual to the realization that the study of our Catholic faith is not a body of facts to be learned but the prayerful response of the mind and heart to a way of life to be lived. 

For your part, parents and families, we strongly encourage you to assume the responsibility that you accepted at your child’s baptism.  Your greatest influence is your example.  It is most important that you participate at weekend mass with your child.  Celebrating Eucharist as a community is the center of our Catholic faith.  Frequent reception of the sacraments, daily prayer and regular class attendance are also important steps on your child’s spiritual journey. 

We are always looking for assistance to help our program grow and improve.  Please consider sharing your many talents and support to help us teach your children to live and grow in a better world. . . a world of love, service, and peace as we bring about God’s kingdom.  But most of all we ask for your prayers for us and for our parish.

In accordance with the church’s mission to bring about the Kingdom of God, the purposes of our catechetical program are to proclaim Christ’s message, to participate in efforts to develop community, and to lead people to worship and prayer.

We hope this handbook is helpful to you as we seek to achieve our common goals.  We are aware of the hardship of parenting in today’s culture and its many conflicts.  Together we can make a difference.

These rules and regulations pertain to all students attending Blessed Sacrament’s Religious Education/Catechetical classes.  Please review these rules with your child. 

Attendance and Absences

If a child is to miss class for any reason, it is requested that you call the Religious Education Office (437-3394, ext. 314) to leave a message prior to class so that this will be listed as an excused absence.  When a student is absent, he/she is responsible for the work that has been missed.  It is the parents’ responsibility to make sure that the child has the missed assignment so that their child is prepared for the next class.  Absences disrupt the faith formation process and excessive absences will be reviewed by the coordinator.  GRADE TWO: Excessive absences on this level may necessitate postponing reception of the Sacrament of First Communion.

Accidents and Illness

If a relatively minor accident/illness occurs to a student while attending the catechetical program, the following steps are taken: (1) the catechist reports the accident/illness immediately to the catechetical leader; (2) the catechetical leader notifies the parent according to the notification instructions from the registration form given by the parent.  In case of serious accident or illness:  (1) 911 or local rescue squad is called immediately; (2) the catechist reports the accident/illness to the catechetical leader; (3) the catechetical leader notifies the parent according to the notification instructions on the registration form given by the parent; (4) the catechetical leader notifies the pastor.

Admission Policy (Registration)

The child must be registered to attend class.  Registration in the catechetical program does not register you as a member of our parish.  Please register as a member of our parish at the rectory office.  A nominal fee is charged per student to help defray the cost of curriculum materials.  It is our parish policy that no child will be denied religious education because of financial hardship. Please notify the Religious Education Office of any changes in residence, phone numbers, etc.

Calendar

Please refer to the Religious Education schedule for this year's catechetical program dates.

Cancellations

Classes are cancelled only for significant reasons such as dangerous weather conditions.  If there are any cancellations due to snow or any other problem, it will be announced through the media (News10Now).  Please use your own good judgment where the weather is concerned.

Campus Safety

Your child is expected to walk (no running in building) to and from the classroom.  We ask you to remind your child to respect the use of the classroom and its contents as we are share the space used by the school children.

Discipline

Students are expected to be respectful, cooperative, and courteous.  Problems in the classroom are first handled by the catechist, then by the catechetical leader.  If problems persist, the catechetical may suggest that the parent instruct the child at home.  Our catechists are all volunteers and improper behavior is not tolerated.

Dismissal of Students

Drop Off/Pick Up: To ensure the safety of your child, DO NOT PARK NEAR THE ALL PURPOSE ROOM DOOR OR NEAR THE CONES.  Park your car in the parking lot and escort your child to his/her classroom.  Do not leave your child in the classroom until the catechist is present.  Early Dismissal:  If for any reason the child is to be released early, he/she must have a note stating time and reason for dismissal and who will be picking them up. 

Family Participation

The family is the ideal environment for sharing faith.  Regular participation in weekend liturgy, praying together, discussing God's presence in everyday life and creating family rituals to celebrate the religious seasons are just some of the ways to nurture the gift of faith. 

Field Trips

Permission slips with pertinent information regarding any fields trips must be completed by the parent and returned promptly.  No child will be allowed to participate in a field trip, retreat, or service project away from the parish campus without the signed permission slip. 

Location of Sessions

Our school facilities and parish grounds are used for many groups and it is important to remind your child to respect and care for the classrooms, our building and all parish property.

Medical Condition of Student

The catechetical leader should be informed about any student who has a special condition: physical, emotional and/or psychological, which may present itself during the catechetical session.  All information is confidential and will be used with discretion.  No medication of any kind should be administered to or taken by the student during the parish catechetical program. 

Outline of Programs Offered

Catechetical classes are held Sunday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.  Classes are offered for all Kindergarten through 8^th grade parishioners.  Youth not attending parochial school are expected to faithfully attend all classes.   First Penance and First Communion classes are held from 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. 

Sacramental preparation is offered separately from religious education classes and involves the participation of both public and parochial school parishioners.

Philosophy/Goals

The parish recognizes and supports the parents as the first and most important persons in the faith formation of their children.  Our goal is to aid parents in the religious formation of their children so that they can grow in a free and conscious faith relationship with God within the church.  Our programs only take root and grow when they are supported by the family.  Much, therefore, must be accomplished by parents at home on an ongoing basis.

Right to Amend

We reserve the right to amend this handbook.  Those to whom it pertains will be notified of the changes.

Rules of Conduct

As disciples of Jesus, conduct of all participants in the parish catechetical program must model respect for self and others. 

Special Needs

We are sensitive to life situations and changes that may affect your child’s ability to concentrate.  Please notify us if your child has any problem requiring discussion at the time of registration.

Volunteer Information

In order for the catechetical program to succeed, it takes the hard work and dedication of many individuals.  Volunteers serve as catechists (training required and provided) and help to provide guidance, support and encouragement to open doors that will lead to a closer encounter with God in their lives.

If you have any questions or require additional information regarding the catechetical program, please call 437-3394, ext. 314.