Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More at 900 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, FL 32304 US - Guidelines

CO-CATHEDRAL OF ST. THOMAS MORE Guidelines for Parish Religious Education Pre-K through 8th Grade & Sacramental Preparation “…let us profess the truth in love and grow to the full maturity of Christ…”Ephesians 4:15 Dear Parents, Welcome to our Religious Education Program! You and your child(ren) are invited to journey with us as we learn about our Catholic faith. As we have done the last 3 years, we will make us of the “Faith First” program and textbooks. This program teaches the children what we believe and how to live these beliefs. The three main themes of Faith First are: Doctrine, Scripture, and the Liturgical Year. The doctrinal themes come from the scriptures, the creed, and from the Lord’s Prayer as they are referenced in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Our catechists and aides are well prepared and ready to meet the challenge of “echoing” God’s words. Enclosed in this booklet you will find guidelines and information about this year’s programs. Please take the time to look at the schedule. You might want to put the schedule on your refrigerator or a prominent place in your home. Through these Guidelines, we are attempting to provide a serious and loving program for the children of our Parish. Two points are important to emphasize here. 1. As a Parish, we are responsible for preparing your children suitably for not only reception of the Sacraments, but ALSO to live a holy and good life. We ask you to be committed to our program, and to know that we are ourselves committed to your children and to you. Exceptions to these guidelines will certainly be considered on an individual basis, in realization that life can be less-than-ideal. 2. We want to remind you that the Catholic Church, from the earliest days, has taught that it is primarily the parent’s duty to “educate and form their children” in the faith; and that the parish and the Catholic community are here as a support in the endeavor. Since it is your work primarily, we trust that you are working on your end to help us do our job well, and that you will be prompt in informing us if you do not feel we are doing our job. Remember that our mission as Christians is to bring the Good News to everyone and that this mission begins at home. We thank you for giving us the distinct privilege of walking with you and your children (even if for a little while) as we journey through life toward our ultimate goal: the heavenly kingdom. Be assured that you and your children are in our constant prayers. Please keep us in yours. Msgr. Michael Tugwell, Rector Deacon Santiago Molina, DRE Maureen Brown-Muir, CRE GUIDELINES ATTENDANCE: I - Religious Education Classes (pre-K through 8) Þ We ask that there be no more than two (2) unexcused absences per semester. We also ask that the parent/guardian provide us with a note (either written or by phone or e-mail) indicating the reason for each absence. Þ For any classes missed, we ask that the parents complete the lesson missed with their son/daughter before the next lesson. Þ Please remember that poor attendance may be considered grounds for delaying reception of the Sacrament(s) for at least another year (see below. Regrettably, we have had too many instances in which parents have have neglected their children’s Catholic education and we would be irresponsible if we treated the Sacraments as “just another ritual.” II - Sacramental Preparation Classes (Reconciliation Eucharist, AND Confirmation) Þ IMPORTANT: Before enrolling in Sacramental Preparation classes students MUST have been enrolled in Religious Education Classes for 1 FULL YEAR before entering Sacramental Preparation. Þ All Sacramental Preparation classes must be attended. Any missed classes MUST be made up. If not made up, missing classes without serious reason will be considered grounds for delaying reception of the sacrament(s) for another year. Þ For any classes missed, we ask that the parents make arrangements with Deacon Molina to complete the lesson missed with their child before the next lesson. SAFETY: The safety of children is most important to all involved in our parish Religious Education programs. Please assist us in providing a safe environment for all students with the following procedures: ARRIVAL: Parents must bring their children to their respective classrooms to sign them in. If the Catechist is not present, please do not leave your child unattended, remain with them until the teacher arrives. DISMISSAL: Parents must pick their children up at their classroom door. Catechists are instructed not to release children unless the parent (or authorized adult) comes to the door to pick to sign them out. PARENTS, PLEASE GIVE YOUR CHILDREN CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT HOW YOU WILL PICKT THEM UP. Safety is most important. SICKNESS OR INJURY: If a child gets sick or hurt, the teacher or aide will bring the child to the office (by the chapel). Parents or authorized persons will be called and asked to pick up their child in the office. If they cannot be reached, then the child will be kept in the office until they are contacted. If the child feels better or has no visible injury, he/she will be given the option to return to class. WHAT TO BRING: Every child will be given a textbook which they are to bring to each class. They should bring a pocket folder for take-home papers, homework and parent notices. Bibles will be provided for classes each week where necessary and appropriate. DO NOT BRING: caps, toys, sports equipment, food or drink. FEES: The cost of our program is $30.00 for one child, $50.00 for 2 children, and no more than $100.00 per family. An additional $30.00 will be required for Sacramental preparation (usually in 2nd grade for 1st Reconciliation/1st Communion, or 9th grade for Confirmation). These fees pay for the books and supplies and help to offset the cost of teacher’s manuals, videos, catechist training, and other resources. If a family is unable to pay, please speak with Msgr. Tugwell or Deacon Molina as there are some scholarship opportunities available. DISCIPLINE: As members of our Christian community, children at St. Thomas More are expected to: · be respectful of each other’s feelings and possessions · listen and participate in classroom activities so as to enjoy their learning experience and develop their faith. Volunteer catechists are trained to handle routine classroom discipline. They are not expected to deal with out-of-control situations. If a catechists finds it necessary to remove a child from class to maintain a learning atmosphere, the following steps will be taken: 1 - the first time a child is sent to the office, the child will discuss the problem with the DRE (Deacon Molina) or the CRE (Maureen Muir-Brown) and sign a date slip documenting the visit. After a few minutes of quiet time the child will be allowed to go and apologize to the catechist for the disruptions and then rejoin his/her classmates. Parents will be informed of the incident after class. 2 - If there is a 2nd incident, the parents will be contacted to come to the office to discuss the problem with the catechist and the DRE. 3 - If a 3rd incident occurs, the child may return to class only if accompanied by a parent or guardian. 4 - Should inappropriate behavior continue, the parents will have to take the responsibility of teaching the child at home. Class Sessions: 1st - 5th Grades Sundays 8:45 AM Pre-K & K Sundays 10:00 AM 6th - 8th Grades Sundays 11:30 AM 1st Reconciliation/1st Communion *designated Thursdays 7:00 PM Confirmation *designated Thursdays 11:30 AM *See attached schedule for designated dates for Sacramental Preparation.

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