Policies
Registration
To register a child in the Religious Education Program, a family must be registered in the parish. Each child is to be registered in the program by a parent or legal guardian before attending class. A Baptismal Certificate must be presented at the time of initial registration. For registered families, early registration is from January through May. Registration for all families is throughout the month of June. Late registration occurs after that. A calendar of the year and other important information for the year is sent home before classes begin.
Curriculum
The Archdiocese of New York has published Guidelines for Catechesis which ensures a clear and uniform presentation of the faith for each grade level. These Guidelines are implemented in all parish Religious Education Programs and parochial schools throughout the Archdiocese.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend classes each week. When a student is absent, the office should be contacted by the parent or legal guardian explaining the reason for the absence. A note may be sent to the office if a phone call is not made.
It is the responsibility of the student and the parent to make up the work missed due to absences. Parents will be contacted in the event of frequent absences. Excessive absences will result in the repeat of the year's material.
Students are expected to be prepared and punctual for class.
Mass Attendance
As part of our Religious Education philosophy, children are expected to attend weekly Mass all year. Envelopes are to be submitted by the student at the Offertory only. If you attend Mass at another church, submit a bulletin with your name on it or your envelope attached.
Preparation for Sacraments
Christian initiation is celebrated in Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Through these visible signs a person is incorporated into the Church and shares its mission in the world. Full initiation into the Church occurs by stages.
When we have been weakened by sin, we are healed and strengthened through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Religious Education throughout all grade levels is essential for proper sacramental preparation.
Requirements for the reception of First Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation are determined by Canon Law:
- The age of reason
- Proper knowledge of the Sacraments
- Emotional and spiritual preparation
- Approval by parent, catechists, D/CRE, Pastor
