Theme: God gives us life.

Theme:

Objective: Prayers:

Prayers to be Encourage:

Grade Two

Theme: Objective:

Prayers:

To develop a link between the child and the whole mystery of God and salvation through stories and parables from the Holy Scriptures. Sign of the Cross Guardian Angel Prayer

God is our Father who loves us. Jesus is the Son of God who saves us. The Holy Spirit helps us to be holy.

To develop an awareness of God the Creator who gives us life and grace and promises us eternal life through Jesus.

Sign of the Cross

Our Father

Hail Mary

Glory Be to the Father (Doxology)

First statement of the Apostles Creed: "I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth."

Morning and Evening Prayers

Grace at Meals

Jesus nourishes us and strengthens God's life and grace within us.

To present Jesus as the model for Christian living and to introduce the sacraments of Baptism, Penance and Eucharist.

Act of Contrition

Simple responses at Mass

Apostles Creed to... "He will come again to judge the living and the dead"

All prayers taught in Grade 1

Theme: Objective:

Prayers:

Theme:

Objective: Prayers:

Prayers to be Encouraged:

Theme: Objective:

Prayers: Prayers to be

Jesus continues his life and work through the church.

To deepen the child's understanding of the Church and to help the child experience the church as a Christian community.

The Apostles Creed

All prayers taught in Grades 1 and 2

As God's people we are called to live as Jesus did, choosing a life of love, characterized by obedience to God and service to others.

To help the children form their consciences according to the teachings of the Catholic Church and to learn the basis of Christian morality as taught in the Old and New Testament.

Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

The Ten Commandments

All prayers taught in Grades 1, 2 and 3

Act of Faith

Stations of the Cross

Through the sacraments the church celebrates Christ's saving actions in our lives.

To help the child experience and understand the rites of the sacraments and so become a more conscious and active participant in the church's sacramental life.

Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary

All prayers taught in Grades 1,2, 3 and 4

Encouraged:

Act of Love

Theme:

Objective: Prayers:

Prayers to be Encouraged:

Theme:

Objectives:

Theme:

Objectives:

Theme:

Theme:

Objectives:

God's saving actions are found throughout history. The Bible, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, records God's plan of salvation.

To understand the Old Testament as the revelation of God in history of a people, a revelation fulfilled in the New Testament

Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary

All prayers taught in Grades 1,2,3,4 and 5

Act of Hope

The growth and change experienced during adolescence are part of the unfolding of God's plan for our development as fully Christian persons.

To develop in the young adolescent a sense of self-worth and self respect nurtured and strengthened by a knowledge of God's love.

To acquaint the young adolescent with an understanding of the virtues necessary for a life of goodness and faith.

The Gospels reveal Jesus as the Savior and Risen Lord who calls us to advance the kingdom of God through discipleship. •

To broaden the young adolescent's understanding of the Gospels through a study of their formation, themes, message and literary aspects.

To help the young adolescent grow in a personal relationship with Jesus by encountering Him in the Gospels.

The mystery of Christ continues in the Church through the sacraments which are visible signs of the love and saving action of Jesus.

To help the young adolescent understand, appreciate and celebrate the continuing presence and saving action of Jesus in the Church.

To lead the young adolescent to a full and active participation in the sacramental life of the Church.

Sexuality is a gift from God. It embraces psychological, spiritual and physical characteristics of men and women. We human beings need to integrate our sexuality into our total personality in order to develop into the persons God has called us to be.

To help the young adolescent appreciate the gift of sexuality.

To assist the young adolescent in developing correct and positive attitudes concerning sexuality.

To clarify for the young adolescent how the gift of sexuality can be misused.

Theme:

Objectives:

Theme:

Objectives:

Developing relationships with others and God is essential to becoming our true selves.

To help the young adolescent understand the elements which are essential to developing positive

relationships. To help the young adolescent understand that true community is built on honest, loving and respectful relationships.

Jesus' life and mission continue through the Church, the community of believers called by God and empowered by the Spirit to be the sign of the Kingdom of God.

To deepen the young adolescent's knowledge of the history of the Church.

To lead the young adolescent to a fuller participation in the life and mission of the Church.

Theme: Morality

Through our relationship with Jesus, we grow in an ever-deepening awareness of who God is, who we are and how God calls us to live. Catholic Christian morality gives direction to our response to God's call.

Objectives: To help the young adolescent grow in an understanding of the moral responsibilities arising from one's relationship with Jesus.

To help the young adolescent understand what conscience is and how to form his or her conscience according to the Catholic faith. To help the young adolescent learn basic concepts of morality and develop skills for moral decision-making. To enable the young adolescent to recognize the role of the Spirit and the witness and guidance of the Catholic Christian community in moral living. Theme: Prayer

Prayer is an expression of our awareness of and response to God's presence, love, goodness and saving power.

Objectives: To assist the young adolescent to grow in a desire for and appreciation of prayer as essential to the Christian life. To help the young adolescent to develop the ability to pray through the presentation and experience of a variety of prayer forms.

Homework - Homework reinforces classroom learning and can provide opportunities for independent study and creative thinking. Parents can help their children by arranging a quiet, comfortable place for their children to complete their assignments.

There are two types of homework:

Short term: Assignments that are given and are required to be completed and submitted on the following week of class to their respective Catechist

Long Term: Assignments are spread over a number of weeks. This type of assignment is outlined and explained in class by the Catechist. It may include such activities as projects, extended reading or independent study.

Homework assignments are to be completed as part of the requirements for moving on to the next grade level. If homework assignments, whether short or long term, are not completed, the student must make up the work by the time designated by the Catechist.

Testing - Since there will be formal testing at each grade level, a certain amount of knowledge will be expected to be retained by each student involved in our program. Home study is absolutely necessary. The objective of testing is to monitor student growth and effectiveness of our Religious Education Program. Students will be tested regularly, both orally and written. If a child does not fulfill grade level requirements, a meeting will be arranged with the parents, the Catechist, and the Director of Religious Education to discuss the situation. The Director will decide if the child needs to repeat the year.

Report Cards/Progress Reports- Religious formation of the child takes place in the home, in church, and in the class setting. Report cards for the Religious Education Program reflect class performance only. They are issued twice yearly to indicate the strengths and weaknesses that the students are demonstrating.

Achievement

Class participation _ Assignments

Effort

Behavior

The marking code is E - Excellent VG- Very Good G - Good S - Satisfactory I - Needs improvement

Retention - Students who do not satisfactorily complete the course of study at each grade level or do not attend the required number of catechetical sessions (see attendance) may be retained and required to repeat the grade level course. This is at the sole discretion of the Director. In some cases make-up work may be scheduled as a means of avoiding retention.

Textbooks - The Religious Education Program provides textbooks to all students enrolled in its class sessions. This is done with the hope that this investment will be properly safeguarded. Textbooks will be distributed by classroom Catechist on the first day of classes. Students are to inscribe their name and the name of their Catechist on the front inside cover of the book where appropriately indicated. Textbooks are to be brought home and back to class weekly in grades 1-6. If a textbook is lost, stolen, or damaged, a new one must be purchased immediately.

Academic warning - whenever a student is not working to one's potential, a deficiency notice will be mailed home to parents, advising them of the situation. It should be seriously regarded, signed and returned to the Director.

Behavioral warning - From time to time some students find it difficult to follow the rules that are made to ensure the greatest convenience for the greatest number. For a second offense, the parent is called and must come in to the office to sign the discipline form and pick up the child. A third offense calls for a meeting among the student, parent/guardian, Catechist and Director.

B. Attendance

Absentee - Your child's regular attendance at Religious Education classes is very important. These classes should take top priority over all other programs and activities. Absence from one-quarter or more of these classes may result in a student's repeating the grade level and a conference between the Director and the parents regarding this matter. Please call the Religious Education Office if your child cannot attend class.

Arrival/Dismissal Procedures - Punctuality in arrival will result in punctuality in dismissal. Students should enter the building via the front or side doors and exit from the same. Parents should exercise caution when driving near the church and park cars only in designated locations.

Supervision/Loitering - Students should leave the parish premises after classes are dismissed. Therefore parents should arrive on time at dismissal. No unnecessary "hanging around" before or after class is permitted. Non-students are not permitted on the grounds at any time. Children should arrive at the building for classes NO earlier than 10 minutes before class. Supervision is not provided prior to that time or after the dismissal time (8:45 PM). It is essential that all students be supervised when they are in the building. Those supervising are scheduled to arrive ten minutes before class.

C. Discipline

Student Behavior - Every student that attends the Religious Education Program is expected to cooperate in the maintenance of the building where classes are held as well as its grounds. Disruptions, disrespect, defacing or damaging property will not be tolerated. The behavior expected from students enrolled in the Religious Education Program is a combination of common courtesy and safety considerations.

The following types of conduct are inappropriate:

1. Fighting

2. Defiance of staff

3. Use of profanity

4. Refusal to prepare assignments or to participate in class

5. Possession of dangerous objects

6. Possession or use of tobacco

7. Possession or use of a controlled substance

8. Damage to property

9. Leaving the building/premises during the class without permission

10. Habitual tardiness & absenteeism

11. Intimidating fellow students

12. Cheating

13. Throwing snowballs or any objects

14. Gum chewing

15. Eating while classes are in session

Students will be held responsible for their conduct. The Catechetical Program reserves the right to remove a student from the group session for any of the following:

• if it is believed that the student would benefit significantly from an individual or smaller group situation,

• if the student's behavior is seriously inhibiting the learning of others in the group,

• if temporary removal is used as a disciplinary measure for serious and persistent disruptive behavior. Such action should be preceded by a consultation involving the student, parent/guardian, Catechist and Director.

Vandalism - Willfully damaging or destroying property will not be tolerated. Vandal damage must be paid for by the parent of the student. Accidental damage should be reported to the Director immediately.

Registration for New Students - Registration dates will be published in the parish bulletin. A family must first be registered in the parish in order to register a child in the Religious Education Program. All children regardless of race, sex, or national origin will be admitted to the parish program.

1. Completion of a registration form (including the student information record) for the children enrolled in our program

2. Payment of the registration fee, sacrament fee, etc. as stated on the registration form

3. Baptismal certificate and First Communion certificate (when applicable)

4. Previous records if child attended a Religious Education Program in a different parish

Tuition A Fees - Registration Fees are used for educational materials, supplies, activities, A. V. resources, postage, copier, etc. Resources also contribute to quality education. The balance of the ongoing Religions Education budget is subsidized by the parish. A listing of fees is included on the registration form.

1. Completion of registration form & student information record for the children enrolled in our program

2. Payment of registration fees Registration begins in March. Completed forms may be mailed in or brought to our office.

Class Placement • The following rulfill the directives of the Archdiocese of NY. Parish Religious Education Programs are preparation for life. The students are expected to attend Religious Education classes continuously from grade K through 8. In order to be eligible to receive First Communion, the students must complete the first two years of the Religious Education Program. Any child older than the first grade level who enters the program without previous formal Religious Education must complete the first and second grade curriculum to receive First Communion or enter the Children's Catechumenate. The child will be placed in the appropriate grade level after completing the curriculum of the grade(s) missed.

• Any child who leaves the Catechetical/Religious Education Program after receiving First Communion will (when re-entering the program) be required to complete the grade level(s) curriculum missed.

• The placement of the student is determined by the Director after consultation with the parent.

Student Transfer/Early Withdrawal If a student leaves the program before the completion of the catechetical year or at the end of the catechetical year, please advise the Director to facilitate the transfer of records to the new parish catechetical program that the child/children will be attending.

Student Information Record (medical emergency Information). Each parent is required to complete this part of the registration form for each student in the program. The information given is vital in case of a medical emergency. A parental signature validates this form. It must be completed annually.

E. Communications

Newsletter • A newsletter containing items of interest to students and parents will be sent home via your child every month as designated on the calendar. Please take the time to read it to be kept informed of what is happening in our program.

Parent Meeting! - Parent meetings will take place for all parents whose children are preparing for the Sacraments of Penance & Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation throughout the year.

Calendar - A calendar of all class dates, holidays, times of classes, all Catechist and parent meetings, and all events for sacramental programs will be published and distributed in August.

Letter/Flyer/Bulletin Announcement - In addition to the monthly newsletter, other sources of ongoing communications are letters to parents by mail, flyers sent to parents through the students, and parish bulletin announcements. Please read these for relevant information.

Cancellation of Classes/Events - In the event of inclement weather, cancellations will be announced on local radio stations (WFGB 89.7 fin, WGHQ/WGFM 94.3 fm, WKNY). Also, the Religious Education Office answering machine will announce the cancellation (339-4391). Religious Education classes are not automatically canceled when public schools are closed

Visitors - Visitors are not permitted in the classrooms or building during class time. In case of a necessity, a visitor should report to the office of the Director.

F. Safety

Transportation • Parents will assume responsibility for the transportation of their children to and from the parish site where classes take place with the exception of students who walk from home.

Fire Drills - At least once a semester a fire drill is held, making use, insofar as possible, of the procedures known to children from their public school drills.

Medical Emergency Procedures (in case of accident or illness) - If a relatively minor accident occurs to a student while attending the catechetical program, the following steps are taken:

• the Catechist reports the accident immediately to the Director;

• if bleeding is involved, the procedure outlined under "Blood borne Pathogens" are followed;

• the Director notifies the parent; if parent cannot be reached, Director follows instructions on Student Information Record;

• if there does appear to be injuries, a copy of the report should also be sent to the Archdiocesan Insurance Division

• the Director completes an accident report and keeps it on file.

• Catechist reports the accident immediately to the Director

• 911 or the local police/emergency rescue squad is called immediately

• the Director notifies the parent; if parent cannot be reached, Director follows instructions on Student Information Record;

• the Director notifies the Archdiocesan Insurance Division so that they will be prepared in the event that an accident/illness gives rise to a claim.

• the Director completes the accident form, keeps a copy in the file, and sends copies to: Archdiocesan Insurance Division, 1011 First Avenue, NY, NY 10022

Medication - No medication of any kind (including both prescription and over-the-counter) should be administered to, or taken by, the student during the Parish Catechetical Program. If any exception has to be made, the parent must provide a written request and directives.

Field Trips • If a field trip is planned for the Catechetical program, the Parish-Sponsored Trip Form must be completed by the parent of every minor who will participate. Telephone calls will not be accepted in lieu of written permission forms. Great care must be taken to ensure the safety of the students during the entire course of the trip, including the provision of excellent supervision and proper insurance coverage.

If field trips are taken, only hired buses, vans, etc. which are properly covered by insurance provided by the owner, should be used.

There may be a situation where volunteers have agreed to use their own automobiles to transport children for various catechetical program activities. In these cases, the volunteers should understand that the automobile policy of the volunteer responds first in the event of any accident. (Insurance follows the car, not the driver.)

G. General Information

Phone Use - The office telephone is a business phone and should only be used as necessary.

Valuables- The catechetical staff cannot be responsible for valuables which students bring to class. It is recommended thai all valuables be left at home.

Lost & Found- All clothing, money, jewelry or any other articles of value that are turned in may be claimed at the Religious Education Office after proper identification

Snacks - It is recommended that the catechetical program avoid serving food during the sessions because some children may have medical restrictions or allergies to certain foods or ingredients. However, sometimes we do celebrate with food items, so be sure to inform the teacher and Rel. Ed. office if your child has any restrictions.

Unscheduled Early Dismissals - At the end of the catechetical session children are dismissed to the care of the parent or parent substitute (must be someone designated in writing on the back of the registration form). If someone other than the parent or parent substitute is to pick up the child, this change must be given in writing to the Director prior to the session in question. Catechetical staff should nat drive students home. The recommended method of dismissal is to have the parent come to the classroom where the children are waiting under the care of the Catechist. For older grades, students will wait in the lobby after dismissal. If an individual student needs to be dismissed early, the request should be given in writing by the parent to the Director and presented prior to the scheduled class. This request should include: the name of the person picking up the child, date and time, reason and parent's signature. Please instruct your child to report to the Director in the unforeseen event of not being picked up. The child will then remain with supervision until the child's parent arrives.

H. Crisis Information

Every parish religious education program in the Archdiocese of New York is required to have a crisis plan in place. A Crisis Management Plan can reduce the onset of panic, which is one of the chief dangers of a crisis, by assigning responsibilities and offering a blueprint for action. No one plan can address the full-range of crises which a program might face, but a master that is flexible enough can provide guidance for any crisis.

The Crisis Plan enables students and adults to cope with serious conditions and traumatic events. In the event of a crisis requiring the students to leave the classroom building, children will be relocated to the church and/or rectory where they may be picked up by you, the parent, or other person as you've designated on the back of the registration form. Depending upon the seriousness of the crisis, you will be informed via telephone or newsletter, and/or possibly the radio.

Be sure that we have an emergency number on file in our office where you can be reached in the event of an emergency.

I. Safe Child Environment

All catechists are required to take a Safe Child Environment class prior to teaching in our program.