Sunday Religious Education Program

Welcome

Thank you for this opportunity to teach your child about our Catholic faith. You, as parent, are the first catechist of your child and we gladly join with you to foster this special ministry. Our Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) community (Sunday Religious Education Program) believes that a partnership between parents and catechists (teachers) is essential for quality Religious Education. Studies show that parents who are actively involved in their child’s education and who continually reinforce family values raise children who are more responsible Catholic adults. Saint Andrew wishes to instill in each student a positive self-image. Mutual respect among students, teachers and parents is important and necessary. The teachings and the example of Our Lord, Jesus Christ help us in this endeavor.

Mission

The Mission of our Religious Education Program is to share, instill, and develop a deeper knowledge, understanding and love for our faith. Every effort will be made to instill in your child this appreciation and value for our Catholic faith. We offer ways for your child to learn and participate in the teachings and practices of our faith. Classes will include learning about Church teachings, liturgy (Mass), prayer, commandments, morality and Catholic practices.

We ask that you take your role in your child’s faith growth seriously. We ask that your child attend classes each week. Our curriculum is developmental in nature so it is very important to attend the program regularly. Participation in each year’s classes is important as each year builds on last year’s curriculum. Our textbook is CALL TO FAITH published by Harcourt . It is a diocesan approved text. Our catechists are dedicated and will provide your child with a good foundation in our faith. Our effort is to provide an excellent program. We need and ask for your support and encourage you to work with your child’s catechist to make it a significant year.

Registration

Please call the Parish Office at 773-525-3016 to register your child/children for the Religious Education Program or CLICK HERE to register online (note, tuition is not collected online). Registration is open to any student who is in K-8th grade. If you are new to the program please provide a copy of your child's Baptismal certificate at the time of registration. If your child is not baptized, he or she may still attend classes but we ask that you please call for an appointment to meet with Father Farry or Sister Caritas to discuss Baptism.

Please promptly inform us of any changes in your contact information (i.e. address, phone, email, etc.) so that our records are current in the event that we need to communicate with you.

Attendance

Classes begin the end of September and continue until the third week in May. Each Sunday, classes start at 8:30 A.M. and conclude at 9:45 A.M. Each class then comes to the church for 10:00 A.M. Mass. Mass is the central prayer and celebration of our Catholic faith. By Baptism we are called to participate each Sunday. We encourage you to provide your child with the example of your attendance. Bring your child to Church with you or meet them there after formal classes.

Attendance at all classes is expected. If your child is absent we ask that a written excuse be provided upon their return. Sports participation is not considered a valid reason for an excused absence. Please have the children at class on time. Tardiness disrupts the learning process for everyone.

Family Participation

To facilitate growth in faith and understanding we ask that your family participate in our program. As already mentioned, attendance at classes and at Mass is important. Attendance at worship is a significant part of our Catholic lives. In addition to attending classes and Mass regularly, please work with your child on the prayers they need to learn. If you would like a copy of basic prayers, please ask your child's catechist. Before each class please check to make sure assignments from the previous week are done and returned to class.

Parent meetings are scheduled periodically throughout the year and we ask that you attend. This is especially true for families involved in the sacramental preparation years as important information is presented at these meetings. At times projects or other activities may be sent home (e.g. during Advent and Lent) to develop the spirit of the season among families. Please follow through by participating in the suggested activities or practices.

Tuition

Our catechists are volunteers. Tuition covers the cost of materials used for classes. The fee is $100 per family. For those families with a child preparing for First Communion and First Reconciliation (usually done in 2nd grade) the fee is $115. (We have three books for those classes.) Tuition should be paid by the start of classes. If it is difficult to pay this amount by the first class, arrangements can be made to make monthly payments. All payments should be made by March. Checks may be made payable to Saint Andrew Parish. You may also arrange to pay via credit card.

Illness at School

It is the responsibility of the parent to supply a current emergency phone number as requested on the registration form. We need this information in the event your child becomes sick. Should this number or your number change please inform us and keep us up to date. Students will be released only to parents. According to state law MEDICATION cannot be administered by catechists or staff.

Progress Reports

Progress reports are passed out twice a year, once in January and again in May. Please go over these reports and note where your child needs improvement and where they are doing well. If you have questions or wish to discuss your child’s progress or behavior at other times, please make arrangements to do so with your child's catechist outside of class time. At the end of the year there will be a celebration to mark the end of the program.

Catechists

Catechists are a very important part of our program. The role of the catechist is to proclaim the gospel by sharing their faith and by teaching students how to pray. They guide the students toward deeper faith, commitment to God, and commitment to the Church through growth in holiness. Some of this is done by teaching. More is done by sharing personal life examples and modeling Christian behaviors.

Discipline

Responsibility and good behavior are qualities which facilitate learning. Growth in self-discipline can be achieved through Catholic educational activities. An atmosphere of harmony and friendship is to be maintained at all times. There should be no running, shouting, fighting or other unacceptable behavior in the building. Discipline problems in the classroom will be dealt with immediately. The first time a student is sent to the office there will be a conference with the Director of the Program. Another problem will require a conference with the parents to facilitate understanding and the needed change in behavior.

Sacraments

• Baptism
• Reconciliation
• Holy Eucharist
• Confirmation