August 1, 2021
Dear Families,
Welcome to the 2021-2022 Religious Education Program!
In the spring, when I began preparing for the upcoming program, it seemed that with daily life slowly making its way to pre-pandemic conditions, we could plan for in person Sunday Religious Education Classes to start in October. In these past few weeks, due to concerns raised by the surge of the COVID Delta variant and vaccines being unavailable for children under 12, an alternate plan seems to be wiser and necessary. While we have the joy of having a large number of children in our program from 47 different schools, it is also cause for greater safety concerns. Therefore, the alternate plan is to begin with the Home School Program we had this past year with some possible variations. We will see how things develop and perhaps we will be able to bring some classes (in smaller groups) onsite occasionally beginning in January….or shift to totally in person classes if possible. It is an opportunity to continue your child's religious education both in knowledge and spiritual development. Your child(ren) will be able to prepare for Sacraments and keep up with the curriculum.
WHAT IS THE HOME STUDY PROGRAM?
Similar to our onsite Sunday School program, students will be assigned to their appropriate classes and a Parish Catechist. However, it will be a child's own parent that actually conducts the lessons.
This will include use of the physical textbook and the textbook company's online resources and assignments.
The role of the Parish Catechist will be to guide parents through the curriculum and lessons via weekly email and, if needed, a parent phone or parent zoom meeting.
Parish Catechists would designate a day of the week in which parents would expect the email to arrive for the weekly lesson. Weeks are counted beginning on Sundays with the exception of major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Parents should set aside a regular day and time to conduct the lessons. Perhaps Sundays!
As per the Archdiocesan requirements for a Home Program, the Parish Catechist will email only the child's parent and not the child. Parents will teach only their own child(ren).
WHEN DOES HOME STUDY BEGIN: SUNDAY OCTOBER 3
Children and parents are encouraged to attend the Family Mass each week at 10:00 a.m.
WHEN DO WE REGISTER? REGISTER NOW!!
Registration deadline is SEPTEMBER 7! Late registrations will be accepted until September 12. Registration will be totally closed September 13 and will reopen on Monday October 4. No registration forms will be accepted between September 14 and October 4. It takes time to update the database, organize classes, and get class information out to parents.
HOW DO WE REGISTER?
It takes many volunteers to run a successful Religious Education Program. All our Catechists and assistants are volunteers with family and professional obligations. They generously give their time each week. All who work with children, even remotely, follow a simple screening process according to the Archdiocesan guidelines and complete a training session.
This program could not continue to be a success without the many people who give their time and energy to provide instruction for your children and assistance in the program organization. I am thankful for the dedication of our Catechists and assistants in carrying out this important work.
You are the first educators of your child. Our hope is, that though our partnership, we can assist you in the Religious Education of your child.
Many Blessings,
Tina Silvestro
Director of Religious Education