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?

1. COMPLETE THESE FORMS: 

1. 3-page Registration Form (attached)
2. Media Form if not previously filled out or for new students
3. There is no fee for Religious Education. Donations toward the Religious Education Program are gratefully appreciated. A link is provided for online donations.

2. ADD:

1. BAPTISM CERTIFICATE IF NOT PREVIOUSLY ON FILE IN THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE OR FOR NEW STUDENTS

3. PROCEDURES:

1. COMPLETELY AND CLEARLY fill out the registration forms. Incomplete and hard to read forms hold up your child’s registration.  It takes less time and is more efficient if the form is properly completed. Late registrations and incomplete forms delay the update of the database, the class lists, sending class placement notices, and book pickup.

2. Please POSTAL MAIL OR DROP OFF AT THE RECTORY the completed forms and a check (payable to Blessed Sacrament Church) or use the website payment link.  DO NOT EMAIL THE COMPLETED FORMS BACK TO ME.  The Archdiocese requires this registration information each year and that we keep paper copies on file. These completed forms will also be in the hands of the Catechist to have all information handy, especially in the event of an onsite emergency. You will receive an email in September with your child’s class, name of Catechist, textbook pickup information, and additional instructions. No other acknowledgement or receipt of registration will be sent.

3. The EMERGENCY CONTACT PERSON IS NOT THE CHILD’S PARENT. In the event of an emergency, this is the person we will call if the child’s parents cannot be reached.

4. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Registration in our Religious Education Home Study Program is a commitment to a program of study and a process of faith formation. Students are expected to complete lessons and assignments and be prepared to receive Sacraments and/or move on to the next curriculum level.

2. Sacrament Parent Meetings for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation will take place during the year either in person or on zoom.  Parents will be notified of these dates.

3. Be sure to keep the Sunday class calendar handy for your reference. Updates will be added along the way for changes and additions. (I am hoping we will be able to work out having a Christmas Pageant.)

5. CATECHISTS AND VOLUNTEERS

        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