PARENT GUIDEBOOK. PASTOR Reverend Cadmus D. Mazzarella. PAROCHIAL VICAR Reverend Christopher T. Bakey

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1 Our Lady of Peace Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) PARENT GUIDEBOOK PASTOR Reverend Cadmus D. Mazzarella PAROCHIAL VICAR Reverend Christopher T. Bakey DIRECTOR of RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Deacon Frank Campisi Administrative Assistant Jo-Ann Angelone RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE PARISH CENTER 32 Carroll Avenue Williamstown, NJ PREP website: Parish website:

2 WELCOME PARENTS We welcome you to Our Lady of Peace Parish s Religious Education Program. Our Parish supports parents as the primary educators of their children and takes seriously the obligation to assist them in the religious education of their children. The goal of each lesson for each grade is to teach as Jesus taught He is at the heart of all catechesis. All classes (K-8) take place from 8:45-9:45 on Sunday. During this time, adult catechesis is offered. The [Name of Parish Program] follows the whole family catechesis model we encourage families to attend the Sunday liturgy together. Religious Education classes can never replace the grace received at the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist. This handbook serves as both a guide and information tool for parents. It explains the mission and goals of the Religious Education Program, provides parish information, contact information, sacramental, class and curriculum information as well as the procedures followed for the safety and security of your child. We are blessed to have dedicated catechists who are the backbone of the program. We are most grateful for their commitment, dedication and, most importantly, their faith. Parents are encouraged to talk with the catechists and to bring any concerns or questions to the attention of the Religious Education Director. May the Holy Spirit be with us in all that we do this year as we guide, direct and teach our children by word and example in the Catholic faith. Fr. Mazz, Pastor Deacon Frank, DRE 2

3 MISSION STATEMENT Our Lady of Peace Parish Religious Education Program hereinafter referred to, as PREP, is an essential part of the mission of the parish. The parish supports the parents of the children who are the primary teachers of the faith. The goal of the program is to form the students to be disciples of Jesus Christ, capable of living life with Catholic-Christian values. The program is rooted in the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist where the entire parish draws strength from both word and Sacrament. The PREP is intended for the children of our parish who attend schools that do not have formal religious education. Because we use a whole community catechesis model, the Religious Education Program provides educational opportunities for the segments of our Parish community. GOAL The goal of the PREP is total parish religious education. This encompasses programs for all age groups and for the specific needs of our parish. Since Religious Education is a process of lifelong learning for our entire parish family, it is hoped that with the cooperation, participation and interaction of all members, we will achieve this goal. INTRODUCTION This Guidebook is written for the Parish students enrolled in a public education school program, their parents/guardians and a guide for students and parents of St. Mary s School, for all activities and events pertaining to the religious education, especially Sacramental Preparation. The information contained within this guidebook is grounded on guidelines set forth by the Diocese of Camden s Office of Faith and Family Life. This Parent Guidebook is your primary guide for knowing the responsibilities and expectations of you and the Religious Education Program Staff. Your awareness of this Guidebook s contents will enable all children, parents and staff to enjoy positive experiences as we fulfill the will of Jesus to teach His commandments. You will receive notice of any changes to the content of this Parent Guidebook, as well as other information pertaining to our Religious Education Program through , social media and text alerts. Changes to this Guidebook may occur at anytime. 3

4 PROGRAM REGISTRATION Family registration in the Parish is needed before a student s PREP registration can be processed. All children must register annually with the PREP. Parents are asked to register as soon as possible to avoid your child missing valuable class time and incurring late fees. Registrations for Fall PREP will only be accepted after October 1 st from newly registered families. Registrations for Summer PREP will only be accepted until June 1 st. A Baptismal Certificate is required for first time registrations unless baptized at OLOPP or previously submitted. A copy of the original certificate received at the time of baptism is acceptable. If this is not available, a copy from the church where the child was baptized needs to be received. FAMILY CONTACT INFORMATION Current contact information with the parish, for all your family members, is necessary. Please contact the parish offices ASAP with any changes of: all contact persons, residences, addresses, phone numbers, and emergency contact information. Our office uses and the REMIND app as the primary tools for communicating. Children will be placed in the PREP grade that they are enrolled regular school, unless there has been gap in their religious instruction. If a circumstance should arise in which a student must be changed from one class to another, a written request by the parent/guardian must be sent to the Director of Religious Education. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION SCHEDULE The Religious Education school year begins in September and closes in May. Classes will meet once a week in St. Mary s School. Class Sessions are assigned after registration is submitted on a first-come basis. Preferences will be granted as seats remain available. You will receive an of your children s class assignment. 4

5 Religious Education sessions are: Kindergarten & 1 st Grade: Sunday 9:00-10:00AM or 10:30AM - 11:30AM Grades 2nd 8th Monday 6:15PM - 7:30PM Tuesday 6:15PM - 7:30PM Thursday 5:15PM - 6:30PM TUITION Tuition is due at the time of registration and has not increased in years. Please consider this as a worthwhile use of the family budget, when considering other activities. One child: $150. Two children: $200, for both. Three children: $250, or more children, for all. If your child is entering 8 th grade, there is a Confirmation Fee of $17 (A $25.00 Late Fee/family is applicable after the set Early Registration period ending July 15th) Checks must be made out to Our Lady of Peace Parish. *Parents who are experiencing severe financial issues are advised to arrange a payment schedule by contacting Deacon Frank Campisi, DRE, by deaconfrank@olopp.org. An inability to pay should not be a reason for a child to miss Religious Education. Volunteers will receive tuition credit for the cost of one student when the semester has been completed. Volunteers must be present at least 75% of class sessions to be eligible for credit. There are limited spaces available for volunteers. CLASS ATTENDANCE Parents are strongly encouraged to have their student attend every scheduled class during the PREP year. Absences should be reported to the student s catechist via with a copy to the PREP office, noting the nature of the absence. An excessive amount of absences may require additional class time/assignments to indicate readiness for the next grade level. Parents are expected, review the 5

6 information discussed during the student s absence, which can be found on the curriculum page of the PREP website. LATENESS To prevent class disruption, students must arrive a minimum of 5 minutes prior to class time. Late arrivals must report to the office before going to their classroom. In cases of joint custody, each parent needs to be aware that it is the responsibility of the Catholic parent (or the parent that has majority of custody) to assure that the other parent is informed of all assignments and responsibilities of the student. EARLY DISMISSAL For serious reasons, parents may request an early dismissal for their student. In these instances, a parent/guardian must fill out a form in office before class. For the safety of our children, no one will be permitted to leave early without a form stating the time of early dismissal and who will receive the student. Parents arriving to for an early dismissal are to come the PREP office. A staff member will retrieve the student from class. Because our class time is short and valuable, class should not be interrupted for non-serious early dismissals. (Sports, dance and similar activities are not valid reasons for early dismissal or absence. Late arrivals & early dismissals impede the catechesis of your students and their classmates.) SAFE ARRIVAL - SAFE DISMISSAL SAFE ENVIRONMENT STUDENT DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP Before and after classes, drivers may not stop/park along the curb line along the school or Church to drop off and or pick up students. Parents/guardian must park in a designated parking space. Please see the traffic pattern on the last page of this guide book for more information. The speed limit of our parking lot is 5 MPH at all times. All drivers are expected to follow the designated traffic pattern and stop at all crossings to ensure pedestrian safety. Parents/guardians of children in 1 st - 3 rd grades must escort their child to and from class and sign them in and out. Older student siblings are not permitted to retrieve and sign out students in younger grade. 6

7 For safety concerns, doors will be locked 5 minutes after session starting time, and unlocked 5 minutes before dismissal. Doors are monitored during locked times. ONLY students are allowed to use the bathrooms designated for children. Parents/Guardians and ALL other adults are to use the bathroom located in the Teacher s lounge across from the Religious Education Office (HOT ROOM). ALLERGIES Any allergies, medical issues, or special needs must be listed on the registration form at the time of registration. This information will be kept in the strictest confidence possible. GRADE TEXTBOOKS, ASSIGNMENTS & STUDENT SUPPLIES Textbooks are provided for students in all grades and are is required for every class. Parents must ensure that books are brought to class each week. If for any reason a book is lost, destroyed or becomes unusable the student must purchase another copy of the book at the cost of $ Projects/Assignments not performed in class, due to an absent book will need to be completed with your assistance at home and brought in for the next class. Assignments missed for any reason, including absence, lateness or early dismissal must be complete for the next class. Lesson material/information can be found on the curriculum page of the PREP webite. Students are expected and required to have either a pen or pencil. o Crayons, glue and other art materials used for younger grades will be provided for the students. DRESS CODE POLICIES Students are not permitted to wear clothing that is inappropriate for class instruction in a Catholic environment: No sexually provocative or revealing garments. No yoga/spandex workout pants/leggings unless covered a fingertip length dress or shirt cover it. 7

8 No articles of clothing with inappropriate sayings or images. No hats or hoods. No heeleys or cleats are permitted in the school. Additionally the PREP has adopted the Monroe Township Board of Education Dress Code for Williamstown Middle School: Shirts, dresses and tops must cover the shoulders completely. Tank tops, sleeveless jerseys and spaghetti straps are not acceptable attire. Shorts, skirts, dresses must reach the mid-thigh. Pajamas/sleepwear is not permitted. See-through clothing is not permitted. Any articles of clothing left behind will be held in the PREP office for a period of 2 weeks and then the item will be placed in a bin for donation to the needy. It is advisable to have the child s name on articles of clothing. Please call the PREP office as soon as possible when losses occur. STUDENT BEHAVIOR While our catechists and other staff members are volunteers they deserve the same level of respect and good behavior as any would other teacher or authority figure. A disruptive student affects the entire class of students, abuses valuable time and lessens the ability to achieve the expectation and goal of teaching the faith of the Church. The same code of conduct of the Public School system is expected to be followed by every student, when engaged in PREP. It is the standard of behavior expected at all times when on the Parish campus, or when involved in any PREP activities no matter of location. Violation of any point of the code will be remedied by disciplinary action. Since good behavior, cooperation, attention, and courtesy are expected from every child, the: 1st offense: will have the catechist speak privately with the student. 2nd offense: the catechist will inform the DRE/CRE and we will contact the parent. 3rd offense the DRE/CRE, catechist, parents and child will have a conference about the situation. 8

9 In the rare event that a child is removed from a classroom, the student will be escorted to the office and the parents will be called to pick up the student. If together we cannot come to a point where the student will improve their behavior, the DRE has the right to help the parents arrange for Religious Education outside of a classroom. If the unacceptable behavior becomes chronic, the child will be dismissed from the Program with a forfeiture of tuition paid. Like absence and lateness, misbehavior can have a negative effect on your child s readiness for receiving sacraments and moving on to the next grade level. CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES Individual teachers may set an electronic device regulation appropriate for her/his classroom that is fitting for effective instruction and the educational benefit of all students. However, if at any time a device is used for other than a teacher recommended instance, the phone will be taken by the teacher and returned at the end of the class session.prep staff members will exercise their responsibility to use communication devices in the case of an emergency. CLASSROOM & PROPERTY RESPECT PREP shares the educational space of St. Mary s School to conduct our program. Students are expected and required to treat all campus property, but especially the school building, grounds and classrooms with respect and care. The administration and teaching staff of St. Mary s School take great pride in their building and classrooms. Just as a student in a public school would not welcome someone disturbing the items of their desks, so to the property of the SMS students in the classroom desks are not to be touched in any way by PREP students; as well as the property of St. Mary s School, which we use for Religious Education classes. Parents/Guardians of PREP students must reinforce the importance of respecting the property of St. Mary s School. Any school or personal items be damaged or removed from classrooms or desks, it will be the parent/guardians responsibility to repair or replace such items. INCLEMENT WEATHER PREP will be closed due to inclement weather when/if Monroe Township Public Schools are closed. If there is a closing, the information will be posted to the PREP 9

10 website, as soon as the decision is made. A text alert through the Remind app will go out immediately upon a decision. We will also ask Monroe Township Public Schools prior to their dismissals to alert students of suspended or cancelled Religious Education classes, if the cancellation occurs prior to regular school dismissal. In addition, please listen to KYW 1060AM Radio. COMMUNICATION The Remind app is our primary tool for burst messaging, for example school closings, updates and program reminders. is another communication tool, Please check your daily. All information will be posted on the website, as soon as possible. Please ensure that our s are not going into a junk or spam file. Our website is an invaluable source of information and is updated regularly. We also have a FaceBook page (group) Our Lady of Peace Parish Religious Education. Our Lady of Peace Parish s Weekly Bulletin is another important source of communication for what is happening in our Parish. Religious Education Program announcements for are included in the Sunday Church Bulletin. Please pick one up every Sunday for future reference. OUR CATECHISTS/ RELIGIOUS EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS Our volunteer catechists are fellow parishioners who give their time for the love of the faith and the desire to pass it on to the next generation. We ask that you support their efforts by reinforcing your children s cooperation, positive attitude and respect of our volunteer catechists and staff. Consider joining our staff. We ask you to consider joining our program as a classroom teacher, aide, substitute teacher, or hall monitor. Experience is not a prerequisite. Your love of our faith and our children s futures are all you need to answer God s call to pass on that faith. Catechist training is available. Anyone who is interested in teaching, substituting, being an aide or hall monitor is welcome to contact the Religious Education Program for further details at any time during the year or , deaconfrank@olopp.org 10

11 SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION According to Canon Law and Diocesan Policy, sacraments are to be received at the parish where the family is officially and formally registered. Therefore, a family must be registered in Our Lady of Peace Parish, to be registered for Religious Education. Permission to have sacraments received elsewhere must be obtained by the pastors of each parish, i.e., the parish of registration and the parish in which the family is requesting to receive the sacrament. Likewise, to attend an alternate religious education program permissions from both Pastors is required. FIRST RECONCILIATION After Baptism, the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, i.e. Penance or Confession, is a prerequisite for receiving the other sacraments of full initiation of the Church. PREP and St. Mary s School Students will be prepared for the reception of First Reconciliation beginning in the first grade and will receive it in the second grade. Parental attendance is required at the Parent Pre-Sacramental Programs given for the reception of this sacrament. Our calendar will have date/times. FIRST HOLY COMMUNION (EUCHARIST) The Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life, as noted in the Catechism of the Church. Parents have a right and duty to be intimately involved in preparing their children for First Holy Communion. Our Program s aim is to help parents grow in understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist, so that they can assist in active participation of preparing their children. PREP and St. Mary s School Students will be prepared for the reception of First Holy Communion beginning in the first grade and will receive it in the second grade. Parental attendance is required at the Parent Pre-Sacramental Programs given for the reception of this sacrament. Our calendar will have date/times. Weekly Mass participation aids the preparation process for all of these major events in their faith journey. 11

12 CONFIRMATION As the final Sacrament of Initiation, Confirmation is closely related to Baptism and Eucharist. At Confirmation the same Holy Spirit received at your child s baptism is called upon, by the Bishop, to strengthen them to proclaim the word of God with an understanding and become a true disciple of Christ. As with most sacraments, catechesis for Confirmation takes place between the parents and PREP. The reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation only completes full initiation into the Church, but not and end to the student s faith journey. Our parish program for Confirmation preparation includes two phases: 1) CONTINUAL PREPARATION: Includes regular attendance and participation in all grade levels of religious education. 2) IMMEDIATE PREPARATION: PREP and St. Mary s School Students will be prepared for the reception of Confirmation in the spring of the 8 th grade. Preparation is conducted in this phase during the 7 th and 8 th grades of PREP, St. Mary s School or equivalent. All Confirmation Candidates are required to satisfactorily fulfill the following: Attending all scheduled class sessions. Preparing for all class sessions. Participating actively in all classroom assignments, discussions, parish/community events, etc. Completing all class assignments and homework on time Proof of Basic Knowledge of the Faith assessment. Attending The Annual Confirmation Candidate s Retreat. Achieving a favorable evaluation on the Pre-Confirmation interview. Participating (Parents and Confirmation Candidates) in their parish community by sharing their gifts and talents through a ministry of service. Writing a preparedness essay and description of a Saint s name selection. (Parents/Guardians) Attendance at the Annual Confirmation Parent/Guardian Retreat 12

13 CHOOSING A CONFIRMATION SPONSOR A Confirmation Sponsor, just like a Sponsor for Baptism, is a very important person in the spiritual life of a person receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Sponsors are to be positive role models in the ways of our Catholic Faith, who can best assist the Confirmation Candidate in preparing for full membership in our Church. When assisting your student to choose a Confirmation Sponsor, follow these requirements as a guide. A Sponsor must: Be at least 16 years of age. Received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Attend Mass and receive the Sacraments of the Church regularly. If married, be married according to Catholic Church Law (i.e., married in a valid Catholic ceremony in a Catholic Church, or Convalidated if civilly married or other religious ceremony without a dispensation) Must provide a certificate of eligibility from the parish where they are registered with the Parish Seal. A sample of what a Certificate of Eligibility can be found below. Sponsors must be someone other than a parent of the Confirmation candidate, but may be a grandparent. All Certificates of Eligibility for Sponsors Must be submitted By December 15 th! 13

14 Sample Certificate Parish Letterhead of the Sponsor Sacramental Sponsorship Certificate Please Print I, Name of Sponsor a registered member of (Sponsor s) Parish have been asked to stand as a sponsor for (Child/Person s Name) Receiving the Sacrament of: (Check one) Baptism Confirmation In accepting this responsibility, I truthfully state that: I am at least 16 years of age. I have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation I am a practicing Catholic; i.e., I attend Mass regularly on Sundays and Holy Days of obligation I receive the sacraments of the Church regularly If married, I was married according to Catholic Church law. I understand that a parent cannot act as a sponsor for this child. I understand and accept the responsibility which I undertake as sponsor, and I promise to pay special attention to: (Candidate's Name) In his/her efforts to live a Catholic life that reflects the Spirit and teaching of the Catholic Church, and I am prepared to assist the parents in their Christian duty by my support and example, encouragement and prayer. John Doe Signature of Sponsor I certify that to the best of my knowledge, this person is capable of assuming the duties and responsibilities of the role of sponsor. Date: Church Seal Priest / Deacon / Pastoral Associate 14

15 INTERESTED IN KNOWING HOW TO BECOME A CATHOLIC? R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) For adults who wish to be baptized, or who have not received all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist Confirmation) please contact Dcn. John Kacy at the Parish Office Ext. 38 R.C.I.A for Teens Religious instruction in the Catholic Faith for teens between 14 and 17 who wish to be baptized, or who have not received all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist Confirmation) please contact Kari Janisse at the Parish Office Ext. 20 or by at YouthMinisterKari@gmail.com YOUTH and YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY For school students and young adults interested in learning about the Catholic Faith and connecting with other young Catholics, please contact at the Parish Office Ext. 20 or by at YouthMinisterKari@gmail.com Our Lady of Peace Parish General Information SUNDAY WORSHIP Attending Mass regularly can only enhance the experience of religious education. The Mass provides the opportunity to participate in the faith we are share and teach in our PREP. Weekly Mass is our obligation, is a fundamental way to demonstrate our love of God and our worshiping community. By taking your PREP student to Mass regularly, you set the example that will make a lasting impression on them. Our Lady of Peace Parish s has six (6) convenient Masses each weekend, to assist you in meeting the Sunday Mass obligation. 15

16 Saturday Vigil 4:00 Sunday 7:30AM, 9:00AM, 10:30AM and 12:00 noon Sunday Evening 6:00pm In order to fully participate in the Mass, by preparing ourselves spiritually to receive the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist at Holy Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance is available: Saturday 10:30AM 11:30AM and 3:00PM 3:45PM or by appointment with a priest. A wealth of Parish information can be found at: 16

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