Parent & Student Handbook

Transcription

1 Archdiocese of Galveston ~ Houston The Good News is a story to be told, a story to be celebrated, a story to be lived and a story to be in communion with. It is not romanticizing to say that it is a love story because it truly is, but it is a love story that has tragedy, hope, love and joy which are all a part of the human condition. We have a tendency in catechesis to present the faith as a lot of great truths but can struggle to help those we catechize see that it s more a story we are a part of than a number of great truths that happened in the past. The more we can show others that what we are proclaiming and teaching is all part of a beautiful story of God s plan and purpose for creation then we help others see just how compelling God and His ways are. Parent & Student Handbook Cathedral Centre 1701 San Jacinto Street Houston, Texas (713) Fax (713)

2 A Catechist s Prayer CATECHISTS and CO CATECHISTS of the Co Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Moise Arrah, DRE Father of all families, you have called me to serve the family in truth and love as a catechist. May I be faithful to this call, rooted in your Word, and open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. May I use these gifts, especially the gifts of faith, hope, and love, to serve the family as a witness to you, who are love and life and the source and destiny of all families. Let your Spirit enlighten my mind and strengthen my heart so that I can be a path of Christ s love to families, especially those in need, the homebound and aged, the disabled and disheartened. Through the intercession of Mary and Joseph, I pray for the Church, the Bride of Christ, whose mission to build a civilization of love passes through the family. Amen. 9:00 am Sessions Pegianne (GiGi) Blackshear, Emily Mitchell, Sr. Dominica Nguyen, Stephanie Duncan, Brandi Medina, Jennifer Hoang, Edilma (Edel) Rodriguez, Natalie Carrizales, Ashley Espinosa, Linda Patlan, Francisco Patlan, Carmen Benitez. 10:30 am Sessions Olivia Cuellar, Priscilla Jimenez, Nkechi Odumodu, Alex Ortiz, Victoria Montes, Maria Reed, Noemi Valdivia, Celia Delgadillo, Maria Perez, Sr. Josephine Hoang Kim Ly, Irene Inguillo, Monica Jasso, David Sparks, Michelle Pena, Cynthia Aranda, Lionel Aranda, Dd Budiharto, Terri Sullivan, Bonito Manego, Suzan Campo, Jeffrey Price, Sarah Hill, Bernadette Cay, Veronica Munoz, Kristin Bethune, Anna Evetts, Chris Hernandez, Cicely Hernandez, Dannika Simpson, Lindsey Hammond. 4:00 pm Sessions Eileene Chappelle & Roger Chappelle 5:30 pm Sessions (Span) Leticia Barajas, Leslie Monsilvas, Martha Vidal, Eva Vidal, Alicia Cortez, Rosa Alvarado, Trinidad Rosas, Daisy Escobar, Nancy Rodriguez, Blanca Ramirez, Elvira Gonzalez, Mari Pili Aponte, Miguel Angel Castaneda, Maria Escobar, Martha Ibarra, Zulema Jimenez, Alondra Ocampo. Copyright 2010, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. All rights resvered. Permission is herby granted to duplicate this work Go out and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the son and the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you (Mt. 28:19-20) 12

3 LEAD CATECHISTS Moise Arrah, DRE 9:00 am (Eng) Elementary Session & Address: 1 st Pegianne (Gigi) Blackshear renrag225@yahoo.com 2 nd (sac) Sr. Dominica Nguyen 3 rd Brandi Medina medinabrandi93@yahoo.com 4 t h Edilma (Edel) Rodriguez edel2020@sbcglobal.net 5 th Natalie Carrizales ntlcarr@gmail.com 6 th & 7 th Linda Patlan frankrpatlan@gmail.com 8 th Carmen Benitez cbenitez@sacredhearthouston.org CCE (Children s Catechesis & Evangelization) Program for Children & Families 10:30 am (Eng) Elementary Session & Address: Kindergarten Olivia Cuellar orocha35@yahoo.com 1 st Noemi Valdivia nvaldivi@springisd.org 2 nd (sac) Sr. Josephine Hoang Kim Ly 3 rd Monica Jasso mlojasso@gmail.com 3 rd 7 th (sac) David Sparks davidrandallsparks@gmail.com 4 th Cynthia Aranda cynthiaaranda@att.net 5 th Dd Budiharto andy_ddb@hotmail.com 6 th Bonito Manego youhanaf@yahoo.com 7 th Sarah Hill saraghill32@gmail.com 8 th Bernadette Cay bcay@me.com 8 th 12 th (sac) Anna Evetts arevetts@gmail.com High School CCE / Pre-Confirmation & Address: 10:30 am HS Year I Chris Hernandez chrishernandez76@gmail.com 10:30 am HS Year II Dannika Simpson datmi@aol.com 4:00 pm Immed. Conf. Eileene Chappelle recasail@yahoo.com 5:30 pm (Span) Elementary Session & Address: Sp Kindergarten Leticia Barajas bahalety73@yahoo.com.mx Sp 1 st Martha Vidal Sp 2 nd (sac) Rosa Alvarado / Trinidad Rosas Sp 3 rd & 4 th Blanca Ramirez blanca r1034@yahoo.com Sp 3 rd 8 th (sac) Mari Pili Aponte mp_aponte@yahoo.com Sp 5 th 8 th Martha Ibarra marthaibarra@aol.com Pastor / Rector The Very Reverend Lawrence W. Jozwiak J.C.L. Parochial Vicars The Reverend Anthony Columba Ekanem, M.S.P. The Reverend Alfonso Dat-Nhan Tran Director of Religious Education Moise Arrah Secretary Martha Alvarez 11

4 Letter from the Pastor VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Dear Parents, The Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2223 states that Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. You have that great privilege and primary right to take care as best as you can for the physical, intellectual, social, cultural, moral and religious education of your children; and all begins in your home and extends outward. You have the privilege and responsibility of evangelizing your children. You as parents are to initiate your children at an early age into the mysteries of the faith of which you are the first heralds for your children. You are to associate your children from their earliest years with the life of the Church (cf. Catechism, #2225). The Church is here to assist you with your all important role as parents to educate your children specifically in the mysteries of the faith. Thus, we have religious education classes (CCE) on Sunday mornings, home resources and family education opportunities. What is taught in class is to be reinforced daily by you as parents and integrated into all aspects of your children s life. The religious teachings and values must permeate how your children interact with others. We have your children for only 1 hour each week. You have your children 7 days a week. Parents, remember your serious obligation to attend Sunday Mass. But your children also have a serious obligation to attend Mass, as well as to attend CCE (cf. Catechism, # ). I challenge you as parents to reinforce and strengthen your faith life and religious education, by participating in various Adult Faith Formation opportunities and other means to learn more about your Catholic faith. Our goal here at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is to provide a sound, systematic religious education program, solidly rooted in the Catholic faith. I am very excited with this new CCE year. I ask you to support our Director of Religious Education, (D.R.E.) Moise Arrah, and our catechists fully with your enthusiasm, prayers, reinforcement of teaching at home and to volunteer when possible. May we all work together to provide the best possible religious education for our children. Praised be the Sacred Heart of Jesus! Forever, amen! Hãy chúc tụng Thánh Tâm Chúa Giêsu đến muôn đời, amen! Alabado sea el Sagrado Corazón de Jesús! Por siempre, amen! The Very Reverend Lawrence W. Jozwiak, J.C.L. Pastor / Rector HELP MAKE OUR CHILDREN & FAMILY PROGRAMS GREAT OPEN YOUR HEART AND VOLUNTEER! Contact Moise Arrah, DRE, in the parish office for more information. Attendance at a 3 hour VIRTUS (Protecting God s Children) and Keeping the Promise Alive workshop is a requirement for all parish volunteers. Hospitality Team Help out with various hospitality needs such as: Prepare Sunday breakfast for high school students on their Confirmation retreat. Welcome and prepare coffee and snacks for parents attending sacrament retreats. Welcome guests and priests during the First Reconciliation celebration. Assist with the First Communion reception following the children s First Eucharist. And much more Time commitment varies. Outreach Ministries Opportunities to serve our community: Family friendly projects. Youth friendly projects. Food drive assistance. Baking. For current projects visit then click on Outreach tab. STAFF, VOLUNTEERS & ADMINISTRATION Fr. Lawrence W. Jozwiak, J.C.L, Pastor Fr. Anthony Columba Ekanem, M.S.P., Parochial Vicar Fr. Alfonso Dat-Nhan Tran, Parochial Vicar Moise Arrah, Director of Religious Education Martha Alvarez, Secretary Wendy Garaghty, Volunteer Confirmation Service Mentor For a complete list of lead catechists, see the back page of this handbook. 1 10

5 ASSISTING WITH CCE CLASSES: Cherub Room (Little Church & Kindergarten class) Extra hands and loving arms are needed in the Cherub Room. Time commitment includes attendance each Sunday during the school year from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm. Elementary CCE Classes (1 st 8 th Grade) There are many ways to help with weekly CCE classes. Every volunteer is critical to the success of CCE. Volunteer as a Lead Catechist (teacher) Assistant Catechist Hall Monitor Substitute Support Services High School CCE / Pre-Confirmation Teaching responsibilities are shared with others since classes are taught by a team of catechists. We have a 10:30 am session. Time commitment includes attendance and planning for class each Sunday during the school year; and one overnight, weekend retreat in October. Letter from the Director of CCE Dear Parents, In our Pastor s letter, is highlighted the crucial role that parents are called upon to play in the education of their children. I know that all parents want their children to possess the requisite tools that will help them throughout life to make good moral decisions and above all to cultivate a loving relationship with God. In the catechetical program in our parish, we have endeavored to put together a solid program that will add a firm and compelling spiritual foundation in the lives of your children. I want to be partners with you in the implementation of this program so that we can all rejoice at the end of the wonderful God fearing children that our students have become. As Director, my mission for children s religious education at the Co-Cathedral is to provide meaningful opportunities for Catholic Christian formation from prekindergarten through the 12th grade. We are working assiduously on inaugurating a comprehensive Youth Ministry piece to our programming. For Pre-k and kindergarteners, we have an excellent nursery where your child is introduced to Jesus Christ, taught how to pray and participates in engaging, religiously-minded activities that reinforce Jesus message and the mission of the Catholic Church. These goals are carried forth through CCE classes offered to 1st through 12th graders each Sunday. In their CCE class, youth are taught a systematic, age appropriate curriculum that draws from both Sacred Scriptures and Church Tradition; each lesson reinforcing and building upon what they learned in previous years. During your child s life-long journey of religious education, there are moments of great celebration. These moments are the Sacraments. A child who has a foundational understanding of who God is and what God expects from His Church can begin preparing for the sacrament of Reconciliation. A child who has grown to know and love Jesus Christ can begin preparing to receive Him in the Eucharist for the first time. And each January, high school youth are invited to make a commitment to the Catholic Church and begin preparing to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit at Confirmation. During the school year families will have many opportunities to learn, pray and serve together. In addition to family programming, resources are made available to parents to help them build the Domestic Church; such as home activities for the liturgical year downloadable from the CCE website, family activities published in the weekly parish bulletin, quarterly newsletters, and MagnifiKids!. The family is the example for the larger Church community; diverse yet bound by love among its members. I welcome your suggestions and comments as we build and grow a successful and faith-filled Children s Catechesis and Evangelization program. May God s grace abide with you now and always! Moise Arrah Director of Religious Education 9 2

6 3 REGISTRATION: CCE REGISTRATION IS DUE SEPTEMBER 1, 2015 Late Registration: The last day for regular registration is September 1, All late registrations must be done in person or by phone during regular office hours (8:30 am 5 pm), Monday through Friday. Tuition fees for registrations received after September 1, 2015 will increase due to extra costs incurred by the parish. BASIC CCE TUITION: If you are unable to pay the full tuition cost in one payment or if you wish to request a scholarship, please call the Director of Religious of Education (DRE) to discuss payment options. Registered before Sept. 1 Registered after Sept. 1 1 child = $50 1 child = $60 2 children = $100 2 children = $ children = $115 total 3+ children = $135 total Additional textbook fee of $25.00 per child due at registration. SAFETY FIRST: All of our regular volunteers are trained in child safety and have had a criminal background check. Also, in an effort to take seriously the Archdiocese s Safe Environment: Protecting God s Children policies and recommendations, all children up through 5th grade must be dropped-off and picked-up at their classroom by a parent or guardian. If this is not possible, please inform your child s catechist (teacher) of other arrangements. Please be respectful of our volunteer catechists who donate their precious time to the religious education of our parish children and pick up your child immediately following CCE class. EARLY DISMISSAL: A written note, or in person conversation with the catechist is required if a student is to leave class before the regular dismissal time. The parent or guardian must pick up the student from their classroom at the designated time. For their safety the student will not be allowed to leave the classroom until a parent or guardian comes to pick them up. BASIC SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION INFORMATION: Children in need of sacraments are to first be registered in regular CCE classes. A parent orientation detailing all sacrament requirements will be held on October 24, On that day you are asked to provide a copy of your child s birth and baptismal certificates and to pay the sacramental preparation fee of $35/child. RCIA 4 Children Parents of unbaptized children older than 7 are to first contact Moise Arrah in the parish office before registering for CCE classes. RCIA is a process that initiates the child into the Catholic Christian community. This preparation is only the beginning of a lifetime of education in the Catholic faith. Children entering this process are supported by their peers and their families, both of which are representative of the larger parish community. RCIA 4 Children meets every 3rd Thursday of the month from 7-8:30 pm in the youth room on the second floor. Peer Support RCIA children find the support of their peers within CCE classes and weekly Bible Study. Family Support RCIA children are supported by their parents and siblings within the monthly Family RCIA class which meets on Thursday evenings First Reconciliation & Eucharist Children who are preparing for these sacraments will also attend regular CCE classes beginning in September. Additional sacramental preparation opportunities include church tours, two retreats and family learning events. Confirmation Each Fall the Church community invites youth of Confirmation age who have completed 1.5 years of high school level religious education (CCE, Catholic School, Homeschool) to enter the immediate sacramental preparation process. Youth already enrolled in high school CCE will automatically enter Immediate Preparation in January of their second year of classes. Attendance Expectations Children are encouraged to attend all Sacrament preparation classes. If a class is missed, parents are expected to cover the lesson at home. It is the responsibility of the parent to initiate discussion regarding make-up work with their child s catechist. Children in 2nd 12th grade who will prepare for First Holy Communion held in May 2016 can have no more than 3 unexcused absences from their regular CCE class September April. Confirmation Retreat Orientation for Candidates & Parents Comprehensive Sacrament Schedules and details will be handed out and discussed in detail at the Parent Orientation Meeting on September 27, :00 pm class begins as usual followed by Parent Orientation at 4:45 pm - Immediate Confirmation parents. The meeting will be held in the youth room. 8

7 SACRAMENTS: Baptism Students 8 years old or older who are not baptized are invited to enter the RCIA 4 Children process. RCIA 4 Children prepares the child to receive all Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) during the Easter season. This process begins with an initial interview and after the child has completed one year of CCE classes. After completing a year of CCE, please contact the CCE office to schedule the initial RCIA interview. If your unbaptized child is under the age of 8, please visit > Sacraments > Baptism. First Reconciliation / Penance / Confession Baptized children in the 2nd 4th grade who have completed one year of CCE classes will prepare for the sacrament of Penance in combination with their weekly CCE curriculum. Baptized children in the 5th 12th grades who have completed one year of CCE classes will prepare for First Penance at home with their parents. In addition to weekly classes, there will be one required retreat immediately prior to the celebration of Reconciliation. Children and parents will also have an opportunity to tour the confessionals in the church. First Eucharist / Holy Communion Baptized children in the 2nd 4th grade who have completed one year of CCE classes will prepare for First Holy Communion in combination with their weekly CCE curriculum. Baptized children in the 3rd 12th grades who have already completed one year of CCE classes will prepare for First Holy Communion held in May There will be three sessions lasting 2 hours each. During these First Holy Communion classes there will be Family Learning opportunities for those with children in 2nd 4th grade who are preparing for the sacrament. In addition to weekly classes and special First Holy Communion events, there will be a family tour of the Co- Cathedral and a First Holy Communion retreat. Confirmation In response to their Baptismal call, youth of high school age are invited to enter Immediate Confirmation preparation with the support of their parents and sponsor. Youth may begin Confirmation classes after they have completed one and a half years of high school level religious education. Confirmation of high school teens is celebrated each December at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. In the year prior to the celebration of Confirmation, youth will complete 20 hours of service, attend a required Confirmation retreat and have time for prayer with their sponsor at an Evening of Reflection. SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FEES: There is a minimal fee for children who are enrolled in immediate sacramental preparation. These fees are not for the reception of the sacrament itself. The fees cover additional costs for textbooks, resources, retreats and a stipend to the Vietnamese Dominican Sisters. Immediate First Penance / Communion & Confirmation Preparation: $35 / child High School Confirmation Retreat Fee: $75 / child 7 CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND HOMESCHOOLING PARENTS SHOULD CALL THE CCE OFFICE DIRECTLY TO DISCUSS SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION. ATTENDANCE: There are 24 CCE classes scheduled for the school year. That means that if a child misses only 1 class they will have only 23 hours of formal religious education this year. We ask parents to commit to giving their child the opportunity to spend at least 24 hours...that s one full day...learning about God this year. If your child is absent from class, parents are asked to cover the lesson at home. Home lesson plans will be discussed at the parent orientation on the first day of classes. If family circumstances cause your child to miss class on a regular basis, please CALL or the CCE office to schedule a meeting with the DRE and your child s catechist to discuss alternatives. ARRIVAL TIME & TARDINESS: Students are expected to be in the classroom no earlier than 10 minutes prior to class and no later than the class start-time. Excessively early arrival creates an additional burden on the teachers who arrive early to prepare for class. Tardiness on the other hand is disruptive to the lesson and class time. The CCE office recognizes that emergencies do arise and your child will always be welcomed in the classroom. However, if excessive tardiness negatively affects the class the student and parents may need to meet with the DRE to address the issue. Your cooperation and promptness is appreciated. BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS: The goal of any behavioral expectation is to help the student achieve selfdiscipline that is consistent with good moral principles. The CCE volunteers will make every effort to resolve discipline problems in a timely and sensitive manner and to keep parents informed about such matters, if the situation warrants. If the volunteer is unable to deal with a particular problem, the DRE will meet with the parents, the catechist and the students. Classroom rules are clearly communicated to students. Students are expected to be courteous and respectful to one another, to all catechists and to volunteers at all times. In addition, if a parent has any concerns regarding inappropriate behavior toward their child by another student or an adult, they are encouraged to contact the Director immediately to discuss their concerns. Share the Love of Christ with a Child Donate to the CCE Scholarship Fund and help a child learn about God and His Church. Match the tuition of your own child to send another child to class. Contact Moise Arrah in the parish office to learn how you can make a difference in the life of a child. 4

8 March NO CCE-Spring Break 13 NO CCE-Spring Break 20 CCE 27 NO CCE Easter Sunday CCE CALENDAR Please mark your calendars. You can always view calendars and information about special events on our parish website and in the weekly parish bulletin. Reminders by phone, mail or to individual families are not guaranteed. The CCE Calendar dates are subject to change. Notifications of changes will be given out in CCE classes, posted on our website or announced in the parish bulletin. September First CCE Class 20 CCE 27 CCE December CCE 13 CCE 20 NO CCE Christmas Break 27 NO CCE Christmas Break SUNDAY SCHOOL CCE CLASS CALENDAR October CCE 11 NO CCE-Columbus Day 18 CCE 25 CCE January CCE 10 CCE 17 NO CCE MLK Holiday 24 CCE 31 CCE April CCE 10 CCE 17 CCE 24 Last CCE Class November CCE 08 CCE 15 CCE 22 CCE 29 NO CCE-Thanksgiving Break February CCE 14 CCE 21 CCE 28 NO CCE-Caritas Day, 2/27 May 2016 Special First Communion preparation events take place during May. CCE PROGRAMMING SCHEDULES: English CCE Sessions (Elementary Grades) CCE Class (1 st 8 th grade) 9:00 10:10 am Followed by 11:00 am Mass. CCE Class (K 8 th grade) 10:30 11:40 am Preceded by 9:00 am Mass, or followed by 1:00 pm Vietnamese Mass. The 3 rd 7 th grade and 8 th -12 th grade (sac) classes during the 10:30 am session is for older children who HAVE NOT made their First Communion. Preceded by 9:00 am Mass, or followed by 1:00 pm Vietnamese Mass. High School CCE / Pre-Confirmation & Confirmation Sessions (English Only) HS CCE / Pre-Confirmation I & II Classes 10:30 11:40 am Preceded by 9:00 am Mass, or followed by 1:00 pm Vietnamese Mass. *HS CCE / Confirmation Class (Sept. Dec. preceding the sacrament) 4:00-5:15 pm Followed by 5:30 pm Mass or 7:30 pm Spanish Mass. * There is a $75/child retreat fee each year for high school students. The retreat is a required part of high school CCE and also fulfills the retreat requirement for students in Immediate Confirmation preparation. Spanish CCE Session (K 8th Grade ONLY) 5:30-7:00 pm Followed by 7:30 pm Spanish Mass. SACRAMENTAL CELEBRATION DATES Parents will receive sacrament details and a complete Sacramental Preparation calendar at the parent orientation meeting to be held on October 24, 2015, on the third floor from 9-10:30 am. Confirmation Mass (for H.S. candidates) Sat., December 5, 5 pm Mass Candidates and Sponsors will check-in at the Cathedral Centre by 4:15 pm. First Reconciliation/Penance Celebration Sat., March 12, 8:00 11:00 am The Sacrament of Penance will be preceded by a required retreat for students and parents beginning at 8:00 am in the Cathedral Centre. Sacraments of Initiation Mass for RCIA Children Sat., March 26, Easter Vigil Families meet in Narthex for a rehearsal. First Holy Communion Mass Sat. April 30, 5pm Mass Children will check-in at the Cathedral Centre by 4:15 pm. 5 SPECIAL FAMILY EVENTS: (details coming soon) October 2015 Family Rosary for Life, during class February 27, 2016 Caritas Day, a family day of charity Lent 2016 Operation Rice Bowl Activities FAMILY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES: Caritas Day February 27, A day of service for the whole family. Service opportunities are available for people of ALL ages! Last year more than 200 parishioners as young as 6 months old served over 7,000 Houstonians in need. Catholic Relief Services Operation Rice Bowl Last year during Lent CCE families lived in solidarity with people around the world through prayer, fasting and giving. Parish families collected more than $540 in dollars and coins to help CRS throughout the world. 6