ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH

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1 ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH SPRINGBORO, OHIO PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION & YOUTH MINISTRY PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

2 QUICK REFERENCE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION STAFF Contact Person Pastor Fr. Jim Manning Director of Religious Education (DRE) Cindy Henderson Coordinator of Youth Ministry (CYM) Mark Henderson Phone/ ext , ext , ext. 103 Mailing address: 9579 Yankee Road, Springboro OH MASS TIMES Saturday: 4:00 pm Sunday: 8:30 am, 10:30 am, and 6:00 pm Daily Mass times: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8am Wednesday: 7:00 pm Holy Days and other weekdays: please see weekly bulletin CLASS SCHEDULE Parish School of Religion (PSR) and Youth Ministry (YM) will meet per the following schedule. A full year calendar including beginning/ending dates and breaks will be provided separately. PSR Grades K-6 (register for and attend only one session): Sunday Session: 9:30 am 10:20 am Wednesday Session: 5:30 pm 6:45 pm Family nights are a required component of the PSR program. PSR/Youth Ministry Grades 7-8: Sundays 7:00 pm 8:30 pm PSR/Youth Ministry Grades 9-12: Sundays 7:00 pm 8:30 pm 2

3 Message of the Pastor to our Parents: Our Year of Transition is nearly complete. What a year this has been for St. Mary of the Assumption Parish---the construction of our new church, the relocation of our parish grounds, the growth of our parish size, regionalization with St. Augustine Parish in Waynesville, and the growth and development of our religious education program! As with all of the transitions in our lives, there has been a significant learning curve. We learn along the way. No transition is really ever complete. As disciples of Jesus and students of His teaching, we believe in life long-learning. We already know that parents are the primary teachers of their children in the ways of the faith. We already know that the Eucharist is the source and the summit of the Christian life. We already know that the parish is here to help parents in the faith formation of their children. However, the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that children in turn contribute to the growth in holiness of parents. Each and everyone should be generous and tireless in forgiving one another for offenses, quarrels, injustices, and neglect. Mutual affection suggests this. The charity of Christ demands it. (2227) What an excellent reminder in our life-long learning! Not only do parents influence the holiness of their children but children also enhance the holiness of their parents. How often this last year did I as pastor hear the words if I want my child to do this, I have to do it too. As wisdom reveals, out of the mouth of babes. Our children can be the master teachers of our lives. This is true for parents, catechists, and priests. We hope this upcoming year is one of much growth and development for us all. Faith formation is a family experience and the parish is the family of all families. As we expand our parking this summer, may we expand our souls in our hunger and thirst for the love of God in our lives this year! Fr. JIM 3

4 ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION PARISH MISSION STATEMENT St Mary of the Assumption Parish, serving the areas of Carlisle, Franklin, and Springboro, is a Catholic community called to be the Body of Christ in this time and place. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit in baptism and are called as a community of faith to worship God our Creator, to proclaim in word and deed the gospel message of Jesus Christ, and to build an atmosphere of loving concern for all God s people. We are committed to the ongoing formation of all members of our parish family to be able to respond fully to the life-long challenge to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. (Mark 12:30-31) EDUCATION COMMISSION MISSION STATEMENT The St. Mary of the Assumption Education Commission assists the parish community in the initiation and evaluation of programs concerning Catholic education for adults and children. Programs will be initiated that assist parents/guardians in forming the faith of their children, increase the maturity level of our adult Catholic faith, strengthen our ability to share the Catholic faith with non- Catholics and engage all baptized Catholics into a greater participation in parish life. 4

5 PHILOSOPHY Catechesis is the name given to all of the Church s efforts to make disciples, to help people to believe in Jesus, and to instruct them in the Christian way of life. It is one element of the Church s evangelizing mission. The purpose of the St. Mary of the Assumption Parish School of Religion and Youth Ministry is to lead children, youth, and adults to a deeper relationship with Jesus, a greater knowledge of His teachings and a commitment to follow Him. Transmitting the faith to children depends upon the active involvement of parents/guardians and other significant adults who model Catholic Christian attitudes, beliefs, and practices. GOALS Goals for the PSR and YM programs include the following: The students will profess and understand their Catholic faith. The students will understand and celebrate the sacraments of the Catholic faith. The students will understand and live their Catholic faith as evidenced by a life of holiness and personal integrity. The students will embrace a life of prayer both personally and liturgically. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION STAFF ROLES The Pastor is ultimately responsible for all parish programs including PSR and YM. The Director of Religious Education (DRE) administers a total parish catechetical program by directing parish education programs including the PSR, the sacramental preparation programs of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and adult faith formation. The Education Commission, with the approval of the Pastor, sets policies by which the general plan and content of the PSR, YM, and Adult Formation are guided. Members of the parish community 5

6 are encouraged to give input regarding the PSR and related policies to members of the Education Commission. The Coordinator of Youth Ministry (CYM) is responsible for implementing the sacrament of Confirmation and a program of comprehensive religious education and youth ministry to junior and senior high students (grades 7-12). The implementation requires eight components: 1. Advocacy 2. Catechesis 3. Community Life 4. Evangelization 5. Justice and Service 6. Leadership Development 7. Pastoral Care 8. Prayer and Worship PROGRAMS OFFERED Grade K-6 Parish School of Religion (PSR) Children in grades Kindergarten through 6 th grade are given the choice of registering to attend either the Sunday morning or the Wednesday evening sessions during the year. The sessions are filled according to preference, but limited to class size. If requests for a class exceeds capacity during the registration period, the registrants for that class will be placed into a lottery for class placement. Once a class is full, subsequent registrations will be assigned to sessions as class size permits. Children in Grade 2 will prepare for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion as part of the program. Family nights are a required component of the PSR program. These educational evenings allow families to learn and grow together in faith. They are held 4 times per year. 6

7 Grades 7-12 PSR/Youth Ministry (YM) St. Mary s Youth Ministry program consists of instruction and other events for grades 7-12, meeting on Sunday evenings. The Grade 7 and 8 program meets separately and includes preparation for Confirmation. The high school program includes weekly youth nights consisting of prayer and faith sharing activities. More details on youth ministry can be found on page 9. Adult Faith Formation St. Mary offers a variety of options for adults to grow in their Catholic faith. These include Bible Studies, young adult groups, Mom s groups, Small Church Communities, pilgrimages, and other special events held throughout the year. For more information, please see the bulletin or contact the Director of Religious Education. St. Mary of the Assumption subscribes to FORMED.org. This website has numerous Catholic resources in which to learn and grow in our Catholic faith. The resources are free to all parishioners. Simply login using the parish code: YDCGTM, create your own account and begin to access the resources at any time via computer, smart phone or other device. SACRAMENTS A vital part of each student s development as a Catholic is regular participation in the sacraments of the Church, most importantly participation in the Mass. Attendance at Sunday Mass is expected as is attendance at PSR and YM; both are needed for children to grow in their faith. Please ensure your child attends Mass every Sunday. This is the teaching of the Church and it is important that children experience what they learn in the classroom. Parent/guardian involvement in student preparation is important and necessary. When parents/guardians have their children 7

8 baptized, they accept the primary responsibility of raising their children in the practice of the faith (Rite of Baptism for Children). We support you in your efforts. All students in Grade 2 and older are encouraged to regularly participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This sacrament is available every Saturday before Mass. Parish communal services are also offered during Advent and Lent. Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion is a 2- year process. Children must be enrolled in and attending PSR regularly for a year before preparing for the sacraments. Immediate preparation will normally take place in Grade 2. Registration and regular attendance for both years is required. With the assistance of the DRE, parents/guardians will prepare their child for the celebration of the sacraments. Immediate preparation for each of the sacraments consists of: a meeting for parents/guardians preparation of the child by the parents/guardians a retreat for both parents/guardians and children 1:1 meeting for child and parents/guardians with the DRE. Class celebration of First Reconciliation is held at the parish communal service during Advent, December 14, Celebrations of First Communion occur during the regular weekend Masses. Weekends for the celebration of First Communion will be April 14/15 and April 21/22, 2018 at any of the Masses. Generally, no more than 10 communicants will be celebrating at one Mass. The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated every year for 8 th grade students. Confirmation will be held on April 29, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption. For more information, please contact Mark Henderson at the parish office. 8

9 SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR OLDER STUDENTS The parents/guardians of any child who has not been baptized by the 3 rd grade should contact the DRE. They will take part in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). They will be fully initiated at the Easter Vigil. YOUTH MINISTRY St. Mary of the Assumption Parish supports a comprehensive youth ministry that strives to empower our young people to live as disciples of Jesus; draw them into participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic Church; and foster personal and spiritual growth (based on Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops) through diverse programming for students and their families. Youth Night is religious education for our junior high (grades 7-8) and high school students (grades 9-12). Youth Night includes prayer, religious instruction, community building and faith sharing activities rooted in our Catholic faith and liturgy. Junior high and high school meet separately from each other on Sunday nights. Other service and growth activities are planned throughout the year. Community Service consists of various projects dedicated to the mission and work of the Catholic community. The youth may regularly work at the food pantry and help with parish events. With the annual parish Mission Trip, the high school youth learn about the larger community while living in solidarity with the poor and enjoy making a difference. Summer of Service is held in the summer for junior high youth, which includes a week of service activities as well as some social activities. Retreats sponsored by the parish are offered several times a year. A retreat for high school students is generally held during the winter months. Other diocesan-level retreats are available throughout the year. Fundraisers are an important aspect of Youth Ministry and help build community. The money raised is used to fund our Winter Retreat, the 9

10 annual Mission Trip, and seminars such as National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC). They also help reduce expenses for supplies and social activities. REGISTRATION & ATTENDANCE REGISTRATION Information regarding registration for PSR and YM is published in the parish bulletin. Registration begins in the spring for the upcoming class year. Registration forms for PSR and YM are available on the parish website ( or at the parish office during the week, and can be returned via the mail, to the Director of Religious Education, or Sunday Mass collection. Registrations will be accepted at any time during the school year to accommodate new students into the program. All families must be registered in the parish in order to register for PSR or YM. Please contact the parish office for more information about registering for the parish. FEES The PSR and YM fee for grades K-8 is $65.00 per child with a $ per family maximum (due at the time of registration) during the timeframe for registration. A late fee of $20/child and $50/family will be assessed for those registrations received outside of the registration period. There is also a $30 materials fee for students who will be celebrating sacraments of First Communion/First Reconciliation and Confirmation during the year. Checks are to be made out to St. Mary of the Assumption. Refunds for families that transfer before September are available as well as scholarships for families needing financial assistance. The pastor will be consulted for approval of financial assistance. 10

11 TEXTBOOKS AND CURRICULUM The textbooks and materials used in the St. Mary PSR and YM are found to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. ATTENDANCE Regular attendance and on-time arrival are expected for the maximum benefit of the student. Whenever a student is absent, a written or verbal excuse from the parent/guardian is expected and appreciated. Follow up with the teacher is required to find out what the student has missed. Attendance and performance records will be kept on file. Any parent/guardian wishing to see the records should submit a request in writing to the DRE. Three or more absences will result in contact from the catechist or DRE. DROP OFF/PICKUP Students should not arrive for class any sooner than 10 minutes before the scheduled starting time. They should be picked up within 5 minutes of class dismissal. Every attempt should be made by parents/guardians to adhere to this schedule so as to assist catechists and aides in the carrying out of their duties. Repeated departure from these rules will result in a meeting between the catechist, DRE and parents/guardians to resolve the issue. Bearing in mind the safety of our children, students in Grades K-6 will only be dismissed to a parent/guardian or other designated adult inside the church undercroft. Drivers should be courteous of others and mindful of the safety of the children when dropping off and picking up students. 11

12 STUDENT CONDUCT Students are expected, by their conduct, to make the time they spend in class and youth night a safe and positive experience. Every person is worthy of being treated with care and respect as one made in the image and likeness of God. Students should: Show respect to catechists, aides, other participants, and parish staff. Treat the property, good name, and safety of others with respect. Use voice and actions in an appropriate manner. Enter a classroom only if a catechist or aide is present. Complete assignments as directed. Have no food or drink, except on special occasions as designated by the catechist. Gum is never permitted. Assist in cleanup and other activities as requested. Refrain from using cell phones or other electronic devices during class. FIELD TRIPS In order to participate in a field trip (including youth ministry), a student must have an archdiocesan permission and release form signed by a parent/guardian and returned to the catechist/youth minister prior to the event. Students on field trips are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the student conduct section of this handbook. VISITORS IN THE CLASSROOMS Visitors in classrooms are welcome. Visiting children must have permission of the adult who brought them to the classroom. This adult is asked to request the permission of the DRE and the catechist in advance of the start of class. 12

13 CANCELLATION OF CLASS In the event of inclement weather or other reason, cancellation of classes (including Youth Night) will be announced on WHIO TV channel 7 or WDTN channel 2, WCPO channel 9 or WKRC channel 12. There will also be a message on the parish website: A message will be sent out on Flocknote and on the parish app., or by dialing the parish office Notification may also be done via using parent s provided during the registration process. NON-DISCRIMINATORY Students will be provided opportunities to participate in the PSR program to the fullest extent possible without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability or national origin. DISABILITIES Children with disabilities are provided opportunities to participate in PSR and YM programs in the most appropriate manner possible. MISCELLANEOUS CHILD PROTECTION St. Mary of the Assumption Church follows the policies of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati regarding child protection. The PSR/YM staff is required by the Ohio Revised Code and the archdiocesan Decree on Child Protection to report suspected or actual child abuse or neglect to the proper authorities. It is strongly suggested that all parents be VIRTUS trained. Only those who have been trained may assist and/or volunteer with activities involving children. Training is offered throughout the diocese and in the parish numerous times throughout the year. 13

14 The cost for the training is paid for by the parish. Please contact Mark Henderson for information about training. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Students are verbally instructed and practice emergency procedures for fire and threatening weather. ILLNESS/INJURY A student who becomes ill or injured on the premises will be attended by a member of the PSR or YM staff until a parent/guardian arrives. In the event of a serious medical situation, local emergency medical personnel will be contacted and every attempt will be made to contact the parents/guardians. MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION No medications will be dispensed without the written permission of the parents/guardians and the physician. DISCIPLINE In the event of inappropriate conduct, the catechist will speak with the student privately. If misconduct continues, the catechist will inform the DRE of the situation and contact the student s parents/guardians. If the misconduct still continues, the DRE will arrange a conference with the student, the student s parents/guardians, the catechist, and the DRE. In the case of further or first-time serious misconduct, the student will be expelled from the PSR after consultation with the Pastor. The DRE retains the right to make exceptions to the disciplinary procedures. Inappropriate conduct during a Youth Night will be addressed by the CYM. No child may be disciplined corporally or corrected with abusive language. 14

15 SEARCH AND SEIZURE Students are not permitted to possess tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, illegal drugs, incendiary devices or weapons. The catechist or youth minister is required to investigate even the suspicion that such items are in a student s possession. The catechist and the DRE/CYM will conduct a search in which the student will be asked to cooperate. If the student refuses, the parents/guardians will be contacted to come to the program site and assist in the search. If the parents/guardians do not cooperate or the aforementioned objects are found, the DRE/CYM may impose a penalty including a recommendation to the Pastor that the student be expelled from the PSR/YM program. NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT/GUARDIAN RIGHTS The custodial parents/guardians will inform the catechist and DRE/CYM in writing of the rights of the non-custodial parents/guardians particularly in regards to the dissemination of information and release of the student. CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS It is the expectation that the catechist and the parents/guardians work together and support each other in the catechesis of the children. In the event of a concern or complaint, the parents/guardians should first address the issue with the catechist for resolution. If the resolution is unsatisfactory, the parents/guardians should address the issue with the DRE. If still no resolution is satisfactory, the issue is then addressed with the Pastor. POLICY CHANGES Parents/guardians will be notified in writing when policies for the PSR program are either added or amended. 15

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17 PARENTS/GUARDIAN S AND STUDENT S SIGNED AGREEMENT Please sign and return this page to DRE/parish office/catechist PARENT/GUARDIAN AGREEMENT: I, have read, (Parent/guardian name) understand, and accept the terms specified in the St. Mary of the Assumption Parish School of Religion handbook. Signature: Date: ********************************************** STUDENT AGREEMENT: (4 th grade and older) I, have read, (Student name) understand, and accept the terms specified in the St. Mary of the Assumption Parish School of Religion handbook. Signature: Date: 17