OUR LADY OF THE WOODS RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DATES TO REMEMBER

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2 OUR LADY OF THE WOODS RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DATES TO REMEMBER VIRTUS Meetings at OLW for all new personnel: Saturday September 23rd, 2017 at 9:00 AM GRADE ONE Grade Level Liturgy: Sunday, March 11, 2018, 9:30 Mass GRADE TWO Reconciliation: Tuesday, November 28, 2017, 7:00 PM Retreats: Tuesday, March 13 and Thursday, March 15, 2018, 4-6 PM Grade Level Liturgy: Holy Thursday Liturgy s Procession, March 29, 2018, 7 PM First Communions: Sunday, April 29, 2018 or May 6, 2018 at 2 PM First Communion Practices: Wednesday, April 25, 2018, 4:00 5:45 PM (April 29 th First Communion) Wednesday, May 2, 2018, 4:00 5:45 PM (May 6 th First Communion) GRADE THREE Grade Level Liturgy: Sunday, October 29, 2017, 9:30 AM Liturgy GRADE FOUR Grade Level Liturgy: Sunday, October 1, 2017, 9:30 AM Liturgy GRADE FIVE Grade Level Liturgy: Sunday, February 4, 2018, 9:30 AM Liturgy GRADE SIX Grade Level Liturgy: Sunday, November 12, 2017, 11:00 AM Liturgy GRADE SEVEN Rite of Enrollment: Sunday, December 3, 2017, 6:00 PM Liturgy GRADE EIGHT Parent/Child Meeting: Monday, September 18, 2017, 7:15 PM Wednesday, September 20, 2017, 7:15 PM Confirmandi/Sponsor Event: Sunday, November 19, 2017, 6 7:30 PM (Mass) Confirmandi Retreat: Friday, October 20, 2017 (HOLY FIRE) Confirmation Interviews: Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at OLW, times to be assigned Confirmation PRACTICE: Thursday, April 12, 2018, 7-8 PM CONFIRMATION: Sunday, April 15, 2018, 2:00 PM All Saint s Day All children and their families are expected to attend a Mass on Wednesday, November 1, 2017, at 5 or 7 PM. It is a Holy Day of Obligation Ash Wednesday February 14, 2018, REP will sponsor a Children s Liturgy at 5:00 PM

3 OUR LADY OF THE WOODS RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASS CALENDAR Children of the Lord: 4-5 year olds Sundays during 9:30 Mass September October November December * January February March ** April May 6 *December 17: Advent Pageant **March 25: Palm Sunday Procession Monday: Grades 1-4, 4:30-6 PM Grades 5-8, 6:30-8 PM September 11** October November 24 1*Wed December 4 11 January February March 5** PLEASE REPORT ABSENCES BY CALLING (708) Wednesday: Grades 1-5, 4:30-6 PM Grades 6-8, 6:30-8 PM September 13** October November 1* Wed December 6 13 January February March 7** *Family mass, all groups are to attend. It is All Saints Day, a Holy Day of Obligation. Attendance will be taken. **Family Formation Sessions Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2018 August, 2017 Dear Parents, Recently, I had the privilege of traveling to France on pilgrimage with 37 of our parishioners. It was a grace-filled experience. One of the highlights was the evening prayer vigil at Lourdes. Thousands of people gathered in front of the basilica to pray at 9:00 pm. What I found particularly moving was the great diversity of languages and cultures. While we prayed in different tongues, our common faith was evident. You and I are part of the Body of Christ, which is a reality far greater than we can imagine. We nurture this truth in our homes and, here at our Lady of the Woods, through Sunday worship and through the Religious Education efforts of our parish. It is our relationship with Jesus that should be our most valued treasure. As Jesus himself reminds us in the Gospel of John, Jesus is The Way, the Truth, and the Life. It is in the family where each child learns most about the importance of Christ in his or her life. Your own example of prayer, compassion, worship, and faith are the most important means of deepening his or her relationship with God. It was the promise you made in baptism and your continued efforts on behalf of your children that are a witness to your faithfulness. This year, we are excited to provide additional ways for our children to grow in their faith. We will begin with a family experience to assist us in appreciating and loving the Mass. In the winter, we will have a nationally renowned speaker, John Angotti, to guide us. As your pastor, I look forward once again to working with your children in this coming year. If you are new to our Religious Education Program, I want to welcome your family in a special way to this opportunity to grow in faith. We have generous staff and wonderful catechists and volunteers. I want to thank you for entrusting your sons and daughters to us. Our Parish is named after Mary, the Mother of God. In the Gospel of John she tells us, Do whatever He asks of you. As Catholics, the heart of our faith is a living relationship with Jesus. In order to do what he asks of us we must remain close to him through prayer, especially Sunday worship, through service, and through learning about his teachings. The Religious Education Program here is designed to assist our children in the growth of that relationship. We look forward to an exciting year. In Christ, Father Mike Foley

4 Fall: Adult Bowling League 1 st Friday of the month September: REP Kick-off: September 11 th & 13 th Hospitality Family Meal Night/Parent Series: September 26 th Pizza & Family Bingo Religious Education Program (REP)- (708) Pastor Reverend Michael Foley Associate Pastor Reverend Andrew Wawrzyn Director of Religious Education Colleen Walery REP Administrative Assistants Doreen Dawson Kimberly Duda Youth Minister Christine Collins Class Hours Children of the Lord (4 & 5 yr olds) Sundays, 9:30 AM Mass Monday: Grade 1-4 4:30-6 PM; Grade 5-8, 6:30-8 PM Wednesday: Grade 1-5 4:30-6 PM, Grade 6-8 6:30-8 PM PLEASE REPORT ABSENCES BY CALLING (708) October: Coat Drive: Throughout month of October Pasta Dinner: October 14 th Trunk or Treat: October 29 th Greatest Halloween Party Ever: October 27 th (5 th grade and up) November: Giving Thanks Potluck Dinner: November 10 th Special Person Day Ice Cream Social after all Masses: November 11/12 Family Advent Wreath Making: November 26 th December/Advent: OLW Family Christmas Tree & Ornament Making: During Advent Giving Tree: Presents returned by December 3 rd St. Nicholas Mass Celebration and Pancake Breakfast: December 3rd at 9:30am Mass Kids Night Out: December 9 th Tree Lightening Ceremony, Madrigal Singers, & Hospitality: December 17 th January: Adult Night Out: January 20 th Trivia Night: January 27 th February: Family Service Project- Cookies & Cards: February 10 th Family Meal Night: February 27 th March: Family Formation Sessions: March 5, 6, 7 Soup and Stations: March 9 th or 16 th Easter Basket Project: March 17/18 Fish Fry: March 23 rd April: Bowling Banquet: April 6 th May, June: Adult Volleyball League June, July, August: Outdoor Mass 6pm June 24 th, July 29 th, & August 26 th Family Fun Under the Stars: TBA Vacation Bible School: June 25 th 29 th Questions? Please contact Christine Collins

5 Please call the office and make a change if you have moved recently or if you have gotten a new phone number or a new address. 1) We are currently using School Messenger as our system to communicate with our REP families. Please keep your address updated with us to include your family in these mailings. 2) Fund raising information and some general requests will be sent home via . 3) Progress Reports and registration information will continue to be sent in the mail. 4) Phone blasts will be used to remind families of special events and in case of an emergency closing or situation. Text blasts will continue to only be used in an emergency situation. 5) Parish information can be located at the following web site: 1. Call the REP Office at Give the student s name, grade, day of attendance and the reason for the absence. Under the protection of the Mother of God, we are a faith filled community called by the Father, energized by the Son and moved by the Spirit to unite in witnessing and proclaiming the Good News. We share in friendship, gather in worship and proclaim our desire to minister, welcome, celebrate and extend His Kingdom. As an integral part of this parish communi- ty, the Religious Education Program staff, catechists and volunteers are united in the common goal to live the mission of Jesus and to serve the children and families of Our Lady of the Woods. We endeavor to participate in the mission of Jesus by realizing the threefold purpose of Catholic education: 1. To proclaim Jesus s MESSAGE both in word and action. 2. To help develop a faith COMMUNITY that is nourished by God s word through the celebration of liturgy, instruction, and socialization. 3. To call forth the gifts of others in mutual SERVICE to the parish, community and world. REP volunteers call the homes of any absent children who have not been reported absent. We want to make sure every child is accounted for. 22 3

6 1. Admission to the Religious Education Program (REP) is open to the children of all registered families in Our Lady of the Woods Parish. 2. At the time of registration any child not baptized at Our Lady of the Woods Church must present an original Baptismal certificate. We will make a copy for our files and return the original to you. 3. Age requirements are the same as local school districts policies. For example children in our 5 year old Children of the Lord program must be five on or before Sept. 1, 2017, special exemptions have been exercised. First graders must be six on or before Sept. 1, Families who transfer into REP from other parishes are asked to provide a letter from the previous program that they were enrolled in. This letter should include the children s attendance records, grades completed at the parish, and sacramental information. 5. We try to limit class size to approximately 13 children. This allows each catechist to establish a personal relationship with every student. Aides are provided for classroom support with the Children of the Lord, first and second grade programs. Grade 5 Finding God Fifth grade students knowledge will be strengthened in the sacramental life of the Church. The Sacraments of Initiation will be highlighted. They will have a special emphasis on their relationship with the Holy Spirit. Grade 6 Finding God Sixth grade is a year spent learning to use and read the Bible. They will explore the History of our faith beginning with the Creation and through Pentecost, with special emphasis on the Old Testament. Grade 7 Learning to Be Catholic Seventh grade looks at the meaning of Catholic faith as outlined in the Creed and the tradition of Christian prayer. Emphasis is on becoming more committed disciples of Jesus and active members of his Church. It is the beginning of Confirmation preparation. No textbook, a three ring binder will be provided. Grade 8 Inspired by the Spirit Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, with emphasis on service to the church, community and family is the focus in eighth grade. Studies include Confirmation as a continuation of the students Baptismal promises and a review of basic Catholic vocabulary. Eighth grade has many activities highlighted in a red Confirmation Booklet. Parent Meeting: Monday, September 18, 2017, 7:15 PM or Wednesday, September 20, 2017, 7:15 PM 4 21

7 Sadlier Inspired by the Spirit Grade 8 Benzinger Sacramental Series: Grade 2 Loyola Press: Finding God: Our Response to God s Gifts Grades 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 Curriculum designed by OLW Grade 7 Grade 1 Finding God First grade students content is based on developing their relationships with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They are invited to take a special Church tour. Personal prayer, the Our Father, Hail Mary and Sign of the Cross are emphasized. Grade 2 The Gift of Reconciliation/The Gift of Eucharist In second grade the emphasis shifts to studying and preparing to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. The idea of sacraments as gifts is the main focus. Reconciliation is approached as an opportunity to receive the gift of forgiveness. The preparation for First Communion looks at the gift of Jesus love for each of us and for the community. Grade 3 Finding God Third grade students focus on God created us and calls us to live in community. They explore what it means to be a faithful disciple of Jesus. They will explore Our Lady of the Woods Church and learn about being part of a parish. Grade 4 Finding God Fourth graders are invited to look at how God calls us all to live a moral life. Emphasis is on the Ten Commandments, living out God s Law of Love and the Beatitudes. Tuition and fees for this year are listed below: One Child $225 Two Children $390 Three or more Children $550 Children of the Lord $60 Reconciliation/ Eucharist Confirmation *Includes Confirmation Gown Tuition covers the salaries, books, supplies, maintenance, building utilities, and any other expenses for class activities. The fees help cover any extra costs for retreats, speakers and supplies that each sacramental class has. IMPORTANT: If tuition or fees present a financial problem for your family, please contact the Religious Education Office before the first session so that other arrangements can be made. We will not deny any child their religious education because of financial problems. Let us know how we can help you! It is very important that all families with children in the Religious Education Programs pay not only their tuition and fees but support the church through the use of church envelopes and by volunteering your talents. Our Lady of the Woods needs you! $50 $75* 20 5

8 It is expected that each family become actively involved in Our Lady of the Woods Religious Education Program and parish activities. Children need to see that participation in parish life is a priority for their family. We need to work together to model how to live a conscious and active life in the Catholic faith. Parent Participation The most effective religious formation happens when parents and the catechetical staff work together. We ask parents to participate with their children by accepting the following responsibilities: 1. Attend Mass on a regular basis with your children on Sundays and Holy Days. 2. Have your child attend their REP sessions. 3. Work on their prayers and assignments with them. 4. Attend Family Formation Sessions for Religious Education on September 11th or 13th, November 1st, and March 5th, 6th or 7th. 5. Contact the staff or your child s catechist with your concerns. Talk directly to us. 6. Parent meetings are held to educate you about the programs. It is essential you attend these meetings. 7. Twice a year we mail home Progress Reports, in January and May. Review these reports with your child. Praise their good work and help them develop a plan for improvement when needed. 6 19

9 Children are asked to: Child Participation 1. Make a personal commitment to regularly attend sessions and participate in their group activities and discussions. 2. Be responsible to bring to REP their book and any other materials requested by their catechist. Lost text books are to be replaced at the cost of $ Complete assigned homework or projects on time. 4. Show RESPECT of self, others and property at all times. 5. To be open to personal prayer, group prayer and parish liturgies. Expectations will be discussed at the first session by all catechists. We have instituted a dress code based on the policies of school districts in this area. Candy, gum and drinks are not allowed in the rooms to protect the parish s equipment. Hand held games, cell phones and pointers will be confiscated. *********** We will be handing out a box of children s envelopes to each student in REP at registration. We ask families to work on teaching stewardship to their children by encouraging them to use their own resources and allowances to help the parish. 18 7

10 RECONCILIATION - EUCHARIST - CONFIRMATION Sacraments are ritualized celebrations for the parish family. They celebrate the presence of God in our daily lives, in ritual and with our faith community. Policies Baptismal certificates are required for each child. If your child was baptized at Our Lady of the Woods Church, we have a copy on file. If your child was baptized at another parish we need to see an original copy of the certificate. We will return this to you after we make a copy for our records. Children must attend two consecutive years of religious education classes to be eligible for a sacrament. Transfer forms must be presented from the parish program you attended last year. Parents involvement in sacramental preparation is essential. Attendance at parent meetings is a part of the commitment. We ask that parents help their students with lessons, projects and prayer. Families should regularly attend parish liturgies and the sacrament of Reconciliation, together. If parents are concerned that their child is not ready to receive a sacrament, contact the REP office to set up a conference with the parish staff. 8 17

11 Reconciliation Grade 2 Preparation begins with an understanding of making good choices and bad choices, then saying I m sorry. for bad choices (sin.) PARISH CELEBRATION: Tuesday, November 28, 2017 Grades 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 Class celebrations during the season of Lent at regular REP sessions. Grade 8 Retreat Celebration: The eighth graders will celebrate Reconciliation during their Confirmation retreat Holy Fire Friday, October 20th, 2017 Eucharist Grade 2 The Eucharist, Jesus presence with us and among us in our celebration of Mass. PARISH CELEBRATION: Sunday, April 29, 2018 or May 6, 2018 at 2:00 PM Confirmation Grade 8 Confirmation is a Sacrament of Initiation, with Baptism and Eucharist. The focus is on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and how to use them in service to others. PARISH CELEBRATION: Sunday, April 15, 2018, 2:00PM 16 9

12 Every place and event has its appropriate dress code. When attending REP, your children are visiting the Lord at His house, our church. One important part of religious education is teaching the value of RESPECT. How the children, catechists and staff present themselves attributes to developing respect for self and others. The following guidelines have been established as reference for dressing to attend REP sessions: No sleepwear such as pajama pants, slippers, tank tops No exposed undergarments No spandex/bike shorts No low cut neck lines No backless or strapless tops No hats or other head coverings No holes in pants above fingertip length Tank tops should have straps as wide as three fingers Skirts and shorts must reach down to the tips of your fingers Midriffs should not be exposed when standing or sitting. No Heelies or any type of wheels on shoes Items that pose a danger are prohibited (studs, chains) Items with pictures, labels or symbols must be appropriate for church. Catechetical Staff The parish staff for Religious Education Program (REP) includes the Director of Religious Education (DRE), the Administrative Assistant, Parish Outreach Coordinator, and the Youth Minister. They are supported by more than 120 volunteers, who serve as Grade Level Leaders, catechists, aides, office help and traffic control. It is with the service of these volunteers that the REP continues to expand. Religious Education Board Under the direction of the Parish Pastoral Council and its Education Commission, a Religious Education Board has been established. The purpose of this board is to provide the staff of the parish with input from parents, catechists, students and other interested parishioners who have ideas and concerns about REP programs. The Religious Education Board consists of the pastor, the DRE, the REP Administrative Assistant and eight parishioners. Parishioners serving this year on the board are as follows: Mary Hauwiller Maryellen Krammer Debra Brown Indre Balchunas Therese Potempa Barb Trybula Danielle Arquilla The Board meetings are scheduled and open to everyone in the parish. All are welcome to attend

13 Field Trips If the children are taken on any trip, a signed parental permission slip including a waiver will be required. Athletics Our Lady of the Woods Parish has an active athletic program. The majority of the leagues in which our teams participate, require the children on a parish team to attend that parish s school or religious education classes. The Athletic Board and parish staff have worked together to formulate an attendance policy for REP students who want to participate on our parish teams. The REP eligibility for participation on a sports team is as follows: A student is required to maintain an 80% attendance rate. The Athletic Association was established with the understanding that no games would be played during REP class time and during Mass times on Sunday mornings. There are no excused absences for practices or games during REP class time. If you choose not to have a child attend REP because of a game, whether regular season, tournament or championship, your child will be marked absent. Please know if children arrive tardy or leave early, the time is recorded so that they do receive credit for all time spent at REP. Children who participate in church or area athletic programs must consider this dress code when attending REP sessions before or after their sporting events. If a child wears clothing deemed inappropriate or distracting to REP, the catechist will notify the Staff. The REP staff will give your child a choice of calling home for a change of clothes or wearing clothing provided by the office. Any child s personal appearance that is disruptive in the REP setting will be dealt with on an individual basis. These guidelines are not intended to cover all the constantly changing styles and fads. We follow the general rule that a child s body should be covered from their shoulders to mid-thigh. Our goal is to provide children with a sense of respect and comfort at our sessions. These guidelines were developed based on our local school districts policies. School appropriate is a good general expectation for our children to follow. Policy on Non Discrimination Our Lady of the Woods Parish does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color or national and ethnic origin in administration of its policies, supplementary programs or parish functions

14 Class Attendance Catholic education is a process. It is essential for children to attend sessions regularly to obtain maximum contact for their religious development. Illness can not be avoided, but REP sessions should have priority over most social activities. 1. In the event of absence, it is the parents responsibility to call the REP office at Please tell us the reason. We do call the homes of children who are absent and have not been called in. This is a safety precaution to be sure the child is safe. 2. If your child is tardy, make sure you check them in with REP office personnel to notify us of their arrival. It will save us an unnecessary phone call to your home. 3. We expect children to be on time for class and to be picked up promptly at the end of class. 4. No child will be released early without a parent coming to the office area and signing out the child. Parking Lot The parking lot is a source of potential accidents. PLEASE NOTE THE MAP INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKET THAT DETAILS PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF ROUTES. These have been designed to provide the safest and quickest routes in and out of the lot. Follow the maps and the directions provided by our traffic volunteers. A Cook County officer is provided to keep traffic moving safely. SAFETY IS OUR MAIN CONCERN Please give directions to first time people picking up for you. Car pooling is recommended. Custody Issues In situations of divorce or separation, REP presumes both parents share custody unless a parent or guardian provides documentation that they have sole custody. We ask that all custody issues are settled at the beginning of the program. If you need two sets of materials, please ask. If custody changes occur, please notify REP and provide the necessary documentation. Medications Except in extraordinary circumstances, with prior approval of the REP staff, medications are not to be dispensed during religion classes. We do ask to be kept informed if your child is on medication that can affect their participation in classroom activities. Cell Phones Children are not to bring cell phones out during an REP session. Catechists may take a child s phone and hold on to the phone until after class. The parish phones are available for any necessary calls the children would need to make. Emergency Closing If inclement weather or any major problem should force the staff to cancel religion classes, you will be informed by phone and blasts, and through public service announcements over radio and television. Please do not call Our Lady of the Woods to inquire if classes are being cancelled due to weather conditions. We will contact you. Those calls tie up the phone lines preventing emergency calls from getting through. Wait for your call from our blast and listen to AM radio: WBBM 78, WMAQ 670, WLS 890, WGN 720, FM radio: 94.7, B96, TV: NBC 5, FOX 32, WGN 9. Thanks for your cooperation