CCE Catechist Handbook 2012/2013 St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church Contents Mission Statement of St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church 2 CCE Staff... 2 CCE Schedule... 3 CCE Program... 3 Elementary Catechesis... 4 Junior Catechesis... 5 Senior Catechesis... 5 Sacraments... 6 General Policies... 8 Catechist Guidelines... 9 Classroom Policies... 12 Requisition Form... 13 Revised May 2012 1
Mission Statement of St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church Liz Adams Leezet Llorance Luchy Baltazar Nellie Aguilera Barbara Wibberg CCE Staff Director of Religious Education (DRE) Elementary, Junior High, Sacramental CRE High School CRE CCE Secretary CCE Coordinator (volunteer) Office Phone Number 281-391-4758 We are called to be a witness to the Gospel and to discern the goals and direction of religious education in our parish through shared wisdom. Intent on seeking and listening to the Holy Spirit and one another, we aspire to build a Christ-centered community. We exist to provide, facilitate and strengthen Catholic Christian Education within the community by identifying and addressing the educational needs of our entire parish family. We strive to be one heart and one mind in Christ to share His values through prayer and study, worship and sacrament. Office Hours 8:30 am 5:00 pm (M-F) 2
CCE Schedule Tuesday... 5:30 PM 6:45 PM Kindergarten thru Fifth Grade Wednesday... 5:30 PM 6:45 PM or 7:00 PM 8:15 PM Kindergarten thru Eighth Grade CCE Program Faith formation is an ongoing progressive journey from Kindergarten through 11th grade (Confirmation). This section of the handbook contains a brief description of elementary catechesis (kindergarten fifth grade) and junior catechesis (sixth eight) and senior (ninth eleventh grade). Thursday... 6:30 PM 7:45 PM Kindergarten thru Fifth Grade Sunday... 6:30 PM 7:45 PM Sixth thru Eleventh Grade 3
Elementary Catechesis Grades Kindergarten through Fifth will use the We Believe series. The content of this series is faithful to the teaching of the Catholic Church and holistically embraces the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Creed, Liturgy and Sacraments, Moral Life and Prayer. Kindergarten The grade units: First Grade The grade units: Second Grade God Made the World God gives us many gifts; God is our Creator; Jesus shows us God s love; Jesus wants us to share God s love. God Loves Us Jesus teaches us about God s love; We are the followers of Jesus; We belong to the Church; We celebrate and live our faith. Third Grade The grade units: Fourth Grade The grade units: Fifth Grade The grade units: We are the Church Jesus gives us the Church; We are members of the Church; The Church leads us in worship; We are called to discipleship. God s Law Guides Us Growing in Jesus Christ; The Commandments help us to love God; The Commandments help us to love others; We are called to holiness. We Meet Jesus in the Sacraments Jesus Christ shares his life with us; Confirmation and Eucharist complete our initiation; The sacraments of healing restore us; We love and serve as Jesus did. The grade units: Jesus share s God s life Jesus Christ is with us always; Jesus calls us to Penance and Reconciliation; Jesus gives himself in the Eucharist; We live our Catholic life. 4
Junior Catechesis Senior Catechesis Sixth GRADE Ninth Grade The grade units: Seventh Grade We are God s people Forming the Covenant; Building the Covenant nation; Redefining the Covenant people; The Covenant fulfilled in Jesus. We Live Our Faith (As Disciples of Jesus) Tenth Grade Catholic Morality Foundations for Catholic Morality and Catholic Morality Applied. The Light of Faith An overview of Catholicism your light Eight Grade Eleventh Grade We Live Our Faith (As Members of the Church) Confirmation The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth 5
Sacraments First Holy Communion (2nd grade) First Reconciliation (2nd grade) Individual, integral confession and absolution remain the only ordinary way for the faithful to reconcile themselves with God and the Church (CCC #1484) Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we are renewed and recommitted to the Holy Spirit in our lives helping us to become more effective in reflecting Christ and His words of life and love to others. In this way we strengthen Christ s community which can continue His healing, saving, and loving work. Children wishing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation must be baptized and present a Baptismal Certificate (ONLY if baptized outside St. Bartholomew parish), must be registered parishioners, be enrolled in CCE classes and have successfully completed the prior year of CCE. Sacramental preparation classes are during second grade CCE classes. The sacrament is usually celebrated sometime in the late winter or early spring. A parent is REQUIRED to attend MANDATORY meetings. Communion with the flesh of the risen Christ, a flesh given life and giving life through the Holy Spirit preserves, increases and renews the life of grace received at Baptism. (CCC #1392) Jesus instituted the Eucharist within the Jewish Passover meal on the night before He died. In the Eucharist, we are united with Christ. Nourished by His Body and Blood and filled with His Holy Spirit, we become one Body, one Spirit in Christ. Preparation for First Eucharist is during the second grade CCE classes. The child must be baptized and present a Baptismal Certificate (ONLY if baptized outside the parish), must be a registered parishioner, be enrolled in CCE classes and have successfully completed the prior year of CCE classes. First Eucharist is usually celebrated as a group during Easter Season. A parent is REQUIRED to attend MANDATORY meetings. 6
Sacraments for Third Grade and Older Students Out of Sequence (OOS) Confirmation (11 th grade) Those who have been baptized continue the path of Christian Initiation through the Sacrament of Confirmation. In this Sacrament, they receive the Holy Spirit who was sent to the Apostles by the Lord on the day of Pentecost. This gift of the Holy Spirit confirms believers more perfectly to Christ and strengthens them so that they may bear witness to Christ for the building up of His Body in faith and love. Candidates MUST HAVE RECEIVED the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist and must attend Mass regularly. They must have successfully attended CCE classes for two years prior (9th & 10th grades) to the present year (11th grade). Candidates must complete a weekend retreat, 20 hours community service hours, 4 mass hours, and a one hour family service in the community. Confirmation classes are offered to students in the eleventh grade during regular CCE classes and Confirmation is usually celebrated during the spring after Easter. Students in the third grade through high school who need to receive the Sacraments of Baptism or First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion will be prepared in a special CCE class. These students will be placed in our Out of Sequence (OOS) class. The family must be registered parishioners. Students must have successfully completed the prior year of CCE classes. 7
General Policies The policies stated in this handbook are multi-purposed and are intended to enhance the learning experience in our catechetical programs. All catechetical ministers and parents are responsible for being familiar with the following: 1. Drop off/pick ups - Parents of elementary students must walk their children to their classroom. They will also have to sign their child in and sign their child out. 2. Attendance Students are expected to be in their assigned classrooms when the bell rings. Satisfactory attendance is expected. When a student is absent for two consecutive class sessions, the parents will be contacted by the CCE office before the next session. After four unexcused absences, the student s name will be dropped from the class roster to make room for other students, unless maintaining enrollment is justified after a meeting with a parent. Please contact the CCE Office in advance to report if your child will be absent from class and the reason for the absence. 3. Tardiness To avoid disrupting the class, it is important that the child arrive in class on time. Students who are routinely late will be asked to report to the CCE office. 4. Leaving the Classroom Students are discouraged from leaving the class during CCE time. However, when necessary the student can leave the classroom with a VIRTUS TRAINED ADULT. Usually only one or two students are permitted to leave the classroom. 5. Guests Guests are welcomed. However, they are required to check in with the CCE office before the beginning of class. Each guest is expected to exhibit good conduct. Disruptive guests will be asked to leave. 6. General Conduct All students of our CCE program are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the standards of Christian charity and good manners. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Although we will make every attempt to deal with misconduct on a case by case basis, the following guidelines apply: 1 st Offense... Verbal warning from Catechist 2 nd Offense... Report to CCE office and Parents contacted 3 rd Offense... Student s name will be dropped from the class roster to make room for another student 7. Dress Code Students will be expected to present themselves for class in school dress. Attire which may be considered as promoting profanity, obscenity, or conduct contrary to Christian morality is not permitted. Students in violation of this dress code will be sent to the CCE office and parents will be contacted. 8
8. Illegal Drug/Alcohol Use The use of addictive substances is strictly prohibited by law and violators will be referred to the appropriate corrective agencies. Smoking is prohibited on the church premises at any time. Prescription medication may not be administered to students by catechists or any of the pastoral staff. 9. Truancy When a student willfully and intentionally leaves CCE without securing proper permission, he/she is considered to be truant. Consequences for truant students may lead to suspension and or even expulsion from the CCE program if conditions warrant. 10. Parking Lot Safety All parents and students are advised to exercise caution and good safety manners in the parking lot and drop-off areas. Children grades Kindergarten through 5th are to be picked up in their classroom by parents or other designated adult. Students of driving age are expected to operate their vehicles in a safe and courteous manner while on parish premises. Negligent and dangerous driving habits will result in suspension and even expulsion from the CCE program. 11. Sunday Mass Please remember that CCE is not a substitute for the Sunday Liturgy. Children should understand that worshipping with the parish community at Sunday Mass is an important aspect of their spiritual growth as 9 Catholic Christians. Attendance at Mass should be regarded as part of CCE curriculum for the students and should not be neglected. Catechist Guidelines 1. Sign In - All Catechists and aides are required to sign in upon arrival for the CCE classes. The sign-in sheet is located in the CCE Workroom. All catechist and aides should be in their rooms at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of class. 2. Teachers Manuals and Handbooks These are the property of the CCE program and must be returned to the office at the end of the CCE year. Catechists and aides are asked to care for these materials so they can be used again. Faculty may write in these books with pencil. 3. Requisition Forms These may be found in a box in the CCE Workroom and should be returned a week in advance. Construction paper and other supplies are available in the CCE Workroom. 4. Attendance Catechists are responsible for maintaining the class roster. You will find your roster in your mailbox in the CCE Workroom. No child should be accepted into a class without an admit form from the CCE office. Children who
arrive late should be marked (T), absences should be marked (A) and present students should be marked with a (P). Attendance rosters are very important to our program; please try to maintain accurate records. After attendance has been checked, place the rosters in the clips on the exterior of the classroom door. The rosters will be picked up approximately 20 minutes after the class period begins. 5. Student Textbooks Students textbooks are the tools which students use under the catechist s guidance. These books should be clearly labeled with the child s name on the front cover along with the CCE session, day, and time. These texts belong to the students. The texts are to be given to the students at the end of the year. You will find the books in well - marked cabinets in the assigned room. 6. Student Dismissal Students may not be dismissed from their class until the bell is rung. 7. Media Resources These resources are available to you from our own library or the Diocesan Library. For the scheduled use of TV/VCR, and overhead projectors, please make your requests a week in advance. Please plan ahead, Diocesan Policy (Q-9) forbids the use of unlawfully copied copyrighted material in the classroom. Please check with the DRE before using any audio-video material from external resources. 10 8. Non-Catechetical Material All such brochures, pamphlets, and like materials from any outside organizations, religious institutions, schools, etc. must be approved by the DRE prior to use in the classroom. 9. In-Services These are scheduled for all of the catechetical Ministers to familiarize themselves with the program, texts and policies. Each Catechist will be required to attend as a minimum one In-Service program in order to be eligible for the CCE tuition scholarship for their own children. Catechetical Minister Orientation does not qualify as an In-Service Program. Catechists and aides are encouraged to participate in all In-Service programs. 10. The Law and Child Abuse The Texas Penal Code requires that suspected child abuse in any form be reported to Children s Protective Services (CPS). Catechists and/or aides who suspect child abuse should carefully discern the signs and report the matter directly to the DRE for continued attention. CPS will be notified immediately. 11. Ethical Policy The Diocese of Galveston/Houston has determined that every professional and non-professional minister of the Diocese, including volunteers, must sign the Ethical Policy. The purpose of this policy is to establish basic standards of ethical behavior and personal conduct for all personnel associated with the Diocese of Galveston/Houston: its parishes, schools and other affiliated
organizations. Fundamental to our mission is the personal integrity and the highest ethical standards of all those who represent the Diocese. 12. Classroom Observation Classroom observations will be conducted randomly throughout the year and on a scheduled basis. The purpose of such observation is to assist the catechist in reflecting on his/her skills, strengths, and areas of growth. This exercise is designed, intended, and conducted as an affirmation of the catechist s gift to the Church. A sample observation form is included in the packet. 13. Classroom Parties Parties are only permitted during the last class before the Christmas break and the last day of CCE school year. Please limit food and drinks to only these occasions. Further, we encourage catechists to use only a portion of the class time for this purpose. Please take your trash to dumpster at the end of class time. 14. Lesson Preparation Weekly preparation time for each lesson should begin with a thorough review the lesson s objectives provided in the teacher manual. All resource material should be procured from the CCE Workroom, adapting these to your own approach as a Catechist. 15. Parent Involvement The catechist is encouraged to ask for parental assistance in the class as needed. In case of absences (missing five consecutive classes), the catechist should contact the parents to determine the reason. 16. Continuing Education Every Catechetical Minister is encouraged and expected to contribute to their own formation and spiritual growth by participating in some form of continuing education and enrichment. Such formation will be provided in various forms and at various times throughout the year. Faculty memos will alert you to these. With prior approval, the CCE office will reimburse catechists for expenses incurred in taking classes and workshops. Please see the DRE for more information. 17. Faculty Memos Memos are circulated regularly and are the primary source of communication between the catechist and the CCE office. They contain information critical to the good functioning of our program. Memos are placed in the CCE boxes in the workroom. These boxes should be checked before classes. It is critical that memos be read before the class begins that day. 18. Substitutes If the catechist cannot secure a substitute he/she should call the CCE office 281-391-0839 as soon as possible and report the day and time for which a substitute is needed. It is very difficult for the office to find a substitute at the last minute. Please give the office as much time as possible. 11
19. Grade Level Coordinators Coordinators serve as a liaison between the DRE and the Catechist. They are responsible for assisting the DRE during their assigned CCE session, during in-service days, and at periods of registration. They are also called upon to help evaluate the instructional program. An important aspect of this service is to listen to the concerns of the catechist. 6. Furnishings are not to be removed from the classroom. All rooms should be left neat and orderly and in the arrangement in which they were found. 7. The catechist is to direct the students in the care of the classroom. 8. Before leaving the classroom, please.... Return all furnishings as previously set up Classroom Policies The classroom space is to be cared for and maintained by the groups and individuals who use them throughout the week. Catechists are asked to observe the following policies: 1. Please limit the food to the days specifically set for parties. Rooms should be left clean in order that the next class is able to use the room. 2. Trash should be disposed of in the dumpster after a classroom party. Clean dry erase board Return any resource equipment or materials to CCE Workroom Properly dispose of any trash and waste. Return all texts to CCE cabinets in room Turn off heat/air conditioning and lights. 9. Report any damages or problems to the CRE immediately. 3. Smoking is not permitted on the premises. 4. No running is allowed anywhere on the premises. 5. Adequate adult supervision is always required when children are in the classroom or restroom 12
Requisition Form Supplies 1 : Today s Date: / / Date Needed: / / Catechist Name: CCE Class: Grade: Day: Time: Photo Copies: Catechist Manuel Page #: Resource Binder Description: Number of copies needed: Collated: Yes [ ] No [ ] Double-sided: Yes [ ] No [ ] TV/VCR: Yes: [ ] No: [ ] Video: Crayons: Yes: [ ] No: [ ] Markers: Yes: [ ] No: [ ] Construction Paper: Color: Quantity: Scissors: Quantity: Other: Questions or Comments: 13 1 All copies and supplies will be given to you before class when you sign in.
Llorance, CRE 14