GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH School of Evangelization - Faith Formation Religious Education Office 1956 Batchelder Street - Brooklyn, New York 11229 Telephone: 718-758-4143 www.goodshepherdbrooklyn.org Religious Education for Grades 1 to 8 Parents/Guardians Information 2016 ~ 2017 I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)
Good Shepherd Church School of Evangelization - Faith Formation Office 1956 Batchelder Street - Brooklyn, New York 11339 Telephone: 718-758-4143 www.goodshepherdbrooklyn.org ~ Letter of Welcome ~ September 26, 2016 Dear Parent/Guardian: On behalf of our pastor, Rev. Thomas V. Doyle and the Pastoral and Catechetical Staffs we welcome both you and your child(ren) to a brand new and exciting year in the Faith Formation - Religious Education Program. We are pleased to offer two options for religious education, namely: Onsite Wednesday Classes for Grades 1 to 8 at Good Shepherd Academy and Online Religious Education for Grades 1 to 7. We are proud to become a pioneering parish in the Diocese of Brooklyn to offer Online Religious Education provided by My Catholic Faith Delivered. Our catechetical team is prepared for a strong and dynamic formation year but we need your help, parents/guardians! We are called to the witnessing and sharing of the Church s official teachings and her rich traditions rooted in the orthodoxy of our Faith as handed down to us from our founder, our Lord, and our God, Jesus Christ. To challenge us to live up to our Christian spirituality we are impressed upon by this year s catechetical theme, "Prayer: The Faith Prayed. As a Church we come together for Holy Mass each Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation where we deepen our prayer life through the Divine Word and the Holy Eucharist. This year we are impressed upon attending Holy Mass with our children each and every week. This is the first and most important step we take in journeying in our faith. We withdraw from our regular activities and come together in prayer and thanksgiving to God the Father each and every Sunday. Let us reflect upon the following Page 1
Our Lord s disciples frequently observed him interrupting his journeys in order to spend long hours alone in prayer to his heavenly Father. They were moved to ask him to teach them how to pray. May we be moved this year to do the same as an essential element of our discipleship. May we all draw closer to the Lord and to one another through a deeper and more faithful commitment to prayer, in private and with others, in communion with the sacramental life of the Church. (USCCB) As we embark upon a new year in our faith formation - religious education we look to deepening our Catholic Faith and to celebrate our faith with deeper love and commitment. On behalf of the Faith Formation Team we wish you and your child(ren) every spiritual blessing and prayer. Be Not Afraid (St. John Paul II). Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary, Robert A. Ruggiero Pastoral Associate Rev. Thomas V. Doyle Pastor Who do you say that I AM? (Luke 9:20)! My Lord, and My God. (John 20:28) Page 2
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMS Currently, the faith formation at Good Shepherd Church is comprised of all newly developed religious educational programs, namely: Online Education Program Grades: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7 Currently, we cannot offer Grade 8 online. Location: www.mycatholicfaithdelivered.com All lessons must be completed in order to be promoted to the next grade level and before receiving a sacrament. Onsite Wednesday Program Grades: 1 to 4 Location: Good Shepherd Academy Class Duration: 3:30 P.M. - 4:45 P.M. Onsite Wednesday Program Grades: 5 to 8 Location: Good Shepherd Academy Class Duration: 6:30 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. Special Needs Program Every child encounters Christ in a different way we provide that special way. Please speak with us today! This service provides catechesis for children with special needs and guides them in faith formation and preparation for the reception of the Sacraments. Children-Youth Faith Formation This program is designed to serve students that are baptized but did not make First Penance and Holy Communion in the second grade. Therefore, it is necessary to include them in a specially designed program that prepares them for the reception of the Sacraments. Page 3
Children-Youth RCIC Any child between the ages of 8 to 16 that has not received the Sacraments of: Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation must be enrolled in Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC) catechesis for a minimum of 3 consecutive years and enter into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. Proximate Preparation for First Penance, First Communion, and Confirmation Parents/Guardians and their child(ren) actively participate in four sessions before a child receives First Penance, First Communion, and Confirmation. These proximate preparation sessions are meant to bring together families from the parish to explore certain themes. The Proximate Preparation program is mandated by the Diocese and all parents and children in Public School and Catholic Academies are required to attend all sessions. Adult Faith Formation and RCIA Programs Adult Faith Formation serves the youth that are 16 years of age+ and adults who have not completed the Sacraments of First Penance, Holy Eucharist, or Confirmation. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) serves those who are not baptized seeking to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil. NOTE: as per Diocesan Regulations every child enrolled in religious education classes is obligated to attend approximately 30 class sessions at 1.5 hours per class of catechesis per year (minimum of 45 hours). Jesus said to them, Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. (John 6:53) Page 4
OFFICIAL DIOCESAN POLICIES AND OVERVIEW! School of Evangelization Guidebook Roman CatholiC Diocese of Brooklyn! Children s Catechesis How can my child be formed/educated in the faith? Overview The uniqueness of the Church is reflected in the uniqueness of each local parish. Mindful of this diversity and in light of local needs, each parish is encouraged to develop a religious education program. Education and formation in the Faith is not only in preparation for the Sacraments; it is ongoing. Children and teens should be participating in Catholic education and formation from at least kindergarten through grade twelve. Every grade level is important as it builds on a child s or teen s previous knowledge and experience. Following Confirmation, it is essential that the newly-confirmed continue to learn more about our Faith and participate in programs of youth ministry that include components of academic learning as well as spiritual growth opportunities. Attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, as well as regular reception of the Sacraments, is a priority in the life of a Catholic. Page 5
Sacraments of Penance, Eucharist, and Confirmation The New Evangelization invites us to catechize those who are part of our Church and all persons of good will. The manner by which we are prepared for the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, and how we continue to receive them over a lifetime, is critical to our life of Faith. This is especially true for our children; those who attend our Catholic Schools/Academies, those who are enrolled in our religious education programs (including those who are home schooled, as well as those who are not in any organized program at this time). It is a long-standing diocesan policy that all children must receive at least two full years of catechesis, including academic instruction in the Faith, before they are permitted to receive First Penance and First Eucharist. However, we know that the faith formation of our children involves more than academic instruction. Each child must be gradually formed into the full image of the Lord Jesus by developing a mature life of prayer, culminating in full, conscious, and active participation with the parish community at Sunday Eucharist. Since such participation is usually not possible without the cooperation of their parents and guardians, faith formation must also involve every child s family, school community, and the entire parish community in prayer, witness, and celebration. For this reason, parish catechetical leaders are called to assist parents by providing four to six proximate preparation sessions before each Sacrament that bring together families from the schools/academies and parish programs. As a family of families, the parish remains the ideal home for Catholic families to join together, not only at the spiritual birth of their children at Baptism, but also to be nourished by the Holy Eucharist each Sunday. It is our diocesan policy that each family s home parish remains the privileged place for celebrating a child s First Penance and First Eucharist. These norms reflect this policy by directing families to celebrate the Sacraments of First Penance and First Eucharist in the parish where they usually celebrate their Catholic faith every Sunday. Page 6
Human Sexuality and Family Life Parents/Guardians are the first and most important educators of their children. They clearly educate by word and example. Their role is irreplaceable. Many Catholic parents and guardians look to the religious education programs and resources of the Catholic School/ Academy and parish religious education program for assistance, particularly in the areas of education in human sexuality and family life. For this reason, the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation has prepared a Curriculum Guide of standards and outcomes for parents, catechists and students. The purpose of this Curriculum Guide is to offer an understanding of basic life issues that is consistent with Catholic teaching. For example, family and sexuality education in a Catholic context seeks to foster family values, to promote the right to life and the dignity of each human person, to stress the importance of wholesome relationships and personal responsibility, to teach the value of conscience formation, and to give inspiration for living lives that are moral and chaste. Proximate Preparation for the Sacraments of Penance, Eucharist, and Confirmation Parishes provide opportunities for parents to actively participate in four to six sessions before a child receives First Penance, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. These proximate preparation sessions begin or end with Sunday (Saturday Vigil) Mass and are meant to bring together families from the parish to explore certain themes. For specifics, please contact your local parish. Special Needs Religious Education Every child encounters Christ in a different way. Some children have special needs that can be addressed on the parish level. Currently, the School of Evangelization is collaborating with various parish leaders to enhance special needs offerings. Please contact your parish leaders first to see if a special needs program is available locally. (School of Evangelization Guidebook 46-47) Page 7
IMPORTANT NOTES & REMINDERS Onsite Students Arrival time to class is 15 minutes prior to Class time. Entrance to the Academy is through the parking lot on Batchelder Street. All Students in Grades 1 to 8 should meet their Catechists in the Academy hall (or in the Parking Lot). Dismissal of classes will be from the Academy parking lot on Batchelder Street. Grades will be dismissed in numerical order starting with Grade 1 then Grade 2, etc. For safety and security measures no unauthorized person(s) will be permitted into the Academy or classrooms or beyond the drop-off point, rear doors to the Academy on Batchelder Street. No food or beverages are permitted into the Academy or any parish building. Maximum number of absences permitted is five (5) days from class. An absent note to your child(ren) Catechist-Teacher is required. Proximate Preparations for Candidates & Parents/Guardians in: First Penance & Holy Communion, and Confirmation are required to attend - no absences permitted. Early pick ups should be for extenuating circumstances only. Requests for early dismissals compromises instructions resulting in content loss. Pick ups can be made via the main door of the academy located 1943 Brown Street. Online Students Students will complete their lessons online from MY CATHOLIC FAITH DELIVERED. Parents/Guardians will receive an email from MCFD providing a login link and password. Once the email is received your child(ren) may start his/her lessons. Students - have maximum flexibility and convenience to complete all lessons at a pace conducive to the student s learning needs. MCFD provides full audio and visuals with one to one ratio learning. All lessons must be completed by the end of the Catechetical Year - May 2017. Communications Notices and information will be communicated via Email Blasts, Parish Bulletins, and Parish Website, please go online to www.goodshepherdbrooklyn.org Page 8
Holy Mass Attendance Cards Onsite/Online Students in Grades 1 through 8 are required to attend Holy Mass each Sunday at a Catholic Church. They must have their Attendance Card signed by a priest/deacon at the end of Holy Mass. If you forget your Attendance Card - pick up a parish bulletin and print your child s name, date, and have a priest/deacon sign the bulletin. You may download the Holy Mass Attendance Card from www.goodshepherdbrooklyn.org - click on School of Evangelization and then click on Religious Education Registration. You may pick up Attendance Cards from Rectory or School of Evangelization Office or Church Sacristy. Please return the Attendance Card to the Rectory or School of Evangelization Office or to the Church Sacristy or to your Catechist-Teacher. Sacrament of Confirmation Confirmation packets (for Grade 8) are available at the Parents/Guardians Orientation. Confirmation will be celebrated on December 6th 2016 ~ 4:00 P.M. at Good Shepherd Church. Confirmation Retreat is October 15th 2016 ~ 9:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. at Good Shepherd Academy and Church. Please follow the instructions and return the necessary application/forms to the Rectory or School of Evangelization Office by OCTOBER 28th 2016. Confirmation Rehearsal is November 29th 2016 ~ 6:30 P.M. in Church. Both Candidates and Sponsors are required to attend. First Penance and Holy Communion First Penance is January 21st 2017 ~ 12:00 P.M. & 2:00 P.M. in Church. First Holy Communion is May 6th 2017 ~ 12:00 P.M. for Classes 2-1 & 2-2 and 2:00 P.M. for Classes 2-3 & 2-4. Candidates preparing for the Sacrament of First Penance and Holy Communion will receive their packets and First Communion Banner when we meet during the Proximate Preparation Retreat on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5th 2016 at Good Shepherd Academy Hall. First Holy Communion Rehearsal is May 3rd 2017 ~ 3:30 P.M. for Classes 2-1 & 2-2 and 5:00 P.M. for Classes 2-3 & 2-4. Prayers to Know Beginning in Grade 1 parents/guardians need to teach their child(ren) his/her prayers, namely: Making the Sign of the Cross, The Lord s Prayer, The Hail Mary, The Glory, The Act of Contrition. Only by reciting these prayers daily will children learn to become familiar with them. Listed below are the prayers to memorize: Page 9
Making the Sign of the Cross The Lord s Prayer Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. The Hail Mary Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. The Glory Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Page 10
An Act of Contrition O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven, and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen. Page 11
Good Shepherd Church School of Evangelization - Religious Education Calendar 2016-2017 EVENT DATE/TIME LOCATION NOTES Catechetical Sunday ~ Sunday, September 18th Church Parents & Children are required to Rite of Committal Holy Mass 10:00 A.M. attend. Orientation & Prayer Service Monday, September 26th Church Parents required to attend. 3:30 P.M. or 7:00 P.M. Online Classes Begin Wednesday, September 28th Online You will receive an email from My Catholic Faith Delivered. They will issue you your login and password. Once received your child may begin his/her lessons. Onsite Classes Begin Wednesday, September 28th 3:30 P.M. - 4:45 P.M. Academy Grades 1-4. 6:30 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. Academy Grades 5-8. Child Lures Prevention Wednesday, October 5th Academy Presentation 3:30 P.M. - 4:45 P.M. Online/Onsite Grades 1-4. 6:30 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. Online/Onsite Grades 5-7. NOTES: This presentation is required for both Online and Onsite students. Parents who opted out from the Child Lures Prevention Presentation program from the Registration Application are advised to keep their child(ren) home on this day - absence will be waived. If you send your child(ren) to class on this day then your child(ren) will participate in the presentation. Page 12
EVENT DATE/TIME LOCATION NOTES Confirmation Retreat for Saturday, October 15th Good Shepherd Grade 8 only. Candidates only. 9:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Academy & Church Candidates are required to attend. Spiritual Enrichment Classes Sunday, October 23rd Academy & Church Grades 2. 10:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. Online/Onsite Students. Sunday, November 13th Academy & Church Grades 2. 10:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. Online/Onsite Students. Proximate Prep Retreat Saturday, November 5th Grade 2 & Parents. for 2nd Graders Holy Mass 5:00 P.M. Church Online/Onsite Students. Presentation 6:00 P.M. Academy NOTE: The Proximate Prep Retreat is a Diocesan mandatory requirement for both parents and children. Last Day of Class for Grade 8 NOTE: Candidates for Confirmation. Wednesday, November 16th Academy Proximate Prep Retreat for 7th Saturday, November 19th Grade 7 & Parents. Graders Holy Mass 5:00 P.M. Church Online/Onsite Students. Presentation 6:00 P.M. Academy NOTE: The Proximate Prep Retreat is a Diocesan mandatory requirement for both parents and children. Thanksgiving Recess Wednesday, November 23rd No Classes. NOTE: Classes resume November 30th. Rehearsal for Confirmation Tuesday, November 29th Church Candidates and sponsors 7:00 P.M. required to attend. Arrival time: 6:30 P.M. Page 13
EVENT DATE/TIME LOCATION NOTES Confirmation Mass Tuesday, December 6th Church 3:00 P.M. Arrival time for 4:00 P.M. Candidates and Sponsors to Academy Hall. Progress Reports Distribution Period Christmas Party Wednesday, December 7th - Academy Wednesday, December 14th. Wednesday, December 14th Academy 3:30 P.M. - 4:45 P.M. Online/Onsite Grades 1-4. 6:30 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. Online/Onsite Grades 5-7. Nativity Reflection Saturday, December 17th Church Narrative of Christ s Birth 5:00 P.M. Holy Mass by Students. Christmas Recess Wednesday, December 21st Classes resume on No Classes to Sunday, January 1st Wednesday, January 4th. First Penance Saturday, January 21st Church Online/Onsite Students. 12:00 P.M. Classes: 2-1 & 2-2. 2:00 P.M. Classes: 2-3 & 2-4. Mid-Winter Recess Wednesday, February 22nd Classes resume on March 1st. No Classes Page 14
EVENT DATE/TIME LOCATION NOTES Ash Wednesday Wednesday, March 1st Academy & 3:30 P.M. - 4:45 P.M. Church Online/Onsite Grades 1-4. 6:30 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. Online/Onsite Grades 5-7. Lenten Penance Service Wednesday, March 8th Academy & 3:30 P.M. - 4:45 P.M. Church Online/Onsite Grades 1-4. 6:30 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. NOTE: Penance Service is required for both Online and Onsite students. Online/Onsite Grades 5-7. Easter Recess Wednesday, April 12th Classes resume on April 19th. No Classes Rehearsal for First Communion May 3rd Church Online/Onsite Students. 3:30 P.M. (12:00 P.M. Mass) Classes: 2-1 & 2-2. 4:30 P.M. (2:00 P.M. Mass) Classes: 2-3 & 2-4. First Holy Communion Saturday, May 6th Church Arrival time: 12:00 P.M. 11:00 A.M. - Academy Hall (Classes: 2-1 & 2-2). 2:00 P.M. 1:00 P.M. - Academy Hall (Classes: 2-3 & 2-4). Good Shepherd Sunday Sunday, May 7th Church Online/Onsite Students 10:00 A.M. Grades 1-7. NOTE: Both Online and Onsite students are required to attend Holy Mass. Page 15
EVENT DATE/TIME LOCATION NOTES May Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sunday, May 14th Church Online/Onsite Students. 10:00 A.M. Mass First Communion Children required to attend. NOTE: Both Online and Onsite students are required to attend Holy Mass. Grades 1-7 required to attend. Last Day of Classes Wednesday, May 24th Academy 3:30 P.M. - 4:45 P.M. Church Online/Onsite Grades 1-4. 6:30 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. Online/Onsite Grades 5-7. NOTE: Both Online and Onsite students required to attend closing prayer service. Administration reserves the rights to amend calendar changes. For the latest updates, go to www.goodshepherdbrooklyn.org I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6) Page 16
Catechetical Staff Rev. Thomas V. Doyle, Pastor Rev. Uririoghene Melchizedek Okrokoto, Spiritual Director Mr. Robert A. Ruggiero, Pastoral Associate Ms. Janet Subrizi, Secretary Ms. Margaret Montaperto, Office Assistant Ms. Katherine Orihuela, Online Coordinator & 2nd Grade Spiritual Enrichment Coordinator Ms. Rosemary Clifford 1-1 Ms. Maria Farrell 5-1 Ms. Deborah Tepedino 1-2 Ms. Melissa Wagner 5-2 Ms. Kimberly Rios 1-3 Ms. Bernette O Connor 5-3 Ms. Millie Morganstern 2-1 Ms. Patricia Percaccio 6-1 Ms. Angela Edel 2-2 Ms. Dina Desiderio 6-2 Ms. Angela Clancy 2-3 Ms. Marianne Perrone 7-1 Mr. Kenneth Whelan 2-4 Ms. Neva Patick 7-2 Ms. Joann Marinelli 3-1 Ms. Judy Fleming 7-3 Ms. Kathy Dwyer 3-2 Rev. Uririoghene Melchizedek 8-1 Ms. Diane Mittica 3-3 Okrokoto Ms. Marguerite Zehmisch 4-1 Ms. Joann Wright 8-2 Ms. Kristin Strehle 4-2 Ms. Josephine Ortiz 8-3 Ms. JoanMarie Sapienza 4-3 Ms. Julianna Bono Aide Ms. JoAnn Brown Special Needs 09/22/2016 Note: Catechists and Classes subject to change. Page 17