Pax Christi Catholic Church 2014-2015 Children and Youth Faith Formation Opportunities Preschool-12th Grade 4135 18th Avenue Northwest Rochester, Minnesota 55901 507-282-8542 www.paxchristichurch.org 1
A Note from the Pastor Table of Contents: General Information Faith Formation is central to our mission at Pax Christi. We are constantly working on providing the best and most comprehensive programs which seek to give our students, parents, and catechists multiple opportunities to encounter Christ. We go beyond books and facts in order to offer a holistic approach in hopes to pass on the beautiful and life-giving truth of our Catholic faith tradition. Given the diversity of our ministries, we are confident that your family s needs will be met above and beyond expectations. Pax Christi is vibrant, inviting, and alive; the following information, while intended to convey that reality, is only a beginning... get involved, journey with us as we encounter Christ together! Father Joseph Fogal Safe Environment, Calendars, Cost, & Registration... 3 Preschool-Elementary Faith Formation Children s Liturgy of the Word & Sunday School (Pre-K-2 nd Grade)... 4 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Pre-K 5 th Grade)... 5-6 Kingdom Kids (1 st 5 th Grade)... 7 1st Reconciliation/1st Eucharist Preparation (2 nd Grade)... 8 Middle-High School Faith Formation PROOF (6 th -12 th Grade)... 9 Confirmation Preparation (10 th Grade)... 10 Catechist/Volunteer Information... 11 Faith Formation Team/Staff... 12 2
Safe Environment Pax Christi strives to provide a safe environment for our children and youth. We accomplish this by training both our adult volunteers and the children via two programs sponsored by the Diocese of Winona. Those programs are: VIRTUS Training: Enabling a Safe Environment The Diocese of Winona requires all volunteers 18 years of age and older who are working with our children, youth, and/or vulnerable adults to attend national, best practice program called VIRTUS. VIRTUS is especially focused on the prevention of wrong-doing and the promotion of right-doing. Training dates and times are online at www.virtus.org. Also, contact your coordinator about submitting a criminal background check and signing the Diocesan Code of Conduct. Circle of Grace: All across the Diocese of Winona, the Circle of Grace program is integrated into existing curriculum in kindergarten through 12 th grade. Adults assist children and youth to recognize that each of us lives within a Circle of Grace that holds our very essence in body, mind, heart, soul, and sexuality. Children and youth are taught to identify and maintain appropriate physical, emotional, spiritual, and sexual boundaries; recognize when boundary violations are about to occur; and demonstrate how to take action when boundaries are threatened or violated. Circle of Grace is grounded in Catholic tradition. More information can be found at: www.archomaha.org Calendars Calendars for all programs will be available on our website: www.paxchristichurch.org. They are also available through program staff. Cost $50/student ($60 for non-parishioner) $15 additional fee for students enrolling in a sacramental preparation program $165 Family Maximum ($200 for non-parishioners) $20 Late Fee per Family if registered after May 31st, 2013 Weekly Catechists will be offered a $50 discount (see page 9 for details) If these costs cause financial hardship, assistance is available upon request Registration After reviewing the following opportunities, fill out the registration and/or volunteer forms and return them to the parish office by May 31 st. Registration is also available online! A $20 late fee will be charged per family for any registrations received after May 31st. 3
Children s Liturgy of the Word and Sunday School Children s Liturgy of the Word (3* Years Old 2 nd Grade) Children s Liturgy of the Word is offered every Saturday during the 5:15 pm Mass and every Sunday during the 10:45 am Mass during the school year. Children three years old through second grade leave Mass after the Opening Prayer and explore the Word of God further at their own level with instruction from a Catechist. They return to Mass after the Homily. There is no fee or registration required. Sunday School: (Ages 3* - Kindergarten by Sept 1, 2013) Sunday School is offered on Sunday morning during the 9:00 am Mass during the school year. These classes are held in a traditional classroom setting and conducted by a Catechist. We use the curriculum Stories of God s Love by RCL Benziger. Children also participate in singing and making arts and crafts. Session Time: 9 am Mass $50 parishioner, $60 non-parishioner *Please note: Children must be potty-trained by the first day of class. 4
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Preschool-5 th Grade) The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Catholic Faith Formation program rooted in the Bible and the liturgy of our Church. Catechists utilize Montessori teaching methods in this hands-on program which helps children become familiar with the most essential mysteries of our faith. Our rooms are prepared with age appropriate materials and all children are encouraged to explore and interact with them regularly. Our curriculum is designed to facilitate an understanding of the Mass and biblical stories, reaching deeper levels as children mature. Catechists participate in a specially designed training and present all lessons to small groups. Level I (Preschool-Kindergarten: 3*-6 years old) In Level I we focus upon the most essential moments in the Mass and Jesus' life. The program is rooted in the unconditional love shown to us through the parable of the Good Shepherd. Children are introduced to Jesus as the Good Shepherd, essential articles of the Mass, and learn about the life of Christ. We approach our lessons with the understanding that children have an innate relationship with God and the catechist is present to guide them along this journey. In Level I, a typical day includes a presentation on part of the Bible or Liturgy, time for the child to work with materials of their choice and a gathering time of prayer. Session Times: Monday 9:30-11:00 am Wednesday 4:15-5:45 pm Wednesday 6:15-7:45 pm $50/student ($60/non-parishioner) *Please note Children must be potty-trained. Level II (1st-3rd Grade) At the heart of the message for Level II is the verse: I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit (John 15:5). This guiding verse responds to the need of the older child to deepen his or her relationships with God, family, friends and the larger community. In Level II, Children continue to learn about the life of Jesus, our Catholic Liturgy, and go deeper into the moral parables as well as the parables of mercy which offer models for comparing their own behavior with Jesus' examples. We continue to encourage children to move about the room and interact with materials designed to deepen their faith. Materials are more complex than in Level I and presentations go deeper into Scripture and Liturgy (more information for students in 2nd grade on page 6). Session Time: Wednesday 4:15 5:45 pm Wednesday 6:15 7:45 pm $50/student ($60/non-parishioner) 5
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Continued Level III (4th-5th Grade) Older children have a growing desire and capacity to wrestle with the mystery of time and their own role in our world. Our emphasis is on our response to the unfolding generosity of God and the responsibilities that come with receiving God's gifts. In small groups, students focus upon the plan of God in history and the communion which links all people together. Participants in this group will study the links between the Old and New Testament, further explore the sacraments, and read, more deeply, the prayers of the Eucharist. We continue to encourage the older children to move about the room and to work with materials. Presentations continue to deepen and become more interactive as our oldest children delve into the mystery of God s covenant relationship with us. Session Time: Wednesday 4:15 5:45 pm Wednesday 6:15 7:45 pm $50/student ($60/non-parishioner) 6
Kingdom Kids (1 st -5 th Grade) KINGDOM KIDS are kids who live in the constant awareness that God is in charge. Our weekly sessions include a welcome, Scripture, connection to life, and prayer. Children attend weekly age-specific faith sharing small groups with two catechists (teachers) throughout the school year. KINGDOM KIDS is offered Monday evenings at 4:45-5:45 pm and 6:30-7:30 pm. We use the curriculum, We Believe, published by Sadlier. Emphasis is placed on the four pillars of the Catholic faith. Each child is given a Bible and a prayer book appropriate to their grade level; if you have one from a past year please bring it. First Grade: God Loves Us We learn about the love of Jesus through our family. Our parish family continues to help us experience love, especially through the Sacraments. Second Grade: Jesus Shares God s Life (Sacramental Preparation) Through the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist, Jesus shares God s life with us. He sent us His only Son so that we might learn to live and love (more information on page 8). Third Grade: We Are the Church The Church leads us in worship and helps us to be disciples. We follow the Apostles and the leaders of the Church today. Fourth Grade: God s Law Guides Us The Ten Commandments help us to love God and love others. God s laws help us as we are called to holiness Fifth Grade: We Meet Jesus in the Sacraments Jesus gave the Church seven sacraments, outward signs of God s love. The sacraments welcome us into the Church, heal and restore us, and help us to love and serve like Jesus. Session Times: Monday 4:45-5:45 pm Monday 6:30-7:30 pm $50/student ($60/non-parishioner) 7
First Reconciliation & First Eucharist Sacramental Preparation (typically 2 nd Grade) To prepare your child to receive the healing grace of Jesus in Reconciliation and the Body of Christ in the Eucharist, we offer (choose one of the following): Kingdom Kids: Young disciples learn, live, and hope in the Good News of Jesus Christ in this traditional faith formation setting. Children attend age-specific faith sharing small groups with two catechists (teachers) on Mondays at either 4:45-5:45 pm or 6:30-7:30 pm. Our weekly sessions include a welcome, Scripture, connection to life, and prayer. With the help of the Sadlier Publishing curriculum, We Believe, children learn that through the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist, Jesus shares God s life with us (see information on page 7). Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: At the heart of the message for children in grades 1-3 is the image Jesus gives us of our relationship with him, I am the vine you are the branches. (John 15:1-11) Sacramental Preparation occurs during the child's weekly session where catechists present lessons steeped deeply in Scripture and liturgy. As the child prepares for both Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Communion he or she will explore the invitation Jesus gives us to have a closer relationship with Him and the call to remain with Him. We utilize a variety of hands-on materials during our presentations to allow each child opportunities to deepen their understanding of the Kingdom of God. (see more information on page 5-6). Catholic Schools: The second grade curriculum in the Rochester Catholic Schools includes preparation for these two sacraments. There will however be various meetings and events throughout the year in which all students (and parents) will be invited to attend. Sacramental preparation fee of $15 added to the $50 registration fee, $65 total 8
PROOF (6 th -12 th Grade) PROOF is the name of our middle-high school faith formation program. This gathering is PROOF that Christ is living among teenagers today. We empower teens to seek Christ in everyday life and live as His disciples in the world. PROOF meets on most Wednesday evenings. Open ROCK is available from 6:00-6:30 pm & 8-9 pm. 6 th -7 th Grade (6:30-8:00pm): Edge provides an exciting, non-classroom, youth ministry model that catechizes while it energizes our parish. Say goodbye to desks, workbooks, and individual instructors. Say hello to a solid adult core team of catechists who unite to evangelize, catechize, and develop Christ-centered relationships with middle school students in a large group environment. 9 th -12 th Grade (6:30-8:00pm): Students will participate in small groups which utilize a ground-breaking holistic discipleship approach to ministry. Each small group gathering will include content delivered by some of the best of the best in Catholic Youth Ministry and the young Church through the use of online streaming developed by YDisciple at the Augustine Institute. This discussion driven approach seeks to educate our minds, open our hearts, and empower us live out our faith in everyday life. YDisciple also features best-in-class catechist training and parent education tools delivered on-line for convenience. Session Times: Wednesday 6:30-8:00 pm, 6 th -12 th grade $50/student ($60/non-parishioner) 9
Confirmation (typically in 10 th Grade) The Sacrament of Confirmation is not "graduation" from religious education, nor is it meant to teach everything there is to know about being Catholic. Rather, the effects of the Sacrament should flow out of a young person's active participation in the faith, through which they learn in the family and in the faith community. The Confirmation program at Pax Christi Church is geared towards teens starting in the spring of their 9th grade year through the spring of their 10 grade year. The program focuses on immediate preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. The young people prepare within faith sharing groups, meetings with their sponsors as well as a Confirmation retreat. An orientation meeting will be held Sunday, May 18 from 6-7:30 pm for current 9 th graders who desire to be confirmed in the spring of 2015. Schedule: Sunday Evenings: more Information to come Session Times: Sunday Time TBA Sacramental preparation fee of $15 added to the $50 registration fee, $65 total 10
Catechist & Volunteer Leader Information (Adults and Middle-High School Youth) Catechist comes from the Greek word, to echo the teachings. It is the process of nurturing the Catholic faith while creating an environment in which faith can flourish. We nurture the faith simply by being a living example of faith. There are many needs! Catechist Orientations: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Monday, September 11th 6:00-7:30 pm Weekly Volunteer Orientation Catechist training is on-going. Contact Jessica Scully for more information Kingdom Kids TBA Middle School/High School PROOF: TBA Confirmation: TBA Catechist Discount: If you have an interest in volunteering your time as a catechist in one or more of our faith formation programs your first step is to contact the staff responsible for your area(s) of interest. In doing so you will be given all the information you need and the staff will ensure that a discount of $50/program you volunteer in as a catechist will be added to your total cost for your family s faith formation cost. Please note there is a difference between the role of a catechist and that of a volunteer, our staff will help define these differences as they vary from program to program. On-going Formation and Spiritual Development: We care about the formation and spiritual development of our catechists, leaders, and volunteers. It is an expectation that you will continue your formation and/or spiritual development. Throughout the year we ask that you participate in at least three activities of your choosing such as: a retreat; workshop; conference; presentation; and/or a parish ministry. Such activities can take place at Pax Christi or elsewhere, your coordinator will offer suggestions throughout the year. Each of you is eligible for a reimbursement of up to $30/year. VIRTUS Training: Enabling a Safe Environment The Diocese of Winona requires all volunteers 18 years of age and older who are working with our children, youth, and/or vulnerable adults to attend a VIRTUS Training Session. VIRTUS is especially focused on the prevention of wrong-doing and the promotion of right-doing. Training dates and times are online at www.virtusonline.org. Also, contact your coordinator about submitting a background check authorization form and signing the Diocesan Code of Conduct. 11
Children & Youth Faith Formation Team/Staff Amelia Smith Coordinator of Liturgy of the Word & Sunday School amelia.smith@paxchristichurch.org 507-252-5362 Jessica Scully Coordinator of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd First Reconciliation & First Eucharist jessica.scully@paxchristichurch.org 507-282-8542 ext. 105 Coordinator Position Yet to be Filled Coordinator of Kingdom Kids First Reconciliation & First Eucharist elementary@paxchristichurch.org 507-282-8542 Zach Rawson Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry zach.rawson@paxchristichurch.org 507-282-8542 ext. 126 Dana Petricka Coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Ministry Dana.petricka@paxchristichurch.org 507-282-8542 ext. 107 Teresa Farley-Severson Youth Ministry Assistant teresa.severson@paxchristichurch.org Jennie Vinski Youth Ministry Administrative Assistant jennie.vinski@paxchristichurch.org 507-282-8542 ext. 124 Pax Christi Church Mission Statement The vision of Pax Christi is to be a Eucharistic community united to continue the mission and message of Jesus. The mission of Pax Christi is to invite and welcome all people to learn and grow with us in living the Good News through: Stewardship of God's gifts Love manifested in service Peace achieved through justice. Our principle initiatives are to Promote a well-orchestrated set of ministries in tune with the mission and vision of our parish Convey a vibrant, inviting and living parish Make youth and young adult ministries a cornerstone of our parish 12