ST. MATTHIAS PARISH SUNDAY MORNING CHRISTIAN FORMATION PROGRAM Parent and Student Handbook 2018-2019 Thomas Gallagher Coordinator of Lifelong Faith Formation 414-982-2405 tgallagher@stmatthias-milw.org Brian Jens Director of Life Long Faith Formation 414-982-2406 bjens@stmatthias-milw.org St. Matthias Parish 9306 West Beloit Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53227 414-321-0893
St. Matthias Mission Statement St. Matthias Catholic Parish is committed to continuing the ministry of Jesus the Christ. We invite and welcome all. Come live, grow, and be challenged by the message through prayer, formation, and service. Christian Formation Mission Statement The St. Matthias Christian Formation Program ultimately seeks to provide families, made up of students and their parents/guardians, with the opportunity to develop an intentional relationship with Jesus the Christ whose faith manifests itself in community with the larger Church and service to the world. - Familial Programming o How the family practices their faith outside of the class on Sundays is what is most important. - Develop an Intentional Relationship o Our catechesis seeks to provide opportunities to develop lifelong skills for both students and parents to practice their faith daily. - Faith Manifested in Community o Families see their full potential by being in communion with their immediate family and then by participation in the community of the Church on Sundays. - Service to the World o Students are gradually introduced to the needs of the world and how they can use their talents to help make the world a better place. Ultimately students will be challenged to take the initiative in giving of their time and effort to fulfill the needs of the world. Sunday Morning Curriculum K4-6 th grade will be using workbooks from Loyola Press. K4 and K5 will work with the Early Learning Program, using the God Made the World and God Loves Us workbooks. 1 st -6 th grade will use the Finding God series. This curriculum is a teacher led style of instruction that provides a solid foundation in the basics of the faith for our students. In these programs, each student receives a workbook that enables them to leave the class with a tangible record of their learning gains and helps to engage parents to continue the learning beyond the classroom. The St. Matthias Middle School Program is designed for the 7 & 8 th grade students. The middle school students will use the Catholic Connections Handbook by St. Mary s Press. This series is divided into four sections similar to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Creed, Sacraments, Morality, and Prayer. 1
By registering your child for the Sunday Morning Program, you agree to the policies outlined in this handbook. Admission Policy St. Matthias, in its mission to bring everyone closer to Christ, takes its mission seriously by welcoming anyone to be a part of the St. Matthias Christian Formation Program. You do not have to be a parish member to join. That being said, the mission of St. Matthias is also strongly rooted in community. Families that are part of our program are encouraged to be actively involved here at St. Matthias through Mass on weekends and service opportunities throughout the year. Program Policies Attendance 1. All families are encouraged to attend 9:00 am Mass prior to the start of class. 2. Children s Liturgy of the Word (K4-5 th Grade) is offered at the 9:00 am Mass. 3. Class will begin at 10:15 am and end at 11:30 am. On certain Sundays, such as Hospitality Sunday, class will begin at 10:30 am. These dates are marked on the calendar included with this handbook (see page 15) and a reminder of the late start will be sent out prior to these classes. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class. 4. Doors will be open 15 minutes before and after the beginning and end of class. o 10 am 10:30/10:45 am and 11:15 am 11:45 am o Beloit Building (A1), Atrium (A5), 62 Building (F1) 5. K4-2 nd grade will have class in Beloit Building. Parents/guardians with children in these grades must drop-off and pick-up their child at their classrooms. 6. Students in 3 rd 8 th grade will have class in the 62 Building. The main access to the 62 Building is off the school parking lot. 7. If a student will be absent, needs to leave early, is arriving late, or an emergency happens please communicate that to Tom via email or phone call. Advanced notification is appreciated. o Information on what is covered in class will be made available to families. 2
8. If a session needs to be canceled because of inclement weather, you will receive an email from Tom. St. Matthias will notify Channel 4, 6, & 12 on TV and their corresponding websites. Also, radio stations AM 620 WTMJ and FM 94 WKTI. Please tune into one of these sources. Notification for canceling classes will happen by 8:00 am Sunday morning. Parent/Guardian Involvement - A committed parent/guardian who practices their faith is 8 times more likely to have children who will practice their faith as young adults. (homefaith.com) 1. You are the spiritual leaders of your household. The way you model your faith will be how your child models theirs. 2. Go to Mass. If you need to recommit yourself this is a perfect time to do so. a. Encounter Jesus in the Scripture readings and receive Him in the Eucharist. b. Build the parish community. c. Reinforce your family s Catholic identity. 3. Meet your child s Catechist. Catechists are all parish members, and love to see involved parents. 4. Talk with your child about what they are learning. Ask them questions. Have discussions about their classes. Check the weekly newsletter for information on what they covered. 5. Get involved at the parish. Visit the St. Matthias website and look under the Get Involved tab ( http://www.stmatthias-milw.org/get-involved/), look for opportunities in our weekend bulletins, and see communications from the Faith Formation staff for opportunities in the parish and Christian Formation specifically. 6. Adult Faith Formation Opportunities throughout the year there will be opportunities for parents to get involved in Adult Faith Formation. The Parish also has a FORMED subscription. Check the newsletter and bulletin for updates. Please see the attached flyers (pages 12 and 13) and the following link for more information: https://www.stmatthiasmilw.org/faith-formation/adult/. 7. The Parish Staff of St. Matthias can assist you in whatever way you need. If you feel there is a need for something in our parish that could benefit all families in the Christian Formation Program please do not hesitate to contact either Brian Jens or Tom Gallagher. 3
FAMILY SESSION *NEW* A new component of the Sunday Morning Program for the 2018-2019 year is Family Sessions. There will be one in the fall and one in the spring. All classes (K4-8 th Grade) will meet together as a large group in the Krieg Gym during regular class time. A speaker will come in to present on a topic related to Faith Formation. Parents are asked to attend these sessions with their child(ren). Information will be made available in advance of the Family Sessions. Please see the attached flyer (page 14). Feast of St. Matthias On May 14 th, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Matthias, the patron saint of our parish. Mass will be celebrated with dinner to follow. We would like to invite and welcome all Christian Formation families to join us as we mark this celebration. More information will be available ahead of the Feast Day. All parishioners are welcome! Sacramental Preparation 1. Students in 2 nd grade will start immediate preparation for First Communion and First Reconciliation. Parents will receive information on sacramental prep in September. o Children commonly participate in a sacramental preparation program (Christian Formation or Catholic School) for at least one year prior to entrance into immediate preparation. This on-going catechesis, together with the formation parents are providing in the home, forms the foundation for the immediate catechesis for First Communion and First Reconciliation. 2. If for whatever reason your child has not received Baptism, First Communion, or First Reconciliation and they are beyond 2 nd grade please call Tom Gallagher. Tom will work with families to help students get caught up in their sacramental preparation. Cell Phones 1. Students with cell phones are not allowed to use them during class. Cell phones should be turned off before the start of class. 2. Catechists have the right to take anyone s cell phone if it is seen during class time. The phone will then be held onto until the end of class. Catechists may ask students to put their cell phones aside at the beginning of class and pick them up at the end. 3. In cases of emergency where a student must have their cell phone on them a parent must indicate that to Tom Gallagher prior to the start of class. 4
Communication Communication is the cornerstone to keeping the program running smoothly. We have multiple ways of communicating, i.e. phone, email, website, etc. Phone Calls You may reach us at the phone numbers provided on the cover of this handbook. The phone numbers you provide allow us to reach you during the week or during the program if need be. Emails 1. The email addresses you provide us allow us to send you information about the program and upcoming events. You can reach us with the email addresses provided on the cover of this handbook. 2. Newsletters a. Christian Formation during the year you will receive a newsletter sent to all of the families within Christian Formation. In this newsletter you will see: Information on what was covered in the previous class Volunteer Sign-ups Easy clickable links to different parts of the St. Matthias website Upcoming Schedule Parish Wide Events b. Parish Wide Newsletter twice a month you will receive a parish newsletter explaining all events that are taking place in the parish. c. Advertisements periodically, depending on what grade your child is in, you will receive emails for District Presentations, Christians In Action (CIA) Youth Group Events, service opportunities, and general reminders of upcoming deadlines/events. Website 1. The St. Matthias Parish website is loaded with information about what s happening in the parish. 2. Everything for Christian Formation is located under the Faith Formation tab. If you have questions check these places: a. Sunday Morning Program information about the program b. 9 th, 10 th, 11 th grade Christian Formation information about the high school program and curriculum. c. Christians In Action Youth Group upcoming events, permission slips, and more. d. Formation Forms printable schedules, service forms, handbooks, and parent forms. 5
Procedure for Communication 1. In order to provide everyone with the best possible program, Brian and Tom rely on the communication of the families to ask questions, express their concerns, or talk with someone if need be. 2. Chain of communication is dependent on the day and time of which you have a question: a. Sunday Catechist in person Director/Coordinator in person b. Monday Friday 8:00am 4:00pm Director/Coordinator phone or email or in office c. Monday Friday after 4:00pm Website Director/Coordinator phone or email (message) d. Saturday Website Director/Coordinator phone or email (message) 3. If you have a question about or concern about your child s Catechist please talk to them first. If you are uncomfortable approaching them you may contact Tom or Brian first. 4. If you have any questions or concerns about the program in general call or email Brian or Tom during office hours to discuss or set-up an appointment. 5. Contact Info a. Tom Gallagher Coordinator of Lifelong Faith Formation can be reached at 414-982-2405 and tgallagher@stmatthias-milw.org.(sunday Morning Program) b. Brian Jens Director of Lifelong Faith Formation can be reached at 414-982- 2406 and bjens@stmatthias-milw.org. (High School Program) c. Office hours are Monday Friday 8am-4pm. 6
Behavioral Expectations 1. All students are expected to have a level of respect that is appropriate for their age. 2. Respect The Building/Church a. Students will be respectful of the buildings and classrooms they use. b. Students will demonstrate awareness of the place and situation they are in. c. Students will not deface, damage, or destroy any property of St. Matthias. Families will be responsible for any costs that are incurred. d. Students will be extra respectful, reverent, while in the church. 3. Respect for Catechists/Director & Coordinator a. Students will display respect for their Catechists and the Director/Coordinator. b. Students will listen to the Catechists and follow directions when asked. 4. Respect for Each Other a. Students will display a high level of respect for their peers. b. Students will demonstrate good listening skills by giving full attention to what their peers share. c. Students will show respect for each person s background (where they come from, who they are as people, and where they are on their faith journey). Procedure for Breaking the Rules 1. Any forms of misbehavior or disrespect will be addressed immediately. 2. If a student continues to have behavioral issues, parents will be contacted following the class to be made aware of their son/daughter s behavior. 3. If a problem persists, parents/guardians will be called immediately and will be asked to speak with Director/Coordinator and student after class to discuss behavior. Parent will attend the following class with their son/daughter. 4. If a parent/guardian disagrees with any action taken by the Director/Coordinator they may contact Jeff Van Dalen, Parish Director, to discuss the situation. Drugs and Weapons Policy 1. Drugs, alcohol, smoking and any drug paraphernalia are not allowed. If any youth is found with any of these substances the parents will be called immediately, and the student will be expelled from the program. 2. We hold a zero tolerance policy for weapons of any kind. If a youth is found with a weapon, in addition to the parents being called, the Milwaukee Police Department will also be called immediately. 7
Use of Parish Grounds and Facilities Sports & Christian Formation 1. Students who are in the Sunday Morning Program and are members of St. Matthias are eligible and encouraged to play on the parish school s sports teams. Any interested participant is asked to contact the St. Matthias Athletic Director, Connor Johnson (cjohnson@stmatthiasmilw.org). Check the following link for more information, including online registration: http://stmatthiasathletics.org/. 2. Student s participation in St. Matthias sports is dependent on their involvement with the Sunday Morning Program. If you do not attend the parish school you must be enrolled in the Sunday Morning Program prior to beginning to practice or play. Attendance Addendum 1. To ensure fair treatment and a consistent policy, students who are participating in athletics with the St. Matthias School and attending Christian formation are held to the same attendance standard as other students. 2. If a student receives three absences, excused or unexcused, within the current season the student will be declared ineligible to participate in athletic games for two weeks. If a student exceeds three absences, excused or unexcused, the student will be declared ineligible to participate in athletics for the remainder of the current season. If a student exceeds more than nine total absences, excused or unexcused, with a given year the student will be declared ineligible to participate in athletics for the remainder of the year. 3. Communication between the formation and athletic offices are constant. If any special circumstances arise, final decisions will be made jointly by the Athletic Director, Connor Johnson, the Director of Lifelong Faith Formation, Brian Jens, and Coordinator of Lifelong Faith Formation, Tom Gallagher. 8
Classes Required by Archdiocese Safeguarding All of God s Family The goal of the Safeguarding All of God's Family program is to protect our children and all in the church family from abuse and related dangers. To assist in meeting this goal, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee requires us to do a Safeguarding lesson with each grade appropriate for their age level. When this class takes place you will receive advanced noticed of at least two weeks prior with a letter that will be sent home. The letter will indicate the time, place, and what will be covered in the lesson. Parents are welcome to attend with their child. A parent may also choose to have their child opt out of the class. If that is the direction the parent wishes to take they must indicate that prior to class and will have to give a signature verifying their decision. For more information on the Safe Environment Office in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, including the Safeguarding All of God s Family program, visit https://www.archmil.org/archmil/offices/safe-environment.htm. 9
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Fall Series 4 Mondays Dates: September 10th, 17th, 24th, and October 1st, 2018 Time and Place: 6:30 8:00pm, Steiger Hall Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist explores the truth and beauty of Christ s real presence in the Eucharist, from its origins in Sacred Scripture, to its profound role in the life of the Church and her members. Rejoice & Be Glad 5 Sessions Dates: Mondays: October 22nd, 29th, November 5th, 12th, & 19th Time & Place: 6:30 8:00pm, Steiger Hall Come join Fr. Chuck, Tom Gallagher, and Brian Jens as we spend time learning about how Pope Francis calls each of us to holiness and we should live in today s world as Catholic Christians. Advent Series 3 Sessions Dates: Monday s: December 3rd, 10th, & 17th Time & Place: 6:30 8:00pm, Steiger Hall We are all longing for a sense of greater meaning in our lives. In the ANIMA series, Bishop Donald Hying leads us through an inspiring account of how God s plan for the world gives each of us great dignity and purpose. Easter Series 5 Sessions Dates: Monday s: May 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, June 3rd Time & Place: 6:30 8:00pm, Steiger Hall 12 The ECHO series from Ahava Productions will be a video-based study of the United States Catholic Catechism of Adults (USCCA) presented by Bishop Donald Hying of Gary, Indiana. These short and engaging videos introduce each chapter of the USCCA and provide an inspiring start to personal or group study of our rich Catholic Faith.
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November 18 th, 2018 Sunday Morning Program Family Session 10:30 am 11:30 am (Hospitality Sunday) Grace Mazza Urbanski Prayer Sunday, November 18 th will be our first Family Session. K4-8 th Grade will meet as a large group in Krieg Gym. Parents are asked to attend with their child(ren). Grace Mazza Urbanski, author of Pray with Me: Seven Simple Ways to Pray with Your Children, will give a presentation to families on Prayer. Please see Grace s bio from Ave Maria Press below: Grace Mazza Urbanski teaches high school English at Brookfield Academy in Wisconsin and previously served as national director of children s ministry with the Apostleship of Prayer (now the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network). She continues to share her insights on prayer with parents, teachers, and children as a regular contributor to Catechist magazine and keynote speaker and workshop designer for events throughout the United States. Urbanski and her husband, David, received the 2017 Archdiocese of Milwaukee Vatican II Award for their service to families. She also received an alumna of the year award from the Marquette University Denihy Chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu in 2018. She earned a bachelor s degree and a master s degree from Marquette University, where she was formerly a lecturer in the English department. She is a Phi Beta Kappa and a member of several other honors organizations. Urbanski is also a professional vocalist and voice teacher. She is an active member of her parish, St. Mary s Visitation, where she has served on the pastoral council and chaired the Catholic Formation Committee. The Urbanskis live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 14
2018-2019 Sunday Morning Program Calendar, K4-8 th Grade Classes are held from 10:15-11:30 am on Sundays (unless marked otherwise). Families are encouraged to attend Sunday Mass at 9 am before class. Children s Liturgy of the Word is offered at the 9 am Mass throughout the year September 2018 5 th Parent/Student Orientation in Steiger Hall from 6-8 pm (Wednesday) 9 th Mass and first class 16 th Mass and class (Hospitality) Catechetical Sunday Late Start 10:30-11:30 am 23 rd Mass and class October 2018 7 th Mass and class Late Start 10:30-11:30 am 14 th Mass and class 28 th Mass and class November 2018 4 th Mass and class 18 th Mass and class (Hospitality) Family Session: Grace Urbanski on Prayer (Krieg Gym) Late start 10:30-11:30 am December 2018 2 nd Mass and class 9 th Mass and class 16 th Mass and class (Hospitality) Late start 10:30-11:30 am January 2019 6 th Mass and class 13 th Mass and class 20 th Mass and class (Hospitality) Late Start 10:30-11:30 am February 2019 3 rd Mass and class 10 th Mass and class 17 th Mass and class (Hospitality) Late Start 10:30-11:30 am 24 th Mass and class March 2019 3 rd Mass and class 10 th Mass and class 17 th Mass and class (Hospitality) Late Start 10:30-11:30 am 24 th Mass and class 31 st Mass and class April 2019 7 th Mass and class 14 th Mass and class (Palm Sunday) May 14 th Feast of St. Matthias Mass and Dinner All Families invited! K4-2 nd grade meet in the Beloit Building, 3 rd -8 th grade meet in the 62 Building. Children in K4-2 nd grade must be dropped off at and picked up from their classroom by a parent or guardian. Please do not send other elementary aged children to pick up their siblings. There will be two family sessions (one in the fall, one in the spring) where we will meet as a large group and parents will join. Information will be made available ahead of time for these classes. Please contact Tom Gallagher, Coordinator of Lifelong Faith Formation, with any questions at tgallagher@stmatthias-milw.org or 414-982-2405 15