Religious Education Handbook
 

Mission Statement

To assist the parents of St. Anthony in instructing their children in the revealed teachings of Christ in accordance with the Church’s Magisterium and to encourage our children and families to prepare for, make us of, and fully participate in the sacraments.

The Faith and Life Series

We use the Faith and Life Series published by Ignatius Press in both our parochial school and our Religious Education program.
One of the strengths of this program is its consistency in teaching the truths of our Catholic Faith. Each year the basic tenets are presented at an age appropriate level. Therefore beginning in Grade 1 and continuing through Grade 8, God’s Law and the Sacramental Life of the Church are discussed. However as you can see in the brief descriptions following, each year has its  own particular focus

KINDERGARTEN

The Image of God series is offered to children in kindergarten focusing on the child being created in the image and likeness of God. The student learns through experience the ways in which we are both like and unlike God. Upon completion of kindergarten the child should have a basic understanding of his/her dignity as a created Child of God. The child will also have an elementary understanding of God’s Law (Commandments) and our desired response. The children are introduced to the Sign of the Cross, the Our Father, The Hail Mary, and the Glory Be.

GRADE 1

In the first grade the students begin the two year preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Beginning in year one the focus is on God Our Father, emphasizing the Infinite Love of God for each child. Memorization of the prayers above and the Guardian Angel Prayer, and the Apostles Creed begins in grade one.

GRADE 2

Children learn The Ten Commandments, how to examine their conscience and the meaning of contrition in preparation for receiving First Reconciliation in December. The second half of the year dwells on The Mass and the reality of Jesus in The Eucharist. First Communion is celebrated in May. The students complete their memorization of the above mentioned prayers and also are able to pray the Act of Contrition.

GRADE 3

The curriculum this year pulls together what was presented in the first and second grades with an introduction to Salvation History in its chronological presentation. The children’s prayer life as describe in the earlier grades is supplemented by the Stations of the Cross.

GRADE 4

The primary emphasis is The Old Testament explaining how it foretells the coming of the Messiah. Children learn how to use The Bible for study as well as personal prayer. Memorized prayers include the Memorare, the Prayer to St. Michael and the Acts of Faith, Hope and Charity, the Morning Offering, and the Angelus. The Mysteries of the Rosary are introduced.

GRADE 5

The fifth grade text examines  The Creed giving the student a basic summary of all the truths of the Faith. Students are encouraged to apply these truths to their everyday living. The children begin memorization of the prayers introduced in grade four.

GRADE 6

Building upon the child’s basic understanding of God’s Law and The Creed, he is now presented with the dignity of choice and grows in understanding the gift of Free will. The child will be challenged to understand the real freedom found in obedience to God. Memorization of all previously introduced prayers continues.

GRADES 7-12

We continue with the Faith and Life Series for 7th & 8th grade. All 7th--12th grade students meet at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pinehurst for classes and combined Youth Group. We start promptly at 6:30PM. Sessions conclude at 8:00PM. You should contact Barbara Kemple at 295-3072 if you have students in those grades. We use the Didache Series published by Midwest Theological Forum for 9--12 grade. The Introduction to Catholicism-a Complete Course is our primary text from ninth & tenth grade. We use Our Moral Life In Christ-A Complete Course for eleveth & twelth grade. We also add sessions on Theology of the Body.

Sacramental Preparation

Diocesan policy requires all children participate in a two year course of appropriate catechesis prior to the reception of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Parents likewise are to be catechized in accordance with the guidelines provided by the diocese of Raleigh.

At the start of  formation for these sacraments, parents are provided with written agreements outlining all the necessary requirements to be fulfilled by both parent and student. Regular class attendance (of at least 75%) is required.

Any unbaptized child entering the program who is over the age of seven must also participate in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation adapted for children). It is determined that a child over age seven and entering the Church will be fully initiated receiving Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Therefore more preparation is required. This also applies to any child beyond second grade not having received First Reconciliation and/or First Holy Communion. This applies to children in our parochial school as well the parish at large.

First Reconciliation is ordinarily celebrated in December of second Grade and First Communion in May of the second grade.

Code of Conduct

Our children are taught that to be a Catholic Christian is to become like Jesus Christ. The saints are offered as role models and our real heroes. So the focus of any discipline (training) is to help them become holy. Students are expected to be respectful of teachers and peers. Since class time is limited and our teachers are volunteers, they are not expected to handle discipline problems. Any child who disobeys class rules will be sent immediately to the Director for clarification of rules, and parents will be notified. Should a child be unable to control his/her behavior, arrangements will be made with the family to assist in teaching their child at home.

Dress Code

Teaching students virtue is a large part of the catechetical process. Virtues are skills for living a moral, holy life; they must be practiced. Teaching  the virtues of modesty and chastity are a part of the curriculum. In order to help students live these virtues, we provide a dress code. A simple guide is the ‘neck to knee’ rule. Clothing should be neither tight or see-thru, and when seated tops should be long enough to keep skin from being exposed.

Safety Procedues

Classes are held Sunday mornings in PJPII School from 9:45AM to 10:50AM. Parents are asked not to leave your child before 9:30AM. Children who arrive prior to their teacher need to wait in the Parish Hall where supervision will be provided. Parents of children in  Kindergarten through Grade 2 are asked to pick their child up from the classroom at dismissal. Parents, please wait quietly until the teacher dismisses the class.

All other students will exit from the main doors on Ashe Street. Please advise your child(ren) not to leave the building if you are not there for any reason. Children using the upstairs classroom should not leave the property unless they find their parents.

Children not picked up by 10:55AM will be taken to the 11 o’clock Mass by their teacher or the Director of Religious Education. When you arrive ask the sacristan to direct you to the person who has charge of your child.

Emergency Closings

In case of inclement weather, please check WRAL TV or go to their website at www.wral.com.

Parish Website

Visit the website for the current class schedule @ www.st-anthony-of-padua.org.

Mass Attendance

Our classes begin shortly after the 8:30AM Mass and  end in time for the 11:00AM Mass, making it easy for parents to attend Mass with their children. Please know the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday (or 5PM Saturday Vigil Mass) and on Holy Days of Obligation is discussed throughout the program. While we realize that children can not attend Mass unless their parents take them, we also know fulfilling the Sunday Obligation is an important part of any practicing Catholic’s spiritual life.  We also feel what we teach your children in Religious Education class makes no sense if they are not attending Mass.  For this reason we trust that you will make a conscious effort to make sure your children attend Mass regularly.  We also ask that you please read the Religious Education corner of the bulletin each week for necessary announcements and information.

Questions?

Feel free to contact the Director of Religious Education, Diana Wake with any questions at 692-6613 or email her at dwake@st-anthony-of-padua.org.