“The parish community must continue to be the prime mover and pre-eminent place for catechesis.” Pope John Paul II
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (# 2223) states:
Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children…
Parents have a grave responsibility to give good example to their children.
The role of parents in education is of such importance that it is almost
impossible to provide an adequate substitute. (# 2221)
Parent Handbook
The catechists are here to assist you in your role as primary educator of your child. This handbook is intended to provide information about the sacramental preparation of children in our parish and your role in that preparation. If you have any questions, please call the Parish Office at 613-687-4764 and leave a message for a catechist to call you.
Attendance
Parents are expected to make a serious commitment to see that their children attend each scheduled class. If an unforeseen situation occurs and your child must miss a class, the parent should call the Parish Office and leave a detailed message explaining the problem. Since attendance is one of the indicators of readiness for receiving a sacrament, parents will be contacted by the Religious Education Coordinator if the child misses twomeetings during the year. In some cases, an assessment may be necessary to determine if the child is ready to receive the sacrament.
Curriculum
Our Lady of Sorrows Parish is presently using CHRIST OUR LIFE, Confirmed in the Spirit by Loyola Press.
Discipline
If a child becomes disruptive in class and then refuses to heed the teacher’s charitable advice to correct this behaviour, the student will be asked to meet with the Religious Education Coordinator. On the second occasion of such disruptive behaviour and refusal to cooperate, the parent(s) and student will be asked to meet with the Religious Education Coordinator. If the disruptive behaviour occurs for the third time, a parent will be asked to remain in the child’s class during instruction.
Fees
The cost to parents for the books used for the preparation for Confirmation is $20.00. The parish will assume the remainder of the costs for any materials required.
Parent Meetings
Meetings are scheduled throughout the period of preparation for parents in order to provide them with the necessary background and information to help their children prepare to receive these sacraments. A special meeting will be held in January for parents and students to outline the program and the responsibilities for all participants. It is mandatory that at least one parent (or legal guardian) and the student attend these meetings.
Attending Mass
All children enrolled in the program are required to attend Mass each Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation (Christmas and New Years Day). Parents who are Catholic are also required to attend Mass each Sunday with their children. This aspect of the program is very important and must be taken seriously. If you are finding it difficult to attend Mass each week, please pray for the discipline needed.
Note: Hockey practices, games, tournaments, skating practices, sleep-overs, etc. are not legitimate reasons for missing Mass.
Role of the Parents
As well as ensuring that the children attend Mass and the scheduled classes, parents are expected to assist the children with the workbook provided and to ensure that the student completes assignments. Catechists are available for help if questions arise. Contact the Parish Office for help.
Role of the School
Our catechists and Religious Education Coordinator work closely with the teachers and Principal of Our Lady of Sorrows School. The teachers assist in the preparation of the children in many ways, helping them to memorize prayers, teaching about the sacraments, teaching about the Mass, visiting the church, etc.
Memorization
The students will be expected to memorize certain prayers, such as:
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Act of Contrition
Apostles Creed
Grace before Meals
How to pray the Rosary
Parents are asked to give the assistance needed to help your child at home. Suggestions will be given at parent meetings to help with this, and copies of the prayers will be available.
Scheduled Classes
Classes for all students will be scheduled on a number of Sunday mornings.
Students are expected to complete any homework and have it checked by a parent. They will need to have access to a Bible in order to complete assignments. They are also expected to bring all their books and other necessary information to each meeting.
Parish Registration
Please note that filling out registration forms for your child to begin sacramental preparation does not automatically register your family in the parish. It is very important that you fill out a registration form for Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. Registering is the best way to acquire a sense of belonging in our Parish Community.
Note: If you are registered or are in attendance at another Parish Community, you are encouraged to celebrate this sacrament with that community.
Parent Commitment Form
Parents with children in a sacramental preparation program will be asked to sign a Parent’s Commitment Form. Due to the limited time that we meet with your child, it is necessary for you to help us in reinforcing what is taught in the classes and to help with any memorization required. A copy of the form is attached.
Catechetical Team
All members of the Catechetical Team have been screened according to Diocesan protocol and pledge to be faithful in the commitment to teaching and forming your children in the Catholic faith. We thank you for sharing your children with us. It allows us the privilege of sharing, teaching and learning more about our Catholic faith.
IF YOU DON’T DO IT AT HOME, IT’S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.