St. Francis Xavier Parish Religious Education 2016-17 Parent Handbook

Elementary Including Sacramental Preparation

Please keep this booklet for future reference. Copies of this booklet can also be downloaded from our Religious Education

Website:

www.sfxburbank.com (then click “Religious Ed Website” (Please bookmark this site.)

Dear Families, Welcome! This registration packet has been designed specifically for our families enrolled in St. Francis Xavier’s Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) for elementary grades. We thank you for letting us share in the journey of faith with your child and we are looking forward to an amazing year filled with enthusiasm and best efforts, working together to teach our children scripture, traditions, prayers, and preparing them for their sacraments. All of our Religious education catechists are volunteers. They are here because they love working with children (and their parents) sharing their faith and the good news of Jesus. Please read this handbook carefully and let’s work together to bring into practice the role of the parents, children and catechist. Is my hope that when you need assistance or have questions that you feel free to contact me at the below. Sincerely, Rosie Roope, Director of Religious Education 3801 Scott Road, Burbank, CA 91504 Email: rosie.roope@sfxburbank.com / Work Phone 818-504-4411 Cell 818-568-4966

Religious Education Mission Statement We, St. Francis Xavier Parish Religious Education Program, strive to nurture and deepen the faith of our families through our commitment to faith-filled and family centered catechesis. Our mission is to make

our Catholic faith come alive in the hearts, minds and actions of our children and their families. We share scripture, traditions, prayers and along the way, prepare our children for their sacraments. Throughout, we

seek to form a partnership with families connecting faith to the everyday lives of our children

The Role of the Parents Congratulations for continuing the faith formation of your child/ren. We begin our life on earth with our parent’s love, while a child’s journey in faith begins with the sacrament of Baptism and continues to the other sacraments of Initiation the Eucharist and Confirmation. Your good example in participating in the faith journey of your child is to be commended. Parents are the most important educators for their children. Nothing can replace the spiritual life that a child can experience at home. We believe it is within the Christian family that children are taught to know and worship God and to love their neighbor. Our teachers strive to support the faith life of families, knowing that it is in the home that faith blossoms and is nourished. Because faith is more “caught” than “taught,” family involvement is essential to the success of our program and we need your help...

Pray Together…Without a prayer life at home there is no way your child will be able to know their prayers and recite them with all their heart to God.

If you are not praying together, start now. Children need to feel that prayer is important in their lives—not only the elaborated prayers but the spontaneous prayers. If you show them that God is important for you, they will feel the same. Please make this a priority for your family. All children (with the exception of Special Ed. Students) should know their prayers to receive their Sacraments. Attend Mass together as a family. Going to Mass together gives a powerful message to your child/ren that your Catholic faith is important and an essential part of your life. Also, talk about saints, how brave they are, and what they sacrificed for us. Celebrate the liturgical seasons at home. Go for walks and point out the beauty in creation. Your child is important to us. We love them and we love to teach them, so much so that our teachers do this for free. But you are just as important to us. We are here to support you as being the primary educators in your child’s religious life. Please do not hesitate to call or visit with any questions concerning our program, class materials, or support materials for family faith activities at home. God Bless

A Prayer for Family Commitment Dear God our Father, you have called all Christian families to be a sign of your love to the world. Help us to be generous with the gifts of life and love that you have showered on our family. May we share them so that our homes become true signs of unitive and fruitful love. Let us never forget to thank you each day for all that sustains us and to look to Christ, who comes to us in the events of family life, in the sacraments of the Church, and in service to the poor. In all of this, our family becomes a living expression of your Church, a hallowed home of life and love. By the power of the Holy Spirit,may all of us—spouses, parents, and children—share, as members of his Body, in Jesus’ mission to build a civilization of love. Father, we ask this in Jesus’ name in union with the Holy Spirit. Amen

GENERAL INFORMAITON

Classes meet Wednesdays, 3:45 to 5:00 P.M. - Lower School Bldg. Classrooms / Catechist

Yr 1 Sunburst Room - Miss Ashleigh Murtha Yr 2 Learning Center - Ms. Carrie pool Yr 3-5 (After Communion) Music Room—Mrs. Bobbi Cranston Gr. 3-5 (Sacramental Preparation Year 1 & 2) Library—Mrs. Shelli Imfeld Cabrini Hall is sometimes used for meetings and is at the end of the Lower school hallway past the restrooms.

CORRESPONDENCE

ALL correspondence is done via email. If you are not receiving weekly emails/reminders from our Religious Ed dept., please email: rosie.roope@gmail.com to be added to our email distribution list. Emails are sent by Tuesday evening of each week.

WEBSITE

As an extension of the St. Francis Xavier Parish Website, our religious education/faith formation program designed their own web pages that are up and running which provides more detailed class information, Sacramental preparation updates, family support including useful links and newsletters, this parent handbook, and more. Please bookmark this site: www.sfxburbank.com (then click “Religious Ed Website”)

ATTENDANCE

Attendance of Family to Sunday Mass: Parents have the first responsibility in teaching their children their faith and to bring them to Mass every Sunday to show them the importance of having God in their lives. Parents are the witness and example of this Christian responsibility. Coming together as a family to Mass every Sunday is a requirement for any Catholic Christian family that wants their children to receive their Sacraments.

St. Francis Xavier Mass Schedule: Saturday 5:00 P.M./ Sunday Masses: 8:30 A.M., 10:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.

If possible, we ask the families of children in grades 1, 2, 3 to attend the Sunday, 10:30 A.M. Family Mass which offers Children’s Liturgy of the Word. This is a free program that runs Sept. through April and is a great opportunity for children to understand the Sunday Gospel at their own age level. After the opening prayer the chil-dren are dismissed to Library in the lower school bldg. They are provided with colorful handouts and activities that enhance what they hear from their adult leaders about the Word of God. The children then return to the church to celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist with the rest of the parish family.

ABSENCES It is very important that the child attends his/her class every week. If for any reason your child/ren will be absent, parents are asked to call the RE Office at 818-504-4411 to report an absence and the reason before class time. You can also text me at 818-568-4966 with a last minute absences. When preparing for Sacramental Preparation, several unexcused absences (3 or more) could lead to the child having to repeat the year or being dropped from the program. Please inform our office of any prolonged absence. Attendance is taken within the first ten minutes of class.

SCHOOL TRAFFIC RULES

Enter and leave from the East Driveway (closest to Horace Mann School). If you are driving up `Buena Vista, St. you would make a right at Scott Rd. and a left at the first driveway.

Remember to drive slowly – no more than 5 miles per hour (children are on the playground).

Half of the parking lot will be coned off where the after school children play.

Park in the lower parking lot in front of the lunch benches (facing the benches).

Always pay attention.

ARRIVAL AND DISSMISSAL

There will be a lite snack at the lower lunch benches for children arriving strait from their school

(note: parents sign-up on specific days to bring snacks). Parents stay with their child/ren at the lower

benches until it is time to check them in at their classroom door at 3:45 P.M.

Enter the lower school through the doors nearest Cabrini Hall.

Please bring your child to the restroom prior to signing your child in.

If a child arrives late parents and child please come to the RE Office to check in.

For safety reasons, Parents/guardians must sign-in and sign-out their child.

Only the authorized people that parents provided in the emergency contacts can pick children up.

Please pick your child up at 5:00 P.M. We do understand that emergencies may happen in some cases parents will need to go to the Religious Education Office to sign their child out.

PARENT SERVICE HOURS:

Each family is asked to help with one hospitality day for children.

Because many come right after school, parents share in bringing after school snacks for the children.

A parent sign-up sheet will be emailed.

please arrive by 3:15 the day of, check-in at the RE Office, then greet the children and serve the snacks until class time at 3:45, then clean up.

please bring approx. 35 mini bottled waters or juice boxes and something simple and healthy for

the children (example: granola bars, individual serving bags of graham crackers or goldfish or pretzels).

bring enough for 35 children.

We will save leftovers to be used for upcoming meetings.

After cleaning up, please let the office know when you are done.

Note...If it is difficult to get to St. Francis by 3:15, please drop off the snacks to the RE office the week before. We will set up, and when you arrive and you take over and help to clean up.)

After all parent/child meetings in Cabrini Hall, we ask parents to help stack the chairs 8 high.

If you would like to volunteer as a classroom helper on a regular basis, please contact our Religious Education Office. The VIRTUS "Protecting God's Children" training and fingerprinting is required of all parents who wish to help in the classroom. For more information, visit our website at www.sfxburbank.com, click on the "Safeguard the Children" tab located on the left hand side.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Guidelines to be followed in case of an emergency (Earthquake, fire, etc.)

Children are released to parents, guardians, or any individual listed on the registration form in the emergency information section unless permission is given in the form of a signed note from parent. Children will be brought to the lower parking lot awaiting pick-up in the event of earthquake/fire.

SAFEGUARD THE CHILDREN PROGRAM:

The Teaching Touching Safety programs were developed consistent with guidelines established by the Church. They assume that the primary education of children is in the hands of the parents and that responsible, thoughtful, classroom instruction can enhance and reinforce the parents' teaching and increase the child's ability to resist the overtures of potential child molesters. In order for the child to participate in this program parents were asked to sign the permission slip included in their child’s registration packet. INTERNET USE - Internet safety is always a concern for parents and the Church Community. It is for this reason that we address this issue every year with the children. Technological and communication advances pose new challenges to parents today in their efforts to keep their children safe. Although the Internet can be a tremendous resource for information, it can also be a dangerous place that puts young people at risk. As you may have heard or read, the various social networking websites that exist pose a special challenge. Be aware that if children have a profile on one of these social networking sites, some of them do not offer privacy and the information they post is out in the World Wide Web for anyone to see. Students frequently share more personal information than they should, including pictures of themselves and others, what school they attend and where they live. Strangers can misuse these facts. The biggest group using internet spaces is 13 to 25… but they are not the only ones there. Police are accessing it, parents are accessing it, and so are the predators and pedophiles. Parents need to talk to their children about this concern and always supervise their use on the internet. PICTURES During the school year there might be times where the child’s picture may be taken in class or during Liturgies. This is for St. Francis to record memorable moments of our activities throughout the year. These photos may be included in our parish bulletin, or brochures. However, photos are never accompanied with the child’s personal information. If you wish your child NOT to be photographed, please let us know by sending a note to the religious education director. BY REGISTERING MY CHILD IN THE ST. FRANCIS XAVIER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM, I AGREE TO: Help my child to develop a strong faith commitment by attending Mass regularly Follow attendance and absences guidelines understand that poor attendance (missing 3 or more) can

result in my child repeating the year. Pray with my child at home teaching him/her the required prayers (Sign of the Cross, Lords Prayer,

Hail Mary, Act of Contrition). Help the Program by completing my 2 service hours during the School year. I have read the Teaching Touching Safety Program Information and have signed requested forms. I do understand the parish photo policy. I do understand the Emergency policies. I have the calendar for the Year to follow.

FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAM First Communion preparation consists of a two year program. If the children attend Mass regularly, have good class attendance, and have basic understanding of the below requirements, the children will be ready receive their sacraments of First Reconciliation (Confession) and First Holy Communion (Eucharist) during their second year in the program. The home remains the child’s main experience of their lived relationship with God. But also, the support of a large community becomes highly important to the formation in faith. Catechesis educates young persons with reverence and aids them in discovering and developing their unique, God-given gifts with the help of the Gospel (National Catechesis Directory #178).

PRAYER REQUIRMENTS Sign of the Cross Our Father Hail Mary Act of Contrition DOCTRINAL REQUIREMENTS Knowledge of: God as a loving Father, Son, & Holy Spirit Being God’s Child The Church as God’s Chosen Family The Mass 7 Sacraments The Ten Commandments (4th Grade & Up) Sin Understanding of: Sacrament of Baptism Prayer The Two Great Commandments Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind, and with thy whole strength; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist Foster devotional attitude towards: The Liturgy of the Mass Mary, Mother of Jesus and ours The Rosary, Stations of the Cross Love and respect for others Love for the Church, Pope and Priests. CHRISTIAN REQUIREMENTS 1. Sunday Mass 2. Attendance to Religious Education classes 3. Attendance of Parents to Religious Instruction Meetings.

*DAILY PRAYERS

(Children in Religious Ed P.R.E.P are expected to know the below prayers and to pray them daily)

*Sign of The Cross (Start and end each prayer with the sign of the cross.)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. *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. *Hail Mary Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you! Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen *Act of Contrition O God, my good Father, I am sorry for everything I have done wrong. I love you very much and I will try to be better. Holy Spirit, help me to act like Jesus. Amen

Other Prayers

Apostle’s Creed (what we believe as Catholics)

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. Prayer of Praise 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.

PRAYERS

Morning Prayer O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for the intentions of our bishops and for all our associates, and in particular for those recommended by our holy Father this month. Amen

Prayer to Guardian Angel Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day (night) be at my side to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen

Blessing Before Meals Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are about to receive from your goodness, through Christ, our Lord, Amen.

Grace After Meals We give you thanks, O Lord, for these your gifts, which we have received from your goodness, through Christ our Lord, Amen

Act of Faith O my God, I believe that you are one God in three divine persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe that Je-sus became man, died for us, and will come to judge us. I believe all the truths of the holy, catholic Church, be-cause they reveal your word. Amen

Act of Hope O my God, because your goodness never ends, I hope to receive pardon for my sins and spend life everlasting in your loving presence. Amen

Act of Love O my God, I love you with my whole heart and soul, because you are all good and worthy of all my love. I love my neighbor as myself, and I forgive all who have injured me. I ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen

PRAYERS

How to Pray the Rosary

Make the Sign of the Cross with the crucifix and pray the Apostles'’ Creed. Pray the Lord’s Prayer on the first large bead. Pray a Hail Mary on the next three beads. On the next large bead, pray the Prayer of Praise, recall the first mystery, and say the Lord’s Prayer. Pray a Hail Mary on the next ten beads.

This completes one decade. (Many people add the Fatima Prayer after each decade.) Follow this pattern for the next four decades, recalling a mystery on each of the large beads between the decades.

End by making the Sign of the Cross with the crucifix again.

Prayers Sign of The Cross In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Apostle’s Creed: I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen 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. Hail Mary: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you! Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen Prayer of Praise: 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. Fatima Prayer: O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy.

Joyful Mysteries (Mon. and Sat.) Jesus’ Infancy and Childhood. 1. Mary is told she will be the mother of Jesus. 2. Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth. 3. Mary gives birth to Jesus. 4. Jesus is presented in the Temple. 5. Jesus is found in the Temple.

Luminous Mysteries (Thurs.) Jesus’ Public Ministry 1. Jesus is baptized in the Jordan River. 2. Jesus performs his first miracle at the wedding of Cana. 3. Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God and calls us to conversion. 4. Jesus is transfigured before Peter, John, and James on Mount Tabor. 5. Jesus institutes the Eucharist at the Last Supper.

Sorrowful Mysteries (Tues. and Fri.) Jesus’ Passion and Death 1. Jesus suffers his agony in the Garden 2. Jesus is scourged at the pillar. 3. Jesus is crowned with thorns. 4. Jesus carries his cross to Calvary. 5. Jesus dies on the cross.

Glorious Mysteries (Sun. and Wed.) The Glory of Jesus and Mary 1. Jesus rises from the dead. 2. Jesus ascends into heaven. 3. Jesus sends the Holy Spirit. 4. Mary ascends into heaven. 5. Mary is crowned queen of heaven.