St. Simon Catholic Church

Faith Formation

And

Youth Ministry

Handbook

2013-2014

“One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” Ephesians 4: 1-6

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MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Faith Formation program at St. Simon the Apostle is to foster a lifetime of growth in our Catholic faith through sacraments, religious education and spiritual development.

Rev. 9/2007

Staff Directory

CALL 826-6000 AND SELECT EXTENSION FOR APPROPRIATE PERSON

Rev. William G. Marks, Pastor…………..Ext. 154

Deacon Mike Braun, Pastoral Associate for Family

Life…………………………………………..Ext. 152

Aimee Baer - Coordinator of Religious Education

…………….…………………………………Ext. 180

Katie Lubs - Youth Minister ………………Ext.187

Judi Sullivan - Administrative Assist…..…Est. 185

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mission Statement/ Staff Directory 2 A Letter from the Coordinator of Religious Education 4 Faith Formation Commission 5 Fee Schedule 6

Policies and Procedures 7 More Faith Formation Opportunities 10 Classroom Locations 11 “Safe and Secure” Instructions 12

Faith Formation Calendar 13

Classrooms with Catechists 14

Sacramental Dates 15

Confirmation 16

Confirmation Calendar 17

Edge Calendar 18 Youth Ministry 20 Youth Ministry Commission 21 LifeTeen Calendar 22

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A Letter from the Coordinator of Religious Education

Dear Families: Our theme for the 2013-2014 year is:

“One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” (Ephesians 4: 1-6) In his letter to the Ephesians, Saint Paul writes about the nature of the church, and in particular about the unitive characteristics of our faith. We are united in “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). Our Lord, Jesus Christ, draws us to Himself through our shared life of faith, entered into at Baptism. For most of us, this celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism happened in our infancy. We may not remember the event itself, but the grace of the Sacrament has guided us throughout our lives. As we begin this year of Faith Formation and Sacramental preparation, we are given an opportunity to reflect upon our response to our own Baptismal commitment and to the commitment we spoke on behalf of our children at their own Baptism. Throughout the coming year, may we continue to open ourselves to growing in this life of faith, and as Paul says living “in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3). In Christ, Aimee Baer

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Faith Formation Commission

The Faith Formation Commission of St. Simon the Apostle is a consultative body of parishioners for the Pastor, the Pastoral Associate and the Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE). The commission assists the CRE in planning, monitoring, policy-making, and communicating for Faith Formation programs. The Faith Formation Commission meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Life Center - St. Francis Room

Faith Formation Commission

Eric Donnenhoffer - President Pam Dechert – Vice President

John Breitsch - Secretary

Rosie Arroyo – Liaison to School Commission Karen Beeson Ray Lanctot Gary Millikan

Carey Wong – School Liaison to Commission

Deacon Mike Braun, Pastoral Associate for Family Life Aimee Baer, Coordinator of Religious Education

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ST. SIMON FAITH FORMATION and YOUTH MINISTRY FEE INFORMATION AND SCHEDULE

2013 – 2014

Preschool through 5th and EDGE 6 - 8th

Grade:

YEARLY FEE

1 Child $ 70.00 2 Children $120.00 3 Children $140.00 4 or more Children $160.00

Faith Formation tuition covers manuals, student handbooks and textbooks, resource books, videos, CD’s, and supplies

***MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: ST. SIMON CHURCH

NOTE: CATECHISTS RECEIVE A 50% DISCOUNT

ON TOTAL TUITION CHARGE FOR CHILD

SACRAMENTAL FEES

GRADE 2 First Reconciliation & First Eucharist Combined Fee is:

$50.00/child Fee is due at the Family Session on Wednesday, September 18, 2013

GRADE 8 Confirmation fee is: $25.00 per child

Fee is due at the Parent Meeting on Sunday, September 15, 2013

RCIC – Rite of Christian Initiation For Children

This program provides preparation for full initiation into the Catholic faith. Please discuss this preparation with Jim Wood, catechist.

High School - Youth Ministry: THERE IS NO FEE SOCIAL EVENTS WILL HAVE FEE PER EVENT

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Policies and Procedures

3 year olds through 5th Grade meet on Sunday Mornings from 10:45 a.m. - Noon. CLASSES BEGIN: Sunday, September 8, 2013

6th – 8th grade EDGE students meet twice a month on Sunday evening 6:30 -8:00 p.m. EDGE Socials meet once a month on Friday or Saturday evening. High School students meet on Sunday evening from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. and once on a Saturday night of the month for the 5:30 p.m. Mass with a Social following.

REGISTRATION POLICIES:

Students must enroll in Faith Formation in the same grade as they are enrolled in for the school year. `ATTENDANCE and REPORTING ABSENTEES:

Registered students are expected to attend all classes. Students should make up any material missed. If your child will not be able to attend a significant number of classes, please inform the Office of Faith Formation. We will then notify the catechist so that necessary arrangements can be made for makeup. To report absentees for Sunday classes, Dial 826-6000, Ext. 185 for Judi Sullivan on weekdays or Kathy Bahamonde on Sunday morning. Please leave a message, or send a written excuse to the catechist. TARDINESS:

Please have your child on time for class

MASS: The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. Therefore, participation in Sunday Mass is an essential component of our continued growth in faith at all ages

ST. SIMON THE APOSTLE HAS THE FOLLOWING MASS SCHEDULE:

Saturday evening 5:30 PM Sunday morning: 8:00 AM

9:15 AM 11:00 AM

Attendance at the 9:15 a.m. Mass, prior to our Sunday morning program, is suggested. Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered for children in grades Kindergarten through 3rd grade during the 9:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Mass.

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ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL PROCEDURES for the Sunday Morning

Classes:

a. Parents and student report to the School Lobby Area. An Office Assistant will be available in the lobby area to open the hall doors approximately five minutes before class begins - around 10:40am.

b. Parents please escort 3, 4, and 5 year olds and 1st 2nd and 3rd graders to class and then pick them up afterwards in their classrooms.

c. For the 4th and 5th grades we ask that parents remain in the School Lobby area. Catechists will dismiss the students to you. NOTE: On the first / and or second Sunday, we encourage all parents to walk your child to the room and meet the catechist.

d. If you wish to pick up your child before dismissal, please inform your child’s catechist indicating the time you will be arriving. Come to the classroom to get your child for an early dismissal.

VISITORS:

Policy: In order to foster a welcoming educational environment and to take advantage of opportunities for evangelization and community building beyond the parish, St. Simon Sunday Faith Formation and Youth Ministry classes allows children as visitors. These children may be guests of St. Simon Faith Formation and Youth Ministry students or they may also be children who are not being hosted by any particular St. Simon student or family and who may wish to inquire about or witness a class. Procedure: The procedure is as follows: All visiting children are to sign-in at the Office of Faith Formation prior to entering a classroom. An adult must complete a Visitor Form for the children. This Visitor form will serve as a liability waiver for St. Simon. This information will remain on file in the Office of Faith Formation for the academic year.

PARENT VISITORS are required to train in the “Safe and Sacred” program in order to attend/stay with your child in class.

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PROGRESS REPORTS:

Progress reports are sent home two (2) times per year, once in January and the last day of Sunday classes in May. Progress reports represent the Religion Curriculum Guidelines from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. The fifteen (15) standards are the same for each grade, while the teachings to implement standards vary for each grade. These standards have been developed around the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Creed (What We Believe), Sacraments (How We Celebrate), Christian Living (How We Live), and Prayer (How We Pray). They provide the instructional framework for the content of our faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us “family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discuss their vocation as children of God” (CCC 2226). In this light, we are making you aware of these standards through the progress reports and ask you to also participate in teaching these standards to your children. The standards for each age level can also be found by clicking on the “Curriculum” tab on the Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education website: www.archindy.org/oce DISCIPLINE:

The catechist handles occasional discipline problems. Should a student display unacceptable behavior, parents may be asked to accompany their child to the next scheduled class. If a problem persists, consultation will be held with the Coordinator of Religious Education and/or Youth Minister, catechist and parent. ELEVATOR USE:

Students are requested not to use the elevators, unless there is a medical need. FAMILY INFORMATION CHANGES:

If your email, phone number or address changes, please notify us at 826-6000 Ext. 185. We will notify the parish for their records also.

CLOSINGS OR CANCELLATION OF CLASSES:

In the event of weather conditions which necessitate the cancellation of classes, please watch these television stations: WISH - TV 8, WRTV - TV 6, WTHR – TV 13, Fox 59 or Sky Track Weather. Announcement regarding cancellation of classes will be on the radio and TV by 8:00 a.m. if possible. If cancellations are needed for other emergencies, you will be notified by telephone. VOLUNTEERS:

All of our catechists, assistants, office helpers, craft and music helpers are volunteers. Sharing of life experiences and faith journeys with children is an invaluable gift.

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MORE FAITH FORMATION OPPORTUNITES FOR CHILDREN/YOUTH

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLW): Children’s Liturgy of the Word is held at the 9:15 and 11:00 a.m. Masses for children in grades, Kindergarten through 3rd. CLW allows our children to participate in the readings and homily at their level of understanding. CLW is held in the Daily Chapel with a team of two catechists. The children return to Mass during the presentation of the gifts. CLW does not replace Sunday Faith Formation classes.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS):

VBS provides children a week full of activities and opportunities to learn the stories of scripture in a fun atmosphere. The program includes music, stories, drama, prayer, crafts and snacks. We are in need of volunteers in all areas of this ministry. If you feel a calling to assist us in this program, please contact the Office of Faith Formation at 826-6000, Ext. 185.

Vacation Bible School will be held June 16 – 20, 2014.

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CLASSROOM LOCATIONS

The Sunday Faith Formation Program uses the same classrooms as St. Simon School. These classrooms are located in the back of the St. Simon facility, i.e. on the East end (*note that the front entrance to St. Simon Church, facing Oaklandon Rd. is the West end door, i.e. the door leading to “St. Simon Street”.

On the Downstairs Level: SUNDAY MORNING: 10:45 a.m. – Noon 3 year-olds - Room 102 1st Grade - 121 4 year-olds - Room 101 2nd Grade - 117 Kindergarten - Room 105 3rd Grade - 115

On the Upstairs Level: SUNDAY MORNING: 10:45 a.m. – Noon 4th Grade - Room 217 5th Grade - Room 219 RCIC class - Room 200 SPRED class - Room 214.

Grades 6,7,8 (EDGE PROGRAM) are held in the GYM on SUNDAY EVENINGS twice a month from 6:30 – 8:00 P.M.

Life Teen for HIGH SCHOOL - Grades 9 –12 meets in the Youth Center on Sunday evening from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.

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“SAFE AND SACRED” INSTRUCTIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS

The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has initiated a convenient new on-line training program for adults on protecting children from harm. The training builds awareness of how to recognize and report physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and child sexual abuse. Safe and Sacred replaces the VIRTUS program and offers broader content and easier access to training. The training is available in English and Spanish 24 hours per day, 7 days per week at www.safeandsacred-archindy.org It takes about 45 minutes to complete and can be done in parts. As of August 1, 2013 all new clergy, employees and volunteers who have contact with children must complete the Safe and Sacred program before beginning ministry, work or volunteer service. Current clergy, employees and volunteers will recertify starting in January 2014.

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FAITH FORMATION CALENDAR 2013-2014

September 8 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES

September 15 Catechetical Sunday CLASSES MEET

September 22 CLASSES MEET

September 29 CLASSES MEET

October 6 CLASSES MEET

October 13 CLASSES MEET

October 20 CLASSES MEET

October 27 NO CLASSES – Fall Break

November 3 CLASSES MEET

November 10 CLASSES MEET

November 17 CLASSES MEET

November 24 CLASSES MEET

December 1 NO CLASSES – Thanksgiving Break

December 8 CLASSES MEET

December 15 CLASSES MEET

December 22 NO CLASSES – Christmas Break

December 29 NO CLASSES - Christmas Break

January 5, 2014 CLASSES MEET

January 12 CLASSES MEET

January 19 CLASSES MEET

January 26 CLASSES MEET

February 2 CLASSES MEET

February 9 CLASSES MEET

February 16 CLASSES MEET

February 23 CLASSES MEET

March 2 CLASSES MEET

March 9 CLASSES MEET

March 16 CLASSES MEET

March 23 CLASSES MEET

March 30 NO CLASSES – Spring Break

April 6 NO CLASSES – Spring Break

April 13 CLASSES MEET

April 20 NO CLASSES - Easter

April 27 CLASSES MEET

May 4 CLASSES MEET

May 11 CLASSES MEET

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CLASS ROOM ASSIGNMENTS

2013 - 2014

CLASS ROOM CLASS COUNT CATECHISTS RCIC 200 6 JIM WOOD

PR 3’S – 10:30 am

102 5 TARA HIBBARD JESSICA HOFFMAN AVA HIBBARD – Youth Assistant

PRE 4’S – 10:30am

101 14 KAREN BEESON

PAM DECHERT

EMILY FLEMING – Youth Assistant

KDG. A – 10:30am 105 12 KATIE CREASON

STACIA KUROWSKI

CHRIS KAUFMAN

ARTS & CRAFTS 106 THERESA WILSON

Music IRENE KOVACS

1ST GRADE A 121 14 BRAD & KERRY LLOYD

OLIVIA SPAULDING

2ND GRADE A 117 11 RACHEL KOCH

TRICIA CRISS

MARY FLEMING

3RD GRADE 115 17 TRACY MILLER

4TH GRADE 217 15 THERESA RUSSELL

5TH GRADE 219 11 ERIC DONNENHOFFER

EDGE Core Team GYM

6th

7

8

15

8

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GENEVIEVE BEDANO

ANDREW DEFEO

TERRI LOUK

DENISE SETTLEMYRE

AMY STACEY

THERESA WILSON - SNACKS

SPRED PROGRAM Room 214

5 SYLVIA BROTHERS

GARY MILLIKAN

CINDY GOODYEAR

MADELINE PASSARELLI

JERRY WILLIAMS

Rite of Christian

Initiation for Children JIM WOOD

CONFIRMATION Grade 8 Confirmation

AIMEE BAER – CRE

ANDY MANCHIR - Catechist

9th – 12 GRADE

Youth Center

KATIE LUBS – Youth Minister

Youth Assistant EMILY FLEMING

SUBSTITUTES MARCY CORNS

RON GREULICH

TERRI LOUK

OFFICE ASSISTANTS Office of Faith Formation

KATHY BAHAMONDE

Childrens’ Liturgy of

The Word (CLW)

CHAPEL

CAROL JOVEN

CATHERINE WITSMAN

Vacation Bible School AMY MOBLEY

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FIRST RECONCILIATION DATES – 2013

SEPTEMBER 18 First Reconciliation Family Session

Wednesday 6:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.

NOVEMBER 6 First Reconciliation Ceremony

Wednesday 6:30 P.M.

FIRST EUCHARIST DATES – 2014

JANUARY 15 First Eucharist Family Session

Wednesday 6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

MARCH 15 First Eucharist “SUPER SATURDAY”

Saturday 12:00 P.M. — 3:00 P.M.

APRIL 23 First Eucharist Rehearsal - 6:30 P.M.

Wednesday For the Sunday, April 27 Mass

APRIL 27 First Eucharist Mass – SUNDAY 2:00 P.M.

Sunday

APRIL 30 First Eucharist Rehearsal – 6:30 P.M.

Wednesday For the Saturday, April 20 Mass

MAY 3 First Eucharist Mass – SATURDAY 3:00 P.M.

Saturday

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Confirmation

Focus: 8th Grade The Confirmation program prepares 8th grade students to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation. Adult catechists with small groups provide a supportive community as the candidates prepare for the sacrament. Near the end of the formation time a one-day Confirmation retreat is held. The students are removed from the busy aspect of life and prepare their hearts to receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation sacramental preparation sessions meet once or twice a month beginning in September. The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in the spring of 2014. Fee is $25.00.

(See St. Simon website for more details: www.saintsimon.org)

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The Edge is a Catholic-centered Faith Formation Program

aimed at our young adolescents, grades 6, 7, and 8. The Edge is designed to

meet their educational, spiritual, emotional and social needs. The Edge creates an

environment where the youth are part of a community. These sessions examine

and illustrate in a meaningful and exciting way different facets of the teachings of

the Catholic Church.

DATE TIME PLACE ACTIVITY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 6:30 – 8:00 pm GYM Educational Night SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 6:30 - 8:00 pm GYM Educational Night SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 6:00 – 9:00 pm Piney Acre Farm HAYRIDE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 6:30 – 8:00 pm GYM Educational Night SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 6:30 - 8:00 pm GYM Educational Night FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 6:00 - 9:00 pm GYM Friday Night Fright SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3 6:30 – 8:00 pm GYM Educational Night SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 6:30 - 8:00 pm GYM Educational Night SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. WOODLAND BOWL

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 6:30 – 8:00 pm GYM Educational Night SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 6:30 – 8:00 pm GYM Educational Night SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 6:30 – 8:00 pm PLC Educational Night FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 6:30 – 9:00 pm PLC Educational Night FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 6:30 – 8:00 pm PLC MOVIE NIGHT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 6:30 – 8:00 pm PLC Educational Night SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 5:30 – 9:00 pm PLC RETREAT SUNDAY, MARCH 2 6:30 – 8:00 pm PLC Educational Night SUNDAY, MARCH 9 6:30 - 8:00 pm PLC Educational Night FRIDAY, MARCH 21 6:00 – 9:00 pm Social SUNDAY, APRIL 13 6:30 – 8:00pm PLC Educational Night FRIDAY, APRIL 25 TIME – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. “INCREDIPLEX” SUNDAY, APRIL 27 6:30 – 8:00PM PLC Educational Night SUNDAY, MAY 4 6:30 – 8:00pm PLC Educational Night SUNDAY, MAY 18 TIME – TBD OUTSIDE SPRING FLING

THE EDGE CALENDAR

2013 - 2014

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GOALS FOR THE EDGE PROGRAM

1. To foster a transforming spiritual experience of Jesus

through the liturgy. This program allows early adolescents to

experience the Word of God and the Eucharist in a deeper

and more profound way.

2. To create a positive experience of the Catholic Church for

early adolescents.

3. To assist middle school youngsters in gaining an

understanding and appreciation of what the Catholic Church

teaches and believes.

4. To incorporate the Catholic Church’s vision of social

justice and peace into the spiritual life of pre-adolescents.

5. To develop an identity in middle school youth and in The

Edge ministry as being a vital and visual presence within the

parish community.

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YOUTH MINISTRY

Katie Lubs – Youth Minister

826-6000 Ext. 187 klubs@saintsimon.org

High School - Youth Ministry: THERE IS NO TUITION FEE

SOCIAL EVENTS WILL HAVE FEE PER EVENT

LIFE TEEN Focus: 9 – 12th Grade

Lifeteen is a Catholic movement for youth that is sweeping the nation and is now at St. Simon parish. Its goal is to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. It draws young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of their Catholic faith community. Finally, it fosters the total personal and spiritual growth of all young people. Lifeteen – Offers a Sunday evening class (5:00 - 7:30 p.m.) as well as youth social events. No tuition. Fees are charged for socials and retreats.

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Youth Ministry Commission

The Youth Ministry Commission focuses on the spiritual growth of high school youth of the parish with emphasis on the eight (8) components of Youth Ministry, which includes Advocacy, Catechesis, Justice and Service, Prayer and Worship, Evangelization, Pastoral Care and Community Life.

LIFETEEN (HIGH SCHOOL) CALENDAR

2013- 2014

Lifeteen for High School students meets once a week (except holiday weekends). Sunday nights are catechetical LifeTeen nights from 6:00-7:30 p.m. On these nights from 5:00-6:00 teens are welcome to come and hang out in the youth space. Also once a month on a Saturday night the group meets for the 5:30 p.m. Mass with a Social following. No tuition but fees are charged for socials and retreats.

FALL SEMESTER “Person of Christ”

AUGUST Sunday 4th Kickball/ Field Games 5:30-8:30 Saturday 17th Kickoff Cookout 6:30-9:30 Sunday 25th Lifeteen “I Doubt It” 4:30-8:30

SEPTEMBER Sunday 1ST Lifeteen “All Who Are Thirsty” 5:00-7:30 Sunday 8th Lifeteen “Puzzled” 5:00-7:30 Saturday 21st Social 5:30-9:00 Sunday 29th Lifeteen “Sent” 5:00-7:30

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OCTOBER Sunday 6th Lifeteen “Emmanuel” 5:00-7:30 Sunday 13th Lifeteen “Light Up Your Life” 5:00-7:30 Sunday 20th Lifeteen “A Royal Pain” 5:00-7:30 Saturday 26th Halloween Party 5:30-9:00 NOVEMBER Sunday 3rd Lifeteen “God Give Me More… Now” 5:00-7:30 Saturday 16th Thanksgiving Celebration 5:30-9:00 Wednesday 20th NCYC OPENING CONCERT Thursday 21st – Sunday 24th NCYC CONFERENCE DECEMBER Sunday 8th Lifeteen “A Bowl and Towel” 5:00-7:30 Sunday 15th Lifeteen “The Anti-Graduation” 5:00-7:30 Saturday 21st Christmas Party 5:30-9:00

SPRING SEMESTER “Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Happiness”

JANUARY Friday 3rd North Deanery Ski Trip Saturday 11th Kickoff Social 5:30-9:00 Sunday 19th Lifeteen “Life” 5:00-7:30 Tuesday 21st-Thursday 23rd Pro-Life Trip Sunday 26th Lifeteen “Death” 5:00-7:30 FEBRUARY Saturday 1st Social 5:30-9:00 Sunday 9th Lifeteen “Hunger” 5:00-7:30 Sunday 16th Lifeteen “Love” 5:00-7:30 Sunday 23rd Lifeteen “Liberty” 5:00-7:30 MARCH Saturday 1st Mardi Gra Party 5:30-9:00 Sunday 9th Lifeteen “Dirt Head” 5:00-7:30 Sunday 16th Lifeteen “Why So Fast?” 5:00-7:30 Sunday 23rd Lifeteen “Free Alms!” 5:00-7:30 APRIL Sunday 13th Lifeteen “SHHH…” 5:00-7:30 Saturday 26th Easter Party 5:30-9:00 MAY Sunday 4th Lifeteen “The Pursuit of Happiness” 5:00-7:30 Saturday 17th End of Year Social 5:30-9:00 JUNE MISSION TRIP

Adult volunteer mentoring opportunities are many