St. Jude Parish Religious Education

The St. Jude Religious Education program heralds the Good News of Jesus that God calls each person to be his/her best self. We accomplish this mission through our shared commitment to be transformed by the Holy Spirit to create a better world. We accomplish this mission by affirming the unique gifts and talents of each child while providing the needed learning to develop skills that help the children find God in their everyday lives.

Sunday classes begin at 10:10 AM and end at 11:20 AM. Monday classes are from 6:30 PM until 7:40 PM. Classes are held in St. Jude School.

Students are to report directly to their classrooms. Parents/guardians of students in Pre K & Kindergarten are to bring the children to their classrooms before class.

In order to assure the safety of all our children, we request that our parking/pick-up plan be followed. Please note that students in Pre K through third grade must be picked up at the classroom by a parent, or older sibling. They will not be allowed to leave until there is someone there to pick them up.

Long before your children were old enough for any formal religion program, they were already beginning to grow in faith. They had already been living and growing in the midst of a community of faith - their family. Faith-filled moments permeate all of family life. From Baptism to bedtime prayers to holiday traditions, faith is taught in families first. As parents, you are uniquely able to teach your children “in the practice of faith,” because you are yourselves persons of faith, living as a Christian in today’s world.

The Church views your role as parents in the religious formation of children as both a privilege and an obligation. When you presented your child to the Church for Baptism, you promised that you would undertake the responsibility “of training your child in the practice of faith.” This obligation and privilege extends to your participation in the Religious Education program with your children.

To assist and support all parents in the faith formation of their children, you are asked to attend Religious Education three times with them during the 2010-2011 school year - during the first week of class, once during Lent, and finally for a closing liturgy and celebration at the conclusion of the year. We call these Family Days. These events will help us become partners in the faith formation of our children and grow as a community of faith. You will receive reminders and additional information about these sessions.

The Precepts of the Church provide all Catholic Christians a guide for practicing their faith. The Precepts of the Church invite us to:

• Attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.
• Confess your sins at least once a year.
• Receive the Sacrament of Eucharist at least during the Easter Season.
• Observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.
• Help to provide for the needs of the Church.

Call the Parish Center if you or someone you know is in need of prayers and the chain will be started. Also call if you would like to be part of this wonderful ministry.

Regular attendance is crucial for your child’s religious formation. If your child is absent, it is expected that they will work with a parent and make up the lesson at home. Excessive absences could result in your child having to repeat the grade.

Should a parent/guardian need to consult with a teacher or the Religious Ed Coordinator an appointment can be scheduled by calling the Parish Center (474-6315) or by emailing Liza Kelly.

Some teachers will assign homework. It is expected that your child will complete the assignment to reinforce the lesson learned in class.

If a problem arises with a student’s inappropriate behavior, the student will be spoken to. The second time a problem occurs, the parent/guardian will be contacted. The third time, a parent/guardian must accompany the student to the next class session and sit in on the class for that day.

First Eucharist and First Reconciliation preparation takes place in first and second grade. Children need to have completed the first and second grades before they can receive these sacraments. Because sacraments are part of our life in faith, parents will accompany their children on the journey by attending special parent sessions.

Confirmation formal preparation begins in 7th grade and is completed in 8th grade. Seventh and eighth grades must be completed in order to receive Confirmation. Other requirements include stewardship projects and the Confirmation retreat, which takes place in the fall. Confirmation is the affirmation of growth in a mature Catholic faith and is an important rite of passage. Therefore, there are special sessions that parents are expected to attend in support of their child’s decision for the sacrament.

If we define catechesis as echoing the faith in one’s own life by sharing it with others, then Sunday Mass becomes the ultimate experience of such learning. There is nothing that we do as “church,” that doesn’t have its origin in the Sunday Mass. For, the liturgy is the “source and summit” of our faith. It is what makes us truly Catholic.

In forming our children in this faith, it is essential that they experience weekly Mass. The transforming power of Eucharist, where Christ is truly present, cannot be taught in any classroom, but must be experienced by each individual as they grow in faith. The Mass schedule at St. Jude’s is as follows: Saturday Vigil Masses at 4:00 & 7:00 PM, Sunday morning Masses at 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 AM and 12:00 Noon.

Call the Parish Center if you or someone you know is in need of prayers and the chain will be started. Also call if you would like to be part of this wonderful ministry.

Registration is held in advance of opening day. Registration forms are available at the Parish Center or online at our parish website www.stjc.org. Advance registration aids the staff in assigning classes and determining the number of teachers that will be needed.

Day preferences will be honored on a first-come basis. Registration fee schedule is as follows:

Fees may be paid at the time of registration or you may elect to be billed and pay over time. If payment is a problem or if you have any questions, contact Liza Kelly (570) 474-6315.

In the event of severe weather, call the Parish Center (474-6315). A decision of whether or not to cancel Religious Ed will be made by 8:00 AM on Sunday. The Monday procedure is as follows:

• If Crestwood School District is closed or has an early dismissal, there will be no Religious Ed class.
• If the weather turns inclement late in the day, call the Parish Center at (570) 474–6315. A decision will be made by 5 PM.

As winter weather is sometimes unpredictable, this system is not foolproof. It could begin snowing at 5:30 PM and cover the roads by class time. As parents, please use your best judgment in these circumstances. Your child(ren) will not be penalized if you choose to keep them home in such instances in the name of safety.