EFF Main Office Number: (919) 468 - 6120

Martha Waltersdorf, mwaltersdorf@stmichaelcary.org

Registration Form 2011 - 2012

Sacramental Record

Special Needs Questionnaire

Application for Volunteers: Levels A and B

Application/Cover Letter for Volunteers in Leadership: Level C

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Elementary Faith Formation program at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church is a ‘family centered’ program that serves children and families from age 4 until completion of the 6^th grade.   It is ‘family centered’ in that the goal is to catechize the entire family. The National Catechetical Directory calls us as catechetical leaders to bridge the gap between Liturgy, the classroom, and the home: the domestic church. At Baptism parents promise to raise their children in the faith.  The Church teaches that the parents are the first and best teachers of their children in matters of faith.  Our role as catechists is to not only teach the children, but also support the ongoing faith growth of the parents.

Parish membership is required in order to register in the Faith Formation programs here at St. Michael. To become a registered member of the parish you must complete a registration form. (Please return to the home page of the parish website and/or call 468-6100.

The next step is to decide on a day and time for your child (ren) and complete the registration form that follows (link to registration form). Return the forms to the Faith Formation Office with fee payment and volunteer form completed. You will receive confirmation of enrollment once completed forms and payment are received.  Waivers and/or scholarships are available by request.

Families Preparing for First Eucharist additional events to plan for:

• Two informational evening meetings (parents only)
• Celebration of First Reconciliation (child and parent)
• First Eucharist Workshop (child and parent)
• Celebration of First Eucharist (child and parent)

Please turn in a copy of the candidate’s Baptismal Certificate to the Faith Formation Office. If your candidate was baptized at St. Michael please check that spot on your registration form.  A completed Permanent Record Form is also required for First Sacraments.

The Parish Office is open Monday through Friday 8:30 A.M. until 4:30 P.M.  Please email or call your questions to Martha Waltersdorf, mwaltersdorf@stmcary.org 468-6120, Dr. Nina Rizzo, (nrizzo@stmichaelcary.org) 468-6131, or Tristan Evans, (tevans@stmichaelcary.org ) 468-6134.

CLASS DAYS & TIMES

Our Traditional – Classroom based classes for children in Grades 1—6 meet once a week beginning September 19, 20, 21 or 25, 2011 through the week of May 20, 21 22, or 26, 2012.  Classes meet on Sundays from 11 am—12 pm.  Weekday classes meet on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5:00—6:00 pm and 6:30—7:30 pm.  Wednesday classes are offered only from 5:00—6:00 pm only. Children are required to attend Mass weekly.  For children attending the Sunday classes, it is recommended that they attend the 12:15 Mass.

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes are offered only through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program also know as “Atrium.”  This style of catechesis is a hands-on Montessori-based program.

Classes for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd  are organized by levels.  Level 1 classes, for Pre-K and Kindergarten children, are offered Mondays (4:00—5:00 pm) and Tuesdays (5:00—6:00 pm).  Level II classes are offered Sundays (11:00 am – Noon), Mondays (5:15—6:15 pm), Tuesdays (6:30—7:30 pm), and Wednesdays (5:15—6:15 pm).  Level II require previous Catechesis of the Good Shepherd experience, except for Grade 1. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd classes begin September 19, 20, 21, 2011 and run through the week of Pentecost.

Parents receive a school year calendar at Open House; Changes due to special days or events will be announced as we go through the year by e-mail, newsletter, and Sunday bulletin.

TABLE OF CLASS SCHEDULE

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Please note you will need to make an appointment with the Director:

• If you have a school-age child, 8 or older, who has not yet been baptized Roman Catholic.

• If you have a baptized child entering 2^nd grade anticipating First Eucharist who has never attended any form of religious instruction.  Completion of first grade is required to be prepared for the sacraments in second grade.

• If you have a baptized child beyond 2^nd grade, who has not made First Reconciliation or First Eucharist. Completion of two years of faith formation classes is required to receive First Reconciliation & First Eucharist.

• Together we will determine the best class to help you prepare your child for his/her sacraments. 

SPECIAL CLASSES

Intermediate Sacramental Preparation (Year 2) – Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist follows the Diocesan guidelines requiring two-years of sequential religious education prior to receiving the Sacraments. A child who was baptized Roman Catholic, but did not receive First Reconciliation and First Eucharist in the child’s second grade year is placed in his or her grade appropriate class for one whole year of formal catechetical instruction.  The following year, the child enters Year 2 of Intermediate sacramental preparation.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) is a process designed for children in Grade 3 or older who were baptized in Protestant faiths or who have never been baptized, that come to the parish to celebrate First Eucharist.  The Catholic Church recognizes them as a Candidate.  A class of special instruction is offered on Sunday mornings to prepare them for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation, and Eucharist.  At Easter time, the Candidate makes a profession of faith, receives the sacrament of Confirmation, and then receive the Eucharist all at the same Mass.

Off-Site - classes that are initiated and organized by groups of parents and students who usually live in the same neighborhood or area.  These are taught by catechists in their homes.  Please contact Martha Waltersdorf for more information at 468-6120 or email mwaltersdorf@stmichaelcary.org.

Home Schooling - parents act as their own child’s catechist using materials provided by the Faith Formation Office. Please call Martha Waltersdorf for more information at 468-6120.  This is not available for second grade students, Intermediate Sacramental Preparation or RCIC.

  SPECIAL PROGRAMS

 
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a “hands on” Montessori based Faith Formation program for children enrolled in the Parish Early Childhood Center and for students whose parents choose it as their Faith Formation class.  Children are presented with a variety of materials that enhance and encourage their relationship with God.  The classes gather in the Atrium (top floor of the Trinity Building), an environment in which they experience God through work and prayer under the guidance of a specially trained catechist.  Classes fill up very quickly, so if you choose one of these, please send in your registration early.  We will have waiting lists for this program.  Class assistants and hall monitors are needed for each class time.  For additional information about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, click here for the program’s general website (www.cgsusa.org) or call Shana Zambone at 481-1016.

Special Needs   We are dedicated to providing a supportive learning environment for all children.  In order for us to better serve your child, please complete the Special Needs Questionnaire [Click here] letting us know more about your child.  We have catechists experienced with special needs children. 

 Stewardship Opportunities at St. Michael

The expression, “It takes a Village…” is certainly true for our Faith Community. How will you help us this year? We are asking each family to give a minimum of 4 hours of time and talent to our program.  We have jobs for everyone with all ranges of time and skills to offer.  The success of our program depends on the enthusiasm and efforts of our volunteers.  Volunteer as a….catechist, co-catechist, substitute, hall monitor, sitter, or clerical support. (Link to Stewardship Form) Please consider how you can help make this the best year ever. Call us for opportunities and suggestions!

When we give of our time and talent we are actively involved in the Church’s mission. We are looking forward to working with you.

Thank you for your support!