2017/2018 Department of
Faith Formation Policy Book
St. John the Baptist Church
2028 Sandridge Road
Alden, NY 14004
716-937-3448
Save This Book!
It contains important program information regarding class dates and policies!
Office Hours:
Mondays 9:30 am – 3:30 pm; 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Thursdays 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Saturday 8:30 am –11:00 am
Department of Faith Formation
St. John the Baptist Church
2028 Sandridge Road, Alden, NY 14004
716-937-3448
Email:
Dear Parents,
Please keep this brochure. It includes our revised policies, your family’s placements, and the class schedule for this school year. We welcome your family as a valuable gift to our parish. Our policies are for our mutual benefit so that you, your children, and our teachers can be enriched by our Faith Formation Program. We would appreciate it if you read and discuss these policies with your children. Please take special note of the ATTENDANCE, DISCIPLINE, AND CELL PHONE policies. If you have any questions, please call our office.
Please remember that you are the primary educators of your children. Your dedication to the faith, your example of living faith and your desire to help them learn about it, can only help them see it as an important part of their lives as well. Thank you for your willingness to work with us as a family for the benefit of “our” children!
Peace,
Delphine Leaderstorf – Catechetical Leader
Email:
Debbie Pirog- Elementary Sacramental Coord.
Lynn Fox-Individual Education Coordinator
Jean Czerniak-Youth Minister
Brandon Adkins-Youth Minister
Website: Visit our website: stjohnalden.com
Facebook: like us on facebook: St. John’s Alden Faith Formation
Dear Parent(s),
As we begin another year of Faith Formation for our children, I extend a warm welcome to you and your family. Certainly, teaching our young people about God and the love Jesus has for them is one of the most precious gifts we can give our young ones. The Faith Formation office is here to assist you in this ongoing effort to the extent we are able.
In welcoming you to the program, I also want to inform you, in case you have not yet heard, that my second six year term as Pastor at St. John’s was recently completed and that I will be assuming a new assignment in late September. Bishop Richard Malone, along with the Priests’ Personnel Board, is in the process of assigning a new Pastor to shepherd our parish. Please pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance upon those making this important decision to lead them to the right person.
Thank you for entrusting your children to our Faith Formation Program. May God bless you and your family!
Sincerely yours,
Rev. James D. Ciupek, Pastor
PRAYER FOR A PASTORAL LEADER
O God, since the time of Abraham, You summoned and formed a people
uniquely as your own, and gave them leaders who were commissioned to keep this chosen people close to you.
Look upon this parish, and send to us a leader who will hold your Word close to his heart, and entrust your Word to all who are a part of this parish.
Keep us assured of your infinite love present in the Eucharist and in all that transpires here.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Lady, seat of wisdom, hold and guide us.
St. John the Baptist pray for us and those responsible in the selection of our new pastor. Amen.
Adult Education: Please watch for notices in the Church bulletin regarding various speakers, retreats, and family programs for this year.
ChristLife program begins in September, contact Sr. Ellen at 937-6959.
R.C.I.A.: Our parish offers a program for those who are not Catholic and are considering joining the Church. This program also enables those who are Catholic but have not received Eucharist and/or Confirmation to do so. For more information please call Sr. Ellen McCarthy, Pastoral Assistant,
at the rectory at 937-6959.
Faith Formation Program -Parish Registration:
All families who participate in the Faith Formation Program are required to be registered with a parish. If you are registered with a parish other than St. John’s, please inform the Faith Formation Office.
The Fees are as follows: $50 per child (St. John’s parishioner)
$100 maximum per family excluding sacramental fees,
$65/child for non parishioners,
$65 Confirmation per student
Additional Sacramental fees: $20 Reconciliation, $25 Eucharist
Please make checks payable to St. John’s Rel. Ed. Dept.
Mass Attendance: All families who participate in the Faith Formation Program are expected to attend Mass on a regular basis. The Eucharist is the heart of the Church, and the heart of our Faith Formation Program. Practically speaking, our teachers cannot explain or discuss the Mass with children who do not participate in its celebration weekly.
The first Sunday of each month from September until June is a Children’s Liturgy at the 11:00 am Mass. Children can join our Priest during the homily to learn more about their faith.
Youth Masses are celebrated on Sundays at the 11 am Mass from September through June. Dates are listed in back of this booklet.
Prayer Life: In order for the children to learn the traditional prayers of our faith, it takes practice and repetition. We would ask that you recite prayers with your children nightly. This not only helps children to learn their prayers, but also enhances the family prayer life as well.
Students going into Second Grade should know the Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Glory Be. While preparing for second grade, students will need help to learn the Act of Contrition over the summer. In Third Grade the children should learn and practice the Apostles’ Creed.
Cancellation Policies: In case of class cancellation due to weather conditions or any other emergency, please tune to WGRZ Channel 2, WKBW Channel 7, WIVB Channel 4 or WBEN News Radio 930. We will get announcements on these stations as soon as possible. The closing of school due to weather on Friday does not necessarily mean there
will be no Faith Formation classes on Saturday. It may also be posted at stjohnalden.com/Faith Formation/Closings, News and Service Opportunities.
Program Attendance Requirements: Students are expected to attend all of the scheduled classes. If your child must miss a class:
- Please call the office (937-3448) and inform us.
- A written excuse is required when he/she returns.
- The student/parent is responsible for contacting his/her teacher and making up missing work.
No more than five excused classes per year are advisable.
After five absences, families will be contacted to discuss the option of repeating the class or the feasibility of Home Study, monitored by the Individual Education Coordinator, Lynn Fox.
Early Dismissal /Tardiness: If a student needs to leave early, he/she must bring a note to the office from a parent or guardian. A volunteer aide will bring him or her to the office. You, as the parent, must come to the office to sign your child out. Tardiness and early dismissals are very disruptive to the class setting. Please do your best to get the students to class on time. Please try to limit the amount of times students will be dismissed early. We understand that many of the children participate in sports programs. Because of this, we are offering to work with you with a program of temporary homestudy. Debbie Pirog will be the liaison between the family and the teacher to provide the necessary materials that you would need to teach your child so when they do return to class; they will be on par with the other students in their class. If a student has to leave within the first half hour of class, we would prefer that arrangements be made with the teacher to have the class work sent home.
Tests: Elementary students Grades 4 and 5 are tested in January and May. January mid-term and May final exam grades are averaged to determine if they pass on to the next grade.
Individual Education: Students who have missed a year or more of Religious Education classes must meet with Lynn Fox
(Individual Education Coordinator) This situation will then be discussed with each family and a recommendation of either one-on- one tutoring, extra tutoring, or Home-Study will be decided upon. They cannot progress to their next grade unless all tests are passed and all written work is handed in. Please call the office for more information.
Home Study Program: Students who are in the home study program are expected to complete written assignments designated by the Individual Education Coordinator, Lynn Fox, with the supervision of his / her parent(s). Grades 1-5 are given review sheets to prepare for the mid-term test in January and the final test in late April or early May. 6th – 10th graders are given written material to complete and hand in to Mrs. Fox who will then look over the assignments and, from the answers given, determine if the student has an understanding of the material.
Discipline Policies : The classrooms and desks used by your children are also used by the students of St. John’s school. They contain their personal property. No child should ever go into the desk or touch its contents! Unfortunately, vandalism of desks does sometimes occur; and when it does, we look into the matter. Please impress upon your child the need to respect private property.
If a student causes a discipline problem in a classroom, the teachers have been instructed to send the student to the Faith Formation office. If a student is sent to the office a second time, the parents will receive a phone call. If a third incident were to occur, the parent will be asked to attend a parent/teacher/student/ Catechetical Leader conference, as well as, a class with the child. If this meeting does not occur or the student’s behavior does not improve, the student will be required to go on Home Study, or be dropped from the program.
Cell Phone: We understand that there are certain situations where the students need to use a cell phone. A classroom setting is not one of them. Please make it clear to your child that the use of a cell phone for calls or texting during class is not allowed If your child is sick and needs to get in touch with you, that can be done in the Faith Formation Office. The use of these devices is very distracting in class, not only for the user, but also for the rest of the class as well. If a student uses the cell phone in class it will be collected by the teacher and after class, it will be returned when a parent comes to the office to retrieve it.
2017/2018 Saturday Grades PK-5 Dates
Your child/children are registered to attend Faith Formation classes from 9:00 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.
1
2017
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7 OFF
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11 OFF
Nov. 18
Nov. 25 OFF
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23 OFF
Dec. 30 OFF
2018
Jan. 6
Jan.13 OFF
Jan. 20
Jan. 27
Feb. 3
Feb. 10
Feb. 17 OFF
Feb. 24 OFF
Mar. 3
Mar. 10
Mar 17
Mar. 24
Mar. 31 OFF
Apr. 7 OFF
Apr.14
Apr. 21
Apr. 28
May 5
May 12
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See also Special Events & Liturgies on following pages.
2017/2018 Saturday EDGE (6th, 7th, 8th Grade) Class Dates:
Your child will attend Saturday Faith Formation classes
from 9:00 a.m.- 10:30 a.m
1
2017
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept 30
Oct. 7 OFF
Oct. 14
**Oct 20-21
8th gr. Retreat Camp Turner
Oct. 21(6 & 7 grade ONLY)
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11 OFF
Nov. 18
Nov. 25 OFF
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23 OFF
Dec. 30 OFF
2018
Jan. 6
Jan.13 OFF
Jan. 20
Jan. 27
Feb. 3
Feb. 10
Feb. 17 OFF
Feb. 24 OFF
Mar. 3
Mar. 10
Mar 17
Mar. 24
Mar. 31 OFF
Apr. 7 OFF
Apr.14
Apr. 21
Apr. 28
May 5 OFF
***May 6
6th and 7th grade retreat
9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
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Youth are encouraged to attend the 11a.m. Youth Mass on Sundays..
See also Special Events & Liturgies on following pages
2017/2018 MondayLifeTeen (9th & 10th Grade) Class Dates:
Your child will attend Monday Faith Formation classes
from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m..
1
2017
Sept. 11
Sept. 18
Sept. 25
Oct. 2
Oct. 9 OFF
Oct. 16
Oct. 23
Oct. 30
Nov. 6
Nov. 13
Nov. 20
Nov. 27
Dec .4
Dec. 11
Dec. 18
Dec. 25 OFF
2018
Jan. 1 OFF
Jan. 8
Jan. 15 OFF
Jan. 22
Jan. 29
Feb. 5
Feb. 12
Feb. 19 OFF
Feb. 26
March 5
March 12
March 19
March 26
April 2 OFF
April 9
April 16
April 23
April 30
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Youth are encouraged to attend the 11 a.m. Youth Mass on Sundays.
See also Special Events & Liturgies on following pages
2017-2018 Confirmation Classes See also Special Events & Liturgies on following pages.
Sunday, Sept. 247-8:30 pm Parent & Candidate mtg. in cafeteria
(Sun. Oct. 1) or (Mon. Oct. 2) 7-8:30 pmSmall Group meeting 1 – facilitator’s home
(Sun. Oct. 15) or (Mon. Oct. 16) 7-8:30 pmSmall Group meeting 21– facilitator’s home
(Sun. Oct. 29) or (Mon. Oct. 30) 7-8:30 pmSmall Group meeting 3 – facilitator’s home
(Sun. Nov.5) or (Mon. Nov.6)7 – 8:30 pmSmall Group meeting 4 – facilitator’s home
(Sun. Nov 19) or (Mon. Nov. 20)7 – 8:30 pmSmall Group meeting 5 – facilitator’s home
(Sun. Dec.3) or (Mon. Dec. 4)7 – 8:30 pmSmall Group meeting 6 – facilitator’s home
Dec. 4 Sponsor form, Saint Name Essay, Letter to Pastor email, and service hours form DUE.
(Sun. Dec.17) or (Mon. Dec. 18)7 – 8:30 pmSmall Group meeting 7 – facilitator’s home
(Sun. Jan. 7) or (Mon, Jan. 8)7 – 8:30 pmSmall Group meeting 8 – facilitator’s home
(Sun. Jan. 28) or (Mon. Jan. 29)7 – 8:30 pmSmall Group meeting 9 – facilitator’s home
(Tues. Jan. 30) or (Wed. Jan. 31)Fifteen minute interview of candidate in school,
scheduled by appointment
(Sun. Feb. 11) or (Mon. Feb.12)7 – 8:30 pmSmall Group meeting 10 –facilitator’s home
Saturday, March 3 9 am –10 pm ConfirmationRetreat @Adams Mark Hotel(Buffalo)
March 2-4 youthconvention Adams Mark Hotel(Buffalo)
(Sun. March 11) or (Mon. March 12)7 - 8:30 pmSmall Group meeting 11– facilitator’s home
(Sun. March 25) or (Mon. March 26)7 - 8:30 pmSmall Group meeting 12– facilitator’s home
Tuesday, April 107 – 8:30 pmEvening of Reflection & Reconciliation
with sponsors in church
****TENTATIVE DATES
Monday, April 16 7:30– 8:30 pm Walk-through of Confirmation Liturgy
with sponsor or one parent in church
Monday, April 17 @ 7pm Confirmation in church
Optional but highly encouraged to attend LifeTeen sessions, Mondays at 7–8:30.
See Monday’s LifeTeen dates page 10.
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Parking Policies/ Safety Of Our Children:
Please drop your child/children off in the church parking lot. A crossing guard is provided ten minutes before and after classes to see that the
children cross safely.
No child is to be picked up or dropped off at the Westwood door of the school. Instruct your child to enter and exit through the FRONT door of the school building only. Please tell your children to wait
in the Faith Formation Office if you are late. This will ensure the safety of the children. Also, our Alden police are ticketing cars parked or standing illegally in front of or to the side of the school. The entrance door will be locked 10 minutes after classes begin. Use of doorbell may allow entrance.
High School Community Service Hours
Service is time and work volunteered to people in the community or parish without receiving payment. Each student is required to have a minimum of 10 hours per year for 9th, 10th, and 11th, grade for a total of 30 hours by the time that they receive Confirmation in 11th grade. 5 hours must be completed at our St. John’s parish. Service hours are the student’s responsibility to apply for. If they are required to have service hours through their school, those hours can also be counted for Faith Formation service hours. Additional service hour sheets may be acquired in the Faith Formation Office. The hours must be signed by the person the work is being done for. Please keep a copy for your records.
Acceptable types of service: This list consists of examples only and is not to be thought of as the only possibilities for service. Your talents are very much needed in your community and parish!!
-St. John’s parish ministries and events (Folk Music Group, Choir, Reading at Mass, Vacation Bible School, Lawn Fete, aiding Saturday morning Faith Formation, Youth for Life activities, Altar Server, Usher, Greeter, etc.),
-Fundraising events for charity,
- Festivals (at our local fire company or our parish),
-Volunteer yard work/housework (for a non-family member) with no pay,
- Volunteer Little League coaching,
- Fundraising walks for organizations (ex. Relay for Life, Hospice Walk),
- Volunteer for American Red Cross, American Heart Association, the Alden library, the fire company, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, Meals on Wheels, Alden/Marilla Food Pantry, museums, Alden Central School, hospitals, nursing homes
- See parish website Stjohnalden.com
Faith Formation/ Closings, news, service opportunities
Special Events & Liturgies for 2017-2018
Sun. Sept. 10- 11:00 am Children’s/Youth Mass
Sun. Sept.17 – Catechetical Sunday @ 11:00 a.m. Mass.
Families are invited to take part in the reception in school cafeteria following Mass welcoming this year’s teachers
and saying farewell to Father Jim.
Sun. Sept. 24- 11:00 am Youth Mass
Sun. Oct.1- 11:00 am Children’s/Youth Mass
Thurs. Oct. 5 – 3rd Grade Eucharist –Parent Meeting @ 7 p.m. Cafeteria
Mon. Oct. 9-Protecting God’s Children Workshop 6-9 p.m
(Must register online @ virtus.org)
Thurs. Oct. 19 – Second Grade Reconciliation – Parent Meeting
7:00 p.m. Cafeteria
Sun. Oct. 22- 11:00 am Youth Mass/Sixth Grade Bible Mass
Sun. Nov. 5- 11:00 am Children’s/Youth Mass