St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Parish Religious Education Program

Parent Handbook – 2013-2014

Table of Contents

Contact Information……………………………………………………………………..….page 3Mission Statement…………………………………………………………………..................... 4

1. Philosophy……………………………………………………………………………..………42. Religious Education Program Catechetical Ministries……………………………………..….4 Children’s Liturgy of the Word…………………………..................................................5

PREP (Levels 1-6)………………………………………………………………………..5 PREP Levels Comparison to Elem. School Grades……………………………………...5Alternative Programs for Sacramental Preparation………………………………………5Vacation Bible School………………………………………………………………........5Youth Ministry Program (Genesis- Levels 7-9)………………… ……………………5-6 (GYM-Levels 9-12)…………………………………………..6

3. Registration……………………………………………………………………………….........64. Tuition………...…………………………………………………………………………..........65. Class Times……...……………………………………………………………………...……...66. Arrival/Parking Procedure………………………………….………………………….………77. Dismissal/Departure Procedure……………………………….………………….....................78. St. Cyril PREP Traffic Flow Map……………………………………………………………..89. Student Early Dismissal……………………………………………………………………….910. PREP Closing ……..…………………………………………………………………….......911. Attendance………………………………………………………………………………….9-1012. Absence Policy…………………...…………………………………………………………..1013. Non-Custodial Parents…………………………………………………………………….10-1115. Student Assignments & Progress Reports………………………………………..….………1116. Family Role…………………………………………………………………………………..1117. Discipline…………………………………………………………………………………11-1218. Prohibitive Behaviors ………………………………………………………………………..1219. Communication………………………………………………………………………….........1320. Sacramental Preparation Information………………………………………………………...1421. Program Admittance Policy……………………………………………………………..……14

PREP Curriculum……………………………………………………………………………........15Essential Topics and Prayers …………………………………………………..............................15

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Dear Parent or Guardian,

Welcome to St. Cyril of Jerusalem Parish Religious Education Program. Be assured that we are here to support you in your role as parent and your God given responsibility of educating your children in the Catholic faith. We have an extremely competent team of faith-filled catechists, assistants and support personnel who are dedicated to your children and committed to teaching all aspects of our faith that will prepare them for their life long journey as followers of Jesus Christ. We always strive to have open communication with you and most certainly welcome your ideas, concerns and suggestions.

+ May God bless you and your family,

Deacon Joe

Deacon Joseph T. Owen, MADirector of Religious Education

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Pastor: Rev. Msgr. Robert Powell 215-343-1288

Parochial Vicar: Rev. Michael Filippello 215-343-1288

Director Religious Education: Deacon Joseph T. Owen 215-343-3139 Deaconjoeo1@verizon.net

Director Youth Ministry: Daniel Rackers 215 - 896-6649 Drackers2@gmail.com

PREP Administrative Assistant: Carol Anghelone 215-343-1288 angcarolt@verizon.net

Elementary Program Administrator: Linda Kingsbury 215-343-1288 lkingsbury@verizon.net

Coordinators for Initial Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance)/Holy Eucharist:Cathy Milnik hcmilk@verizon.netDebbie Heaney heaneyd@yahoo.com

Coordinator for Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW): Suzanne Curran securran@verizon.net

Parish Address:

St. Cyril of Jerusalem R.C. ChurchPREP Office1410 Almshouse Rd. Jamison PA 18929

Office hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Phone: 215-343-1288

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Parish Website: www.saint-cyril.com

MISSION STATEMENT:

The mission of St. Cyril of Jerusalem Roman Catholic Church is to provide religious education that will enable all people to develop a personal relationship with God and live as disciples of Jesus Christ. This ministry will speak to the heart of each person; comfort, inspire and develop enthusiasm for the Word of God through the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Spirit.

PHILOSOPHY

St. Cyril’s PREP exists to serve those parishioners who make an alternative choice for their children’s religious education. The focus of the program is to lead the student to a relationship with God and our parish family community. We strive to increase the student’s awareness of the importance of sharing his/her talents, resources, and struggles with the family, parish and community.

A pattern of daily prayer is built on the awareness that God is personally involved in each person’s life. The student is encouraged to know God as a friend. Daily prayer, both spontaneous and formal, becomes a means of strengthening and keeping that friendship alive. Our curriculum encourages family prayer, especially at meals and at bed time. We believe this family prayer experience will facilitate a routine of daily prayer for children.

In collaboration with the family, we hope to create through the transmission of Gospel values a vibrant faith life for each child. To achieve this end, we urge parents to fully support our program and be positive role models through regular participation at Holy Mass on Sundays and holydays, frequent reception of Holy Eucharist and regular reception of the Sacrament of Penance.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM*

St. Cyril’s PREP is committed to educating our youth in the Catholic Tradition to form them according to the Gospel values and developing them to become full and active members our Catholic community.

A program expectation is that parishioners will commit to the religious education and spiritual formation of adults and children to bring them to a deeper understanding of Church doctrine, to a deepening conversion to Christ; and to openly express a personal witness to the faith.

To provide an excellent education and formation program the following are to be considered:

Provide an effective program of religious education and formation for all children and youth. Provide programs for sacrament preparation for candidates, sponsors, and parents of candidates. Employ an individual committed to the Catholic Church with the appropriate education and experience to

effectively perform the duties of Director of Religious Education. Develop/deliver continuing education programs as needed for Catechists in compliance with Archdiocesan

Guidelines. Recruit, train, assign catechists, assistants and support personnel in sufficient numbers to meet the

programs goals. Appoint a Youth Minister with the appropriate education and experience to coordinate programs for middle

school and high school students.

*Excerpts from the “Characteristics Found in Vital Parishes” Archdiocese of Philadelphia, 2003

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Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW): Offered for children in kindergarten through the fourth grade. The Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered in the chapel every Sunday during the 10:00 a.m. celebration of Holy Mass. Through this ministry adult volunteers share the experience of the Holy Mass and the Sunday scripture readings with the children on the child’s level. This will enable the children to better understand and become familiar with the gospel readings. The goal is to have the children actively participate in the Holy Mass, feel a sense of belonging to the church community, develop a desire to attend Holy Mass and better understand the message of Jesus Christ.

Parish Religious Education Program (PREP): Developed for students in grades 1 through 6 six who attend non- Catholic Schools. Each program level has a specific core curriculum developed in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Office of Catechetical Formation. Preparation for the initial reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) and the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist occurs in Level 2.

PREP Levels comparison to Elementary School Grades:

When registering your children for PREP classes you need to be aware that there is no correlation between the elementary school grade system and the PREP levels. The elementary school system is a grade format based on the intellectual learning ages of children and their ability to grasp numerous subjects at a particular age.

The PREP “Level” system is not an age based system nor on the child’s ability to grasp a variety of subjects. It is focused on the child’s progression in their religious education. For example, a child may be in the second grade in an elementary school but has not participated in any religious education classes…this child would be assigned to Level 1 in the PREP program.

Alternative Programs for Sacrament Preparation:

Alternative programs are designed for children who have been baptized but have not participated in a religious education program or sacrament preparation for Reconciliation, Eucharist or Confirmation.

Level 3 and higher – For children in Level 3and above who have not received the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance) and/or Holy Eucharist

Level 7 and higher – For children in level 7 and above who have not received one of the following Sacraments: Reconciliation (Penance) Holy Eucharist, and/or Confirmation

Children are accepted into these programs on an as needed basis depending on individual and family circumstances. Please contact the PREP office at 215-343-3139 to discuss your child’s situation and the development of a specific individual program.

Vacation Bible School (VBS): Children entering Kindergarten or grades 1 through 4 are eligible to attend. Vacation Bible School is a Catholic faith based program conducted on the grounds of St. Cyril of Jerusalem Parish. The five half-day, Monday thru Friday program offers numerous activities including song, prayer, arts and crafts, etc, and is staffed by adults, teens and pre-teens.

Youth Ministry Program:

GENESIS: A Catholic faith based program for 7th, 8th and 9th grade youth. The program is open to all youths regardless of religious affiliation. St. Cyril parish membership is not required. Genesis is a program focusing on three aspects of youth ministry; faith formation, service projects and peer socialization.

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GYM (God’s Youth Ministry) - is a high school youth ministry aimed at engendering and nurturing knowledge and a love of God in our young men and women and guide them in becoming dynamic disciples of Our Lord. The program’s objectives are to: 1) teach our youth, giving them knowledge of Our

Lord and fostering in them a burning love for Him; 2) empower our youth to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today; 3)encourage our young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community and 4)foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.

REGISTRATION:

PREP registration is conducted annually in mid-March thru the end of April and is offered on-line. You will be able to register, make a 1st & 2nd choice for the class day/time, pay tuition and volunteer to teach, all from the convenience of your home or office. Registering after April will limit your choice of the class day/time for your children and incur an increased tuition amount. Families who do not have access to a computer should call Carol Anghelone at 215-343-3139 to arrange for an alternative method of registration.

TUITION*

Tuition rates are reviewed annually and adjusted as necessary to meet program expenses. Parents will receive tuition information in the spring of the year.

Tuition covers the cost of facilities, student’s text books, folders, supplies, audiovisuals, resource materials, etc. as well as the administrative expenses of the program. In the event of books being lost or damaged a replacement fee of $18.00 will be charged.

*No child will ever be denied participation in PREP due to financial hardship. Should you be experiencing a difficult time, please contact Deacon Joe Owen at 215-343-3139 to discuss how we may help you.

CLASS TIMES

Classes are conducted on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons…4:45 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. and on Monday evening…6:30-7:45 p.m.

NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CHANGE IN TH THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PROCEDURE…

Termination of valet system... over the past several years the effectiveness of the valet parking system significantly diminished due to the inadequate number of parent volunteers. During this past year the program was terminated for the Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon sessions and a mandatory parental “drop-off /pick-up “system was implemented. This system was successful and increased the security and safety of the children due to direct parental involvement.

As such, the Valet Systems is being eliminated for all PREP sessions and it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian or designated driver to park their vehicle and escort the children to their class and retrieve them from the classroom at closing.

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PARKING PROCEDURE:

ARRIVAL - Enter from Almshouse Road –

Turn right and proceed to the lane that will allow parking as close as possible to the building where your child (ren) class is located. NOTE: Parents/Guardians authorized to transport several children to PREP are responsible to insure the safety of these children and to escort each child to the building where there class is located.

Exit your vehicle and escort your child (ren) to the entrance to the building.

Please exercise extreme caution as you would in any public parking area e.g. shopping centers, malls, and stadiums

Return to your vehicle and exit the parking lot proceeding to the Almshouse Road exit.

There is no entrance or exit from Meetinghouse Road

Refer to the map on the next page -- “ST. CYRIL’S PREP – TRAFFIC FLOW”

DEPARTURE – (Dismissal)

Parents are requested to parked their vehicle and enter the appropriate building to pick up their children and escort them through the parking lot to their vehicle. We realize this may be inconvenient for some but it is mandated to ensure the safety of the children.

Children must never walk without being escorted by an adult…regardless of PREP level.

It is permitted for a family with several children attending PREP to pick up all of their children at a single location. In this situation, parents must provide a note to each child’s catechist authorizing the release of their child to a specified location. The older child must go to the location of the youngest child. The form to be completed for approval is available on the website.

CRY ROOM – pick up must occur in the cry room and not in the church’s narthex.

RECTORY – pick up in the rectory basement must occur in the common area between the two classrooms, but only after both classes have been dismissed.

PARISH HALL – pick up in the hall will be from each classroom/main hall. Parents are requested to wait in the entrance lobby area until the classroom doors are opened. Parents are asked not to wait in front of the classroom doors as this is a distraction for the class being conducted in the main hall. When dismissal occurs, the classroom doors will be opened and parents should proceed to the classroom/hall to pick up their children.

PORTABLE – pick up will be at the front door of the portable classrooms.

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FOR THE SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN…DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE UP TO A BUILDING AND HAVING YOUR CHILDREN COME OUT TO YOUR VEHICLE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

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STUDENT EARLY DISMISSAL

We know unexpected situations arise which require a child to leave a class early. For the safety of the children the following procedure must be adhered to in these instances:

The parent MUST report to the PREP office to request a student release form, complete it, sign it and have it approved by the representative of the PREP staff. The parent will then take the approved form to their child’s classroom and give it to the Catechist. The form will then be forwarded to the PREP office to be filed in the student’s folder.

If an individual other than the parent or guardian will be picking up your child, you must write a note indicating the individuals name, relationship to the child, provide a contact number for you and sign the note. The individual must submit the note to the PREP office who will prepare an authorization for early dismissal to be given to your child’s Catechist.

Common sense, PREP policy and Archdiocesan policy prohibit a child leaving the building unescorted. A parent/guardian must report to the PREP office to obtain authorization for their child’s early dismissal.

Extracurricular activities such as, sports practices/games, dance, karate, CYO events, or similar activities do not constitute a valid reason for early dismissal and will not be granted. PREP is more than an academic exercise and should be seriously considered a priority in your child’s faith development.

PREP EMERGENCY OR INCLEMENT WEATHER CLOSING

The PREP schedule is created in consideration of the Central Bucks School District academic schedule but does not follow all of the holidays observed by the Central Bucks District. Should the district announce a closing does not necessarily mean PREP will also be closed.

For those rare occurrences of inclement weather that may jeopardize the safety of the children and other family members, the Director of Religious Education will render a decision to cancel the PREP classes.

A closing announcement will be made on KYW radio-1060 A.M. and will be posted on the KYW website at www.kyw1060.com. Our closing number is 762. KYW News Radio School Closing may be contacted at 215-925-1060 for closing information. Subscriptions for telephone and text alerts are available.

A PREP closing announcement will also be posted on our parish website www.saint-cyril.com

ATTENDANCE

The faith formation provided in our programs is delivered in a spiral format, which means each year’s subject matter is built upon the subject matter learned in the previous year. Therefore, it is imperative that children remain enrolled in the program consistently from year-to-year.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has established a forty (40) hour minimum standard for in-the-seat learning time for each year of PREP. The PREP year begins in September and typically ends in May.

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Consistent and prompt attendance is required for our children to fully benefit from the religious education they receive.

Unauthorized early dismissal will be counted as an absence. All children are expected to be fully prepared for each weekly class including completed homework

assignments and materials required by the teacher, e.g. books, folders, etc.

Students preparing for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation are required to bring to class all confirmation materials e.g. “Confirmed in the Spirit”, a bible, their service journal, FAQ Booklet, and the confirmation packet.

Attendance is taken by the Catechist Assistants at the beginning of each class. The attendance records are picked up ten minutes after the beginning of the session. Any child reporting 10 minutes late or more may be marked absent.

ABSENCE POLICY

A thirty (30) hour program of religious instruction is mandated by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Office of Catechetical Formation. To ensure the compliance of the St. Cyril’s PREP this policy has been developed and will be strictly enforced. Provisions of the policy are as follows:

1) Children are expected to attend all classes including the times when the class goes to the church for special services such as Forty Hour Devotion, Holy Mass, Reconciliation (Penance), etc.

2) Parents are not required to submit a note or call if your child is to be absent unless it is known that the absence with be for two weeks or longer.

3) Should a long-term absence (3 weeks or longer) be necessary due to an illness or a family situation, the parent must contact the Director of Religious Education to discuss the situation and to arrange for a suitable plan to complete the grade level requirements.

4) When a child incurs two (2) absences the parents will be notified of the situation by the Catechist and/or Director of Religious Education and to discuss the reason for the absence and to arrange for a suitable plan to complete missed assignments.

5) Should a child incur three (3) absences the parents will be requested to meet with the Director of Religious Education and will be informed that it is recommended that the child repeat the level in the next PREP year.

6) When a child is late for class three (3) or more times (being late is consider reporting for class five (5) minutes or more after the start of class), the parents will be notified of the situation by the Director of Religious Education to discuss the issue and develop a corrective action plan.

NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS

In situations of marital separation or divorce, both biological parents of a student participating in PREP must submit to the Parish PREP office the most recent “Custodial Order of Custody Agreement” document and should changes occur to the agreement during the year a revised custody agreement must be submitted. At the beginning

of each PREP year, both parties of the custody agreement will be requested to present the most recent “Order of Custody Agreement Document.” Our program abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of non-custodial parents. In the absence of a court order to the contrary, our program will provide the non-custodial parent with access to the records and other program related information regarding the child. If there is a court order specifying

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that there is to be no information given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the program director with an official and latest copy of the court order.

If a court order prohibits our releasing a child into the custody of a non-custodial parent, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the program director with an official copy of the court order or custody section of the divorce decree. STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS AND PROGRESS REPORTS

At the discretion of the catechist, take-home assignments may be given in the form of written work, activities or study. As those primarily responsible for the faith formation of their children, pares are expected to supervise the completion of these assignments.

Assignments for students who will be receiving a sacrament are outlined in the parent packet for each of the sacraments.

Faith formation is not an academic exercise nor is it totally intellectually based. Faith is God given and must be nourished, experienced, witnessed to, and lived. The faith formation programs outlined in this handbook do not utilize grading procedures as a result.

The catechists, as a means to assess the understanding and formation progress of the students will use appropriate review materials. A minimum of four (4) reviews and four (4)assessments will be administered over the course of the program year. These reviews and assessments are a valuable tool that will assist parents in identifying areas of difficulty in the faith formation of their children.

Review & Assessment lessons are posted in the lesson plans at the parish website by level. Progress Reports are prepared to provide parents with feedback regarding the faith formation of their

children and are issued at mid-year in January and the end of the year in May. The reports are based on assessment scores, class participation and completion of homework.

Parents are urged to read the report carefully, sign it, and return it the following week of class. End of year progress reports do not need to be returned.

Parents are encouraged actively participate in their children’s religious education and support their children in completing all assignments which are given as a reinforcement for weekly instruction.

Unsatisfactory work and/or prolonged or numerous absences may require the repeating of a level. Promotion is not automatic.

FAMILY ROLE

A majority of our Catechists and Catechist Assistants are parents who work and are busy with family responsibilities. They have expended numerous hours preparing their classrooms and lessons. They have also committed additional time to workshops, seminars and meetings to insure their students receive an effective faith formation experience. To demonstrate support of these dedicated members of our parish we ask all parents to observe the following:

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES –

Require consistent attendance and insure your child(ren) are on time for class Be sure your child(ren) is fully prepared for the next week’s class by checking the child(ren) folder for

assignments, notices and calendar updates and miscellaneous communications. In the event of an absence, complete any lessons missed and send the work to the catechist the next session.

Lesson plans are available on the parish website. Attend all required meetings.

DISCIPLINE

St. Cyril’s PREP is designed to assist parents with the faith formation of their children, as well as foster values and behavior that are in accord with the teachings of the Catholic Church. The program has ZERO TOLERANCE for

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any behaviors that are contrary to Catholic Doctrine, Dogma, and Tradition. A few examples of such behavior include but are not limited to acts of obstinacy, improper language, fighting, physical, emotional or psychological intimidation, vandalism, demeaning behavior such as name-calling, obscene language or gestures, and harassment. These categories do not cover every possible situation and as such the Director of Religious Education will review all allegations to determine if the behavior is appropriate or inappropriate, both in and out of the classroom.

Conduct by a student, parent, guardian or an individual acting on their behalf, which is deemed incompatible with the educational and religious mission of the Parish is grounds for disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal of the student.

In the event a student engages in any one of the above listed behaviors or any other inappropriate conduct, the following procedure will be followed:

1 st Incident – will be documented and documentation should be sent to the DRE who will notify the parents or legal guardian of the prohibited behavior.

2 nd Incident – will be documented and the documentation should be sent to the DRE who will request the parents or legal guardian to attend a meeting with the DRE, the catechist, student, and any witnesses to the inappropriate behavior. A corrective action plan will be created based on the facts ascertained in the meeting as well a warning of the potential dismissal from the program.

3 rd Incident – will be documented and documentation should be sent to the DRE who will notify the parents or legal guardian of the prohibited behavior and that the child is immediately suspended from the program. A meeting including the catechist, any witnesses to the inappropriate behavior, the DRE and the Parish Pastor will be called to determine if dismissal from the program is warranted. The parents or legal guardian will be invited to attend this meeting.

Items Prohibited in the Classroom No food or beverages are permitted in the classroom without prior approval of the Catechist. Electronic devices are not permitted to be used in the classroom including; laptops, cell phones,

I Pads, I Pods, I Touch, MP3 Players or similar devices, etc

NOTE: The employment of physical punishment and/or verbal abuse as disciplinary measure is strictly forbidden for all PREP staff .

PROHIBITIVE BEHAVIOR POLICY

SCOPE: This policy applies to all programs administered by the St. Cyril’s PREP to include;

1. Children’s Liturgy of the Word2. Elementary Program ( 1-6 )3. GENESIS ( 7,8,9, )4. High School ( 10, 11, 12, )

PURPOSE: To insure a safe, secure and respectful educational environment, which is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards and build appropriate relationships with others.

POLICY: St. Cyril’s PREP refuses to accept any inappropriate behaviors. Therefore, acts of harassment, hazing, intimidation and bullying (including cyber bullying and the like) are unacceptable behaviors and are prohibited in our religious education program.

The PREP staff cannot monitor the activities of students at all times and eliminate all incidents of bullying between students, particularly when students are not under their direct supervision. However, to the extent such conduct affects the educational environment of the religious education program and the rights and welfare of the students and is within the control of the religious education program in its normal operations, it is the St. Cyril’s PREP

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intent to prevent bullying and thus, must take action to investigate, respond, discipline and remediate those acts of bullying.

The administration and the catechetical staffs are to demonstrate appropriate behavior by treating others with civility and respect, and being aware of and not tolerating harassment, intimidation, hazing and bullying, etc. If incidents do occur, students should be able to report and know that the inappropriate behavior will be dealt with promptly and effectively. There will be no retaliation against a victim, reporter or witness.

Bullying – involves actions or words against another for the purpose of inflicting physical or emotional harm or discomfort or damage to a person’s reputation that is intimidating or threatening and affects the learning and school environments. The following describes types of bullying but is not an exhaustive list.

o Hitting, kicking, shoving, spitting, hair pulling, or throwing somethingo Getting another person to hit or harm studento Teasing, name-calling, making critical remarks or threatening in person or by other meanso Demeaning and making another the victim of jokeso Making rude and/or threatening gestureso Excluding or rejecting the studento Intimidating (bullying), extorting or exploitingo Spreading harmful rumors or gossip

If the bully is threatening harm, a student and/or legal guardian should tell a catechist, adult volunteers and/or the Director of Religious Education immediately.

The St. Cyril of Jerusalem PREP program will: Implement a reporting policy as described above. Conduct an investigation to include oral/written statements, witnesses to those statements with

signatures. Have a plan for removal of students involved for safety/investigation, if necessary In writing, state facts of findings (the nature of the bullying and its causes) Notify the Pastor Notify law enforcement immediately if there are terrorist threats/acts involving weapons Document all steps taken (Incident Report) Notify parents/guardians of the alleged offender and victim’s parents/guardians. Maintain the highest level of confidentiality of all involved parties.

COMMUNICATION

All parents are welcome and encouraged to discuss any concerns, issues, situations and requests with the Director of Religious Education, the administrative staff, the Catechist or the Sacraments Coordinators.

Parents are provided with a calendar at the beginning of the PREP program year. This calendar is subject to change during the course of the year. Parents will be notified of changes.

St. Cyril of Jerusalem PREP attempts to communicate effectively and frequently with parents using the following means; email, the Parish Weekly Bulletin, U.S. mail and memos sent in your child’s folder. Information packets for the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance), Holy Eucharist and Confirmation are available on the parish website at www.Saint-Cyril.com

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SACRAMENT PREPARATION INFORMATION

1) Archdiocese of Philadelphia Policy for the reception of sacraments;

A student must attend two consecutive years of Religious Education in order to be eligible to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance), Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.

Each parish within the Archdiocese prepares their own sacramental program within the guidelines promulgated by the Archdiocese.

Children are required to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) in the parish in which their family is registered.

2) St. Cyril of Jerusalem Policy for the reception of sacraments:

Children must be baptized Family registration in St. Cyril of Jerusalem parish is required Parents should be active participants of their Catholic faith and regularly attend Mass on Sundays

and Holy Days of Obligation Students exhibiting chronic absences, lateness, or who is a persistent discipline problem may have

their reception of the sacraments deferred until the following year or later. Each family will receive a booklet explaining the sacraments preparation procedures. Parents’ participation in the preparation process is critical and they are expected to assist their

children with the preparation materials sent home as well as to attend parent meetings. Preparation for the reception of a sacrament is a time of prayerful reflection and discernment. A

participant’s desire to receive the sacrament is reflected in his or her positive attitude toward the preparation process. Thus proper attendance and behavior are expected.

PROGRAM ADMITTANCE POLICY

It is the policy of St. Cyril’s PREP to admit individuals who are of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin or physically challenged and grant them the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to all individuals. All aspects of the program including admittance, administration, curriculum development, policies, etc. are conducted free of any discrimination.

St. Cyril of Jerusalem embraces all of its children regardless of special need or disability. We make every effort to accommodate the needs of participants with special disabilities and provide them with an inclusive environment in our programs. If your child has a special need or disability you are encouraged to contact the Director of Religious Education to discuss your concerns and enrollment options.

ST.CYRIL’S PREP CURRICULUM

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This year we are implementing a new program for all Levels. We have selected Loyal Press’s program “Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts as our religious education program. Finding God is rooted in the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola and encourages catechists and students to recognize the presence of God in all things and to develop a life long relationship with God. It is based on a spiral curriculum that integrates the fundamental themes of the Catechism of the Catholic Church as well as Scripture and Catholic Social Teachings. As children are introduced to and revisit concepts and vocabulary from one year to the next, their knowledge and experience both broaden and deepen. .

For your convenience, the following is the Finding God website where you may obtain interactive session reviews (games) and study guides. >> www.FindingGod.com... click Children, Grade Level, then select activity.

The program goals and objectives by grade level, minimum standards for year-end achievement and lesson plans for each grade level are available on the parish website, www.saint-cyril.com

Essential Topics & Prayers for Each Grade Level:

Level 1 God Found Everything Good – God & Creator Memorize: Sign of the Cross, the Our Father, Glory Be and Grace before meals

Level 2 I am the True Vine - Reconciliation & EucharistMemorize: Previous year plus the following: The Hail Mary, Act of Contrition and the Form for Confession, and the first three Commandments.

Level 3 Fishers of Men – Church and the Holy SpiritMemorize: Previous years plus the following: Come Holy Spirit, the Ten Commandments and the Seven Sacraments.

Level 4 Blessed Are the Poor – Beatitudes and The Ten CommandmentsMemorize: Previous years plus the following: Apostles Creed, The Ten Commandments, and Eight Beatitudes and Practice Praying the Rosary using the Joyful and Sorrowful Mysteries.

Level 5 The Bread of Life – Sacraments & Worship Memorize: Hail Holy Queen, Seven Sacraments, the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Previous years plus the following Practice Praying the Rosary using the Glorious and Luminous Mysteries

Level 6 Confirmed in the Spirit – Sacrament of Confirmation PreparationMemorize: Previous years plus the following: 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit, 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit, Theological and Cardinal Virtues, the parts of the Mass - Liturgy of the Word/Liturgy of the Eucharist

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A PRAYER FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Seeds of faith sown in commitment and loveSend down your Spirit, Lord

Inquiring and seeking – the minds of the youngSend down your Spirit, Lord

Discovering your word and the sacrament of our livesSend down your Spirit, Lord

Knowing our history and your love through timeSend down your Spirit, Lord

May your Spirit continue to fill our heartsAmen

(J. Bentham, Prayers for World Catholic Education Day)

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