Education is the sunshine that brings us to full bloom.
August 8, 2011
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We hope that you are having a great summer, with time to relax and enjoy the usual activities that make summer such a wonderful time of year. As much as we may want to resist, with the coming of August thoughts about September do not loom far behind. And so, we are in the process of planning for the coming Religious Education year which begins on September 11, 2011 with the 10AM Family Mass followed by an important orientation meeting of parents, students and teachers.
Parenting in this day and age is a challenge for many families; there never seems to be enough time and energy to respond to all of the competing demands. And even more importantly the world and culture around us is often not a friendly and helpful place where our children can grow in the healthiest ways. Children, like all of us, need an anchor, a safe, strong and secure place to grow. That place is the Family and the Parish Family where Faith is practiced and celebrated. Nurturing our faith life brings us into a closer relationship with God, strengthens our own self worth, gives us direction and purpose and helps us learn the nature of true love. More than ever – we all need this and our children deserve the very best we can offer to nurture their faith.
At our Parish, we recognize parents as the first teachers of their children in beliefs and practices of our Catholic Faith. Our Religious Education Program is designed to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children. The program provides formal classroom instruction in the doctrines of our faith, and provides an environment which enables children to apply these teachings to their lives. Equally important to this instruction are our goals of helping children and families to worship, foster community, and enhance their desire to be of service to those in need.
Parents’ participation in all aspects of our program is essential to its purpose and success. Children learn best by example. We ask that you accord your children’s attendance at Mass and participation in the religious classes and family events the importance they deserve. In other words, if you do not make practice of the Faith a priority, neither will your child. By working together, parish and family, our faith will fill the hearts of our children!
General Policies
We welcome all children of families from grades K-8 who are registered members of our parish. If you have not had the opportunity to, please complete a registration form online or you may call the parish office at 617-242-4664.
Attendance and Behavior
For the benefit of student learning and the creation of a sense of community among the students, we count on the cooperative behavior of all students and require that students attend classes as scheduled. If your child will be absent from class, please notify us by calling the Parish Center at 617-242-4664.
Sacramental Preparation for Reconciliation (Confession) and First Communion
Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Communion is a two year process beginning in Grade 1. Registration for Grade 2 requires attendance in a Parish program (our parish or another parish program) for the previous year. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
A registration form is attached to this letter for your convenience. Please complete in full one registration form for each child you want to enroll in the program. You may return the registration form to us with the appropriate fee or you can return the registration form and pay the fee when the program begins on September 11th. We request that all fees be paid by September 11. If any family needs assistance with fees, please feel free to speak with Sister Nancy or Father Ronan. As in previous years, all classes will be held at the Parish Center, 46 Winthrop Street.
ALTAR SERVERS
Children in Grades 3 – 8 are eligible to become altar servers. Please let us know if your child is interested in finding out more about this important ministry.
We look forward to welcoming returning students and families and new students and families to our faith community.
Wishing you God’s abundant blessings and an enjoyable rest of the summer season,
The Religious Education Team: Katy Fleming and Sally Walker, Co-Coordinators, Fr. Ronan and Sr. Nancy
