Elementary Formation
Welcome to the Faith Formation webpage for children. It is our mission to provide your family with resources and information to enhance your spiritual life. Our program will help your child(ren) grow spiritually, socially and as a member of our community. For the elementary 2012-2013 elementary faith formation schedule calendar Click here.
Know that classes for children will start the week of September 15th, 2012 for the Saturday classes, September 16thfor the Sunday classes, September 18th for the Tuesday classes, and September 19th for the Wednesday classes. If you should need further information or would like to volunteer please contact me. We always need volunteers! Faith formation should be a lifelong journey—womb to tomb.
Welcome to religious education for children Preschool through 5th grade! This year our curriculum will be “We Believe with Project Disciple” series by Sadlier. This curriculum is a spiraling curriculum built on the Six Tasks of Catechesis from the General and National Directories for Catechesis. These tasks are: Learn, Celebrate, Choose, Pray, Share and Live. In addition, each grade level has a theme.
Preschool and & Pre-kindergarten
Welcome to religious education for preschoolers! We have classes for 3 year olds (potty trained and 3 by October 1) and preschoolers (both 4 and 5 year olds – not yet in Kindergarten). Classes will be held from 9:30-10:45 Sunday mornings during the 9:30 Mass. Children must be signed in and out by an adult. Classrooms are located downstairs in the West Hall.
As the primary Catechists, parents are the foundation for a child’s faith development. We will enhance your efforts in your child’s faith formation by providing curriculum that is age-appropriate. Our classroom environment will be one to nurture participation in prayer and discovering God’s love. Classes consist of a variety of prayer, story, music, arts and crafts.
Kindergarten – God Made the Whole World – Click here for Scope & Sequence
1st Grade – God Loves Us – Click here for Scope & Sequence
2nd Grade – Jesus Shares God’s Life – Click here for Scope & Sequence
3rd Grade – We Are the Church – Click here for Scope & Sequence
4th Grade – God’s Law Guides Us – Click here for Scope & Sequence
5th Grade – We Meet Jesus in the Sacraments – Click here for Scope & Sequence
PICK UP/DROP OFF
Parents are asked to drop off/pick up children from the classroom for those attending grades Preschool-4thgrade. Sign-in sheets will be inside the classroom. 5 th graders are asked to go directly to the classroom when arriving and to wait after class at the entrance door of the building. This procedure assures the safety of the children and provides an opportunity for the catechist to speak with a family member as needed. An older elementary child does not qualify to sign a younger sibling in and out. If you will be late picking up your child, please notify the office. Children can wait in the office in case of an emergency. To reach my extension after hours dial the parish number 303.688.3025 and extension 106 or my cell 720-215-4524.
COMMUNICATION
Information regarding the Children’s Faith Formation program will be communicated to those concerned in several formats. Information is posted on the Children’s bulletin board, the Sunday Bulletin, this website and via email. Email lists will be set up based on enrollment in a class session. Occasional letters will be sent home with children. Cancellations due to snow will be available on the parish phone weather line, on the main webpage, via email and often times by phone. If school for the Douglas County High School feeder is cancelled – we will cancel. As always, use your best judgment in inclement weather.
ATTENDANCE
Sometimes parent/guardians become concerned that their children or youth will tire of coming to Mass or going to class. Children and youth will rejoice in the opportunity to come to church for liturgy if the parents rejoice with them. They will take their obligation to participate in Catholic Formation seriously if the parents are supportive of the catechists, ministers and programs offered. The involvement of the parents/guardians in completing materials sent home, discussing information presented in class, and providing space to display completed projects will relate to the children that this is a very important element in their life. It will give the children the message that learning to bring Jesus into their daily life is the most important thing they can learn!
It is understood that year round school poses scheduling challenges. We will work with you as these arise. In addition to attending all the scheduled classes it is also important that families take part in the special events that are planned throughout the year. Family attendance at Sunday Liturgy is also critical. We come to Sunday Mass to worship God and to refresh our mind, body, and soul. We never need a rest from Sunday Liturgy. Formation class is not a substitute for Sunday Liturgy. It is important that their Christian peers and the life of Christ influence our children. Children will be quick to tell you how unimportant your faith is to you if you allow them to miss Mass and class for frivolous reasons.
Just as in academic school, the students are obligated to make up lessons. The difference is that the lessons they miss in school are for this lifetime. The lessons they miss at church are for eternity.
Attendance is expected at all Faith Formation classes. All families enrolling in classes should be registered as parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi. If for some reason this is not possible please contact Vicki Arndt in the parish office.
If a student is unable to attend please call or email their catechist, or Vicki Arndt. After three unexcused classes a phone call will be made to the parent or guardian. All class work missed must be made up and returned to the catechist.
Long-term absences (four or more classes) will be evaluated on an individual basis. Absence of over one year will need to be discussed with Vicki Arndt, Director of Faith Formation, before enrolling in Faith Formation classes or sacramental preparation.
Vicki Arndt
Director of Faith Formation, Pre-School – 5th Grade Elementary
720-215-452 direct line