ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL PARISH
FAITH FORMATION POLICIES
Mission Statement:
The Faith Formation program at St. Michael the Archangel parish seeks to work in partnership with the parents of our Pre-school and elementary aged children. Acknowledging that parents are the PRIMARY educators of the faith, we offer a holistic approach to the fundamental task of catechesis through:
Through these tasks, we pray that every child knows how deeply they are loved by God. From that love, we in turn love others.
Role of the Parents
Parents are the primary religious educators of their children (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1653). The home is where a child first experiences the Catholic faith. You teach primarily by example. It is extremely important for children to experience and hear about the love of God in their homes. The Faith Formation (FF) Program aims to work in partnership with parents to assist them in living their vocation as educators of their children. The FF Program should merely complement, not replace, the catechesis that your children should receive in the home. The FF Program assists parents in their God-given role as educators of the Faith by:
Catholic education finds its source within the sacramental life of the Church. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that children are given the opportunity for frequent participation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and weekly Sunday attendance at Holy Mass. Knowledge of the Catholic faith that is not upheld by the practice of the sacramental life, is empty knowledge. Please ensure that your children are able to participate in the life of the Church by attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. The Parish also offers a Holy Hour on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons/evenings (STB) and Wednesday from 9:30 to 6:00 PM at OLG, with Eucharistic Adoration and Confession Thursday at 4:00 and 7:00 at STB.
Finally, please make every effort to have your child arrive on time for class. This is particularly important as classes are held only once a week. Students should arrive no earlier than 15 minutes prior to the start of class. We remind you that the role of the Faith Formation program can only be secondary to you, the parents. We encourage you to do all you can, and we promise to do the best we can to aid and guide the sacramental preparation of your child. We offer these tips for preparing your child for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion:
Curriculum
The Christ In Us textbook series (Sadlier) is used for Kindergarten through the sixth grades with the exception of the first grade who now uses Word of Life from the Augustine institute and second graders who use the Blessed series (Dynamic Catholic), and the seventh and eighth graders who use the Chosen, Your Confirmation Journey and Altaration video series (Ascension press) .
Role of Students
Students are expected to be punctual and prepared for class. Students should arrive no earlier than 15 minutes prior to the start of class. Students should conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to a classroom environment. Students are reminded that all property and possessions found in the classroom are to be left untouched. No food, drink, or gum is permitted in the building! All students must be dropped off to Clairvaux Hall unless otherwise noted. Dismissal is ONLY from the back porch (back of the school building) unless there is an early pick-up.
Every student has the right and privilege to learn in a classroom where students are well behaved. Similarly, every catechist and aide has the right to teach in such an environment. In the event that a student finds it difficult to exhibit proper behavior, the teacher will call upon the DRE for assistance. Every attempt will be made to integrate the child into the classroom prior to contacting his/ her parents; if unsuccessful, the Faith Formation team will enlist the support of the parents to rectify the situation.
Learning Disabilities/Health Related Problems
If your child has a learning disability or health-related problem, this information should be annotated in the “Additional Information Section” of the registration form. All information will remain confidential, but this information will be passed on to the Catechist, which will be helpful in teaching your child. If your child has an IEP (Individual Education Plan) please provide us with that information as well. Please call the Faith Formation Office for further information, so we may have the tools to better work with your child.
Medical Needs
If your child needs special medications, your child must carry them to and from class every week. Your child must be able to self-administer emergency treatments; our staff and volunteers are not qualified to do so. Please advise the Faith Formation Office of your child’s allergies/medical or emotional conditions and the proper responses. This information is kept confidential and shared only with your child’s teachers for safety purposes.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
Confessions will be offered during the year, during Advent and Lent. All children in grades third through eighth participate (and second grade after their First Reconciliation). All children are expected to be familiar with the Act of Contrition and the proper procedures for the sacrament. The students will learn this in class, but parents should review these procedures and the Act of Contrition with their child. These opportunities for Confession should merely complement the families’ frequent reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Faith Formation Program cannot function without the generous support of its volunteers, including catechists, aides, substitute catechists, coordinators and office helpers. All volunteers must be fully compliant with all Safe Environment clearances, prior to the start of classes. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Mrs. Petrovich at: bpetrovich@smapgh.org
Class session times (In-Person)
Tuesday 4:15-5:30
Tuesday 6:30-7:45
Wednesday 5:00-6:15
Class Assignment Policy
The Faith Formation Program at Saint Michael the Archangel Parish offers three In-Person Sessions each week to accommodate the number of children seeking religious education. Classes are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, we offer Homeschool Faith Formation which will be done at home with a parent.
Once online registration is completed, a copy of each child’s Baptismal Certificate, for those in sacramental years and full tuition payment have been received, your registration will be processed. Applications received after September 6th are not guaranteed a place in the program for this year.
Transfer Requests
A transfer request is deemed requesting a transfer from one Faith Formation session at St. Michael’s to another. For example, switching from In-person to Homeschool or from one In-person session to another In-person session. Please carefully select the session time for your child/children. Each family may have ONE transfer request per year. This will be granted at the discretion of the Faith Formation Coordinator. Any additional transfer requests will be assessed a $25 fee.
Grade Levels
Children should be enrolled in the same grade as their academic grade, unless circumstances make that unfeasible. For more information, contact Mrs. Petrovich. Our Sacramental Preparation Program for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion requires that children attend both First and Second Grade Faith Formation years before receiving these Sacraments. Children will not be enrolled in Second Grade Faith Formation unless they have completed First Grade Faith Formation or can demonstrate knowledge of the First Grade material. Similarly, preparation for Confirmation is begun in Seventh Grade and completed in Eighth Grade. Children must complete both of these grades of Faith Formation in order to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. For more information regarding our Sacramental Preparation Programs, please contact Mrs. Petrovich.
Discipline:
Every child and catechist in our program deserves respect and the opportunity to grow in their faith in a safe and cooperative atmosphere. Please impress upon your children the importance of respectful behavior towards their fellow classmates and the dedicated volunteer catechists. Each catechist will specify rules and expectations for his or her class that the learners will be expected to comply with. If difficulties with behavior arise, the catechist will give the child a warning. If necessary, the child will be removed from the classroom and sent to the office where he or she will complete his or her class work. If the disruptive behavior continues, the child will be removed from class and a conference with the child, parent and DRE will be scheduled. In the event the disruptive behavior continues, the child will be placed in the homeschool program.
Class Arrivals
Please be sure your child arrives on time each week as classes will begin promptly at their designated times. We typically meet in Clairvaux Hall for the opening session, then move into the school building. Please see the school calendar for dates when we will meet directly in the school. Please also watch for Flocknote reminders. The entrance to the building will only be through the main school entrance, facing Washington Road. Late arrivals disrupt the class and are disrespectful to the catechists and students. Please make every effort that your children arrive for class on time so that the lessons are not disrupted.
Tardiness
If a child arrives late for class, he/she will need to sign in tardy before going to class. Please arrive at least five minutes before the start of class.
Tuesday at 4:15, Tuesday at 6:30 and Wednesday at 5:00 are when classes start, not the times that students are to be dropped off for class.
Attendance/Absences
Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class day. Please do not send a sick child to class. If your child will be out for more than two consecutive sessions, please contact the Faith Formation office to make arrangements to pick up your child’s book and for work to be done at home.
Confirmation Preparation classes for 7th and 8th graders:
Because Confirmation preparation is so important, each In-Person 7th and 8th grade Faith Formation child will be given a login to the Ascension website to be used if he/she misses the regular class due to illness. All missed lessons must be completed independently! These make-up assignments will be completed with the student’s personal SMA email, through their Google Classroom. These emails may not be used for external use.
If you will miss an extended period of time due to sports, it is advised to sign up for the Homeschool Faith Formation rather than In-Person. Anyone missing more than three consecutive dates may be moved to the Homeschool program to allow space for others in the In-Person session.
Inclement Weather/Cancellations
In the event of bad weather or a need to cancel Faith Formation, you will be notified via Flocknote. Please check your messages regularly.
Dress Code
Certain types of attire are not appropriate to wear to Faith Formations class or in Church, in the presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Our efforts to teach students reverence for God and each other include guiding them in how to best present themselves modestly and respectfully. Anyone wearing clothing described above will be sent to the school office to call home for a change of clothing.
Arrival
Please arrive 5 minutes prior to the start time of class. Children should be dropped off to Clairvaux Hall in most instances. You will be sent a Flocknote reminder if this changes.
Departure
Children are dismissed through the back doors of the school, from the porch. Parents of younger children are invited to wait on the porch to meet their child at dismissal time. Grades K-2nd are dismissed first, then grades 3-8. FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL CHILDREN, PLEASE WATCH THAT CHILDREN ARE IN THEIR CARS BEFORE LEAVING.
Early Dismissals:
These are strongly discouraged as children miss important parts of their lessons. When a child must leave class early, he or she must bring in an Early Dismissal Note signed by the parent or guardian. The note should be given to the catechist who will inform the office to expect you. The individual picking up the child for an early dismissal must come to the main school entrance and sign the child out. A child will not be released to anyone other than the parent or guardian without written permission of the parent or guardian.
Electronic Devices
Students are not permitted to use electronic devices or hand held toys in any part of Faith Formation. Any student using Cell phones, I-Watches and other such devices will be asked to put it away. If they do not comply, it will be confiscated by the catechist and returned to the student after the session.
Sacramental Preparations
Students in “Sacramental Years” preparing for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in Grades 1 and 2 and students preparing for Confirmation in Grades 7 and 8, are expected to faithfully attend weekly classes, and demonstrate the practice of their Faith attending Sunday Mass weekly. Parents of students with habitual or consecutive absences from class will be required to discuss the child’s readiness to receive these Sacraments that year with Mrs. Petrovich. Receiving the Sacrament may need to be delayed in such cases.