St. Michael’s Catholic Church Parish School of Religion
Student/Parent Handbook Middle and High School 2012-2013
St. Michael Catholic Church Parish School of Religion
106 N. Western Ave. Girard, KS 66743 office: 620.724.8717 during PSR classes: 620.724.4319 (hall) www.stmichaelgirard.com
parish office hours: Tuesday-Friday from 9:30 am - noon
Our Parish Mission Statement
We the parishioners of Saint Michael the Archangel, through leadership and strong traditions are faithful disciples of the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Catholic church. We will commit ourselves to be generous stewards of our faith, our parish and our community. We will strive to involve all members to be united in one parish family for the salvation of all.
(draft)
Table of Contents Introduction Goals Parental/Student commitment statement Catechists Class logistics Admission policy Non-discrimination policy Registration Class times Attendance Tardiness Arrival/Dismissal Supervision Cancellation of classes Fees Homework Policies Discipline General rules Cell phones/electronic equipment Tobacco, Drugs & Alcohol & Weapons Policy Dress code Harassment Smoking Medication Safe Environment/VIRTUS Internet & Electronic communications Accident/Illness Emergency Situations Special Needs Conduct in church Participation in Liturgical Celebrations Sacramental programs Other items Appendix A: Mass etiquette Appendix B: Suggestions for Parents Parent/student handbook agreement (copy)
2 2 3 4
5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 9 10 11 12 13 14
St.
Michael
PSR
Handbook
–
Middle/High
School,
2012-‐2013
Page
1
Introduction
CCD…PSR…Religious
Ed…catechism…what
does
it
mean
and
why
does
the
name
keep
changing?
Over
the
last
several
decades,
the
name
“CCD”
has
been,
in
many
areas,
replaced
by
“religious
education”.
This
change
has
been
initiated
by
those
in
charge
of
directing
the
catechesis
of
the
Church.
Out
of
this
came
“Parish
School
of
Religion”
or
“PSR”
which
was
used
to
describe
the
religious
education
program
of
parishes
outside
of
that
taught
in
catholic
schools.
Why
the
change
in
name?
Some
felt
that
it
gave
greater
emphasis
to
the
multifaceted
nature
of
our
faith
experience.
They
felt
evangelization
was
more
than
teaching
doctrine:
it
is
teaching
persons
to
seek
Christ,
find
Christ,
know
Christ,
and
love
Christ.
Some
thought
that
the
goal
of
CCD
was
only
to
teach
doctrine,
preferring
the
broader
title
"religious
education."
Despite
the
various
names,
they
basically
mean
the
same
thing:
weekly
classes
in
the
faith
for
youth
covering
the
creed,
the
sacraments,
the
commandments
and
prayer.
While
we
are
moving
towards
using
the
term
“PSR”
in
our
parish,
all
these
names
fall
under
the
broader
title
“Faith
Formation”,
which
is
what
our
diocesan
office
formerly
known
as
the
“Office
of
Religious
Education”
is
now
called.
Goals
of
the
Program
The
distinctive
purpose
of
catholic
education
is
to
help
all
to
proclaim
the
Gospel,
build
community,
and
be
moved
to
service
of
one
another.
Priests,
catechists,
parents
and
students
should
experience
what
it
means
to
live
a
life
of
personal
and
community
responsibility
in
Christ.
Educators
and
all
those
responsible
for
Catholic
faith
formation
strive
to
enable
students
to
grow
toward
the
following
goals
as
they
participate
in
programs,
activities,
and
practices.
Become
A
Fully
Developed
Catholic
Person
• have
a
well-‐rounded
education
for
cognitive,
affective
and
behavioral
development
• have
a
religion
program
that
forms
and
informs
• possess
a
mastery
of
skills
and
competencies
for
learning
• develop
a
learning
program
suited
to
individual
ability/needs
• have
opportunities
to
build
self-‐identity,
self-‐worth,
self-‐esteem
• appreciate
self
as
a
unique
person
of
dignity,
loved
by
God
• integrate
human
and
spiritual
growth
• have
a
love
for
learning
and
continuing
personal
development
• create
a
climate
for
developing
self-‐discipline
and
responsibility
• develop
skills
for
adjusting
to
a
changing
world/society
• have
opportunities
for
physical
and
mental
fitness
Live
As
A
Catholic
In
Community:
Family,
Neighborhood,
Parish,
Nation,
World
• live
in
a
faith
community
in
which
adults
are
Catholic
models
• have
opportunities
to
pray
and
worship
with
school/family/parish
communities
• be
educated
for
justice,
peace,
mercy
• experience
collaboration
of
family
and
school
• recognize
all
as
brothers
and
sisters
with
God
as
Creator
of
all
• appreciate
people
of
other
races/cultures
• realize
the
interdependence
of
peoples
• develop
skills
for
living
in
society:
communication;
career
preparation;
reasoning
abilities;
problem
solving;
decision
making;
critical
thinking.
.
.
• understand
the
responsibilities
of
citizenship
• demonstrate
concern
for
public
health
and
safety
Choose
Catholic
Values
For
Living
Now
And
For
Life
• study
human
values
common
to
all:
friendship;
freedom;
fairness;
human
rights;
pride
in
work
• study
Catholic/Gospel
values;
establishment
of
priorities
• have
growth
opportunities
for
moral
development
• assist
in
formation
of
conscience
• have
guidelines
and
opportunities
for
making
Catholic
moral
decisions
• grow
in
appreciation
of
culture
and
beauty
St.
Michael
PSR
Handbook
–
Middle/High
School,
2012-‐2013
Page
2
Parent/Student
Commitment
Statement
Our
PSR
program
is
founded
on
a
partnership
with
parents.
This
partnership
works
best
when
all
parties
acknowledge
their
respective
roles
and
responsibilities
in
the
education
of
children.
Accordingly,
St.
Michael's
PSR
program
accepts
students
whose
parents
know
the
value
of
religious
education
and
desire
a
special
kind
of
school
where
catholic
teaching
and
moral
formation
are
an
integral
part
of
the
student's
experience.
As
evidence
of
your
understanding
of
the
fundamental
principles
of
the
PSR
program,
and
your
essential
role
in
its
success,
we
ask
all
parents
to
assent
to
the
following
Parent
Commitment
Statement:
We/I
know
that
no
matter
how
clearly
and
effectively
the
parish
of
St.
Michael
communicates
the
truths
of
our
faith,
unless
my
children
see
these
truths
take
flesh
in
our
family,
there
is
little
hope
that
the
faith
will
take
root
in
their
hearts.
I
understand,
therefore,
my
own
witness
is
essential
to
the
religious
development
and
growth
of
my
children.
Aware
of
the
dignity
of
this
call
from
God
and
acknowledging
the
responsibility
which
is
mine,
I
re-‐commit
myself
to
be,
in
word
and
deed,
the
first
teacher
of
my
children.
In
so
committing,
I
pledge:
• We/I,
as
a
family,
will
participate
consistently
and
actively
in
the
Sunday
Eucharist
• We/I
will
speak
to
my
children
about
God
and
make
prayer
an
integral
and
important
part
of
the
environment
of
our
home.
• We/I
will
participate
and
cooperate
in
the
religious
education
and
especially
the
sacramental
preparation
of
my
children,
and
to
become
more
knowledgeable
about
the
Catholic
Faith;
• We/I
will
accept
my
responsibility
to
support
the
moral
and
social
teachings
of
the
Catholic
Church
to
ensure
consistency
between
home
and
school
• We/I
will
teach
my
children
by
work
and
example
to
have
a
love
and
concern
for
the
needs
of
others,
especially
the
poor;
print
name:
_____________________________
signature
_______________________________
date___________________
print
name:
_____________________________
signature
_______________________________
date___________________
Student
statement
As
a
student
in
the
St.
Michael’s
PSR
program,
I
pledge
to
do
my
best
to
learn
and
grow
in
my
faith.
I
will
act
with
respect
towards
myself,
other
students,
members
of
the
parish,
and
God’s
creation.
I
will
join
with
my
parish
community
to
celebrate
Sunday
Eucharist.
__________________________
____________________________
_________________________
signature
of
student
signature
of
student
signature
of
student
St.
Michael
PSR
Handbook
–
Middle/High
School,
2012-‐2013
Page
3
St.
Michael
PSR
middle
&
high
school
catechists
2012-‐2013
Pastor
&
Director
of
Religious
Education:
Fr.
Roger
Lumbre
[email protected]
Evening
program
coordinator:
Michelle
Smith-‐Puckett
[email protected]
Catechists
by
grade:
6th
grade
7th
grade
8th
grade
9th
grade
10th
grade
11th
grade
12th
grade
Butch
Reif
Mary
Leritz
Kristen
&
Doug
Graham
Fr.
Roger
Lumbre
Pat
Westhoff
Mary
McClaskey
Dr.
Adam
Paoni
&
Faith
Paoni
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected];
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected];
[email protected]
Confirmation
team:
Fr.
Roger
Lumbre
Dr.
Adam
Paoni
Michelle
Smith-‐Puckett
Pat
Westhoff
Rachel
Ausemus
Carrie
Smith
High
school
youth
ministry
(CYM)
[email protected] [email protected]
Our
program
reflects
the
following
principles:
We
view
the
family
as
the
first
community
of
faith.
We
know
that
in
our
parish
there
is
a
wide
range
of
family
forms—single-‐parent,
blended,
and
two-‐parent
families.
We
believe
parents
are
the
primary
religious
educators
of
their
children.
Page
4
St.
Michael
PSR
Handbook
–
Middle/High
School,
2012-‐2013
We
identify
ourselves
as
partners
with
you.
One
hour
a
week
cannot
compare
in
terms
of
influence
to
the
thousands
of
hours
a
child
spends
with
family
and
friends.
Partnership
By
choosing
to
enroll
your
child
in
the
PSR
program,
you
are
agreeing
to
a
partnership
with
the
parish
and
yourself,
as
the
primary
educator.
The
religious
formation
of
your
child
is
dependent
upon
an
active
faith
life
within
your
family.
Participation
at
the
Sunday
liturgy
and
family
prayer
are
essentials
for
faith
development.
The
parish
provides
well-‐planned
liturgies,
the
source
and
high
point
of
religious
experience.
The
PSR
program
offers
religious
instruction
consistent
with
the
Catechism
of
the
Catholic
Church.
Our
catechists
are
people
of
faith
who
volunteer
their
time
and
talent.
They
prepare
lessons
with
care
and
use
a
curriculum
approved
by
the
diocese
of
Wichita.
Your
support
and
cooperation
with
the
program
plays
a
vital
role
in
our
success.
By
working
together
in
a
spirit
of
love
and
concern
for
the
needs
of
the
children
&
youth,
we
hope
to
create
a
positive
experience
of
church
in
the
process
of
passing
on
the
faith.
Class
Logistics
Admission
Policy
St.
Michael’s
PSR
Program
is
a
parish
religious
education
program
founded
to
serve
the
people
of
St.
Michael
and
St.
Joseph
parishes
who
parents
subscribe
to
the
philosophy
and
goals
of
the
program
(as
witnessed
by
their
acceptance
of
the
"Parental
Commitment
Statement").
Students
attend
the
same
PSR
grade,
1
–
12,
as
coincides
with
their
grade
level
at
school.
Non-‐discrimination
policy
St.
Michael’s
Parish
and
PSR
Program
admits
students
of
any
sex,
race,
religion,
color,
nationality,
and
ethnic
origin
to
programs
and
activities
generally
accorded
or
made
available
to
students
in
the
program.
It
does
not
discriminate
on
the
basis
of
sex,
race,
religion,
color,
nationality
or
ethnic
origin
in
administration
of
educational
policies,
employment
practices
or
other
PSR
administered
programs.
Catholic
Doctrine
St.
Michael’s
Parish
and
PSR
Program
shall
uphold
the
teachings
and
disciplines
of
the
Roman
Catholic
Church.
Compromising
the
tenets
of
the
faith
in
word
or
deed
will
not
be
tolerated.
Registration
No
student
will
be
admitted
to
class
until
she
or
he
has
been
registered.
Registrations
are
typically
completed
prior
to
the
first
regular
class
session
of
the
year.
Registrations
are
accepted
during
the
year
for
new
and
transfer
students.
Class Times
Classes
are
held
on
Wednesday
evenings
for
students
in
grades
6-‐12.
Evening
classes
begin
with
mass
at
6:30
pm
followed
by
classroom
instruction
that
ends
at
8:15
pm.
Please
check
the
calendar
for
PSR
holidays.
Attendance
Regular
class
attendance
is
crucial
to
a
child’s
religious
education.
It
is
expected
that
a
student
will
miss
ONLY
for
a
serious
reason.
Catechist’s
lesson
plans
build
on
the
previous
week’s
material
making
attendance
important
for
your
child’s
understanding
of
the
concepts
presented
for
the
year.
Regular
attendance
is
imperative
for
those
students
in
sacramental
classes.
Punctual
arrival
of
students
is
expected.
Evening
classes
begin
with
mass
at
6:30
pm
followed
by
classroom
instruction
that
ends
at
8:15
pm.
•
If
a
student
needs
to
leave
class
early,
written
consent
from
the
parent/guardian
is
required
before
class
begins.
St.
Michael
PSR
Handbook
–
Middle/High
School,
2012-‐2013
Page
5
•
If
a
child
becomes
ill
during
class,
parents
will
be
contacted.
If
parents
cannot
be
reached
by
phone,
the
individual
on
the
emergency
section
of
the
registration
form
will
be
contacted.
Please
keep
this
information
updated.
Tardiness
It
is
very
important
to
be
in
class
on
time.
Tardy
arrivals
disrupt
classes
and
rob
students
of
valuable
class
time.
Thus,
tardiness
must
be
held
to
a
minimum.
Arrival/Departure
Procedures
Arrival
Upon
arrival,
all
students
are
to
proceed
to
the
church
to
sit
with
their
class
for
mass
at
6:30
pm.
After
mass,
students
will
walk
quietly
to
their
classrooms
in
the
parish
hall.
If
a
student
arrives
after
mass
has
begun,
they
are
to
enter
the
church
and
sit
quietly.
No
student
is
allowed
into
a
classroom
without
a
catechist
present.
Students
should
not
go
directly
to
the
parish
hall
before
classes
have
begun.
Departure
Students
are
dismissed
from
class
at
8:15
pm
from
the
evening
program.
Parents/guardians
may
pick
up
their
child
from
their
classroom
or
in
the
parking
lot.
Supervision
No
supervision
is
provided
before
or
after
class
time.
Students
are
not
encouraged
to
arrive
more
than
5
minutes
before
class
time.
Students
should
be
picked
up
promptly
after
class.
Cancellation
of
classes
If
Girard
Public
Schools
(USD
#248)
cancels
class
on
Wednesday,
there
will
be
no
classes
that
afternoon
or
evening.
If
Girard
Public
Schools
are
in
but
the
normal
school
day
is
shorten
for
any
reason
(weather
or
teacher
in-‐service,
for
example)
there
will
be
no
classes
that
afternoon
or
evening.
If
school
is
in
session
but
inclement
weather
develops
during
the
day
or
in
the
hours
just
prior
to
PSR
class
time,
there
may
be
a
question
whether
PSR
classes
will
be
held
that
evening.
If
it
is
determined
that
the
best
decision
is
to
cancel
classes
because
of
bad
weather
or
a
definite
threat
of
bad
weather,
the
cancellation
of
classes
will
be
announced
at
each
of
the
elementary,
middle
and
high
schools.
An
e-‐mail
message
will
also
be
sent
to
all
those
whose
e-‐mail
addresses
are
listed
on
your
registration
form.
We
do
NOT
have
a
telephone
chain
so
you
will
NOT
receive
a
telephone
call.
Fees
St.
Michael's
PSR
Program
is
funded
primarily
through
the
parish
funds
supplemented
by
nominal
family
enrollment
fees
each
year.
Hence,
it
is
very
important
that
families
do
their
fair
share
in
supporting
the
parish
with
their
time,
talents
and
financial
gifts.
The
tuition
for
the
program
is
$10.00
per
student
per
year
(1
child=10.00,
2
or
more
children=20.00).
Tuition
is
due
at
registration
or
before
the
first
night
of
class.
Homework
Homework
assignments
will
occasionally
be
made
by
your
child's
catechist.
Parents
are
expected
to
keep
abreast
of
their
child's
weekly
assignments
and
to
assist
their
children
in
arriving
at
class
with
homework
and
other
class
preparation
completed.
Assignments
may
include
reading
or
other
written
work
from
the
student
text,
family
interaction,
prayer
experiences,
taking
notes
regarding
the
Scripture
readings
or
homily
from
Sunday
Mass,
etc.
This
is
especially
important
for
students
preparing
to
receive
sacraments
for
the
first
time.
At
each
grade
level,
there
exist
a
certain
number
of
prayers
or
basic
information
that
must
be
committed
to
memory.
Parents
are
responsible
for
the
child’s
progress
in
this
area.
Parents
are
encouraged
to
pray
the
prayers
as
a
family,
thus
making
it
easier
for
the
child
to
memorize
the
prayers.
St.
Michael
PSR
Handbook
–
Middle/High
School,
2012-‐2013
Page
6
Your
support
at
these
times
is
very
important
and
we
thank
you
for
it
in
advance.
General
Policies
Discipline
Each
teacher
will
clearly
communicate
her/his
expectations
regarding
general
rules
and
specific
classroom
rules
and
what
the
consequences
of
various
student
behaviors
will
be.
Rules
will
be
clear
and
concise.
If
there
is
a
behavior
problem
in
the
classroom,
the
student
will
be
asked
to
stop.
If
the
student
continues
to
misbehave,
then
Father
Roger
will
be
asked
to
talk
with
them.
If
the
student’s
misbehavior
continues,
the
parents
will
then
be
contacted
and
possibly
asked
to
pick
up
student
from
class
to
prevent
disruptions
for
the
remainder
of
the
class.
General
Rules
A
student’s
behavior
is
to
be
consistent
with
the
example
given
us
in
the
person
of
Jesus.
This
behavior
is
expected
at
all
times,
and
is
to
be
extended
to
all
persons.
Behavior
includes
physical
actions,
speech,
and
manner
toward
others.
Jesus
teaches
us
to
be
loving,
caring,
and
forgiving.
The
following
rules
will
be
observed
by
all
students:
•
uphold
the
dignity
of
all
persons
by
treating
fellow
students,
catechists,
and
others
with
Christian
respect
•
care
for
and
preserve
textbooks,
supplies,
the
contents
of
the
desks
we
use
and
the
parish
hall
and
grounds
•
conduct
according
to
sound
Christian
moral
principles
at
all
times
•
fully
participate
in
the
educational,
prayer
and
liturgical
programs
•
create
an
environment
which
is
conducive
to
learning,
prayer
and
worship
by
not
running,
yelling
or
engaging
in
other
disruptive
behaviors
in
the
church
or
hall,
including
the
use
of
cell
phones
in
any
manner
Cell
phones/electronic
equipment
Students
are
not
to
have
cell
phones
out
during
class.
Use
of
cell
phones
during
class
will
not
be
tolerated
and
will
be
confiscated
and
given
to
the
Coordinator.
Parents
may
retrieve
cell
phones
from
the
Coordinator
when
classes
have
concluded.
Students
may
not
bring
items
such
as
toys,
electronic
equipment,
headphones,
etc
or
any
object
that
may
distract
from
class.
If
a
student
needs
to
make
a
phone
call,
there
is
one
available
in
the
office
that
they
may
use
with
permission.
Tobacco,
Drugs
and
Alcohol
Any
student
found
to
be
in
possession
of
tobacco,
drugs,
alcohol
or
any
controlled
substance
will
be
immediately
suspended
from
the
program.
Included
are
any
harmless
look-‐like
drugs
or
medication
brought,
displayed,
distributed
or
promoted
as
providing
a
specific
effect
or
aid
to
improvement
of
skill
or
ability.
Any
such
substance
construed
as
abusive
or
dangerous
in
nature
and
which
is
observed
as
potentially
harmful
in
essence
or
intent
to
the
welfare
of
any
student
is
prohibited
and
will
be
subject
to
disciplinary
action.
Weapon
Policy
An
item
viewed
in
the
eyes
of
the
catechist
as
a
weapon
shall
be
confiscated,
and
the
student
will
be
subject
to
disciplinary
action.
A
weapon
could
be
any
instrument,
tool,
device
or
bodily
part
that
can
cause
bodily
harm
to
an
St.
Michael
PSR
Handbook
–
Middle/High
School,
2012-‐2013
Page
7
individual
and/or
cause
damage
to
personal
property.
Depending
on
the
nature
of
the
offense,
the
police
or
other
public
authorities
may
be
immediately
notified.
Dress
Christian
modesty
and
respectability
is
expected
within
our
environment.
Students
attending
the
PSR
program
should
present
themselves
in
a
manner
of
dress
that
promotes
Christian
modesty.
Anyone
with
questionable
dress
will
be
asked
to
wear
something
from
the
office
for
the
duration
of
class.
Harassment
Harassment
of
any
nature
of/by
students
will
not
be
tolerated
and
will
be
subject
to
disciplinary
action.
A
conference
will
be
held
with
the
student,
catechist,
student’s
parents,
and
the
pastor.
Smoking
St.
Michael’s
PSR
is
in
accord
with
the
advice
and
direction
of
the
Diocese
of
Wichita,
Kansas,
and
will
comply
as
a
non-‐smoking
environment.
Medication
PSR
personnel
will
not
dispense
medication
of
any
kind
(including
non-‐prescription
medication
such
as
aspirin,
Tylenol,
etc.)
to
any
student.
Visitors
Visitors
are
not
allowed
in
the
classrooms
without
prior
permission.
We
are
very
open
to
sharing
our
program
and
all
that
we
do
with
parents
and
other
interested
parties
and
visitors,
but
please
coordinate
in
advance
with
your
child’s
catechist.
Safe
Environment
Program-‐
VIRTUS
The
Wichita
Diocese
has
established
a
Safe
Environment
Program
which
is
designed
to
protect
children
while
they
are
in
the
care,
custody
or
control
of
any
person
working
on
behalf
of
the
Church.
Part
of
the
program
requires
every
person
(paid
or
volunteer)
interested
in
working
with
children
to
have
a
background
check
and
to
take
VIRTUS
training.
The
purpose
of
this
background
check
is
to
make
sure
we
do
not
accept
those
whose
criminal
backgrounds
would
prevent
them
from
volunteering
with
children
(offenses
such
as
assault,
domestic
violence,
corruption
of
a
minor,
sexual
crimes,
etc.)
The
class
is
designed
to
raise
awareness
of
the
problem
of
sexual
abuse
and
how
to
prevent
it.
The
required
class
educates
adults
on
how
to
recognize
the
warning
signs
of
abuse
in
children
and
what
to
do
when
they
suspect
a
child
is
being
victimized.
VIRTUS
training/volunteer
registration
form
and
standards
of
conduct
form
are
mandatory
for
volunteers
18
and
older.
Please
contact
the
Parish
Office
for
forms
and
training
information
or
go
to
www.virtus.org
to
participate
in
a
training
session
at
a
convenient
place
and
time.
Mandated
Reporting
St.
Michael’s
Parish
complies
with
the
Kansas
Child
Abuse
Reporting
law.
All
catechists
and
staff,
as
mandated
reporters,
are
required
to
report
situations
of
suspected
abuse
or
neglect
to
proper
authorities.
Internet
and
Electronic
Communications
Conduct:
A
safe
environment
for
all
members
of
the
community
should
be
a
hallmark
of
a
parish
school
of
religion.
This
is
accomplished,
in
part,
by
fostering
a
climate
based
on
Gospel
values
that
emphasize
the
dignity
of
and
respect
for
all
persons.
Words,
actions,
or
depictions
which
violate
the
privacy,
safety,
or
good
name
of
others
are
inconsistent
with
that
goal.
When
students
jeopardize
the
safe
environment
or
act
contrary
to
those
Gospel
values
they
can
be
subject
to
disciplinary
action
by
the
parish
school
of
religion.
Page
8
St.
Michael
PSR
Handbook
–
Middle/High
School,
2012-‐2013
This
policy
applies
to
communications
or
depictions
through
e-‐mail,
text
messages,
or
web
site
postings,
whether
they
occur
through
the
PSR’s
equipment
or
connectivity
resources
or
through
private
communications,
which:
(1)
are
of
a
sexual
nature;
(2)
threaten,
libel,
slander,
malign,
disparage,
harass
or
embarrass
members
of
the
PSR
community
or
(3)
in
the
coordinator
or
pastor’s
discretion,
cause
harm
to
St.
Michaels
or
the
PSR
community
(collectively
referred
to
as
“Inappropriate
Electronic
Conduct”).
Volunteers
may
not
use
personal
websites,
blogs,
e-‐mail,
social
networking
sites,
text
messaging,
and
the
like
to
individually
communicate
with
students.
For
convenience,
PSR
catechists
&
volunteers
may
communicate
with
parents
using
a
personal
cell
phone
to
ensure
student
safety
in
an
emergency
situation.
Parents/guardians
are
encouraged
to
report
to
the
pastor
or
Coordinator
any
electronic
or
digital
communications
in
violation
of
this
policy.
Accidents,
Illness
&
Injuries
All
student
accidents,
injuries
or
illness
happening
on
parish
property
during
PSR
should
be
reported
to
the
PSR
Coordinator
and/or
pastor
immediately.
Parents
will
be
contacted
immediately
for
determination
of
response
and
action.
Emergency
Situations/Sheltering
in
Place
It
is
imperative
that
all
schools
have
a
plan
of
action
in
case
of
local,
state,
or
national
emergency.
The
following
plan
will
be
used
should
an
event
that
warrants
the
cancellation
of
classes
occur.
1. If
an
emergency
occurs
in
the
community,
state,
or
nation
during
the
day
prior
to
a
PSR
session,
classes
would
be
cancelled
that
evening.
Tune
into
the
local
news
channels
for
news
of
the
cancellation.
2. If
an
emergency
occurs
in
the
community,
state,
or
nation
during
PSR
and
there
is
no
immediate
danger,
classes
would
finish
as
scheduled
and
the
situation
would
be
assessed
for
the
following
week.
3. If
an
emergency
occurs
and
there
was
an
imminent
threat
to
the
Girard
area,
the
building
would
be
locked
down
with
entrance
into
the
facilities
through
one
door
(south
main
entrance).
In
such
an
event,
we
would
ask
that
parents
pick
up
their
children
and
do
so
by
coming
to
your
child’s
classroom.
Teachers
have
been
instructed
to
only
let
students
go
if
a
parent
is
present.
4. In
the
case
that
weather
sirens
would
be
sounded
indicating
approaching
severe
weather,
students
would
be
escorted
to
the
designated
community
shelter,
RV
Haderlein
Elementary,
to
take
shelter
in
their
basement.
Although it is unlikely we will have to use such a plan, we hope you can see the importance in being prepared.
Students
with
Special
Needs
We
strive
to
offer
appropriate
religious
formation
for
all
children
and
youth
regardless
of
their
abilities
or
needs.
The
U.S.
Conference
of
Catholic
Bishops
(USCCB)
stated
in
1995,
“By
reason
of
their
baptism,
all
Catholics
are
equal
in
dignity
in
the
sight
of
God
and
have
the
same
divine
calling.”
We
work
with
families
to
place
all
students
in
our
classes.
Conduct
in
Church
At
different
times
throughout
the
year
students
will
go
to
church,
either
as
a
class
or
the
entire
group.
Proper
behavior
and
a
respectful
attitude
is
expected
of
them.
Hats
should
be
removed.
Student
should
bless
themselves
with
Holy
Water
upon
entering
the
church.
Before
entering
and
leaving
the
pew,
each
student
should
genuflect/bow
to
the
tabernacle
making
the
Sign
of
the
Cross.
Students
are
encouraged
to
actively
participate
in
the
liturgy
with
word,
song
and
active
listening.
Participation
in
Liturgical
Celebrations
Several
liturgical
and
sacramental
opportunities
are
available
throughout
the
school
year:
opportunity
to
receive
Reconciliation
during
the
fall
and
during
Lent,
attend
prayer
services
at
various
times
throughout
the
year
like
participate
in
the
rosary,
and
Stations
of
the
Cross.
For
the
most
part,
PSR
classes
are
instructional
classes.
Children
will
receive
the
bulk
of
their
liturgical
training
and
upbringing
by
attending
Mass
weekly
as
a
family.
Young
children
can
receive
a
blessing
from
the
priest
during
communion.
Simply
have
the
child
cross
their
arms
over
their
St.
Michael
PSR
Handbook
–
Middle/High
School,
2012-‐2013
Page
9
chest
when
they
approach
the
priest,
instead
of
receiving
the
Body
of
Christ.
Having
young
children
wait
for
this
special
sacrament
builds
a
desire
in
their
heart
for
Jesus.
Sacramental
Programs
St.
Michael's
PSR
Program
leads
second
grade
students
to
the
reception
of
First
Reconciliation
and
First
Communion
and
leads
high
school
aged
students
to
the
reception
of
Confirmation.
It
is
very
important
for
students
to
be
active
in
the
PSR
program
each
and
every
year.
IT
IS
ABSOLUTELY
NECESSARY
THAT
STUDENTS
PREPARING
FOR
THE
RECEPTION
OF
THE
SACRAMENTS
ATTEND
CLASS
REGULARLY,
COMPLETE
ALL
ASSIGNMENTS
AND
PARTICIPATE
FULLY
IN
THE
PROCESS.
In
addition
to
classroom
instruction,
parent
meetings
are
conducted
to
assist
the
family
in
preparing
for
the
sacraments.
Attendance
by
at
least
one
parent
at
these
meetings
is
mandatory,
and
both
parents
are
highly
encouraged
to
attend.
Parents
will
be
notified
the
date
and
time
of
these
meetings.
Special
note
regarding
Confirmation:
Students
must
attend
Confirmation
preparation
to
be
considered
candidates
for
Confirmation.
During
this
time
a
special
emphasis
is
placed
on
demonstrating
a
willingness
to
live
the
Christian
life
and
on
integrating
Christian
values
in
the
student’s
everyday
life.
Preparation
The
sacramental
life
is
one
of
the
distinguishing
characteristics
of
Catholicism.
We
live
in
wonder
and
awe
of
the
power
and
love
of
God,
which
we
recognize
in
God’s
creation,
in
moments
when
we
are
clear
and
certain
that
God
is
with
us
in
the
beauty
of
our
humanity
here
on
earth.
The
role
of
catechesis
is
preparing
to
celebrate
sacraments,
assist
children
with
understanding
how
God
is
at
work
in
our
lives,
and
how
we
respond
as
individuals
and
as
a
people.
Reconciliation
The
Sacrament
of
Penance
celebrates
and
makes
real
God’s
forgiveness
in
our
lives.
Catechetical
preparation
seeks
to
make
clear
that
in
relationship
with
God
and
with
each
other,
we
choose
to
act
rightly
or
wrongly;
that
we
seek
forgiveness
from
God
and
the
community
of
faith;
that
we
forgive
and
are
forgiven.
Eucharist
Eucharist
unites
us
ever
more
deeply
to
Christ
and
to
one
another
throughout
our
lives.
We
celebrate
and
pray
together
in
thanksgiving
that
Christ
is
with
us
here
and
now,
and
proclaim
in
our
celebration
and
with
our
lives
that
Christ
always
will
be.
Catechesis
for
children
seeks
to
strengthen
their
awareness
of
God’s
love
and
of
their
call
to
participate
in
the
Body
of
Christ,
and
in
the
works
of
charity,
service,
and
witness.
Catechesis
also
encourages
parents
to
reflect
on
their
own
Eucharistic
life,
how
it
is
growing
and
developing,
and
how
to
share
it
with
children.
Confirmation
Baptism
brings
us
into
the
Body
of
Christ.
Confirmation
affirms
and
strengthens
us
in
our
participation
in
the
mission
of
Christ.
Catechesis
prepares
the
candidate
to
understand
the
message
to
which
they
are
to
respond
and
the
faith
they
profess.
Parents
and
sponsors
are
intimately
involved
in
parish
catechesis
for
Confirmation.
Permanent
Records
The
Parish
Rectory
maintains
permanent
records
for
all
students
with
particular
regard
to
the
reception
of
the
sacraments.
Please
note
that
in
order
to
receive
First
Communion
and
Confirmation,
we
must
have
a
copy
of
the
St.
Michael
PSR
Handbook
–
Middle/High
School,
2012-‐2013
Page
10
child's
baptismal
certificate.
If
your
child
was
not
baptized
at
either
St.
Michael
or
St.
Joseph,
you
will
need
to
provide
a
copy
of
their
certificate.
Other
items
Family Events
During
the
course
of
the
year
several
events
are
planned
for
family
participation.
Please
check
the
calendar
and
plan
on
joining
our
PSR
community
for
these
special
celebrations.
Catechetical
Sunday
Catechists
are
commissioned
in
their
ministry
as
catechists
annually
at
a
parish
mass.
We
encourage
you
to
join
us
in
celebrating
the
gift
of
our
teachers.
Catechetical
Sunday
is
September
9th.
Lenten
“Operation
Rice
Bowl”
Mission
Project
Each
year
during
Lent,
our
children
engage
in
some
project
in
order
to
generate
an
awareness
of
the
specific
needs
of
the
people
in
the
world
around
them
and
their
connectedness
and
responsibility
to
others.
A
more
global
focus
on
children’s
poverty
compliments
the
mission
work
we
do
locally
in
our
community
and
in
our
own
parish.
Totus
Tuus
(vacation
bible
school)
Each
year
vacation
Bible
School
is
scheduled
during
the
summer
months.
This
program
is
designed
for
students
entering
1st
through
the
12th
grade.
Youth
are
encouraged
to
come
and
experience
the
love
of
Jesus
through
drama,
singing,
games,
crafts,
fellowship
and
creative
bible
exploration.
Dates
and
registration
details
go
out
in
early
summer.
Eucharistic
Adoration
St.
Michael’s
church
has
designated
Friday
as
our
day
of
special
graces
for
adoration
with
Exposition
of
the
Blessed
Sacrament.
Father
exposes
the
Blessed
Eucharist
for
adoration
immediately
following
7
am
mass,
and
reposes
Him
with
prayer
at
6
pm.
It
is
our
responsibility
to
take
some
time
to
adore
God
by
making
a
visit
and
receive
special
blessings.
All
our
children
are
encouraged
to
spend
time
before
the
Blessed
Sacrament
for
quiet
prayer
and
adoration.
Youth
Ministry
Starting
each
fall,
all
high
school
youth
are
invited
to
participate
in
Catholic
Youth
Ministry
(CYM)
one
Wednesday
each
month
during
normal
PSR
class.
These
evenings
will
be
a
mixture
of
social
time,
prayer,
games,
faith
learning,
and
discussion.
Other
social
and
service
opportunities
will
be
available
so
long
as
there
are
sufficient
parent
volunteers
to
help
with
food,
transportation
and
chaperone
presence.
This
will
be
open
to
all
high
school
aged
teens
at
St.
Michael
and
St.
Joseph
parishes.
St.
Michael’s
will
once
again
sponsor
another
youth
pilgrimage
in
association
with
March
For
Life
pilgrimage
during
the
week
of
January
23-‐28,
2013.
Fundraising
with
the
team
allows
participants
(adult
chaperones
and
youth)
to
help
offset
the
costs
of
attending.
St.
Michael
PSR
Handbook
–
Middle/High
School,
2012-‐2013
Page
11
Appendix
A
Mass
Etiquette
Etiquette
is
not
for
the
sake
of
stuffy
formalism.
Etiquette
ministers
a
style
of
holiness
and
an
attitude
of
genuine
humanity.
–
John
J.
O’Brien,
C.P.
Arriving
on
Time
We
ask
that
you
make
every
attempt
to
be
on
time
(even
early)
to
Mass.
Remember
to
allow
yourself
enough
time
for
parking.
Due
to
circumstances
out
of
our
control,
we
understand
that
there
are
times
tardiness
cannot
be
avoided.
If
Mass
has
begun,
please
enter
through
the
main
doors.
Please
wait
for
an
usher
to
assist
you
since
we
do
not
seat
people
during
particular
moments
of
the
liturgy,
such
as
during
the
readings
or
the
prayers.
Remember
that
it
is
better
to
be
present,
even
if
late,
than
it
is
to
be
absent
from
the
assembly.
An
alternative
would
be
to
wait
until
the
next
Mass.
Leaving
Before
the
Final
Blessing
Leaving
church
before
the
dismissal
ignores
another
important
part
of
the
Liturgy.
At
the
dismissal,
we
celebrate
our
commission
as
set
forth
by
Jesus
Christ
himself.
In
that,
Jesus’
last
words
to
his
disciples
were
“Therefore,
go
out
and
make
disciples
of
all
nations
…
And
behold,
I
am
with
you
until
the
end
of
the
age.”
Matthew
28:19-‐20.
Our
liturgy
has
a
beginning
(“In
the
name
of
the
Father…”)
and
an
end
(“Let
us
go
in
peace
to
love
and
serve
the
Lord
…”).
To
leave
immediately
after
Communion
is
to
treat
church
like
a
fast
food
restaurant
where
we
come
and
go
as
we
please.
We
live
in
a
fast-‐paced
world
where
we
seem
to
be
hurrying
from
place
to
place.
But
in
God’s
presence,
we
need
to
make
every
attempt
to
fight
this
pressure
to
move
on
to
the
next
thing
on
the
day’s
agenda.
Eat
and
run
at
McDonald’s
–
but
stay
in
church
and
thank
God
for
his
precious
gifts.
Announcements
Announcements
are
family
business.
Please
refrain
from
visiting
and
listen
attentively
to
the
announcements.
Cell
Phones
and
Pagers
Please
remember
to
silence
all
cell
phones
and
pagers
before
entering
the
church.
There
should
be
no
text
messaging
during
Mass.
St.
Michael
PSR
Handbook
–
Middle/High
School,
2012-‐2013
Page
12
Appendix
B
HOW
YOUR
CHILD
CAN
GET
THE
MOST
FROM
PSR
ENCOURAGE
YOUR
CHILD
TO
SHARE
THEIR
CLASSROOM
EXPERIENCE
WITH
YOU
Make time to discuss with your children what they did in PSR class. A typical answer is “nothing”. Try hard to draw your child’s answer past “nothing,” and talk about “something” that happened. Ask them to share with you one thing they learned in class they didn’t know before. Share your religious experiences with your children.
REGULAR
ATTENDANCE
AT
MASS,
SPECIAL
SERVICES
AND
CELEBRATIONS
Religious education is incomplete without practicing one’s faith. Take your child to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days. Attend special liturgical celebrations with your child. It is important that you take your child to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on a regular basis.
COMMUNICATION
You are encouraged to call your child’s catechist, one of the coordinators, youth ministers or the pastor should any problems arise or should you have any questions or suggestions. The catechists, likewise, are encouraged to call upon you for assistance. Please be open to communication. This is the best deterrent to small problems becoming big ones. You are encouraged and welcomed to sit in on your child’s class at any time.
The most common methods of communication include: • weekly parish bulletin • e-mail • parish web site: www.stmichaelgirard.com From time-to-time your child may be given papers with important papers to take home. Please ask them each week if they have anything for you. EMAIL is the most frequently used means of communicating important information. It is very important: 1) that we have a workable email address for you (or someone who can accept email for you, 2) that you check your email, and 3) that you inform the PSR program of any changes to your email address.
PRAY
WITH
YOUR
CHILDREN
We cannot emphasize enough the importance of prayer. A child learns their first prayers from their parents before they come to PSR classes. Prayer is defined as “raising the mind and heart to God.” People raise their minds and hearts for the purpose of being in contact with God for a variety of reasons and to discover His love and His will. Parents should understand that there are many ways of raising the mind and heart to God. While there are many forms of prayer, our traditional prayers weave us together as a Catholic Christian community.
DEVELOP
A
SPIRIT
OF
STEWARDSHIP
IN
YOUR
CHILDREN
We
provide
each
child
with
parish
envelopes.
These
envelopes
(available
for
younger
children
as
well
as
teens)
allow
each
child
to
write
out
their
gift
of
time,
talent
and
treasure
for
the
week
before
bringing
them
in
to
mass
St.
Michael
PSR
Handbook
–
Middle/High
School,
2012-‐2013
Page
13
each
weekend.
Envelopes
are
available
at
the
back
of
the
church
or
can
be
requested
from
the
PSR
office.
Our
goal
is
begin
teaching
our
children
how
to
act
as
honorable
stewards.
Everyone
needs
the
dignity
of
knowing
that
their
contributions
matter
to
the
community
they
are
a
part
of.
This
program
will
be
considered
successful
if
we
can
better
teach
our
children
that
they
too
have
the
right
to
contribute
at
the
level
God
has
gifted
them.
PSR
Parent/Student
Handbook
Agreement
I
have
received
and
read
the
St.
Michael’s
Parish
PSR
Parent/Student
Handbook
for
the
2012-‐2013
PSR
school
year
and
accept
the
policies
regarding
program
goals,
my
roles
as
a
parent,
and
policies
on
attendance,
sacrament
preparation,
dress
code,
and
discipline
contained
in
the
handbook.
Parent/
Guardian
agreement:
__________________________________________________
signature
__________________________________________________
print
name
__________________________________________________
signature
__________________________________________________
print
name
____________________
date
____________________
date
Student
agreement:
_________________________________________________
signature
__________________________________________________
print
name
____________________
date
_________________________________________________
signature
__________________________________________________
print
name
____________________
date
_________________________________________________
St.
Michael
PSR
Handbook
–
Middle/High
School,
2012-‐2013
____________________
Page
14
signature
__________________________________________________
print
name
date
St.
Michael
PSR
Handbook
–
Middle/High
School,
2012-‐2013
Page
15