Faith Formation Policies

Sacrament Preparation

First Communion and Confirmation programs follow the recommendation of the Diocese that all students have at least two years of preparation classes in order to receive First Holy Communion or Confirmation.

Attendance

All students are expected to be consistent in attending Faith Formation. Attendance is taken and recorded in the Faith Formation office.

Students should be in their classrooms five minutes prior to class time, but not earlier than ten minutes before class. Habitual tardiness is a disservice to the teacher and other students.  

If a student is absent for 3 consecutive classes and we notify family and do not hear back, we will assume student is not going to attend and will unenroll student.  After 4 absences, a phone call or email will be made to the parent to inquire about continued involvement in the program. We may (depending on program enrolled in) assign homework to make up for lost time. This is extremely important for students who are in Year 1 and Year 2 of their sacramental preparation. We cannot properly prepare a student who is not present for classes. 

If a child has four consecutive absences and there is no response from the parent, it will be assumed that the student is not returning to the program. The student will be unenrolled. No refund will be issued, as the textbook and necessary supplies have already been purchased.  

The parking lot is an extremely active place at arrival and departure times.  We appreciate your consideration in this matter.  Please park only in designated parking spaces.

Students in grades 1-5, including Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, will be dropped off at the building's entrance or walked to door (depending on child's program and class location).   Older students (Edge) will be dismissed to the parking lot or to the classroom of a younger sibling.  Children of catechists may go to their parent's classroom.

Conduct

We believe that it is important to help the children understand what it means to be a part of a Catholic Christian Community. We expect the children to be respectful in words and actions to one another as well as to their catechists and other adults.  Our goal in enforcing good conduct is to be respectful and considerate of each child.

The children will be told what sort of behavior is expected during the session time.  Should a student exhibit inappropriate behavior they will be given a warning, respectfully, from the catechist or co-catechist.  If the child continues to exhibit inappropriate behavior following 3-4 warnings, the child will be taken to the Faith Formation office.  One of the Faith Formation Staff will help him or her name the behavior and the child will be given quiet time away from the class.

When a student is sent to the office, a brief form with the student’s name and an explanation of the incident will be filled out by the staff member and kept on file. After a student is sent to the office the second time, the parent is notified by the staff, and a positive approach to solving the problem is discussed with the parent.

When a student is engaged in fighting or destructive behavior, the parent will be notified at the first offense.