Religious Education 2006-2007

Introduction

     Welcome to our 2006-2007 catechetical year at Immaculate Conception Church. I am filled with enthusiasm to continue working with the parish on our religious education. We have a terrific program again this year. We continue to improve our catechetical programs to help us all better maintain lives centered on Christ Jesus. You may notice some big changes, as well as some smaller changes, which I hope have a positive, impact on our parish community. As you will read in our religious education mission statement we are Christocentric in our approach and are here to support parents in their commitment to raise their children in the Catholic faith. All of our religious education programs and policies are centered on Christ and are designed to assist parents and families get the most out of their religious education at Immaculate Conception Church. As our programs are Christocentric, they are designed to reinforce the faith that is being taught in the home, it is very important to take an active role in looking over and discussing the Catechetical materials at home. Our parish staff and volunteer teachers are here to help maintain a Christ centered attitude and life to make religious education a true experience of growing in Christ Jesus through knowledge and understanding of our faith, and especially through the Sacramental life of the Church.
This guide provides an outline of our religious education programs and policies. It is important for you to take the time to read through it and realize the immense potential that children and their families have to grow in faith and maintain a life centered on Christ Jesus through our programs. I am available during the week if you have any questions or concerns. Please feel free to contact me at the Church at 452-3533.

Rev. Mr. Bob Barnard

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT

As a Catholic Church of the Roman Rite, we at Immaculate Conception Church are Christocentric. The aim of our religious education at Immaculate Conception Church is to help the members of our parish community develop a living relationship with the living God in love and charity. Our religious education programs will be centered on Christ Jesus and designed to impress upon the parish community our basic Catholic responsibilities to God, to one another in the community, to the Church, and to oneself. To these aims, all of our religious education programs and offerings will be centered on Christ Jesus and will conform to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, as well as the General and National Directories for Catechesis.
In our formal religious education programs we will maintain our center on Christ Jesus by promoting our Catholic faith and provide opportunities for the members of our parish community to realize their faith. We will strive to instill the basis to allow people to take on the responsibility of developing and fostering the formation of their Catholic faith through study, prayer, and especially the Sacramental life of the Church, which is always centered on Christ Jesus.
Understanding that by the commitment they made at their child’s baptism parents are the primary teachers of their children in the Catholic faith, our religious education programs for children, centered on Christ Jesus, are intended to support parents in their commitment. Working with parents we endeavor to provide the children of our parish with a Christ centered knowledge of the fundamental truths of our faith and lead them to a closer relationship with God through prayer, study, and most especially the Sacramental life of the Church. We seek to lead them to the realization that the informed practice of their faith, the importance of licitly receiving the Sacraments of the Church, and how they actively live their faith daily is their response to God’s love and how they maintain a Christ centered life.

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CHILD PROTECTION

Anyone entering our Religious Education Programs as a catechist or volunteer is required to have a background investigation and complete the child protection training.

• The background investigation is done by filling out the Background Check form, providing all necessary information accurately, and turning it in to the director of religious education for processing through the chancery. The background checks are valid for five years before they have to be resubmitted.

• The Child Protection Training consists of viewing training videos for elementary through Jr. High/Middle School age children (Pre-K—8th Grade) and High School Age children (9th-12th grades). Individuals viewing the videos must print their names and sign the video training attendance record.

• Initial child protection training will be completed by all potential catechists and volunteers before being allowed to be a catechist or volunteer in our religious education programs. Ongoing child protection training will be completed by everyone involved with our religious education programs (catechist, volunteers, and participants) every 2-3 years as dictated by the diocese.

It is very important that Catechists, parents, and volunteers review the Child protection policy (Summary) Diocese of Fairbanks in Alaska. This brochure is available through our religious education programs, and at all Catholic parishes in the diocese. Please review the preparation in Case of Report or Complaint of Child Sexual Abuse:

Immediately report any complaint of child sexual abuse during Religious Education programs to the Director of Religious Education or Pastor of Immaculate Conception Church on site.
If the Director of Religious Education or the Pastor is unavailable and you are unable or unwilling to take care of the matter yourself, immediately refer the complainant(s) to our Victim Assistance Coordinator:
Fairbanks Resource Center for parents and Children, 907-456-2866 or 1-800-969-7272.
Check to make sure that the Victim Assistance Coordinator has followed through.

It is best if the first contact person gathers as much information as possible.

Respond pastorally: Listen to what is reported. Accept what is said as their truth. Assure them that you will stay with them until an official advocate is contacted and in place to continue to assist with handling the concern.
Important: If situation looks to be ongoing or immediately dangerous, encourage the victim or reporter to immediately call:

• Alaska State Troopers, Fairbanks @ 451-5100, outside @ 1-800-811-0911

• Alaska Office of Children Services, Fairbanks @ 451-2650, outside @ 1-800-353-2650

• Fairbanks Diocesan Chancery, @ 907-374-9500 or 374-9551. If alleged offender is a priest, religious, diocesan employee or volunteer, or if incident occurred on church grounds.

• Village Tribal Council Agency for your area. <Indians.org> if victim or alleged offender is Native and notification has been requested.

Reverse order if report from previous time or not eminently dangerous.

ATTENTION: Be Familiar with Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Packet. Request and document information

• Use Complainant tracking Form from packet if available.
• Date, Complainants name, address, home-work or msg. phone & e-mail.
• Write out your description of the Nature of the Allegation.
• Give them their Victim Assistance Advocate Contact. List in CSA packet
• Have victim fill out an incident report (Form in packet if possible)
• Signature, (printed, written), and dated
• Follow up information should accompany complaint
• Refer inquiries from the media to the chancery

ABUSE REPORT TRACKING FORM always more helpful if completed by initial contact person. Otherwise victim assistance advocate will do follow up.

REMEMBER: It is best if first contact gather as much information as possible. The person reporting may trust you more than others in the system. Our goal is to protect the victim, stop abusers, and help heal brokenness.

For more information call the Child Protection Office, 907-374-9500

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CATECHETICAL CURRICULUM REVIEW 2006-2007

Curriculum Review 2006-2007

• Pre-K: Sharing God’s Story series.

Ages—

4: as of September 1, 2006* and must be in kindergarten the following year.
5: (not yet at the Kindergarten level by September 1, 2006*).
Exceptions may be made based on the maturity of the child on a case-by-case basis.)

• K, 1st, and 3rd-8th Grades: Call to Faith Series.

• Confirmation: Moving in the Spirit and Morality series.

Age: around age 15 by the date of ICC confirmation and show a high level of maturity in the Catholic Faith. Exceptions may be made based on the maturity of the individual on a case-by-case basis. Confirmation students will also have a requirement of 30 hours (less than one hour a week for the entire Catechetical year) of community service. A supervising adult must certify the type of service and number of hours contributed.

• 2nd grade sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation/First Holy Communion: Call to Celebrate series.

• Right of Christian Initiation of Children Who Have Reached the Catechetical Age (RCIC): Call to Celebrate Intermediate series.

• Right of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): The Teachings of Jesus Christ series.

*The September 1, 2006 date follows the same age requirements as the Catholic Schools of Fairbanks, as well as the Fairbanks North Star School District.

We begin actively recruiting Catechists in August. We need two Catechetical Team Members for each class. You do not have to be a certified teacher to teach our curriculum, but certified teachers/former teachers will also find our curriculum excellent and worthwhile. It would be ideal for married couples to lead the RCIA and RCIC sessions. The curriculum and sessions for all of our religious education programs are very easy to follow.

Registration for all catechetical programs will be after all Masses on August 26 & 27, September 2 & 3, 9& 10, and 16 & 17.

Catechist training is scheduled for 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Saturdays August 26, September 2, and September 9.

There will be a meeting in the parish hall with parents/families of those in the Sacramental Preparation Programs at ICC:

• 1st Reconciliation/Communion—-Saturday September 16 at 9:00 a.m.

• Confirmation—Saturday September 167 at 2:00 p.m.

These meetings will outline our programs and requirements.

The following is a schedule of Religious Education Programs at Immaculate Conception Church:

Religious Education Pre K-8th grades
Sundays beginning September 24, 2006 9:00-10:30 a.m. and the Children’s Choir will meet from 10:00 -10:30 a.m.

Monroe High School

+Adult Education
Sundays during Pre K-8th grade Religious Education beginning Sep 24, 2005 9:00-10:00 a.m. Monroe High School—We will be using The Teaching of Jesus Christ series

Confirmation
Sunday afternoons 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.—2006-September 17, October 22, November 26, December 3, 2007-January 28, February 25, March 25, April 29, May 27

RCIA/Adult Education
Sunday afternoons 2:00-5:00 p.m. Parish Hall beginning September 10,2006 except those scheduled for confirmation (See Schedule).

RCIC

Monday evenings 6:00-7:00 p.m. beginning September 25, 2006

Parish Hall

Notes for Near Future Contemplation

Projects for the Church/Parish—

• Especially Christmas banner for holy Family Chapel & other decorations

Food for 1st Communion & Confirmation

Photographers for 1st Communion, Confirmation, & Easter Vigil (RCIA/RCIC)

RCIA—
Rite of Acceptance/Welcome January 7, 2007—potluck for RCIA Rite of Acceptance/Welcome?

Rite of Sending February 25, 2007 11:00 a.m. Mass ICC
Rite of Election Feb 25, 2007 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral—
(Tentatively)

Presentation of the Creed 1st Scrutiny (See below)

Presentation of the Lord’s Prayer 2nd Scrutiny (See below)
(Very Tentative)

Chrism Mass March 27, 2007 4:00 p.m.

Breaking the Word During Lent Various Masses
Scrutinies—
          1st scrutiny   3rd Sunday of Lent March 11, 2007
          2nd Scrutiny   4th Sunday of Lent March 18, 2007
          3rd Scrutiny   5th Sunday of Lent march 25, 2007
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CATECHETICAL EXPECTATIONS and POLICIES 2006-2007

1. Attendance-

• Drop-off and pick-up policy for students—

• Arrival no earlier than 8:55 a.m. There may be no supervising adults until this time. Parents must provide a good contact number where they can be reached during the time of catechetical instruction.

ii.  Depart no later than 10:35 a.m. Catechists will need to re-organize the classroom and their materials.
    

• Our programs are designed for those who desire to actively participate. If a child does not want to take part in our instruction or becomes disruptive the parent(s) will be contacted to immediately pick-up their child. The Parent(s) will also be contacted in cases where the child is too ill to participate. Please have your children leave all toys at home. There will be enough during religious education for their participation and the toys will be a distraction to the catechists, as well as the other children.

• Attendance will be taken for each class. Catechists will have attendance forms which will be collected during class. Students arriving after attendance has been taken are considered absent for that day since by missing more than half the time allotted for instruction they will have missed more than half of the assigned work and discussion for the lesson that day.

• Classes will meet from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. From 10:00-10:30 a.m. the children are offered the opportunity to rehearse for the Children’s Choir. The Children’s Choir is scheduled to sing at the monthly scheduled youth liturgies. Students not wanting to participate or who become disruptive to the Children’s Choir rehearsal will have the opportunity to spend the half-hour between 10:00-10:30 a.m. in an adult catechist supervised classroom.

e. Students are expected to miss no more than 5 classes. More than this means missing over 25% of the total number of classes scheduled (percentage becomes higher if inclement weather becomes a factor in canceling some classes).

f. This is critical for the sacramental preparation classes (1st Communion, Confirmation, RCIC, RCIA). If missing more than 5 classes they will be in jeopardy of being ineligible to receive the sacrament with the class, if at all this year.

g. All missed work must be made up. Arrangements must be made with the catechist to make up any missed work.

h. Our cold weather policy is if the outside mean temperature is -40º Fahrenheit or colder, according to the Fairbanks Utilities 844 number at 8:30 Sunday Morning, classes are automatically canceled. If you live outside the 844 number please call a friend who lives in town.

2. We will offer adult catechesis for all adults during the regularly scheduled time of religious education (9:00—10:00 a.m.). This year we will use The Teaching of Jesus Christ series.

3. RCIC:

• Based on the concept of “Whole Community Catechesis,” at least one parent will be present with any child in the RCIC during scheduled class times. Because it will enhance the catechetical experience in the whole family, all parents/guardians are highly encouraged to attend RCIC with their children.

• Baptized RCIC Students will need to turn in a copy of their Baptismal certificate by November 20, 2006. We will need the names and Baptismal dates of those Baptized at ICC so we can locate records on file. Those Baptized elsewhere need to request early the baptismal certificates from the parish/church where the child was baptized.

4. RCIA:

a. RCIA Catechumens/Candidates need to have a sponsor chosen by the second meeting. Requirements for sponsors will be outlined at the first meeting.

b. RCIA candidates and catechumens must attend all of the scheduled activities in the parish and diocese. A complete schedule is provided in “Section 5” of this handbook. Other requirements will be explained at the first class meeting.

• If baptized Catholic or in most other Christian denominations, Catechumens/Candidates need to obtain and turn in a copy of their Baptismal certificate by January 7, 2007.

6. Confirmation class

Community Service:

a. Students will have a minimum of 30 hours of community service to complete during the Catechetical Year from September 17, 2006 to May 27, 2007. This is one hour per week.

b. 10 of these hours must consist of parish support service and may include but are not limited to parish ministries such as altar serving, or ushering. This may also include parish projects such as making banners for the Holy Family Chapel at ICS/Monroe or setting/cleaning up after a parish activity.

c. The remainder 20 of these hours are to be in community service projects like the soup kitchen or Holy Angels Thrift Shop. Deacon Bob Barnard will answer any questions about what will meet this requirement. You can contact Deacon Bob at 452-3533.

d. All community service hours must be completed between September 18, 2005 and April 9, 2006.

e. A qualified adult supervisor must certify community service hours. This means that wherever the community service is performed written acknowledgement must be obtained and submitted to the Deacon Bob in the office of religious education for ICC. This can take the form of a letter that states the type and number of hours worked which the supervising adult signs or the time may be logged in a notebook and verified by the supervising adult with their signature.

7. Confirmation students additional requirements (Minimum)—

• Students need to choose and work with a Sponsor. The sponsor is required by the Church to be a Confirmed Catholic. The sponsor should also be strong in the Catholic faith and able to assist you in the Catholic faith through Confirmation preparation, as well as help you in the Catholic faith throughout the rest of your life. Students will answer assigned questions with sponsor (Due April 29, 2007).

 b. Students will choose the name of a saint of the Church as a Confirmation name. Materials are available to research the saints of the Church.

• Students will write a typed one-page single-spaced

paper on their chosen saint using the New Times Roman font with a pitch size no larger than 12 and no smaller than 10. Include a brief description and life of the saint, as well as the reason you have chosen this particular saint. This will be due by March 25, 2007.

• Write a letter in your own hand (not typed) to the Bishop of Fairbanks, The Most Reverend Donald Kettler, requesting to be confirmed by him and a brief explanation as to why you want to be confirmed in the Catholic Church. This will be due by March 25, 2007.

• Attend 4 of 8 movie nights.

• Attend one Parish Council meeting (May count for parish service if attended from opening to closing of meeting).

• Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent and Lent.

• Attend following Masses/Liturgies: Ash Wednesday Mass at ICC; Chrism Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral; Triduum-Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter at ICC.

• Attend Confirmation Retreat with sponsor(s) Spring 2007.

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RCIA SCHEDULE 2006-2007

RCIA Schedule for 2006-2007

We will meet Sunday Afternoons in the parish hall from 2:00–5:00 p.m.

Week 1 – September 10, 2006 – 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Theme: Welcoming/Introduction & Nature of Catechesis

September 17—No RCIA Because of Confirmation Class

Read prior to week 2 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered in Week 1.

Week 2 – September 24, 2006 – 25th Sunday in ordinary Time (Year B)

Theme: Divine Revelation 1 & 2

Read prior to week 3 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered in Week 2

Week 3 – October 1, 2006 – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Theme: Faith/Creed Part 1

Read prior to week 4 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered in Week 3

Week 4 – October 8, 2006 – 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Theme: Creed Part 2 & 3

Read prior to week 5 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered in Week 4

Week 5 – October 15, 2006 – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Theme: Born of a Virgin/Mystery of Christ

Read prior to week 6 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered in Week 5

October 22—No RCIA Because of Confirmation Class

Week 6 – October 29, 2006– 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
Theme: The Paschal Mystery Part 1 & 2

Read prior to week 7 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered in Week 6

Wednesday November 1st, 2005– The Feast of All Saints –Holy Day of Obligation.

Week 7 – November 5, 2006 – 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
Theme: The Holy Spirit/The Church

Read prior to week 8 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered in Week 7

Week 8 – November 12, 2006– 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
Theme: The Church Part 2/Last Stanzas of the Creed

Read prior to week 9 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered in Week 8
RCIA Schedule for 2006-2007

Week 9 – November 19, 2006 – 33rd Sunday in ordinary Time (Year B)
Theme: Work of the Trinity/Baptism

Read prior to week 10 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered Week 9

November 26 “Christ The King”—No RCIA Because of Confirmation Class

December 3—No RCIA Because of Confirmation Class

Week 10 – December 10, 2006 – 1st Sunday of Advent (Year C)—Happy New Year
Theme: Baptism (Confirmation)/Eucharist Part 1

Read prior to week 11 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered Week 10

Week 11 – December 17, 2006– 2nd Sunday of Advent (Year C)
Theme: Eucharist Part 2/Penance Part 1

Read prior to week 12 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered Week 11

December 25, 2005 – Christmas Day IS a Holy Day of Obligation.

January 1, 2007 – The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (New Years Day) IS a Holy Day of Obligation.

Week 12 – January 7, 2007 – Epiphany of the Lord (Year C)
                  Theme: Penance Part 2/Holy Orders

Read prior to week 13 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered Week 12

Week 13 – January 14, 2007 – The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
                  Theme: Matrimony/Marriage

Read prior to week 14 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered Week 13

Week 14 – January 21, 2007 – The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
                  Theme: Christian Life/ Morality and Conscience

Read prior to week 15 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered Week 14

January 28—No RCIA Because of Confirmation Class

Week 15 – February 4, 2007 – The 5th Sunday in ordinary Time (Year C)
Theme: Fruits of the Spirit/Reality of Sin

Read prior to week 16 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered Week 15

RCIA Schedule for 2006-2007

Week 16 – February 12, 2007 – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
                  Theme: The Person and Society/The Church: Social Justice

Read prior to week 17 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered Week 16

Week 17 – February 18, 2007 –7th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
Theme: God’s Salvation/ Moral Life & Ten Commandments

Read prior to week 18 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered Week 17

February 25, 2007—No RCIA Because of Confirmation Class

March 1, 2007 – Ash Wednesday (a day of fast and abstinence. Fridays throughout Lent are days of abstinence; please see the regulations for fast and abstinence in the Handbook for Today’s Catholic)

Week 18 – March 4, 2007 Second Sunday of Lent (Year C)
Theme: The First, Second, and Third Commandments

Read Prior to week 19 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered Week18

Week 19 – March 11, 2007 Third Sunday of Lent (Year C)
Theme: 4th & 5th Commandments

Read prior to week 20 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered Week 19

Week 20 – March 18, 2007 Fourth Sunday of Lent (Year C)
                  Theme: 6th & 7th Commandments

Read prior to week 21 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered Week20

March 25, 2007—No RCIA because of Confirmation class

Week 21 – April 1, 2007 Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion (Year C)
Theme: 8th, 9th, and 10th Commandments

Read prior to week 22 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered Week 21
                 
April 5, 2007– Holy Thursday
April 6, 2007 – Good Friday (a day of Fast and Abstinence)
April 7, 2007 – Easter Vigil

RCIA Schedule for 2006-2007

Week 22 – April 15, 2007 2nd Sunday of Easter (Divine mercy) (Year C)
                  Theme: Christian Prayer I & II

Read prior to week 23 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered Week 22

Week 23 – April 22, 2007 Third Sunday of Easter (Year C)
Theme: Tradition of Prayer/Expression of Prayer

Read prior to week 24 Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered Week 23
                 
Week 24 – April 29, 2007 Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year C) Last RCIA Session
Theme: The Lord’s Prayer/Program Conclusion

Read Catechism of the Catholic Church material covered in Week 25

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Catechetical Instruction Schedule 2006-2007

Pre K-8th Grade Catechetical Instruction Schedule 2006-2007
Sundays 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Monroe High School

ICC = Immaculate Conception Church ICS = Immaculate Conception School

August

26 (Sat) 9-12 Catechist Preparation
26 & 27 Registration after all Masses

September

2 (Sat) 9-12 Catechist Preparation
2 & 3 Registration after all Masses
9 (Sat) 9-12 Catechist Preparation
9 & 10 Registration after all Masses
16 & 17 Registration after all Masses
17        Catechetical Sunday-Youth Liturgy-No Class
24        First Class

October

1          Class
8          Class
15        Class
22        Youth Liturgy-No Class
29        Class

November

5          Class
12        Class
19        Class
26        Christ the King-Youth Liturgy-No Class

December

2 (Sat) First Reconciliation 10:00 a.m.
3          1st Sun Advent—Class
January

7          Class
14        Class
21        Class
28        No Class—Youth Liturgy

February

• Class
• Class

18        Class
25        1st Sunday of Lent Youth Liturgy-No Class

March

4         2nd Sunday of Lent—Class
11        3rd Sunday of Lent—Class
18        4th Sunday of Lent—Class
25        5th Sunday of Lent Youth Liturgy—No Class

April

1          Palm Sunday—Last Class
5          1st Communion Holy Thursday
7          (Sat) Easter Vigil RCIA

School Starts               Aug 16
Christmas Break         Dec 22—Jan 8
Class Resumes             Jan 9, 2007
Spring Break               Mar 12—16

10        2nd Sun Advent—Class
17        3rd Sun Advent—Class
24        4th Sun Advent + Christmas Eve Children’s Mass ICS 6:00 p.m.

***Cold Weather Policy***  If temperature is –40° F or colder according to Fairbanks Utilities 844 Number at 7:00 a.m. Sunday, Classes are automatically canceled. If you live outside the 844 coverage area, please call a friend who lives in town.

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Important Dates

For Immaculate Conception Church Religious Education

August 16, 2006              School begins (Yay!)
December 22, 2006-Jan 8, 2007     Christmas Break
December 24, 2006            Christmas Eve Mass ICS
January 8, 2007              School resumes
March 12-16, 2007            Spring Break

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Immaculate Conception Church Religious Education Contacts

Pastor:           
Rev. Fr. Mirek Woznica
Telephone: (907) 452-3533
Fax: (907) 456-3336
E-mail: icc@alaska.net

Director of Religious Education:
Rev. Mr. Robert P. Barnard
Telephone: (907) 452-3533
Fax: (907) 456-3336
E-mail: iccdre@alaska.net

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Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks

Office of Religious Education:
Sr. Dorothy Gilolely, SSJ 
Telephone (907) 374-9500

Resource Library Coordinator:
Bishops Office:
Bishop:
Most Rev. Donald Kettler
Executive Secretary:
Geraldine Jauhola
Telephone: (907) 374-9500

David Schienle
Telephone (907) 374-9500