CURRICULUM

The Religious Education program strives to offer parents and their children an opportunity to learn about and experience the love of God through "Sacred Scripture, tradition, liturgy, teaching, and the life of the Church," as proclaimed by the Second Vatican Council in the Decree on the Bishop's Pastoral Office in the Church.

Our curriculum capitalizes on the child's love of stories, arts and crafts, music and video. This process allows the children the opportunity to discover for themselves the presence of the Lord in our own community where we work, play, laugh, cry, worship and live our Christian lives.

Each week, children will bring home the lessons that were scheduled for that week. This will give you, the parents, an opportunity to actually see what your children are learning in class, and, as the primary educators of your children, you will be able to review the lessons with them before the next class.

Pre-K through Seventh Grade - The parish Religious Education Program for Children in grades Pre-K-7 uses the Faith First Legacy Edition texts, published by RCL. These texts have been approved by the United States Conference of Catho­lic Bishops and are in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  This curriculum is in a spiral format and focuses on the four pillars of the catechism which are the Creed, Liturgy and Sacraments, Christian Morality and Christian Prayer.  

Sacramental Prep – Sacramental Preparation at Sts. Peter and Paul for the children enrolled in the Religious Education Program is offered.  Children who attend Catholic Schools and children who are in grades higher than second grade are required to attend special sacramental preparation classes in addition to their regular classes.  A sacramental preparation calendar is published each year.

First Eucharist – Children who are registered in the Program without having received the sacraments of First Reconciliation and Eucharist will be placed on the appropriate grade level. Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist is accomplished through a separate instructional program for parents and sacrament recipients. This preparatory program is required, along with formal Religious Education classes, prior to the child’s reception of any Sacrament.

Confirmation - Our confirmation program uses the Confirmed in a Faithful Community text by Saint Mary’s Press.   This program uses active learning, journaling and prayer experiences to engage the candidates in a more meaningful learning experience. 

RCIA- (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) for Children - This process is designed for children over seven years of age who have not been baptized and who are seeking inclusion in the Catholic Church.  For more information contact Paula Wright in Religious Education Office at ext. 249. 

Tuition: In order that the Religious Education Program can provide its students the proper educational materials, tuition is charged for each child.

Fee Schedule before July 15 - Tuition costs are per family are as follows: $65 for one child, $75 for two children, and $85 for three or more children registered in the program. Payment of tuition is requested at the time of registration.

Fee Schedule after July 15 - Tuition costs are per family are as follows: $75 for one child, $85 for two children, and $95 for three or more children registered in the program. Payment of tuition is requested at the time of registration.

Payment Plans – If, for any genuine reason, a family is unable to pay the tuition or needs a payment plan, please contact the Religious Education Office to speak to the Director to make special arrangements. No child is ever turned away from the Religious Education Program due to the inability to pay tuition. All tuition arrangements will be held in strict confidence.

Sacramental Preparation Fees - There is a $50 sacramental preparation fee for each student in either the First Eucharist or Confirmation preparation program.

Student Code of Conduct

Respect:

Listen to and follow the instructions of the teacher.

Teasing and name calling of fellow classmates is not tolerated.

Touching other students' belongings is not permitted.

Help to keep the room straightened and return supplies to containers.

No use of cell phones or other electronic equipment is permitted during class time.

Self-Control:

Stay in your seat at your table; walking around the classroom is distracting to the teacher and other students.

Do not leave the room without the teacher's permission.

Use of the bathroom during class is limited; prepare for class by using the bathroom at home or just prior to entering the classroom.

Preparedness:

Bring your homework (if assigned), pencils or pens and crayons to each class.

Parents are asked to assist their children with any lessons not completed in class.

Each child will be provided with a folder in which to keep paperwork; please make sure they bring them to each class

Disciplinary Action

First Offense: Student will be warned by the Catechist and reminded of the Student Code of Conduct.

Second Offense: Should a second (or third, at the discretion of the Catechist) breach occur, the parents will be called by the Catechist to alert them of their child's misconduct.  It will also be noted on the child's attendance card.

Third Offense: If unacceptable behavior continues, the student will be sent to the Coordinator's office, the parents called, and, possibly, the remainder of the year's lessons will be taught at home.

Attendance:  Parents will be contacted in the event that a child is absent for two consecutive classes. Your child's continuous attendance at classes is essential for his/her retention of the Catholic truths, doctrines and traditions taught in the class.

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