Weekly attendance at Mass is required and is the responsibility of the parent. Students will be quizzed on the gospel from the prior Sunday Mass. Continual missing of Sunday Mass by a child will occasion a meeting between the parents and the coordinator.

A prayer life is essential for continued spiritual growth of people of all ages. 

Pray as a family.

Blessing before meal.

Morning and night time prayer.

Pray for living & deceased members of your family. Pray!

Confession should be a monthly experience for children. Make it a good habit for your family. Take the time to train your child in the necessity of asking God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance.

First Meeting of the year:

Each child of all ages must be accompanied by a parent at the first meeting. Parents should have registrations forms completed for submission to coordinator. 

Annual fees: Must be paid by September 25^th. Make all checks payable to The Church of Our Saviour.

Sacramental fees:

$25 Confirmation - $10 Communion

Must be paid by end of January.

In parish Annual Family Fees:

First child $50

Two children $60

Three or more children $ 75

Out-of-Parish Annual Fees:

First child $75

Two children $85

Three or more children $95

Baptismal Certificates for new students must be in before the end of September. Baptisms can be arranged.

No child will be denied participation in our Religious Education Program because of money. If you are unable to pay, please contact Mary Durkan

Fees help to cover cost of books supplies, craft materials, DVD, etc.

Snacks are only allowed through 4^th grade and should be coordinated with parents. No food during classes in older grades.

Absences: 

Child must return to class with a written note from parent or doctor. Three unexcused absences and the parent will be called in to discuss whether or not the child should be continued in the program.

Lateness: Any lateness 15 minutes or more will be counted as absent. 

When possible, a parent should call the rectory in advance (212) 679-8166 and leave a message that the child will be absent or late and/or email the program coordinator at: ourladyschildren@gmail.com.

Rosary – on the first Tuesday of each month, children should be dropped off in the church for the recitation of the Rosary.

Drop off & pick up of children:

Children in lower grades MUST be dropped off at classroom and picked up by a parent or other adult allowed by the parent as indicated on registration. Children should be dropped off and picked up on time! Late children disrupt the entire class.

Program begins at 5:30 sharp.

Changes of address, tele # or email should be sent promptly to the coordinator via email to ourladyschildren@gmail.com.

Make up work when absent.

Parents should contact either class catechist or coordinator to find out what their child missed and to work with the child to get the work done at home prior to following class.

Textbooks used in all grades:

Faith & Life Series written by:

Catholics United for the Faith

Published by: Ignatius Press

Sacramentals:

Have a Bible on a table in your living room; read from it refer to it. Have holy water in your home; say the Rosary.

Electronic Equipment should be left home or will be collected by each catechist and returned to the child at the end of the class. No cell phone calls allowed during class. 

Appropriate Dress:

Children should dress appropriately for attending Church. Classes often visit Church during sessions. 

Behavior:

The role of the catechist is to provide a class setting conducive to learning and faith development. We expect the students to support this setting with appropriate behavior.  If inappropriate behavior arises, a parent will be contacted. Also, no gum chewing during class or in Church.

Inclement Weather:

It sometimes becomes necessary to cancel religious education classes due to inclement weather. We try to consider all factors when making this decision, with our primary concern being the safety of the children. We will make every effort to let the parents know, as soon as possible, if classes will not be held.  Call the rectory 212 679-8166 to confirm whether or not classes will be held.

Repeated inappropriate behavior will necessitate a parent attending classes with their child.

Fire Drill: A fire drill will be held on a Tuesday in September each year. Catechists will acquaint students as to the fire safety procedures. 

The Child:

Let the coordinator and/or classroom catechists know when your child has a problem, i.e. grandparent passed away, or the child has been sick, etc. Teach them to respect their catechist.

The Catechist:

Create a loving environment conducive to learning and growing in the Faith. Be prepared. Take care of your classroom. Appreciate the individuality of each child. Communicate with the parents.

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The Parent

Sometimes extra hands are needed especially in the lower grades. Kindly offer your services to the catechists or coordinator. Offer to bring in a snack. Let the catechists know you would assist on a night when one of them can’t make the class. Someone may be needed to assist in escorting a class up to church. Be available.

Second Grade Home Visitations

Sister Mirjam with the assistance of Mrs. Marie Davis have instituted home visitations during the 2^nd grade year. They have been warmly received by the families and spiritually conducted. When your visitation is scheduled consider offering the ladies tea or coffee. Prayers are said and a truly Christian visit is had with the entire family. 

Protecting God’s Children

Is a program of the American Catholic Bishops through the Archdiocese of NY where we speak of safety to the children once a year. Date to be announced on the calendar.

Background checks

Each of us working with your children have had a criminal background check done by professional hired by the archdiocese. No one is allowed to work with the children unless they have submitted to this background check.