Texts
We are using an excellent series, Sadlier’s  We Believe.  Approved by the Archbishop and the Catechetical Office, this program is engaging and child-focused, solid and Christ-centered, and up-to-date.  Throughout each level, the program draws its content from the scriptures, teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church, and affirms the family as the primary focus for faith formation and development.

Parent Participation 

Parents are encouraged to be involved in all aspects of the religious education program here at Our Lady of Lourdes. We welcome comments or suggestions and invite parents to contact the catechist to discuss their child’s progress and opportunities to participate in the program.

Attendance

Regular attendance at religious education classes is expected for students to be promoted to the next  grade level.  Any student who is absent  seven or more times during the 2004-2005 session will have missed one-third of the lessons taught, and will not be prepared for the next grade level.  Any such student must make up the missed work and submit assignments as required by the teacher.  Parents should call the Religious Education Office to report their child’s absence before 3:00pm on the date of his/her absence.

Discipline Policy

Our catechists volunteer their time to work with the children in the religious education program, and they deserve respect for all of their efforts.  Therefore, if a child is causing a disturbance in the classroom that the catechist is unable to resolve, he/she will be sent to the Religious Education Office.  The child’s point of view will be considered and an attempt will be made to help  find a reasonable solution to the problem.  Parents will receive a phone call at home informing them of the problem.  If the child is sent to the office a second time, once again we will help resolve the problem.  However, if the child is sent to the office for a third time, he/she will not be allowed to return to the class, and will be expected to complete the remaining year’s course work with the parent or guardian at home.  All assignments will be provided by the catechist and must be submitted for credit.  It is important, too, to consider the ramifications of this policy for a child in a sacramental preparation year.  

Illness

If a child becomes ill while in class, he/she will be escorted to the Religious Education Office and the parent will be contacted by telephone.  No child will be allowed to leave the school building until picked up at the office by a parent or guardian.  Please be sure that all medical and emergency  information has been submitted with your registration packet.