Religious Education Christmas Program

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Dear Parents,

Welcome to Our Lady of Hope Parish, all of us involved in the Religious Education Program at Our Lady of Hope are looking forward to sharing our faith in Christ Jesus with your children. The Church teaches that you are the primary religious educators of your children. We are here to support you in this mission. The Church has entrusted the Catechists with the "HEART OF THE CHURCH," the youth. With the help of the Holy Spirit, they will work to pass on our Catholic heritage to your children. The tireless testimony of those dedicated to the ministry of catechesis continues to be a great gift to the church.

Attending Sunday Mass each week, family prayer, worship at liturgical events, and receiving the sacraments are excellent ways for parents to hand on the faith to their children. Sunday Mass is the “Source and Summit,” of our Catholic faith. Attending Mass as a family with your children is the greatest gift that you can give to them.

As you live your family life, you share your faith in Christ with your children, and in doing so you sow the seeds of God’s love and mercy. Your family so aptly described by the Second Vatican Council as the “Domestic Church” is the “first school” where children learn the virtues they will need to know, love and serve God throughout their lives. Your home is the place where God’s word will take root, blossom and spread.

Please feel free to contact us at the Religious Education Office with any concerns you might have. Let us continue to pray for Christ's blessings on our Catechetical efforts.

May God Bless you and your families as you strive to imitate the Holy Family.

"Make me to know thy ways, O’Lord; teach me thy paths." (Psalms: 25-4)

Mission Statement

The Mission Statement of Our Lady of Hope Religious Education is to look upon each child as created in the image and likeness of God and as a reflection of His goodness. Realizing that God has created all things for His glory and our benefit, the challenge of being a living witness to the Gospel should be central to the development of each student. Therefore, at Our Lady of Hope, understanding Jesus and His message is essential to knowing Him, loving Him and serving Him always.

The core elements listed below form the foundation and strength of the Our Lady of Hope Religious Education Program. With these, we seek to cultivate the hearts, minds and souls of our students to their fullest potential.

• The dignity of the individual, as a unique child of God, is nurtured and developed.
• The doctrine of the Catholic faith is presented in its fullness and entirety as both knowledge to be learned and as life to be lived.
• Sacramental life is central to developing the Catholic faith.
• That the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Real Presence of our Lord in the Eucharist is the center of our faith.
• The frequent reception of the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist is promoted.
• Reverence for God's Word is fostered.
• Mary's example, as the first disciple of Jesus, is our model.
• Parents are recognized and respected as the primary educators of their children.
• That the Gospel message and moral life expressed in the Ten Commandments, Beatitudes, Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy are professed, cultivated and practiced in everyday life.
• That the virtues are fostered and practiced in every day life.
• Reading and studying the lives of the saints as an example for us is encouraged.

Prayer is important for growth in spiritual life. e.g.: the Rosary, personal prayer, the Mass, etc.

"Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice." (Psalm 105:3)

Class Times

• Tuesday - 4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday - 6:00 - 7:15 p.m.



• Wednesday - 4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday - 6:00 - 7:15 p.m.

Textbooks And Course Material

The textbook material to be used is the Image of God (Ignatius Press) for Kindergarten, and the Faith and Life series for the first through eighth grades (Ignatius Press). Special Sacrament Catechumenate classes will use This is Our Faith - Heritage Program by Silver Burdett.

The following topics will be covered in the Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Levels: Creation, Trinity, Life of Christ, Salvation, Mary, Angels and Saints, Sacraments, Commandments, Apostle’s Creed, Old Testament, New Testament, Mass, God’s Grace, Sin, Conscience, and Church History. Throughout the first eight grades, these recurring themes are developed and are based on the child’s grade level.

Prayers

Each class will begin and end with a prayer. The Diocesan Curriculum Guidelines assign basic prayers to be learned for each grade level. These prayers are to be reviewed and explained by the teachers; and memorized by the students. A booklet of prayers will be given to each student so that you as a parent can help your child to learn their basic prayers for their grade level. The prayer to St. Michael will be said each week in class.

Sacramental Requirements

A very important aspect of the Religious Education program is the Sacramental preparation. Children are prepared for the reception of the Sacraments of Penance, Eucharist, and Confirmation. The program involves both parents and students in the preparation with parent meetings and student assignments. Students are required to attend Religious Education classes regularly for one year prior to the Sacramental year to give him/her a firm foundation on which to base specific preparation for the sacraments.

"Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" (1 Luke 11:28)

Registration

Registration is done at the Rectory Office. All students must be registered before classes begin in September.

Registration Fees:

• $150.00 for one child per year
• $200.00 for two children per year
• $250.00 for three or more children per year

Registration is on a first-come basis for preferred session. Those parents who volunteer will get a priority of class session. A Parent’s Handbook and Calendar will be provided with details for the academic year.

Volunteers:

Parents are encouraged to volunteer in some way in the Religious Education Program. Volunteer Forms are available at registration, or in the Rectory Office.