Seven Sorrows

of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
FAMILY HANDBOOK

September 2018—May 2019

Enlisting Witnesses for Jesus Christ

“Who do people say that I am?”

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 LETTER OF WELCOME

Dear Parents of our Religious Education Students,

We thank you for entrusting your child to our weekly Religious Education Program at Seven
Sorrows. We are very proud to offer a quality program to the youth of our Parish Family. We
would also like to express our deepest appreciation to our loyal, faith-filled and dedicated
catechists who share their faith in such a loving and generous way with your child. Their
commitment to living our Catholic faith is outstanding!

The Mission of our Religious Education Program is to encourage our students to deepen their
knowledge and love of our Catholic Faith; our rich heritage and many traditions, so that they
may participate more fully and consciously in the life of the Church. This way they will grow
in their understanding of the values that Jesus the Lord taught and demanded from all His
followers, in an effort to live them today. It is our hope that this process will be enriched and
strengthened through your involvement as parents by enforcing the participation of daily
prayer in your home and by coming regularly to our weekend Masses. Collectively, this will
bring all of us to a deeper love of God and a deeper love for others by instilling in your child a
yearning to serve the needs of those less fortunate than ourselves.

May the Lord Jesus, generously reward you for seriously accepting your role as the Primary
Educator and source of formation for your child in the ways of the faith!

With Renewed Assurance of Our Prayers and God’s Blessings,

Reverend Ted Keating, Pastor

Mr. Raymond Kerwin, Ecclesial Lay Minster,
Coordinator of Religious Education

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 Table of Contents

List of Religious Education Staff & Catechists 4

2018—20189 Class Calendar 5-6
Purpose of Religious Education Program and Young 7
People in the Third Millennium
Policies & Procedures 8
Assessments 9
Class Times 10
Class Attendance 11
Emergency Closing & Communication 12
Student Conduct & Responsibilities 13
Discipline Policy 14-15
Basic Doctrine: Grades 1-8 16-20
Sacramental Programs 21
Reconciliation & First Communion 22
Confirmation 23
Confirmation: Summary of Requirements 24
Prayers 25
Contacts 26
Traffic Patterns 27
Tuition 28
Acknowledgement Form 29

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3
 Religious Education Staff and Catechist
Staff Position
Reverend Ted Keating Pastor
Mr. Raymond Kerwin Ecclesial Lay Minster -Coordinator of Religious Education
Mrs. Gail Pakosky Secretary
Miss Molly Lahr Confirmation Coordinator
Mrs. Rita Angelucci First Communion Coordinator
Mrs. Barbra Guckavan Home School Administrator Grades 6,7,8
Mrs. Amanda McGuire Home School Administrator Grades 1-5
Mrs. Michele Torres Missions Coordinator

Catechist Elementary Catechist Middle School

Miss Charlotte Kovalchik

Mrs. Rita Angelucci Mrs. Susan Lawruk
Mrs. Ann Diffendal Mr. Joseph Lawruk
Mrs. Johanna Heagy Mr. Vincent Rossi
Mrs. Barbara Kerwin Mr. Vincent Varankar
Mrs. Rosemary Rowe
Mrs. Francine Shreiner Substitute Catechist
Mrs. Anna Sullivan Mrs. Cathy Voithofer
Mrs. Jeanette Van Skike Mr. Sherman Bell

Seven Sorrows Catechists are volunteers, lay, adult members of our community, often parents of current or former students,
who volunteer to serve as witnesses of Jesus Christ and His Church in the process of instructing their students. All participate
in on-going catechist training and formation sessions, even those who are professional teachers, because they recognize
that religion is not just another subject to be taught. They are committed to the development of their own faith community,
and share prayer and community-building experiences to strengthen their own faith.

Our Catechists participate in course training, Catechetical Sunday ceremonies, sacrament preparation, and workshops in
the diocese.
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 Religious Education
2018-2019 Class Calendar

September

16 Catechetical Sunday 10:30 Mass Sunday

19 First Class with Mass at 6:30 p.m. All students report to Church
by 6:15 P.M Students will be released from the Church
26 First Class
30 Parent & Student 8th Grade Confirmation Meeting
In the Church at 11:30 A.M

October 3 Class
10 Class
14 Sunday –Parent & Student 2nd Grade First Sacraments
Meeting in the Church
17 Class
24 Class
31 Class

November 7 Class
14 Class
21 NO CLASS Thanksgiving Break
28 Class Resumes - Advent Penance Service

December 5 Class
12 Class
19 Class
26 No Class Christmas Vacation

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 Religious Education
2018-2019 Class Calendar

January 2 Class Resumes

9 Class
16 Class
23 Class
30 Class

February 6 Class
13 Class
20 Class
27 Class

March 6 Class Ash Wednesday Mass at 7 p.m. Report to Church by 6:45 p.m.
13 Class
16 Saturday - First Penance In the Church 10:00 A.M. Arrive @ 9:45 A.M.
20 Class
27 Class

April 3 Class Lenten Penance Service

10 Class
13 First Communion Retreat-Begins with 8A.M. Mass
17 No Class “Easter Triduum” See Bulletin for details
24 Class Confirmation Practice at 6:00 P.M. in the Church
27` Confirmation at 10:00 A.M. Students Report to the Gym by 9 A.M.

May
1 Class - First Communion and May Crowning Practice
At 6:00 P.M. in the Church. Please arrive on time.
4 First Communion We Celebrate this Sacrament at
10 A.M. All students should arrive in their classrooms
by 9:30 A.M.
5 May Crowning during the 10:30 Mass
Please check the weekly Church Bulletin and Web Page for any last minute changes

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 Seven Sorrows Parish
Religious Education Program - Purpose

The Parish Religious Education Program of Seven Sorrows Church exists for the purpose of
spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to its students and to their families.

Recognizing the belief that “the task of imparting education belongs primarily to the family,
and that it is in the Christian family...that children should be taught to know and worship
God and to love their neighbor,” the catechists of Seven Sorrows’ Religious Education
Program are committed to assisting families in the beautiful task of molding young disciples
in the faith.

Aware of the fact that our role is auxiliary to the parents, we strive to support the faith life of
our families, knowing that it is in the domestic church of the home that faith blossoms and is
nourished.

At age appropriate times during their religious education, students will be introduced to the
truths of our faith woven into the Creed; to the sacramental life of the Church; to life in
Christ; and to prayer. Since we believe that faith is more “caught” than “taught,” family
involvement in our program is viewed as essential to the accomplishment of our goals.

Saint John Paul II, Declaration on Christian Education, #3

Young people of the third millennium must be a source of energy and leadership in
our Church and our nation. Therefore, we must provide young people with an academically
rigorous and doctrinally sound program of education and faith formation designed to
strengthen their union with Christ and his Church. Catholic schools collaborate with parents
and guardians in raising and forming their children as families struggle with the changing
and challenging cultural and moral contexts in which they find themselves. Catholic schools
provide young people with sound Church teaching through a broad-based curriculum, where
faith and culture are intertwined in all areas of a school's life. By equipping our young people
with a sound education, rooted in the Gospel message, the Person of Jesus Christ, and rich in
the cherished traditions and liturgical practices of our faith, we ensure that they have the
foundation to live morally and uprightly in our complex modern world. This unique Catholic
identity makes our Catholic schools and religious education programs "Schools for the hu-
man person" and allows them to fill a critical role in the future life of our Church, our coun-
try, and our world (Catholic Schools on the Threshold, no.9)

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 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
POLICIES & PROCEDURES

ADMISSIONS

Children whose families are registered in Seven Sorrows Parish are accepted into the
Parish Based Religious Education Program. We do not discriminate on the basis of race,
sex, or national origin. Children from outside the parish may be accepted into the program
provided they present a letter of permission from the Director of Religious Education
from the home parish of the child, and an agreement between the Pastor from their home
parish and the Pastor of Seven Sorrows. It is at the discretion of the Pastor, D.R.E. or C.R.E.
as to the admittance of a child from outside the Seven Sorrows Parish Community.

REGISTRATION

If your child (ren) attended the program last year you do not need to re-register, we will
advance them to the next grade. A Medical/Release form is posted to our Web page and
must be completed prior to the first class. Only NEW students need to register and com-
plete a Registration and Medical/Release form and return them to the Religious Education
Office prior to August 29th. These forms may be found on our Web page.

Tuition Structure
One Child $85.00 Family Rate –Two or more children $133.00
Tuition is payable in full the first night of class, or you may chose a two payment option.
$85.00 -$45.00=$40.00 $133.00-$73.00=$60.00.
If you choose this option the first payment is due the first night of class. The final payment
is due by the second class of November. A tuition payment form may be found on our Web
page.
Families who are unable to pay tuition at this time are asked to speak to either the Pastor
or the Coordinator of Religious Education for tuition deferral.

Parents are expected to sign the statement enclosed with the handbook which
acknowledges that they have read, understand and accept the terms specified in this
handbook. They are asked to share the content of this handbook with their children.
Please be advised that the DRE/CRE, Program Coordinator(s), and Catechists are required by law to
report suspected or actual child abuse or neglect to the proper authorities.

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 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
SCHEDULE
Our Religious Education Program schedule will be distributed at the beginning of the year
in the Family Handbook. Each class will last for 1 hour and 15 minutes. A schedule of the
meeting dates will be provided for the parents of children in all grades. Since the teachers
are giving of their time for the benefit of the students, parents are asked to cooperate with
the class schedule.
ASSIGNMENTS
Parental involvement is a necessary part of religious education. It is the parents’ respon-
sibility to make sure their children complete the work assigned by their catechist. Please
make it a part of your weekly routine to share this time with your child, reviewing his/her
religion lesson for the week. Our series “Faith and Life” provides an Activity Book for
student use. Your child’s assignment will be found here on a weekly basis.
Additionally a Chapter Quiz may be assigned. Please sign both Activity Book and Quiz.

ASSESSMENTS
Assessments provide a way of comparing student achievement against established goals
and objectives. Religious Education assessments are a form of communication among
students, parents and catechists and the wider faith community. It is a way to
communicate that the traditions of our faith are indeed being passed on from one
generation to another. No matter what we do in life we are accountable for our words and
actions. In the same way, as parents and catechists we are accountable for your child’s
growth in knowledge of their faith. The more our children learn about their faith, the more
they can understand the difference faith makes in their lives. We have learned in our own
lives that a deeper knowledge of the story of faith has enhanced our relationship with God
and our appreciation of our Catholic tradition. It only makes sense, then, that as students
gain a deeper understanding of their faith story, they’ll have a better opportunity to culti-
vate a deeper relationship with God and a sense of what it means to be a committed
Catholic. The Assessment Forms will be sent home periodically for your review and signa-
tures of both the parent and student. Please return by “due date.”

HOME SCHOOLING
This alternative to class participation is available to parents who require this type of edu-
cation due to conflicting schedules. It is not meant as a substitute to classroom participa-
tion. It is an online program offered by My Catholic Faith Delivered and participation re-
quires the same time as a classroom setting, which is one hour and fifteen minuets per
week. It is a monitored program. Cost to participate is determined on a yearly basis.
Please e-mail the CRE at religioused@ssbvm.org for information. As always surrounding
parishes may offer a time slot that may be conducive to your schedule. Guidelines for
Home Schooling may be found at the Harrisburg Diocesan Website.

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 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
POLICIES & PROCEDURES

MASS ATTENDANCE
The Catechism of the Catholic Church makes it clear that Catholics fulfill the Third
Commandment by attending Mass on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. It is a
mortal sin for anyone from the age of reason (First Holy Communion) onward to miss
Mass. Parents are reminded that it is their duty as the primary teachers of their children
to ensure that their children come to Church every week and to give good example by
going themselves.
If your family is not already worshipping regularly with your parish family, we invite you
to join us each week in the celebration of the Mass. Because we are Catholics, we can
never really understand nor live our faith apart from the Mass, and the faith community of
the parish. Religion lessons are prepared with the presumption that the students are
familiar with liturgy through regular participation in the Mass. Catholic religious
education is like a bow without an arrow for children who do not know the Mass.
To be eligible to enter a parish sacramental preparation program, a child must attend
Mass regularly. If a child is not regularly practicing their faith, it may be determined that
the child is not adequately prepared to receive the sacrament and thus be delayed for a
year.

CLASS TIMES
All students in the program will begin class at 6:30PM for one hour and fifteen minutes.
Class will end at 7:45PM. Please review the calendar on page 5 and 6. All changes will be
listed in the weekly bulletin and on our Web-site under the Religious Education Banner.
The Confirmation Preparation Program includes both Seventh and Eighth Grades. There is
a two-year preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation as outlined by the Diocese of
Harrisburg Please review pages 23 and 24 in this handbook for an overview of require-
ments.

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 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
POLICIES & PROCEDURES

CLASS ATTENDANCE
Because Religious Education Classes meet only once a week, regular class attendance is
expected of each student in the Religious Education Program. Because of the limited
amount of time for instruction, it is important that students be on time for class and early
dismissals be avoided for a child to maintain interest, achievement, and a sense of
belonging. We count on parents to expect their children to have excellent records.
Scheduling and transportation problems that unavoidably result in regular tardiness
should be discussed with the Religious Education Coordinator.
Class attendance records are particularly important for students preparing for the
reception of a Sacrament since these records are useful in helping to determine whether a
child is ready to begin preparation. If a student should have three or more unexcused
absences and/or excessive number of excused absences, it will be understood that a
problem exists and is considered a justifiable reason to delay a student’s reception of
the Sacrament.

The child’s entrance into, or continued preparation in the Grade Two, Grade Seven or
Grade Eight, sacramental-preparation classes, will have to be evaluated by the parents
with the Coordinator of Religious Education. The delay will be used to more adequately
prepare the student for reception of the Sacrament.
Parents are requested to call the office to report the student’s absence. After each absence
the student is required to bring a note from his/her parent(s) stating why the student was
absent. The student is responsible for the material missed prior to the next class.
Arrival/Dismissal
Students will not be allowed to enter the building until fifteen minutes before scheduled
class time. Students should go directly to their assigned classrooms. Parents should
proceed with extreme caution when entering and exiting the school grounds.
For the protection and safety of our students
the following policy is in effect:
parents are required to come into the school office and sign-in the student
when late and sign-out the student for early dismissal.
A student will not be allowed into the class late nor be able to leave class early
without a parent coming to the office.

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 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Lateness
Students who arrive late are always at a disadvantage, and they cause disruptions for
everyone else. Please do your best to have your children arrive on time. A student who
arrives 5 to 15 minutes after classes begin will be considered late. A parent must come in
to the office, with your child, to be signed in late. Three late arrivals will be considered
one absence. A student who is more than 15 minutes late for class will be marked
absent.
Request for Early Dismissal
All emergency early dismissal requests are granted, if a note is sent to the office and
teacher, during the actual session the child attends. All early dismissals will be recorded.
Parents, or those designated in the written request, should report to the office to sign out
your child.
Attendance Procedures

IT IS PARISH POLICY THAT ABSENCES MAY BE EXCUSED ONLY BY A PHONE CALL OR

NOTE FROM A PARENT. If a parent telephones the office, it must be followed up with
WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION submitted to the office upon the return of the child. Please
request absences to be excused only for serious matters.

EMERGENCY CLOSING
Seven Sorrows Religious Education follows the decision of the Middletown Area School
District during hazardous weather. When Middletown Area School District announces
school closings or early dismissals, religious education classes are automatically cancelled.

If the weather becomes questionable after school hours, an announcement will be made
on major TV and Radio stations.

COMMUNICATION
Emergency Medical Treatment
It is extremely important that each family has an Emergency Medical Information Form on
record in our office. These forms give parental permission for emergency medical
treatment. We must have these forms on file FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR CHILD.

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 STUDENT CONDUCT
AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CHANGE OF ADDRESS
It is important that our records be kept up to date. Therefore, the Religious Education
Office must be notified immediately of any change of address or telephone number.
BOOKS
Parental assistance is needed to ensure that students come weekly with books and
materials needed for class as well as with completed assignments. Students without their
book or materials are at a disadvantage to properly participate. Lost books must be re-
placed at the parents expense.
It is important that children take care of their religion books, use them respectfully, and
bring them to class every week. Books that are defaced or abused may have to be replaced
at the parents’ expense. Please help us avoid this by noting, from time to time, how your
children are caring for their books.

School property, books, desks, may not be defaced. Students

and/or parents will be held responsible for the cost of the re-
pair or replacement.
BIBLES
Sacred Scripture is an integral part of your child’s education, particularly in Junior High.
Accordingly, all students in the 7th grade will be presented with his/her own Bible to be
used during both years of his/her Sacramental Preparation.

NO GUM, CANDY, SNACKS, etc. ALLOWED

This is a rule that seeks to protect the school and its furnishings and we expect all children
to cooperate with this policy.

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 STUDENT CONDUCT
AND RESPONSIBILITIES

DRESS CODE
It is expected that all children be appropriately and modestly dressed for class. Dress will
be reviewed and action will be taken if the student does not adhere to the established
dress code .

CELL PHONES
Students that carry cell phones to class must have them turned off and out of sight.
Texting or picture taking is not permitted. If the policy is violated the teacher will
confiscate the phone and a parent will be called to retrieve this confiscated phone.
Continuing to violate this policy, the student may not carry the phone with them and must
turn it into the office and retrieve it after class. Seven Sorrows Religious Education
program does not accept responsibility or liability for student cell phones.

DISCIPLINE POLICY
Each person is worthy of being treated with care and respect as one made in the image
and likeness of God. Therefore, genuine Christian care, mutual respect, and honesty
should characterize classroom behavior.

STUDENT CONDUCT
Proper conduct and respect is expected of all Religious Education students at all times.
Students who persist in disturbing the learning environment process will be dealt with
accordingly, at the discretion of the teacher. Teachers will try their best to bring a
disruptive student into line before dismissing the student from class. Under no
circumstances are teachers or the Coordinator permitted to administer corporal
punishment to a student.
Under no circumstances will a student or adult be permitted to strike another or use
abusive language for any reason. Lack of self-discipline during religion class will be
addressed promptly.
As a general rule, the following actions will be taken to enforce discipline upon those
students who insist on disrupting class:
1 At the 1st occurrence of a situation in which a student is disruptive to the point
that he/she must be removed from the classroom, the parent of the student will be
contacted by the Religious Education Coordinator.

2 At the 2nd occurrence of the situation described above, parents of the student will
be called to pick up their child.

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 STUDENT CONDUCT
AND RESPONSIBILITIES

3 At the 3rd occurrence, the parents of the student will be called to pick up
their child. The student and parents must meet with the Religious Education
Coordinator before being readmitted to class.

4 At the 4th occurrence, parents of the student will be called to pick up their
child. The student and parents must meet with the pastor
before being re-admitted to class.

5 At the 5th occurrence, parents of the student will be called to pick up their
child. The student will then be removed from the program at Seven
Sorrows.

The DRE/CRE or Program Coordinators retain the right to omit one or more of the
above steps whenever they deem it necessary.

MAJOR VIOLATIONS
Drugs/Alcohol/Substance Abuse
(See Substance Abuse Policy below)
Harassment – Verbal or Physical (includes sexual)
Stealing or Damaging Parish/School Property
Jeopardizing a Person’s Safety
Fighting
Crude or Offensive Language

SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY

Substance abuse is defined as the possession of, use of, selling or distributing of any
unauthorized, illegal drug, chemical, alcohol, or tobacco-like substance, which can be
introduced into the body through ingestion, inhalation, or injection. Any student found in
possession of an illegal or unauthorized substance on parish property will be immediately
suspended from the program. A conference with the parent(s)/guardian, student, and
DRE/CRE is mandatory for re-admittance to the program. Any student selling or
distributing illegal substances will be formally withdrawn from the program and the
matter will be turned over to local authorities.

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 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
BASIC DOCTRINE

Our program brings total catechesis to life by teaching the pillars of the Catechism - Creed,
Sacraments, Morality (Christian Living) and Prayer - every year in every grade level. Each
year is built upon and reinforced with what children have previously learned. This program
includes unique Scripture lessons on every level that develops a solid understanding of the
Bible. Liturgical year lessons help connect children to Sunday Mass.
Complete a 2 year preparation for reception of Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.

GRADE 1
Our Heavenly Father
The students are introduced to the Holy Trinity through studying the development of salvation history and presen-
tations on God the Father, the life of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Students are also
introduced to God’s plan and their participation in God’s family, which includes Mary, the angels, and the saints.
The emphasis of the first grade curriculum is for students to grow to know, love, and trust God.
Creed/Scripture
Students develop an understanding of the mystery of Christ through age appropriate teachings on Church doctrine
and scriptural references as listed below and in the teacher’s manual.
Sacraments
Students learn that God shows his love and mercy by giving us the Church and the sacraments to restore our life of
grace. Special emphasis is given to Baptism and the Eucharist.
Christian Living
Throughout the first grade, students develop their understanding of the dignity of the human person. Stu-
dents learn to live out their faith and respond to what they learn by forming a moral conscience and by liv-
ing out their call to justice and service through imitating the life of Jesus.
Prayer
Throughout the first grade, students begin to develop a prayer life that informs their Christian living. They learn
the basic traditional Catholic prayers and are introduced to spontaneous prayer. They also learn that giving
praise and thanksgiving to God are forms of prayer and that prayer is talking with God

GRADE 2
Jesus our Life
The students are prepared for the sacraments of Penance and First Holy Communion through studying the develop-
ment of salvation history. As students learn about God’s plan of love and mercy, they begin to understand that
these sacraments are God’s gift to us and that they too are part of God’s loving plan. Special emphasis is given to
preparation for and reception of these sacraments, as well as learning about the Mass.
Creed/Scripture Students develop an understanding of the mystery of Christ through age appropriate teachings on
Church doctrine and scriptural references as listed below and in the teacher’s manual.
Sacraments Students continue to learn that God shows his love and mercy by giving us the sacraments to re-
store the life of grace. The sacraments emphasized in second grade are the sacraments of Baptism, Penance, and
Eucharist.
Christian Living Throughout the second grade, students develop their understanding of the dignity of the
human person. Students learn to live out their faith and respond to what they learn by forming a moral con-
science and by living out their call to justice and service through imitating the life of Jesus.
Prayer Throughout the second grade, students continue their development of a prayer life that includes learning
the basic traditional Catholic prayers and praying spontaneous prayers. They continue to learn that prayer is
talking with God. Special emphasis is given to learning about the Mass as the perfect form of prayer.
Sacramental Preparation Students will study the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion in preparation to
receive them for the first time. They will learn about sin, God’s mercy, confession of sins, reconciliation, the steps
to a good confession, and the matter, form, effects, and minister of the Sacrament of Penance. They will also study
the Passover, Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist,16transubstantiation, the priesthood, sacrifice, the order
and parts of the Mass, personal union with Christ in Holy Communion, Eucharistic devotion, and the matter, form,
effects, and minister of the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
BASIC DOCTRINE

GRADE 3
Our Life with Jesus
Through studying the development of salvation history, students become immersed in the life of Jesus and develop
a deeper understanding of God's loving plan and of how they are a part of his plan.
Creed and Scripture
Students develop an understanding of the mystery of Christ through age appropriate teachings on Church doctrine
and scriptural references as listed below and in the teacher’s manual.
Sacraments
All of the sacraments are presented in the third grade curriculum. The sacraments emphasized in the third grade are
the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Penance. Students learn that through their full participation in the sacramental
life of the Church they participate in the Paschal Mystery and receive grace that will help them in their pursuit to
become holy and good Christians.
Christian Living
Throughout the third grade, students develop an understanding of the dignity of the human person. Students
learn to live out their faith and respond to what they learn by forming a moral conscience and living out
their call to justice and service by imitating the life of Jesus.
Prayer
Throughout the third grade curriculum students develop a prayer life that includes participation in the Mass as the
greatest prayer, learning traditional Catholic prayers, and praying spontaneous prayers.

GRADE 4
Jesus Our Guide
Through studying the development of salvation history, students come to a better understanding of God, his plan
for man, and our relationship with God. Students develop a better understanding of their purpose and goal in life
and a deeper appreciation for the Church as the very means that God has given us on our pilgrimage to heaven.
Creed/Scripture
Students develop an understanding of the mystery of Christ through age appropriate teachings on Church doctrine
and scriptural references as listed below and in the teacher’s manual.
Sacraments
All of the sacraments are presented in the fourth grade. The sacraments emphasized in fourth grade are the sacra-
ments of initiation and the Sacrament of Penance.
Christian Life
Throughout the fourth grade, students develop their understanding of the dignity of the human person. Students
learn to live out their faith and respond to what they learn by forming a moral conscience and by living out their
call to justice and service by imitating the life of Jesus. Special emphasis is given to the Ten Commandments.
Prayer
Throughout the fourth grade, students develop a prayer life that includes participation in the Mass, which is the
greatest prayer, and praying traditional Catholic prayers. In the fourth grade, special emphasis is given to sponta-
neous prayer.

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 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
BASIC DOCTRINE

GRADE 5
Credo: I Believe
Through studying the Creed and the development of salvation history, students are immersed in the Profession of
Faith. They develop a deeper understanding of each component of the Creed as it is part of salvation history.
Creed/Scripture
Students develop an understanding of the mystery of Christ and the Church through age appropriate teachings on
Church doctrine and scriptural references as listed below and in the teacher’s manual.
Sacraments
All of the sacraments are presented in the fifth grade. The sacraments emphasized in fifth grade are the sacraments
of initiation and the sacraments of healing.
Christian living
Throughout the fifth, grade students develop their understanding of the dignity of the human person. Students learn
to live out their faith and learn to respond to what they learn by forming a moral conscience and living out their call
to justice and service by imitating the life of Jesus.
Prayer
Throughout the fifth grade, students develop a prayer life that includes participation in the Mass, which is the great-
est prayer, and praying traditional Catholic prayers as well as spontaneous prayers.

GRADE 6
Following Christ
In the sixth grade, students learn about their Christian life of love, the law of God, their human frailty in following
that law, and the means that God gives them to follow his law especially through graces received in the Holy Mass.
By focusing the study of salvation history on typology in the Passover feast and the Last Supper, the students are
brought to a deeper understanding of the Eucharist. The sixth grade six concludes with a study of the last things in
light of God’s mercy and our hope for heaven.
Creed/Scripture
Students develop an understanding of the mystery of Christ through age appropriate teachings on Church doctrine
and scriptural references as listed below and in the teacher’s manual.
Sacraments
All of the sacraments are presented in the sixth grade. Special emphasis is given to the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
Christian Life
Throughout the sixth grade, students develop their understanding of the dignity of the human person. Students learn
to live out their faith and respond to what they learn by forming a moral conscience and by living out their call to
justice and service by imitating the life of Jesus. Emphasis is given to the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
Prayer
Throughout the sixth grade, students develop a prayer life that includes participation in the Mass as the greatest
prayer, traditional Catholic prayers, and spontaneous prayers.

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 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
BASIC DOCTRINE

Grade 7
Chosen
Chosen is a catechetical journey for Confirmation candidates. It is designed to provide the essential intellectual
and spiritual catechesis that is so vital to sacramental preparation. Catechesis is different than an academic course
which seeks to impart knowledge about a given subject. Catechesis certainly teaches and the student that is cate-
chized certainly learns, the goal of this program is to bring about a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.
The lessons covered are listed here:
Lesson 1- “Why am I here?” (An Introduction to Chosen) Lesson 2- “What makes me happy?” (Discovering God
as the Source) Lesson 3- “What’s your story God?” (A Look at Salvation History) Lesson 4- “How do I know
God is real?” (Understanding Divine Revelation) Lesson 5- “Who is Jesus?” (The Person and Mission of Christ)
Lesson 6- “Why be Catholic” (Discovering the Church Jesus Founded) Lesson 7- “Where am I going?” (A Look
at the Four Last Things) Lesson 8- “How do I get there?” (The Power and Purpose of the Sacraments)
Lesson 9- “When did my journey begin? (Baptism, Your Initiation into God’s Family)
Lesson 10- “Why tell my sins to a priest?” (The Healing Power of Confession)
Lesson 11- “How does God help when it hurts?” (Anointing of the Sick and Redemptive Suffering)
Lesson 12- “Who is the Holy Spirit?” (Meeting the Third Person of the Trinity)
Lesson 13- “What does the Holy Spirit do for me? (Gifts for the Journey)
Lesson 14- “Why have I been Chosen?” (Sealed and Sent in Confirmation)
Lesson 15- “Why do I have to go to Mass?” (Encountering Jesus in the Eucharist)
Lesson 16- “What does it mean to say, I do?” (Marriage, a Sign of God’s Love)
Lesson 17- “Who’s Calling?” (Holy Orders and Vocational Discernment
Lesson 18- “Are you talking to me?” (Getting to Know God through Prayer)
Lesson 19- “Who is Mary?” (Meeting the Mother of God-and Your Heavenly Family)
Lesson 20- “What would Jesus do?” (The Beatitudes as a Path to True Happiness)
Lesson 21- “Do I have what it takes?” (Building Virtue- Your Spiritual Workout)
Lesson 22- “Why wait?” (God’s Plan for Love and Sex)
Lesson 23- “How do I build the kingdom?” (Saying “Yes to the Mission of Christ and His Church)
Lesson 24- “Where do I go from here?” (The Journey Continues)

Grade 8
DECISION point
It’s Time to Start Thinking about Life’s BIG Questions
This experience, this book, this program— this is an invitation to explore some of the most important questions in
life that your child may have about their faith. In the process they will discover the incredible dream that God has
for them. It is time for them to live up to their potential, they are not to young.
This program will challenge your child to Life’s Choices (1), ask them What is holding them back?(2)
Session Three: The Jesus Question. Who is Jesus? Session Four: The Prayer Process: Why Pray?
Session Five: The Bible: A Map for the Journey Session Six: Relationships: What is the purpose?
Session Seven: The Eucharist: The One Thing Session Eight: The Holy Spirit: Who is the Holy Spirit?
Session Nine: The Church: The First Christians Session Ten: Confirmation: What is Confirmation?
Session Eleven: Made for Mission: The World is a Mess
Session Twelve: Holiness is Possible: Everything is an Opportunity.
The above lessons are two hour lessons and will be taught over the coming year at one hour intervals.
This program is also available on line for your review at DynamicCatholic.com

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 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
BASIC DOCTRINE

Summary: The Catechists, under the direction of the Pastor, and in conjunction with the Coordinator of
Religious Education, will complete the formation process of the students. In cooperation with the
Parish Youth Ministry, the Confirmation Program will develop the Conformandi so that upon success-
ful completion of the course, a young, vibrant, energetic and knowledgeable Catholic will be better
prepared to take Christ’s message of service and salvation into the world.

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 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMS

REQUIRED STUDENT & PARENT MEETINGS

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GUIDELINES OF THE DIOCESE OF HARRISBURG,
MEETINGS ARE HELD WHICH ARE REQUIRED FOR PARENTS AND THEIR STUDENTS
IN GRADES 2, 7, AND 8. Because the children in these grades are in a sacramental-
preparation class, parents are required to attend meetings especially designed to help
them update their own understandings of the sacraments while being made thoroughly
familiar with the preparation their children are receiving.
YOUR CHILD CANNOT SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE HIS OR HER
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION WITHOUT YOUR OBTAINING THE
MATERIALS AND INFORMATION THAT ARE GIVEN
AT THE REQUIRED PARENTS’ MEETINGS!
The dates for the Parents’ Meetings are placed on the Religious Education Calendar.
PLEASE MARK THESE DATES ON YOUR OWN APPOINTMENT CALENDAR.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS
SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM
Our program is not set up to handle children with severe special needs. Parents of a child
with special needs, who feel their child will benefit from our program, are asked to make
known the special needs of their child at the time of registration. Mainstreaming the child
within the regular class will be done if this is educationally appropriate for the child. Par-
ents of children with special needs may be asked to be aides in the class if this seems to be
an educationally and psychologically sound decision.
OUTREACH TO THE COMMUNITY
At various times throughout the year, the children are asked to participate in several
outreach programs to the less fortunate.

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 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMS

RECONCILIATION AND FIRST COMMUNION

A. The child must successfully complete his or her first year of religious education either
in a Religious Education Program or in a parochial school to be eligible to enter
sacramental preparation.
B. The child must participate in a year and a half program of preparation
before the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
C. The child must take part in a two-year program before the reception of the Sacrament
of First Eucharist.
D. The child must memorize the following prayers and be able to say them without
prompting: “Our Father”, “Hail Mary”, and “Glory Be to the Father”.
E. The child must attend Mass every weekend and have some familiarity with the liturgy.
F. The parents must attend the Required Parents’ Meeting.
G. Mandatory Retreat for First Communion Preparedness.

RECONCILIATION & FIRST COMMUNION PREPAREDNESS

Children, as well as adults, are naturally spiritual and are drawn toward God. As they
approach the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion for the first time,
children are in the early stages of their spiritual journey. All family members are
privileged to journey with their children as they prepare for the celebration of these
Sacraments.

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 REQUIREMENTS OF THE
CONFIRMATION PROGRAM

CONFIRMATION
Confirmation preparation is a two-year process, which begins in Grade 7 and culminates
with reception of the sacrament in the Winter/Spring of Grade 8.
A. The child must have successfully completed the first through sixth-grade year of
religious education either in a Religious Education Program or in a parochial school.
B. The child must be attending Mass every weekend.
C. The child must be willing to undertake all aspects of the Confirmation Program and
promise to do his or her best to cooperate in Confirmation preparation. This would
include all written assignments, yearly retreat in Grades 7 & 8, and performance of
approved service projects and an individual interview with a priest.
D. The parents must attend the Required Parents’ Meetings.

CONFIRMATION SERVICE PROJECTS

Each candidate needs to complete service projects (hours) in 7th and 8th grade. Candi-
dates need to understand that the intent of this requirement is for them to experience
how important they are as witnesses to the fulfillment of Christ’s mission; that when you
do for another, you do it for Christ. All parents are asked to sign a form after each individ-
ual project has been completed.

BISHOPS LETTER/INTERVIEW
Each 8th grade candidate will have an opportunity to address the Bishop in a letter and
interview with him at the time of Confirmation. This letter and interview will assist the
Bishop or his designee in evaluating your child’s readiness and preparedness for the Sac-
rament. These two instruments will seek to evaluate the candidate’s understanding of the
basic teachings and prayers of the Catholic faith, the meaning of Confirmation and com-
mitment to the Church.

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 REQUIREMENTS OF THE
CONFIRMATION PROGRAM

RETREAT
Eight grade candidates are expected to make the retreat planned for the entire Confirma-
tion class. PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS MANDATORY. More information will be forthcoming
regarding the date, time and place.

CONFIRMATION NAME
Each 8th grade candidate must select a “Confirmation name.” The candidate may choose
any Saint’s name because a new name symbolizes the taking on of a new nature or the
anointing by God for a special purpose. The candidate’s chosen Confirmation name should
be included at the appropriate space on the sponsor sheet that will be given out to each
student.

SPONSORS
Each 8th grade candidate is to have a sponsor to assist in the preparation program and to
stand with the candidate at the Confirmation ceremony. The completed Confirmation
Sponsor Certificate Form needs to be returned to the Youth Minister no later than as out-
lined in the Confirmation Packet.

SPONSORS MUST BE:

- A practicing Roman Catholic who is baptized and confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church.
- 16 years of age or older.
- Receiving the sacraments of Penance and Eucharist regularly.
- Worship at Sunday Mass every weekend and Holy Days; and must be active in
Church and community service.
- If married, must be valid in accord with all Roman Catholic Church laws (i.e., married in a
Catholic Church by a priest or deacon, married by other minister with proper dispensation
from the Catholic Church, had marriage validated by the Catholic Church).
- Submit a sponsor certificate as outlined in the Confirmation Packet.
PLEASE NOTE: Canon law does not permit a parent to be a sponsor (874.5). The Church, however, does
encourage that one of the Baptismal Godparents be considered as a sponsor. This manifests the sacramental
link between Baptism and Confirmation (893.2).

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 REQUIREMENTS OF THE
CONFIRMATION PROGRAM

SUMMARY OF THE CONFIRMATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Regular Religious Education attendance in completing both the 7th and 8th grade
course of study.
2. Fulfillment of Confirmation Service Projects to family, parish and community
during 7th and 8th grades.
3. Attend planned retreat in the 8th Grade.
4. Complete the Bishops Letter and interview in 8th grade.
5. Select confirmation name in 8th grade.
6. Select valid sponsor in 8th grade and ensure the Confirmation Sponsor
Certificate Form is submitted to the C/DRE or designee as requested.
7. Faithful attendance and participation at Mass EVERY weekend and Holy Day.
8. Frequent use of the Sacrament of Penance (minimum of confession twice a year –
Advent and Lent; suggested once a month).
9. Commitment to daily prayer.
10. All candidates for confirmation are EXPECTED to know fully:
A. OUR FATHER (Lord’s Prayer)
B. HAIL MARY
C. PROFESSION OF FAITH (Creed)
D. SEVEN SACRAMENTS
E. TEN COMMANDMENTS
F. DOCTRINE AND PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH
G. BEATITUDES
H. GIFTS & FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
I. SIGN OF THE CROSS
J. THE ACT OF CONTRITION
K. THE ROSARY
L. THE 2 GREAT COMMANDS OF JESUS
M. SACRED SCRIPTURES - OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS
N. LITURGY

## The above requirements are subject to change at the discretion of the Pastor or C/DRE

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 PRAYERS
Each class will end with a recitation of the Act of Contrition
Act of Contrition
My God,
I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong
and failing to do good,
I have sinned against you
whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help,
to do penance,
to sin no more,
and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ
suffered and died for us.
In his name, my God, have mercy.

Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on
earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we
forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you!
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory Be Prayer
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Act of Faith
Oh my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit.
I believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins and that he will come to judge the
living and the dead.
I believe these and all truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches because you have revealed
them who are eternal truth and wisdom, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. Amen.

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 Mailing Address and Contact Information
Seven Sorrows Parish Ministry & Education Center
Office of Religious Education
360 East Water Street
Middletown, PA 17057

Religious Education Office:

Phone: 717-944-5371 Ext 208
Hours: Wednesday evenings 5 PM to 7:30 PM
Or by appointment.

Class Times:
Wednesday: 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM

E-mail: religioused@ssbvm.org

Information about the Parish Religious Education Program may also be

found on the Seven Sorrows Church Website: www.ssbvm.org

TRAFFIC PATTERNS

Drop-Off: Please use the Bus Lane. Approach the building heading east on Water Street
and discharge your child in front of the building.

Pick–Up: You may park in the side lot and enter the building through the front door to
pick-up your child. Alternately, you may enter heading east on Water Street through the
Bus Lane as in discharging. If your child is not present, you will need to circle until your
child is available.

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 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION TUITION
2018—2019
Tuition is charged to each family for the cost of operating the Religious
Education Program - Grades 1 through 8.

Yearly Rates are:

$ 85.00 One child attending class

$133.00 Family Rate two or more children attending class

A tuition payment form may be found on the Religious Education Web page.

No child will be refused admission to the Religious Education Program

because of the inability to pay tuition or fees. Parents for whom Religious
Education tuition and fees would cause a financial burden should contact the
Religious Education Office by phone or E-mail. Parents should never keep
their children from attending. Religious Education because of the inability to
pay!

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 SEVEN SORROWS RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM
2018-2019 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

Please print, complete and return this form to the Coordinator of Religious Education

Family Name: ___________________________________________

Student(s) Name(s): ___________________________________________
___________________________________________
We have read the Seven Sorrows Religious Education Family Handbook. We agree
to support and abide by the rules and regulations set forth in the handbook
including the following policy regarding a student’s late arrival and early
dismissal: For the protection and safety of our students parents are required to come
into the school office and sign-in the student when late and sign-out the student for
early dismissal. A student will not be allowed late into the class nor be able to leave
class early without a parent coming to the office.
Please discuss the policies with all children.

________________________________________ ____________________________
Signature of parent/guardian Date

________________________________________ ____________________________
Signature of student Date

Detailed Religious Education tuition information on Page 28.

Seven Sorrows Religious Education Program welcomes volunteers.

Please check below if you can help in any of the positions needed.
You would be required to complete Youth Protection Requirements as
stated by the Diocese of Harrisburg. These are Fee free.

_____ Catechist _____ Office Help

_____ Substitute Catechist _____ Traffic Safety
_____ Classroom Aide
_____ Hall Monitor (during class)
_____ Assistant Mission Moderator

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