YOUTH MINISTRY JR HIGH. Grades 6-8

Transcription

1 YOUTH MINISTRY JR HIGH Grades 6-8 1

2 JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY GRADES 6 8 FAITH FORMATION MEETING TIMES: SUNDAYS, 3:30-5:00 P.M. TUESDAYS, 4:45-6:00 P.M. WEDNESDAYS, 6:30-7:45 P.M. The Junior High Faith Formation Program at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Community is for youth in grades 6 through 8. The junior high program is designed to meet the particular needs of early adolescents. Ongoing evangelization and catechesis (religious education) are key to empowering adolescents to live as young disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today. In an encouraging and relaxed environment, young adolescents can grow in faith through the development of Catholic identity, prayer, community, and service to others. The junior high program is held from September through April on Sunday afternoons 3:30 5:00 P.M., Tuesday 4:45-6:00 P.M., or Wednesday evenings 6:30-7:45 P.M. The grade level courses are based on the four pillars of the new Catechism and are approved by the U.S. Bishops Ad Hoc Committee for using the catechism. The courses are designed to support parents in their primary role of forming faith-filled young people. Youth are encouraged to discover and explore the inter-relatedness of their daily lives to their Catholic faith, with its rich traditions and teachings. Large group events, social activities, prayer times, retreats, family programs, community-wide service projects, and training for parish liturgical and hospitality ministries help young people develop their skills and talents for lifelong Christian living. Young people are expected at this age to begin to accept responsibility for their participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community. They are a vital part of parish liturgies, service projects, and other events. Opportunities are provided to gather for fellowship, fun, and games with a message; and occasional weekend activities specifically planned for junior high youth provide additional community-building opportunities. For most events, their nonparishioner friends are welcome. There are also a growing number of diocesewide events designed for junior high. Additional permission forms may be required. Be sure to read the bulletin for information about events. 2

3 REGISTRATION: Registration for Faith Formation (FF) sessions begins June 1. Classes are limited in size and need two VIRTUS-trained adult leaders; therefore, classroom assignments are on a first-come basis. Class placement is dependent upon the number of volunteer catechists (teachers) who step forward to teach. Without enough catechists, we may not be able to form a class, which will result in the family being moved to the home-based FF program. No confirmation letters will be sent indicating that your child is registered. A family needs to be registered in the parish to participate in FF sessions and the sacrament preparation programs. No student will be denied a religious education because of financial need. Please contact the faith formation office with your request for assistance. ATTENDANCE: Consistent attendance is crucial to the faith formation process and building community among the youth and their adult leaders. After three consecutive absences in the sessions, parents will be contacted about their child s continued involvement in the program. After four absences and no response from a parent, it is assumed the young person will not be participating in the program. If attendance conflicts arise, contact the Youth Ministry office and we will work with you. DISCIPLINE: Young adolescents need clear limits and structure to feel safe and comfortable in an environment. Young people are expected to be respectful to others and responsible for their own behavior and that of their guests at any Epiphany function. Youth are asked to read and sign a Self-Discipline Behavioral Form distributed during the first FF session and kept on file in the Youth Ministry office. Parents will be notified when their child is engaged in fighting or repeated disruptive behavior. 3

4 CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES: While cell phones are a big help when youth are trying to connect with parents after events, they are a distraction during class times and other activities. Ideally, all cell phones and electronic devices (Ipods, games, etc.) will be left at home when youth are participating in activities at Epiphany. If they are brought to any event, they are to be turned off and kept in pockets or purses. If a youth uses a phone or electronic device during an event, an adult in charge will hold the item until the end of the event. This happening a second time will result in a parent needing to come and collect the item from an on-site coordinator. DISMISSAL: The parking lot is an extremely active place at arrival and departure times. PAR- ENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR CHILD S SAFE ENTRANCE INTO AND EXIT OUT OF THE BUILDING. We appreciate your consideration of others safety at all times. The parking lot speed limit is 10 m.p.h. All youth will enter the Parish Activity Center (PAC-two-story building entrance P1) through the main entrance. They will be dismissed out these same doors. Parents are also asked to use the main entrance when entering and leaving. PLEASE ARRANGE WITH YOUR CHILD TO MEET YOU IN THE FOYER OR BE VERY SURE THEY KNOW WHICH PARKING AREA YOU WILL BE IN. Make sure you have a rain plan, too. For best results, make one plan for the year. Be sure to share it with any other family member or friend who may help with pick-up. Be aware that the Sunday session is grades 1 through 8, and dismissal coincides with 5:30 Mass traffic. The Wednesday session involves grades K through 8, as well as a high school program. PLEASE NOTE: Parents are asked to notify the teacher or coordinator at the beginning of a session if their youth needs to be dismissed early. Notification can be by personal contact from the parent/guardian or a note signed by a parent/ guardian. A parent/guardian must then come into the building to pick up their youth at the requested time. A coordinator will get your child from the classroom. No youth will be dismissed early except directly to a parent/guardian. 4

5 PARENT SESSIONS: During the year, watch for programs offered for adults during Junior High FF session times. This is a great opportunity for parents to further their faith formation. Watch for flyers and bulletin announcements for details. HOME-BASED FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM: A home-based faith formation program is available for students who are not enrolled in the regular weekly FF program. Along with their course of study, they are encouraged to participate with their peers in service projects, prayer celebrations, and social activities at the church when their schedule permits. There is a written evaluation due at the end of July for each course of study. Contact the Faith Formation office for information 5