DIOCESAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL EIGHTH GRADE BISHOP S AWARD Diocese of Victoria PURPOSE The purpose of the Diocesan Catholic School Bishop s Award is to encourage students in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Victoria to realize, intellectually and practically, the intent of Catholic education as stated by the Catholic bishops of the United States. Christian education is intended to make one s faith become living, conscious and active through the light of instruction. To Teach As Jesus Did, #108 Therefore, all criteria for this award are directed toward the accomplishment of the three goals listed below: 1. The student will learn the Message of Jesus, the Good News. (Christian Doctrine) 2. The student will give witness to the Good News by the manner in which he or she relates with fellow students, teachers and others in the school community. (Formation of Christian Community) 3. The student will use his or her unique, God-given talents to serve God and others for the good of all. (Worship and Service) ELIGIBILITY All eighth grade students enrolled in a Catholic school in the Diocese of Victoria, who fulfill the stated criteria, are eligible for the Diocesan Catholic School Eighth Grade Bishop s Award. Page 1
CRITERIA Students must fulfill the following criteria in order to receive the Diocesan Catholic School Eighth Grade Bishop s Award: 1. Score at least 85% on the Diocesan Test of Christian Doctrine. This will include knowledge and understanding of general Christian doctrine including, but not limited to the following topics: A. The Rosary Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries Hail Holy Queen B. The Way of the Cross C. Parts of the Mass Liturgy of the Word & Liturgy of the Eucharist. D. The Ten Commandments and Two Great Commandments E. Beatitudes F. Spiritual Works of Mercy G. Corporal Works of Mercy H. Seven Sacraments I. Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit J. The Theological Virtues K. The Moral Virtues L. Precepts of the Church M. Holy Days of Obligation in the U.S. N. The Marks of the Church 2. Must NOT receive ANY U s (Unsatisfactory grades) in Conduct* on his/her report card in all subjects throughout the school year. 3. Perform at least 15 hours of apostolic service. (This does not include school or family responsibilities.) These hours must be recorded by the student, signed and verified by an adult who witnessed the service on a form provided by the school. 4. The students must know, by memory, the following prayers: A. Sign of the Cross F. Our Father Page 2
B. Hail Mary G. Glory Be C. Morning Offering H. Grace before Meals D. Grace after Meals I. Apostles Creed E. Act of Contrition J. Memorare 5. The students must receive a favorable rating by the majority of teachers on the Award Review Panel to be eligible to receive the Diocesan Catholic School Eighth Grade Bishop s Award. *Special Note The Principal reserves the right, after consultation with the Superintendent, to revoke the Diocesan Catholic School Eighth Grade Bishop s Award at any time for a serious breach of conduct that would reflect poorly on the Catholic School/system. Page 3
STUDENT PERSONAL PROFILE Please respond to the following questions/statements in three to five sentences: 1. As you prepare for the Diocesan Catholic School Eighth Grade Bishop s Award, share some of the ways your family supports you in this endeavor. 2. Who are the people, and what are the events that have influenced your life thus far? 3. Name five things that you value most. 4. What are your plans for the future? Page 4
5. Complete the following: To me, Jesus Christ is To me, prayer I am most satisfied with myself as a person when I I am least satisfied with myself as a person when I I want to be like because Student s Name Date Page 5
FAMILY CHECKLIST* Diocesan Catholic School Eighth Grade Bishop s Award Student s name Homeroom Teacher Parent s/guardian s name Parent s/guardian s phone number Parent/Guardian and student attest that the following has been completed: Knowledge of Doctrine (At least 85% on Diocesan Religion Test) NO Unsatisfactory Conduct Grade throughout the eighth grade year Service Record Complete (at least 15 hours of Service) Memorized Prayers Personal Profile Parent/Guardian signature Student signature Date Date Additional comments: Page 6
PRINCIPAL CHECKLIST Diocesan Catholic School Eighth Grade Bishop s Award Student s name Homeroom Teacher Knowledge of Doctrine (at least 85% on Diocesan Religion Test*) NO Unsatisfactory Conduct Grade throughout the eighth grade year Service Record Complete (at least 15 hours of Service) Memorized Prayers Personal Profile Award Review Panel (majority issued favorable rating) *If there are extenuating circumstances that the principal feels would justify a lower passing score, please explain your rationale: Principal signature Date NOTE TO PRINCIPALS The above information (pp. 1-6) should be given to 8th grade students/families on or before October 1. The names of students receiving the award must be sent to the Superintendent on or before March 31. The time and place of the Awards Ceremony is 7:00 P.M., at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral. The date of the ceremony will be published annually in the Administrator s Calendar. Please indicate below whether the student named will be receiving/will not be receiving the award. YES, the above-named student is ELIGIBLE for the DCS 8 th Gr. Bishop s Award No, the student is INELIGIBLE. Page 7