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Student Handbook

- Faith Formation

St. Denis 2023-2024 Student Handbook
Please read through this entire Handbook, and then click the Acknowledgement button at the end of the page. Every registered family must Acknowledge that they've read and understood the contents of this Handbook for each Faith Formation year they have enrolled student(s). Thank you!

Mission Statement
The Faith Formation program of St. Denis Church seeks to assist families in passing on our faith by providing children, youth and adults with the knowledge, experiences and skills needed to encounter Christ and become His true and faithful disciples. We enthusiastically support the ministries, which work to build up our community and proclaim the Kingdom of God.

Welcome!
August 2023

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the St. Denis Faith Formation program. This Handbook is designed to inform you and your student of the procedures and expectations at St. Denis Parish. We also wish to inform you about the curriculum for each grade and the importance of participating each year. All students are expected to observe and respect the procedures set forth in this Handbook.

The Second Vatican Council states that "Parents are the first and primary teachers of their children." Teachings are based on the authority of the Catholic Church and the materials, books, videos, activities, etc. are approved and recommended by the Diocese of Worcester. The Faith Formation program of St. Denis seeks to assist families in passing on our faith by providing children, youth and adults with the knowledge, experience and skills needed to become true and faithful disciples of Jesus. We believe that a partnership between our pastor, coordinator, teachers, parents, students and the community will create the team effort that is so important to achieve this goal.

As members, it is vital for parishioners to become involved through the many activities, programs, ministries and volunteer opportunities that the church makes available. This is how we share more fully in the life of the church while setting a positive example for the children. With everyone's participation, the parish grows spiritually and a powerful sense of community is cultivated.

Forming the classes and schedules for our students is a challenging task and currently our plan is to hold in-person classes. We are working on a back-up hybrid session in the event of possible gathering restrictions. A lot of time and thought will be put into this as we work together with all of the other ministries in our parish. It is important that we are able to communicate with you during the year, so all families registered in our Faith Formation program also need to be registered for Flocknote. Flocknote is the primary method of communication throughout the year and the way to receive the most current information. If you are not already registered on Flocknote we will register you.

A meeting for all grades is held when classes resume and parents and students are expected to attend to receive necessary program information. Follow your grade schedule for additional meeting dates during the year. If you have any further questions or concerns you are welcome to call me in my office at (508) 476-2002 x2 or send me an email.

We look forward to helping your student grow closer to Christ and sharing this wonderful experience with your family. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Cheryl Mauro
Coordinator of Faith Formation

Faith Formation - A Journey for Life

Catholic Faith Formation is progressive, and every year is important. If a year is missed, remedial work will need to be done to catch students up. This may cause a delay in receiving Sacraments. If your family is ever experiencing some difficulty with class attendance, please contact the rectory so we can work together.

Our teachers volunteer their time to teach the children of our parish about their faith because they love our Lord and want to pass on that connection to others. They all have additional commitments and most have families of their own, so we need everyone to work together. Parents, you are the primary teachers of your children in the way of faith and you promised at the baptism of your child to be the best of teachers. We are here to assist you, but it is your responsibility to stay connected and informed. We will provide you with the tools and resources to do that.
- Classes are held in the Church Hall
- Families should follow the Schedule since weeks can vary due to holidays, school vacations, or teacher availability.
- Use the resources provided (emails and/or texts sent via Flocknotes, website, Church bulletin and Mass announcements) for updates.
- All families need to be signed up for Flocknote since that is our primary source of communication.
- Sometimes notices for certain events are sent home with students so check with them after class.
- It's not up to teachers to make sure families are aware of events! They will help with reminders, but it's your responsibility to keep updated through the resources made available to you.
- If your child misses a class you will receive a Flocknote lesson for them to complete and submit back. However, much of what is done in class cannot be reproduced, so classes should not be missed unless absolutely necessary.
The St. Denis website is continually updated and is a very valuable resource with many materials that can be downloaded. Check your class schedule weekly, and visit the home page often for Parish information. Please let us know if there is something you cannot find and we will look for it for you. Our Facebook page is also a great place to find "live" prayer services, Holy Hour, programs and more.

Parent / Church Partnership

Families come in all shapes and sizes and it is within the family that we learn our first lessons of life. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to become involved with your child's Faith Formation.
- Volunteer some time to the program. There are many different opportunities.
- Discuss prep lessons at home with your student. Ask them about class.
- Review materials from the lessons that your child brings home.
- Begin a habit of prayer before meals or other times for family prayer.
- Receive the Holy Sacraments as a family (Eucharist and Reconciliation).
- Most importantly, worship together at weekly Mass.
All of this will send the message to your child that you are interested and believe that practicing your faith is an important part of your life. Resource books and other materials are available to borrow at your request. We will also provide adult education opportunities throughout the year. Whatever we do in our parish faith formation program can only supplement what is happening at home. God invites us into a personal relationship of love, but it is up to us to respond. When we say "Yes" we begin a journey of faith that lasts a lifetime.

Please check the Volunteer/Ministry list for all the different ways in which you can help. Together, we help the program and the parish to thrive.

Children's Liturgy of the Word (C.L.O.W.)

Children in Grades PreK/K through Grade 4 have the opportunity to worship at a level that is appropriate for them. Our Children's Liturgy of the Word program mirrors the worship experience of the larger community, with a style that is engaging and interactive. It is not faith formation class or a time to play. It is a chance to help and guide the children to become alert, active listeners of God's Word. They will be called as a group to move to the CLOW space, accompanied by the facilitator and volunteers, where they will experience God's presence in scripture and have a better understanding of the message. They will return back to their families in the church to celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist with the main assembly. Discuss what they learned about the readings and Gospel on your way home. Complete the activities in the take home brochure together as a family. Our older students are encouraged to volunteer with CLOW by helping with readings or keeping the younger children focused. We are looking for adults to help us lead this wonderful ministry. Guidance and materials will be provided. Contact the rectory to find out how you can help!

Mass / Readings

Talk with your student about the importance of them volunteering to read or bring up the gifts at their Grade Mass. Actively participating in the Mass is an important part of our faith. When a Grade Mass is scheduled for your student's grade, you are expected to attend whether or not your student has been asked or selected to actively participate. If your child is selected to do a reading or petition at their Grade Mass they will be provided with a copy at least one week in advance. Please be sure they practice at home. They are proclaiming the Word of God and this needs to be taken seriously. Time should be spent preparing for each reading through prayer and practice. Readers in Grades 5 and up should be seated in the front pew by 9:45am. Gift bearers should arrive no later than 10:10am and should sit in the second pew. An adult in charge will be seated with them throughout the Mass. The Deacon or someone else will be there to help them practice again so they are comfortable reading before the congregation. Students in Grades 1 through 4 will read at the Children's Liturgy of the Word (C.L.O.W.) in the Gathering Room upstairs and should proceed with the other students after Father calls them up for a blessing. All students in Grades PreK/K through 4 are strongly encouraged to attend CLOW. Please contact the teacher if a Mass volunteer cannot attend for any reason.

Interested in Altar Serving or being a Liturgical Dancer? Send us an email and someone will contact you.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation is offered every Saturday from 3:15 to 3:45pm, before the 4:00pm Mass, or by appointment (please call the Rectory). We also offer it at special times during Advent and Lent. Please check your schedules for the dates and times. "Reconciliation" means coming together again. By receiving this beautiful Sacrament, we are offered a chance to reestablish or deepen our relationship with God. The Church teaches that everyone receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation every year, but this Sacrament should become a regular part of your life and should be celebrated during the seasons of the Liturgical Year in the Church.

Community Service

Service within the parish is an important part of your student's Faith Formation experience and the type of service they will be involved with is always age appropriate. There are educational field trips in some grades and opportunities for students to use their time and talents helping various organizations and people in need. You will be notified of any events in which your child is expected to participate. Parents are invited and encouraged to join in as well!

Safe Environment Training and Curriculum

In the wake of the 2002 crisis, the Bishops signed a Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. To fulfill that pledge, the Office of Healing and Prevention at the Diocese of Worcester requires that "all those working with minors or associated with minors or who have the potential to be associated with minors must have a CORI check, Safe Environment Training and sign the Code of Ministerial Conduct for the Diocese of Worcester."

Safe Environment Education
In addition, Article 12 of the Charter also calls for Safe Environment Education for all children in our parishes, and Safe Environment Education for all parents.
- In an effort to comply with Article 12 of the Charter, every year we present the latest Safe Environment Education information from the Diocese of Worcester to our First Grade parents.
- We also provide an age-appropriate Safe Environment Education lesson to every grade in our Faith Formation program once during each learning year. Parents will receive details about when this material will be presented, and will always be given the option to review the materials ahead of the lesson.
- More detailed information about Safe Environment Education curriculum will be provided as it becomes available. In the meantime, if you are interested in obtaining information about Safe Environment Education, please check our pamphlet cabinet in the new addition foyer of the church.
- Parents must sign the section of the Agreement Form (at the end of this Handbook) acknowledging that they have read the information about the Safe Environment Education.
Code of Ministerial Conduct
In 2021, the Diocese of Worcester updated their Code of Ministerial Conduct.
- Everyone who volunteers at the parish must read and acknowledge this revised Code. Please click this link to read the Code.
- Then return here and click this link to Acknowledge that you have read the code and will agree to uphold its standards. (This is an online form on the Diocesan website)
  PLEASE NOTE: You must identify which parish you are volunteering with, but the drop-down parish list only shows the first few options. Please type "St Denis" (exactly as shown - capital S, no period after t, capital D and Denis with one n) into the Parish/Organization field, and then select that when it appears as a drop-down option. Then type "Douglas" into the City/Town field. This is the only way to accurately direct your submission to the right church.
- All parishioners are strongly encouraged to read and acknowledge the Code even if you are not a volunteer.
Safe Environment Training and Volunteering
St. Denis Church, in compliance with the Charter referenced above and with the guidelines set forth by the Diocese of Worcester, takes its role in protecting our children and young people seriously. We adhere to the practices and policies set forth in the Charter, and require all volunteers at the parish to complete Safe Training, submit a CORI check, and acknowledge the updated Code of Ministerial Conduct. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you can read more about these efforts by visiting our CORI and Safe Training page.

Special Situations - Students

The St. Denis Faith Formation program is comprised of volunteer parents and parishioners. They will do what they can to provide assistance to those children facing special needs, such as creating a "safe" classroom environment, but if a student's situation is severe, parents may need to stay with them in the classroom or choose the home school option. If students are expected to be with us all day (retreat, special program) we will have healthy food choices available, but be sure to talk with us before the event to make sure we are able to accommodate your student's needs.

Food Allergies or Medical Conditions Involving Food Concerns
- Students may bring in their own snack and control the areas they touch by bringing in disinfectant wipes.
- Parents may pick up their students 15 minutes early to avoid snack time altogether, if snack is part of their student's class routine.
- Parents may choose to home school the student with the guidance and support of the Faith Formation Coordinator and Home School volunteer.
- Parents should always check about what food or snacks will be provided when students are spending most of the day with us. We will always work with you.
If the student's allergy requires them to carry an EpiPen or other medical device or medication, the student or parent would need to be responsible for administering it, not the teacher.

Learning or Physical Disabilities
We do not always have extra volunteers who can stay one-on-one with a student. If your student requires this type of individual support, you may need to find someone who can help your child, or you can stay yourself. Anyone over 14 years old who volunteers to work with children would need to complete a Safe Training course and a CORI check. More info on that can be found here.

If your child has a special situation that you need us to consider, please contact the rectory in advance so we can discuss the options available. The Diocese does offer some programs to assist families who have special needs. We will be happy to direct these families so they may obtain information about these programs.

SPRED - Persons with devlopmental disabilities meet in small faith communities within the Worcester Diocese to foster spiritual development. The goal of SPRED is to assist Diocesan churches to integrate persons with developmental disabilities and persons with learning challenges into parish worship through the process of faith development. Click here to learn more about this program.

Sacramental Preparation

Each Sacrament is an encounter with Christ that strengthens and nourishes our faith.

Preparation for and reception of a Sacrament is based on readiness and desire, not on age or grade. Although here at St. Denis we do celebrate the sacraments in particular grades, much depends on the individual's readiness. Each grade is another step towards preparing a candidate for a sacrament and deepening their faith.

Students who are enrolled in Catholic schools are expected to receive all of their Sacraments within the parish community they belong to.

Anyone who has missed receiving any of the Sacraments may enroll in our Delayed Sacraments program. Please contact the rectory for further information.

First Eucharist
First Eucharist is generally celebrated at age 7 or 8 in Grade 2. Candidates must have a good understanding about the importance of receiving the Eucharist and also about the life of Jesus. Students who are enrolled in Catholic schools are expected to receive this Sacrament with their parish community. Parent meetings and a retreat must be attended and Catholic school children are also invited to join in on any of our classes throughout the year. Completion of the 1st Grade Faith Formation program is required.

First Reconciliation
In June 2004, a letter from Bishop McManus was received concerning this Sacrament. In keeping with the Code of Canon Law, the Bishop would like us to ensure that the First Communion of children is always "preceded by sacramental confession and absolution." (Canon 914, RS #87) We will therefore provide age appropriate instruction for the reception of this Sacrament during the 2nd Grade Faith Formation program. All candidates will understand the importance of the Sacrament and the gifts that it offers. Students enrolled in Catholic schools are expected to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time with their parish community. Parent meetings must be attended and Catholic school children are also invited to join in on any of our classes throughout the year.

Confirmation
Confirmation is a Sacrament of Initiation that celebrates God's special strength and gifts in a baptized person to help them become a better Christian. The Sacraments give us the grace to help us do Christ's work. In the Sacrament of Confirmation we experience an extension of our Baptism. Through it, we make a stronger bond with Jesus, and the Holy Spirit gifts us with special strength to spread and defend the faith. But as it is with any gift, you need to accept it and use it. Students who have completed our two year High School program (currently enrolled), the Discernment process, and have shown that they are weekly Mass attendants, involved in service to their parish community, will be given a date and time for their Discernment Interview. Once students have expressed their desire, ability and willingness to participate in the program of immediate catechesis, they will then enter our Immediate Confirmation Prep (ICP) program. More details on preparation for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation can be found on our Confirmation Page.

Faith Formation Program Policies

All Grades - Weekly worship at Mass and regular participation in the Sacraments is the most important expression of our faith. As members of the Catholic Church, it is essential for students and their families to attend Mass weekly and on Holy Days throughout the entire year. Even during this pandemic, the Mass was recorded so families could attend "live" on Facebook or go onto our website and view it at a later time. When Mass is missed, we miss the prayers of faith, God's word as told in Sacred Scripture, and we miss receiving Holy Communion. The Eucharist is the center of our Catholic faith and is a privilege and essential nourishment for our body and soul. Worshipping at Mass each week will help the entire family deepen their relationship with God.

Reconcilation is a beautiful sacrament given to us by Jesus, and when celebrated, we are given the chance to re-establish and deepen our relationship with God. This sacrament should be celebrated during each new season of the Church's Liturgical Year, not only when it appears on the Faith Formation schedule.

Tardiness and Absences
Our time together with the students totals to about 24 hours a year. That's equivalent to spending only one day for the entire year! With that small number of classes, it's so important for students to try and attend them all. Every grade is another important step in your student's faith formation.
- Make up lessons will be sent via Flocknote for classes missed and assignments must be submitted back. Failure to return the work may delay the reception of Sacraments.
- Arriving late to class is disruptive to the student, the teacher and the class. Classes only last 1-1/2 to 2 hours at most, so please try to be on time.
- When a student has to be absent, please email or call the teacher. They are volunteers and work hard around their already busy schedules to plan their classes for a certain number of students.
- Prompt pickup from class is also essential, as these teachers have families and obligations of their own to get back to.
Cancellations
Parents need to check the provided resources. When classes are cancelled due to inclement weather, we will send a Flocknote message and post it on our Facebook page and our website. Teachers will be notified, but we do not call, text or email everyone individually. If we have not cancelled class, but you feel it is a danger for you to make the drive in, please use your discretion and notify your student's teacher. We don't want anyone to be unsafe.

Emergency Information
If a student has a serious medical concern or any other issue that we should be aware of, please be sure to discuss it with us. Don't just write it on the registration form without also speaking with me and your student's teacher. We want to make sure that your student's best interests are met.
- All students MUST provide us with an emergency number on the registration form in the event that we can't reach you and need to contact someone else. We will always try to contact the parents/guardians first.
- It is essential that this information be kept up to date. Registration will now be done online. Flocknote uses both email and cell phone numbers for messaging (you determine how you want to receive those messages). If your email or phone number changes, please remember to notify us so that you don't miss any important messages!
- All contact and special needs information is kept confidential and shared only with the Faith Formation office and your student's teacher.
Nutrition
Students should eat a nutritious meal and be well rested before class. Although many teachers or volunteer parents provide snacks, it is not required and shouldn't be considered the student's meal. Please don't send students into the classroom with their dinners. This is even more disrupting than arriving late. If students are part of an all day event and have dietary concerns, parents should contact the rectory.

Curriculum
PreK & Kindergarten - Classes are optional, although the children really enjoy learning about their faith through art, song and storytelling. Classes are held in the Church Hall and from 10:10 to 11:20am. This time affords parents the opportunity to worship at the 10:15am Mass. Children may also have the chance to attend Children's Liturgy of the Word (C.L.O.W.) with their teacher. ALL children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during drop off and pick up.
Grades 1 through 6 - These grades meet Sunday mornings in the Church Hall from 8:30 to 10:00am, which allows families to worship at the 10:15am Mass together immediately after class. We use the "Blest Are We" Faith in Action series to provide students and their families with a thorough understanding of our Catholic Faith. Every year there is a spiral thematic curriculum that is based on the four pillars of the catechism of the Catholic Church. Each year as the children's understanding and faith grow, topics are revisited, and new elements are added to continue their faith development. With this approach, children learn all aspects of our Catholic faith at an age-appropriate level. Therefore, every year is important. Skipping grades will require remedial instruction.
Grades 7 & 8 - These grades meet as one large group on Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 in the Church Hall. Preparatory materials are sent one week before class via Flocknote, and need to be completed prior to class to aid in participation. The group format consists of time spent together as a large group watching videos and learning about the class theme, plus time spent in smaller break-out sessions where students and facilitators dive deeper into the theme through discussion, activities and sharing.
High School Program - Like the 7th & 8th Grade classes, our High School program meets Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30pm in the Church Hall, and follows the same group class format, with preparatory materials sent via Flocknote a week before class. Two years of High School Faith Formation are required in order to progress towards reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation (usually in the fall of their 11th grade year), and our program is structured such that if a student can't complete the two years consecutively, there's an opportunity to continue with the program and still receive the sacrament before completing 12th grade.

To learn more about a specific grade's curriculum, please visit our Faith Formation Schedules page, click on the grade you are interested in, and scroll below the Schedule to find a more detailed explanation of what is covered during that grade.

St. Denis Church Hall Rules and Regulations

With so many people using the Church Hall, it is imperative that we all share in the responsibility of keeping it clean. We need to teach our students the importance of respecting church property, picking up after themselves and also having respect for the people who have to clean and maintain the church.

Cleaning supplies and products can be found in the closet on the stage if needed, along with First Aid supplies.
- Classes generally run for only 1-1/2 hours. Students should not hae to make multiple trips to the restroom, as it is very distracting, especially to the classroom(s) nearest the restrooms.
- Please use the trash receptacles. Do not stuff paper towels into toilets or urinals. Keep the restrooms clean.
- There is absolutely NO SMOKING of any kind, anywhere inside the church building. This includes vaping or any other such practice.
- If you drop anything - snacks, papers, pencils, wrappers, etc. - on the floor, pick it up. Do not leave a mess for someone else to take care of. Teachers should have students check their area and pick up under the table. A broom and dustpan are in the stage closet if needed for cleaning up.
- NO GLITTER IS ALLOWED INSIDE THE CHURCH! It is very difficult to clean and we have found it takes months after it was used to get it all up. Glitter glue may be used, if cleanup is immediate and thorough.
- DO NOT intentionally break pencils or crayons. They cost money and should not have to be replaced more frequently than is necessary.
- DO NOT write on tables, chairs or any other church property.
- Only authorized adults are allowed to move the room dividers. These are easily broken if not moved carefully.
- The stage is now a working office for the Faith Formation program. Only authorized people are allowed to enter unless they have requested a meeting.
- Teachers are authorized to be on the stage to get boxes, supplies, make copies or anything else that is needed pertaining to their classes. Please put everything back where you found it. If supplies are running low, please inform someone. Someone will be there to assist if needed.
- Be sure all labeled items are returned so their labels can be read. We need to be able to find whatever we are looking for.
We do not have a full time janitor. This parish belongs to all of us and we need to take pride in its appearance. Please be sure to take the extra few minutes to follow the rules that are outlined here.

Thank you for caring!

Behavior Expectations

St. Denis Faith Formation Students at all times will:
- Treat others in a civil, respectful, and courteous manner.
- Respect and do not break, damage or deface any Church property.
- Respect the personal property of others.
- Be honest in their words and deeds and use respectful language
- Behave in a way that does not disrupt learning.
- Behave in a quiet respectful manner when in Church.
- Turn off all electronic devices. Cell phones will be collected if necessary.
- Remove hats while inside.
Discipline Policy

Please review this policy with your student every year.

We have had some terrific classes and wonderful students, and over all we are very proud of the respect that they have shown to our teachers. Unfortunately, in past years we have also experienced some problems with excessively disruptive behavior and disrespect from a small number of students. This cannot be tolerated, so we have implemented a 1-2-3 Discipline Policy.

If a student becomes excessively disruptive or disrespectful, we will move their seat if necessary and they will be asked to stop. That's 1. If it continues, they will be taken aside by their teacher or the Faith Formation Coordinator and given a final warning. That's 2. If it still continues, we will call parents and ask that they pick up their student. That's 3.

For Grades PreK/K through 5, the 1-2-3 Discipline Policy will be handled according to the age of the student by changing the seating arrangement, implementing time outs, or sending a note home to parents if it becomes necessary.

If parents need to be contacted for any reason a meeting will need to be set up with the student, parent(s), teacher(s) and the Faith Formation Coordinator before the student is allowed to return to the class. We haven't had many issues, but there have been some and the situations have been unpleasant for everyone involved.

Be sure to communicate with your student that good behavior and respect are expected and appreciated. This needs to be discussed each and every year; remind them that their teachers are unpaid volunteers and they deserve their respect.
- Students should not be carrying on other conversations with each other while the teacher is talking and trying to teach.
- Appropriate language should be used at all times and students should treat each other the way they would want others to treat them - with dignity and respect.
- Students need to participate in the class and work on the lessons that the teacher asks them to. Classes go by quickly when everyone is involved.
- Cell phone use is not allowed in class. If needed, they will be collected.
- All we ask is for students to come to class with an open mind and heart, being respectful of our volunteers and of each other.
"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future."
– Frankin Delano Roosevelt

Contact Information

Cheryl Mauro, Faith Formation Coordinator
508-476-2002. x2

Acknowledgement

Please click the button below to complete the Handbook Acknowledgement Form. This form must be submitted ONCE per Faith Formation year by each registered family.