The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Religious Education Program (Catechism)Parent/Student Handbook

2019-2020 Parish Office: 505-983-

8868

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe Religious Education Program Handbook

This handbook is provided to the students, parents, guardians, catechists and volunteers of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe participating in our Religious Education Program (Catechism) that includes all of our classes from 1st grade through the 12th grade. This handbook contains all of the policies of our program and may be changed by the Pastor and Coordinator of Religious Education.

Our Religious Education Program recognizes the responsibility that belongs to the parents (and guardians) to raise their children in the practice of the Catholic Faith as promised at baptism. Our parish is committed to teaching the principles and faith of the Roman Catholic Church to help parents raise their children as practicing Catholics.

Parents, students, catechists, sponsors, and volunteers all have important roles in our program. The policies found in this handbook have been provided to help everyone accomplish the mission of faith formation that leads to an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ and a Christian life lived out in obedience to the Gospel while growing in holiness.

A parent for each student must complete the acknowledgement form found at the back of this handbook indicating that they have received, read, and agree to abide by the policies of this handbook before students begin any class. A signature also indicates acceptance of all deadlines.Students in the first and second year of preparation for the sacrament of confirmation must also sign the acknowledgement form.

ABOUT OUR PROGRAMOur program is dedicated to teaching the faith of the Roman Catholic Church to enable students to live-out their baptismal promises, encounter Christ in the sacraments, and to live the Gospel in the world. Our program aims to provide the following:

Knowledge and reverence of the Sacred Scriptures as the revealed Word of God. Knowledge of the Sacred Tradition of the Church

A faithful presentation of the teachings of the Church Practical application; to live the Gospel in the daily lives of the students Teach and experience prayer as a means of communication and union with God Knowledge of the Church’s religious vocabulary Tools to live the Gospel in the world by identifying the charitable needs in our community. Understanding of the value of the Human Person and the responsibility to live the moral life of a

Christian, meanwhile respecting & protecting the dignity of every human person Knowledge of the Call to Holiness and provide the tools to grow in sanctity Enthusiasm for the Catholic Faith and provide a desire to grow in faith and action

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe offers a comprehensive and age appropriate Religious Education Program for student in the 1st through the 12th grades in English and Spanish that includes sacramental preparation.

Ongoing Formation Formation for students from 1st through 12th grade with age appropriate formation.Kindergarten – 5th Grade

Tuesday 5:30pm – 7:00pm6th grade – 12th Grade

Wednesday 7:00pm -8:30pm  Sacramental Preparation

ReconciliationStudents in 3rd grade who are eight years old and who have completed a prior year of religious education in our parish or at another parish (verification from that parish must be provided.)

Eucharist (First Communion)For students who wish to receive the Eucharist for the first time and who are in the third grade. Students must turn eight (8) years old by the time of First Communion in the Spring. Students must have completed a prior year of religious education in our parish or at another parish (verification from that parish must be provided).

Confirmation  For students who are in the 10th – 12th. The preparation for confirmation is a two-year process. 

Confirmation IFor students who are entering the 9th grade or who are above 9th grade and are attending our program for the first time without having attended a Religious Education program the immediate year prior. Confirmation I will teach the basics of our faith.

Confirmation IIFor students who are in the 10th grade or above and who have completed a prior year of religious education at our parish, a Catholic School, or at another parish (verification from that parish must be provided.) Confirmation II will focus on the sacraments of initiation, and how to live our Christian faith as fully initiated Christians.

Adult ConfirmationConcentrated preparation for adults (post high school age) who have not received the sacrament of confirmation is Spanish and English. The intensive class takes place in the Fall or in the Spring based on the needs of the parish. The class will be advertised in the parish bulletin when it will be offered.

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Rite of Christian Initiation Adults (RCIA) The Rite of Christian Initiation is for adults who are not baptized and are inquiring and or desiring to be baptized and enter the Catholic Church. RCIA is also for those adults who have been baptized in another Christian denomination, and who want to be received into the Catholic Church and receive the sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation.

Special Sacramental Preparation for students above the normal age for First Eucharist (sometimes referred to as RCIC)This is a special class for students 7 years old and above who did not receive Baptism or First Communion at the usual age. Students attend the regular class for preparation for First Communion or confirmation and take this additional class to prepare them to receive the sacraments. The dates for RCIC classes will be determined for those older then the age of seven will be determined at a later date. Students participating in this program must attend the Scrutinies, the Rites of Sending and Election with the RCIA participants. Dates and times TBA.

AdmissionAdmission is open to families who are registered and active at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Families must be attending Sunday Mass and contributing to the financial support of the parish.

First priority will be given to families who are registered and active in the parish.

Families from other parishes or who reside in the other parish boundaries must obtain permission from their pastor in the form of a letter of their parish to enroll in our Religious Education Program if space is available in our program.

All families registered in our program must agree to accept all of the policies as presented in this handbook.

Proof of legal guardianship or written permission from the student’s parent must be obtained if the person enrolling in our program is not a biological or adoptive parent.

RegistrationThe following are required:

Completed Registration Form Signed page accepting the norms of the Handbook Copies of Certificates of Sacraments Received:

All Students: Baptism Certificate Confirmation Students: Baptism Certificate and First Communion Certificate * Students who fail to turn in the required documents and assignments will not be

allowed to continue taking classes.

Certificate of First Communion for all students above the third grade Birth Certificate if the student has not been baptized Emergency Contact Information that includes emergency contact information in the case when

the parents are unable to be reached Special Needs for students with allergies or special medical needs. To be kept with the

registration form indicating their health/medical need. There is a space made available on the registration form.

Permission from Pastor if the family is registered in another parish

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REGISTRATION FEESThe fee for parishioners of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is $20.00 to help defray the cost of our programs.

The majority of our Religious Education Program is funded by the Regular Sunday Offerings Collection of the Parish. Families enrolled in our Religious Education Program are expected to contribute regularly to the Parish through the Regular Sunday Offerings.

Students in the confirmation class will be asked to help defray the cost of the required materials and the retreat in the Spring.

Family CatechesisThe religious education and formation of young people requires the participation of the whole family and ongoing formation of the whole family so that each student can be formed in the Gospel and actively put the Gospel into practice in the world, by beginning at home.

Mass AttendanceAll families enrolled in our Religious Education Program are expected to attend Mass at our parish every Sunday to fulfill their Sunday obligation. Regular Mass attendance is essential to the life of the Catholic Christian and religious education will only take root in the lives of students and families who are attending Mass on Sundays on a regular basis. This is particularly important for the families with students preparing for sacraments. The Students of families found not to be attending Sunday Mass on a regular basis may be asked to wait a year before receiving the sacraments in the Spring.

Participation in Parish Activities Parents and students are expected to participate in all parish activities and programs. It is expected that all families participating in the Religious Education Program and of our parish are be involved in the spiritual and social life of the activities of the parish.  

Catechists and AidesOur Religious Education Program is made possible by the generosity of our volunteer catechists and aides who generously give of their energy, time, and talents to assist in the Religious Education Program of our Parish. Families involved in our Religious Education Program are expected to show respect and gratitude to our catechists and volunteers.“They who instruct others unto justice shall shine as the stars for all eternity!” (Daniel 12:3) The Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE)The Religious Education Program from 1st grade-12th grade is directed by the Coordinator of Religious Education who reports directly to the Pastor. All ideas, suggestion, and concerns should be addressed directly to the CRE. The Pastor and CRE have the right to amend this handbook as needed.

COMMUNICATIONThe weekly Parish Bulletin will be the principal means of communication. Parents should check the Parish Bulletin on a weekly basis for any information that pertains to the Religious Education Program.

Parents who wish to be notified of announcements and changes by e-mail or text message should notify the Coordinator of Religious Education or Coordinator of Youth Ministry.

Written communication reflecting changes in the program calendar or special up-coming events will be sent home with the students and by e-mail.

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ATTENDANCEAll students are expected to make a commitment to attend all classes when registering. It will be expected that all students and their families make the Religious Education Program a priority over other school and athletic commitments.

Students who are preparing to receive sacraments (Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, RCIA) may not miss more than four (4) classes (excused or unexcused).

Students who miss more than four (4) classes will be asked to repeat the whole year before receiving a sacrament.

TARDYStudents are expected to arrive before the start of class and be ready for class. Students who arrive after the beginning of class must report to the Director of Religious Education or Youth Minister for instructions.Three (3) tardies will equal one day absent.

DISMISSALFor the safety of our students:

Students must be picked-up by their parents at their classroom doors. Students will not be allowed to go into the parking lots to meet their parents/ride home.

Taking students out of class before the scheduled end time is highly discouraged for the sake of protecting the concentration of each classroom without disruption. Parents who find themselves in an emergency situation that calls for early release of a student must:

Provide advance notification to the Coordinator of Religious Education. This information should include: Name of the student; grade; date and time; reason for early release; and name of the person that the student is to be released to.Upon receiving permission for early release of the student, the designated person to pick-up the student is to do so from the Coordinator of Religious Education.

Parents are not to go to the classroom to ask to have the child dismissed.

DISCIPLINEChristian Charity is the rule in all of our classes. Students are expected to act in a respectful and appropriate manner at all times. Students are expected to respect their classmates, catechists, staff, clergy, and volunteers before, during, and after all of our classes. Students using obscene language, physical violence, demonstrating disrespect to classmates, catechists, staff or clergy or indulging in vandalism will be immediately removed and families notified to pick-up their students. Bullying in any form will not be tolerated and all students found to do so will be dismissed from the program.The following are not permitted:

Gum, radios, iPods, laser pens, toys, cell phones, pen knives, skates, Heeley shoes, or other items considered to be inappropriate by catechists or the Director of Religious Education.

Students found with alcohol or drugs will be immediately reported to their parents and to the police and to the State of New Mexico Children Youth and Families.

Cell PhonesCell Phones must be turned off from the beginning to the conclusion of each class and stored away. Texting, answering calls, or making calls will not be permitted.Some catechists may choose to collect cell phones at the beginning of class and return them at the end of class.

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Sexual Harassment / Sexual Violence Any intentional brushing against, patting, pinching another’s body, suggestive or obscene letters, notes, invitations, derogatory comments, slurs, jokes, unwanted physical contact and blocking movements; and/or leering with sexual overtones, display of sexually suggestive objects, posters or cartoons is prohibited.Sexual harassment and sexual violence are unlawful and grounds for immediate dismissal from our Religious Education Program. The notification of civil authorities will follow when necessary.

Protection of Children and Youth In accordance with the policies of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and the Unites States Conference of Catholic Bishops Directives, a training session for both adults and children will be held each in each class during one of the classes in October.

These sessions will teach students to be safe, protect themselves and communicate potential dangers regarding abuse. Parents will be reminded when the sessions will be held and will at that time determine whether or not they want their child(ren) to attend the session. If a parent chooses not to allow their child(ren) to attend the training session a letter stating such (which will be provided) must be filed.

All adults (catechists, volunteers, chaperones, parent volunteers) must attend a Sexual Misconduct Prevention Workshop provided by the Archdiocese. The workshop designed for adults to prevent, identify and report potential child abuse.

Dress CodeModesty is the rule for all classes and functions related to our Religious Education Programs.The following are not permitted:

Females: Low-cut blouses; spaghetti straps; backless blouses; blouses that do not cover the navel; shorts shorter than 2 inches above the knee; skirts shorter than 2 inches above the knee; shirts with inappropriate wording/pictures; tight fitting clothes.Males: Baggy pants; “sagging” pants; shirts with inappropriate wording/pictures; baseball caps.

ConferencesParents who would like to have a conference with the catechist of their student’s class must do so by arranging a meeting through the Director of Religious Education or the Coordinator. Parents should refrain from trying to meet with a catechist before, during, or after class without an appointment. Parents and Catechists may not discuss issues pertaining to students with other parents/students who are not involved out of respect for the privacy of the students in whom the issue pertains.

SupervisionOur Religious Education Program does not include the supervision of students before or after class times. Students may not be dropped off for class more than fifteen minutes before classes begins and/or pick them up more than fifteen minutes after classes have ended. We ask that students be picked up promptly after class.To ensure student safety, parents must pick up their students at the doors of the school building.Students will not be allowed to go to the parking lot to meet their parents and or ride home with anyone other than the parents. Students who drive may not give rides to other students without the express permission of their parents and communicated to the Coordinator.

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Student SafetyVisitorsTo ensure the safety of all our students, persons not registered in our programs may not attend class. Students are not allowed to bring friends with them to class that are not registered in our programs.

Grievance ProceduresConcerns, problems, and questions should first be taken up privately with the involved catechist. Mutual trust and understanding among involved parties to discuss and resolve grievances must be the priority. Should a parent feel reluctant to meet alone with a catechist or should a catechist feel reluctant to meet alone with a parent, the DRE shall be consulted. If after a parent-catechist conference matter is still unresolved, then an additional conference may need to be scheduled with the Pastor and DRE. The administration will follow the Archdiocesan Grievance Procedures will be followed as necessary.

Students with Special Needs Students with special needs or disabilities are welcome in the Religious Education Program of The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and every reasonable effort to accommodate them will be made. Families are asked to consult with the CRE to discuss any special needs.

Joint Custody SituationsFamilies who share in the joint custody of a student, and especially when contentious circumstances may be present must consult with the CRE and submit information that will insure the safety of all of our students.

Parent and Family Visitors Visitors to the classroom, other than parents are highly discouraged. Parents who wish to sit in a class may do so only after permission is first given by the catechist and the Coordinator of Religious Education or the Coordinator of Youth Ministry prior to the class day.

Catechists who wish to have a guest speaker or other person “visit” their classroom will first make arrangements with and obtain permission from the Coordinator of Religious Education.

Cancellation of Classes When inclement weather becomes a factor, our program will follow the decisions of the Santa Fe Public School District concerning closures. Families should listen to the radio and television announcements concerning closures and cancellations.

Homework and Memorized PrayersHomework is intended for students to reinforce concepts being taught in the classroom and to deepen knowledge of their faith. Memorization and homework is also a valuable practice in the development of responsibility and the exercise of initiative in the religious education of each student. Parents are asked to insure that each student has a suitable place for home study, and sufficient time for the proper completion of their homework assignments. Parents should regularly observe their students as he/she does his/her homework, and should always check all work when completed.Homework may include the memorization of certain prayers asked in particular classes.

PrayerCatechists will incorporate prayer into every aspect of their classes, especially making every effort to teach each student how to pray so that they will grow in their relationships with God. Classes will begin prayer in their classrooms at the beginning and end of each class. Family prayer time should also be practiced in the home. Students preparing to receive a sacrament will be tested on the prayers required for his/her level. Completion of prayer sheets will also be evaluated when the student is tested. Student preparing to receive First Eucharist (Communion) will be tested the memorization of the following:

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Sign of the Cross; The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father); Hail Mary; Glory Be; Apostle’s Creed; Act of Contrition; Prayer Before Meals; Ten Commandments; Seven Sacraments, Mass responses.

Students preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation will be tested on the memorization of the following: Sign of the Cross; The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father); Hail Mary; Glory Be; Act of Contrition; Prayer Before Meals; Nicene Creed; Apostle’ Creed; Angelus; Ten Commandments; Seven Sacraments; Precepts of the Church, Theological Virtues; Seven Deadly Sins, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Mass Responses.

Sacramental Policies in GeneralIt is the policy of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe that a student must have attended one full year of Religious Education instruction in a Religious Education Program in a parish or in a Catholic School before entering into a sacramental preparation class (First Communion, First Reconciliation and Confirmation.) The ages of students for receiving sacraments are established by the policies of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.

Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy EucharistStudents are prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and Holy Eucharist in the third (3rd) grade. Students will be expected to attend practice session in order to prepare them for the actual participation in the celebration of First Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.

Sacrament of the Eucharist“The most August sacrament is the Most Holy Eucharist in which Christ the Lord himself is contained, offered, and received and by which the Church continually lives and grows. The Eucharistic sacrifice, the memorial of the death and resurrection of the Lord, in which the sacrifice of the cross is perpetuated through the ages is the summit and source of all worship and Christian life, which signifies and effects the unity of the People of God and brings about the building up of the body of Christ. Indeed, the other sacraments and all the ecclesiastical works of the apostolate are closely connected with the Most Holy Eucharist and ordered to it.” Code of Canon Law, 897

“The Christian faithful are to hold the Most Holy Eucharist in highest honor, taking an active part in the celebration of the most august sacrifice, receiving this sacrament most devoutly and frequently, and worshiping it with the highest adoration. In explaining the doctrine about this sacrament, pastors of souls are to teach the faithful diligently about this obligation.” Code of Canon Law, 898

“To receive the salvific remedy of the sacrament of penance, a member of the Christian faithful must be disposed in such a way that, rejecting sins committed and having a purpose of amendment, the person is turned back to God.” Code of Canon Law, 987

“A member of the Christian faithful is obliged to confess in kind and number all grave sins committed after baptism and not yet remitted directly through the keys of the Church nor acknowledged in individual confession, of which the person has knowledge after diligent examination of conscience. §2. It is recommended to the Christian faithful that they also confess venial sins. Code of Canon Law, 988

“After having reached the age of discretion, each member of the faithful is obliged to confess faithfully his or her grave sins at least once a year.” Code of Canon Law, 897

Students at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe are to fulfill all of the requirements set forth in each class. “The Eucharist is the, “source and summit of the Christian Life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1324) The celebration of this sacrament is not a rite of passage and should be given with the highest level of respect and preparation. It is required that parents cooperate with the work of the Catechists in preparing their children to receive this greatest of gifts. Dates and information will be announced regarding practices and information sessions.

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Students preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Communion in 2019 are required to attend a one-day retreat at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Retreats at other parishes will not be accepted.

First Communion will be celebrated in the Parish May 3, 2020.

The students will not have Padrinos for the First Communion celebration.

Sacrament of ReconciliationIn the sacrament of penance the faithful who confess their sins to a legitimate minister, are sorry for them, and intend to reform themselves obtain from God through the absolution imparted by the same minister forgiveness for the sins they have committed after baptism and, at the same, time are reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by sinning. (Code of Cannon Law 959)

Individual and integral confession and absolution constitute the only ordinary means by which a member of the faithful conscious of grave sin is reconciled with God and the Church. Only physical or moral impossibility excuses from confession of this type; in such a case reconciliation can be obtained by other means. (Code of Cannon Law 960)

Students preparing for First Communion are also prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). Students will be taught the place of confession in the life of a practicing Catholic. Students will learn how to prepare by examining their conscience, the rite of confession, and all of prayers associated.

The Sacrament of First Reconciliation will be celebrated March 21, 2020.

Students will also be required to go to confession an additional time before the date of First Communion.

Sacrament of Confirmation“The sacrament of confirmation strengthens the baptized and obliges them more firmly to be witnesses of Christ by word and deed and to spread and defend the faith. It imprints a character, enriches by the gift of the Holy Spirit the baptized continuing on the path of Christian initiation, and binds them more perfectly to the Church.” Code of Canon Law, 879

“The reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace.” (CCC 1285)

Preparation for the sacrament of confirmation is a two-year process. Students must have attended one year of Religious Education at our parish or another Roman Catholic parish, for which a verification letter from that parish is necessary at the time of registration, or a Catholic School the year prior. Students must be in High School between the 9th and 12th grade in order to receive the Sacrament of confirmation. Preparation for the sacrament generally begins in 9th grade.

The confirmation class is for High School students in 9th through 12th grades. Students must have had one prior year of religious education in a religious education program in a parish or in a Catholic School. Students who attended classes in another parish must present a letter of verification from that parish.

The confirmation class will teach the basics of the Catholic Faith with an emphasis on the sacramental life of the Church and the meaning of the sacraments of initiation. A life application of the Christian Faith will be emphasized as the students prepare for full initiation in the Catholic Church.

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Confirmation RequirementsATTENDANCEAll students are expected to make a commitment to our program when registering. It will be expected that all students and their families make the Religious Education Program a priority over other school and athletic commitments. Students who are preparing to receive sacraments (Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, RCIA) may not miss more than four (4) classes (excused or unexcused).

Students who miss more than four (4) classes will be asked to repeat the whole year before receiving a sacrament.

Confirmation Sponsors“Insofar as possible, there is to be a sponsor for the person to be confirmed; the sponsor is to take care that the confirmed person behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the obligations inherent in this sacrament.” §2. It is desirable to choose as sponsor the one who undertook the same function in baptism.” (Code of Canon Law, 892)

Each student must choose a sponsor for Confirmation. The following apply to sponsors for Confirmation:

Each candidate may only have one sponsor.However, if the Sponsors from Baptism are available, they should be asked to be sponsors for Confirmation and both sponsors may be the sponsors for Confirmation.

 Sponsors must be in good standing in the Catholic Church and must be practicing their Catholic faith and receiving Communion and going to confession on a regular basis.

Sponsors must have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Sponsors must be at least 16 years old If the sponsor is married; he/she must be married in the Catholic Church. If the sponsor is single; he/she may not be cohabitating. Males must choose a male sponsor Females must choose female sponsor. Parents may not serve as sponsors for their children Every Sponsor must have the permission of his / her pastor to serve as a sponsor. The

permission must be given in the form of the standard letter used in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.

o Parishioners from the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe must make an appointment with the pastor to obtain the letter of permission.

o Sponsors from other parishes must make an appointment with their pastors to obtain the standard letter used in the Archdiocese.

o Letters of Permission must be turned in to the Coordinator of Religious Education or the Coordinator of Youth Ministry the first week of October.

Sponsor permission forms for Confirmation II students is due October 30, 2020.

Retreats Confirmation I and II students and First Communion Student must attend the retreats offered at our parish in preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Students may not attend retreats at other parishes to fulfill this requirement.

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Community Service Confirmation I Students are required to complete a total of 8 hours of service project hours.

4 hours are to be completed as a group during the opportunities provided by the Director of Religious Education.

4 hours are to be completed at the discretion of the student. The student will be responsible for obtaining a letter / note with signature from the person who supervised their service project. This may not include working for family members.

Confirmation II Students are required to complete a total of 12 hours of service project hours. 4 hours are to be completed as a group during the opportunities provided by the

Coordinate of Religious Education. 4 hours are to be completed at the discretion of the student.

The student will be responsible for obtaining a letter / note with signature from the person who supervised their service project. This may not include working for family members.

4 hours is to be completed with their sponsor. The sponsor must submit a letter / note with their signature indicating the type of work that they did with the candidate.

The purpose of servicer projects is to make the students aware of their role as active, participating members of our Catholic community and of society.

Community service hours are due April 22, 2020.

Confirmation NameEach student must choose a name for confirmation. The confirmation name must be that of a canonized saint. The students will be asked to research the life of that saint and write a paper of at least 250 words. One paragraph should explain why this name was chosen. The student should choose a saint that reflects the virtues and faith of the saint that they have chosen and how they will seek to imitate that saint as a Catholic Christian. The saint is one with whom the candidate should want to be for them a model of the Christian life and that they can pray to for guidance and intercession. Confirmation I students should know what their saint name is going to be by the end of their first year of preparation.

Males are to choose the names of male saints and females are to choose the names of female saints.

Confirmation II - Saint Name Papers are due November 19, 2019.

Letter to the Archbishop A Letter to the Archbishop asking to be confirmed must be written by each student. Students will be given further instruction in class about what is to be included in the letter. Class time will not be given to write the letter. Students must submit a draft of the letter by January 22, 2020 to the Coordinator of Religious Education who will read them and submit them to the pastor. The letters will be returned to the candidates for any corrections. The final draft must be turned in by February 19, 2020.

Interview with the PastorAll of the candidates will interview individually with the pastor at least one time throughout the year. The Director of Religious Education will schedule the interviews and students may be asked to meet before class or at another time convenient to the student and the pastor starting the first week of February.

Mass AttendanceThe Mass is the source and summit of who we are and what we believe, and as such, our attendance and participation at Mass on all Sunday’s and Holy Day of obligation is binging.The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

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CCC 2180: On Sundays and other Holy Days of Obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass. The precept of participating in the Mass is satisfied by assistance at Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding.

CCC 2181: The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practices For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on the day of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor. Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.

Please Note: Even when on vacation, attendance at Mass is still an obligation. Families are to locate a Catholic church in the vicinity of your vacation or travel destination before you go so that you can plan your family’s attendance at Mass. A helpful resource on the internet is www.masstimes.org that gives the location and Mass times of Catholic churches throughout the United States.

Mass attendance is a REQUIREMENT for every student in the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe Religious Education program.

Students preparing for confirmation will be asked about their Mass Attendance. Students who are not attending Mass may be asked by the catechists, Coordinator of Religious Education, and Coordinator of Youth Ministry and the Pastor to delay receiving Confirmation until regular Mass attendance is achieved.

Reconciliation / ConfessionIn preparation for confirmation it is expected that students are receiving the sacrament of reconciliation (Confession) on a regular basis. Student will be expected to attend the Advent and Lenten Penance Services and avail themselves of the opportunity for individual confessions.Students will also be provided an opportunity to go to confession in the days prior to confirmation and or at the rehearsal.

Expectations of Confirmation StudentsRespect The candidates will be treated as young maturing adults. Respect of the catechists and of their classmates by the students will be expected.

Drugs and AlcoholStudents suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be immediately dismissed, families will be notified, and civil authorities will be immediately notified when necessary.

RulesStudents will be expected to follow all of the rules and policies of the Religious Education Program found in this handbook and established in the classroom by the catechists.

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Dates to Remember for Confirmation II

Students must turn in all the required by the due dates. No exceptions.

Last day to turn in acceptance of manual:  September 27, 2018

Permission of godparent to serve as godparents: October 30,2020

Confirmation Name Essay: November 19, 2020

1st Draft of Letter to the Archbishop: January 22, 2020

Final Draft of Letter to the Archbishop: February 19, 2020

Service Hours: April 22, 2020   

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The Shrine of Our Lady of GuadalupeReligious Education Program

Parent/Student Acknowledgment Form2019-2020

This handbook provides you with the mission, expectations, guidelines, policies and procedures of the Religious Education Program at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

Students, parents, the catechist, administrators, and volunteers all have important roles in our program. Policies and procedures in this handbook apply to everyone enrolled, assisting with, or participating in our programs. All families are expected to read, know and follow all that is contained in this Handbook.

By signing this page, I acknowledge that I have received a copy of the handbook, read its content, and accept all the policies, procedures, and requirements contained.

A signature on this page also indicates that the due dates for all documents and assignments are accepted.

Sign, cut and return bottom portion by September 28, 2020-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Students Name(s) ________ grade ________

________ grade ________

________ grade ________

Student Signature (Conf. I & II students) Date

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

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