Our Lady

Queen of Martyrs

Religious Education

Parent/Student

Handbook

Revised for 2009-2010

… to teach as Jesus did…

    Through prayer, education, service and liturgy, children, teenagers, parents and catechists journey together.

    In sharing the Good News of God’s love, we become God’s people, reaching out as Jesus teaches to our community

and our world.

OLQM

Mission Statement

For now and a new millennium, the parish community of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs affirms…

That we are a people of God, who seek to create a

community where the gifts of the Spirit… Faith, Hope and Love

are shared joyfully in word and deed.

That all good things are generous gifts from God;

as a community we must inspire the use of our gifts of

time, talent and treasure… to serve all people

with justice and love.

That our human hands must serve as God’s hands in our world;

we share these gifts in humble service, multiplying and returning

  them with love, praise and thanksgiving to our Creator.

Religious Education Policies

Admission Policies:

    We welcome all the children of parishioners into our program for Grades 1-9.

    Enrollment Procedures

   1) Be registered in the parish

   2) Complete a Religious Education form for each student including a copy of the baptismal certificate and, for grades 2 and up, a letter of transferal from your previous parish, including dates of sacraments and grades completed.

   3) Fees are $80 for one child, $140 for 2 children and $160 for 3 or more children.  Fees are used to purchase textbooks, catechist manuals, videos, books, teaching supplies, office supplies, postage, etc.

   4) Guests may attend a class only with the permission of the DRE.

Academic Content & Policies:

    Our program is faithful to the magesterium of the Church and the gospel message of Jesus.  Each grade-level follows the curriculum of the grade-level textbook.

    Students have the responsibility of being attentive and cooperative in class. 

Attendance:

    Faithful attendance at classes and celebrations is required. Parents must call the catechist before class if the child will be absent, and help the child make up any missed lessons. Children are expected to come to class on time and to be picked up on time.

Cancellation of Classes (for the Center):

    When Harborfields School District is closed, classes at the Center are cancelled. Closing information will be posted on News 12 and on our answering machine.

    Home classes will be cancelled at the discretion of the catechist.

Communication:

    Good communication is an essential ingredient of our program.  You may receive messages from the DRE, CRE or office staff by mail, telephone, email or the bulletin.

   You are invited to contact the office with any questions or concerns.  Catechists and parents are also expected to be available to each other.

Confidentiality:

    Catechists are to hold students’ remarks confidential unless someone’s life, health or safety is in danger.

    Student records and personal information will be held confidential.

Diocesan Volunteer Registration Policy:

    All parish volunteers must agree to a background check.  They also must sign a volunteer code of conduct.

Discipline:

    All students must respect the rights and property of others. Illegal drugs, weapons and gang affiliations (3 or more persons, united for a criminal purpose) are forbidden.

    Catechist may first contact the parents and then the DRE or CRE for help with discipline issues.

    The DRE reserves the right to remove any student from a class or from the program.  Parents may appeal that decision.

 Emergency Drills and Crisis Plans

    Both Center and In-Home classes will hold 2 emergency drills each year. Crisis plans will be discussed with catechists.

Field Trips:

    Field trips may be arranged by the DRE or CRE for an educational purpose or for Christian service.  Catechists may also plan such field trips, with the permission of the DRE.

    Permission slips must be signed and returned by parents before such trips.

Legal Documents

    It is the responsibility of the parents to provide the DRE with a copy of custody agreements, orders of protection and any legal documents affecting their children.

Respect for the Dignity of All:

    We have a firm policy against any type of harassment: sexual, gender, disability, etc.  As followers of Jesus we hold each person to be a child of God, deserving of respect and kindness.  The DRE will be notified and will contact the parents if any such harassment occurs.

The parish reserves the right to amend this handbook.

Parents will be given prompt notification

of any and all amendments.

Prepared by Our Lady Queen of Martyrs

Religious Education Office - June 2009