Sponsor a Child for our Religious Education Program

Dear Friends,

If you would like to make a difference in one child's life in St. Brigid, would you consider sponsoring a child in the Religious Education Program?

Several families are unable to send their children for religious education. These families are plagued by temporary unemployment, working two jobs at or below minimum wage, or only working part-time. Other issues are the size of their families & medical issues that affect the breadwinner or other family members.

Any amount would be greatly appreciated. Usually, the registration fee is about $160 per child. Again, you may not be able to contribute that amount, so any amount would be greatly received. 

It is very easy to do. Write a check to “St. Brigid Religious Ed Scholarship.” Or, you may click on Religious Education DONATION BUTTON below. Follow the directions and fill in the amount that you would like to give (average cost for one child = $160.00).

We were able to assist 42 families last year because of your generosity. Over $5,000 was raised for this fund!

Thank you for helping our children to be able to learn more about their faith. You will be remembered in the prayers of all our children.

In Christ,
Sister Ann Horn and Socorro Moreno
Directors of Religious Education

P.S. Your donation to the Religious Education Scholarship Fund Fund may be tax-deductible.  Please consult with your tax advisor.

Philosophy

Parents are the first and foremost catechists of their children. They catechize informally but powerfully by example and instruction. They communicate values and attitudes by showing love for Christ and His Church and for each other, by reverently receiving the Eucharist and living its spirit, and by fostering justice and love in all their relationships.

Their active involvement in the parish, their readiness to seek opportunities to serve others, and their practice of frequent and spontaneous prayer all make meaningful their professions of belief.

Parents nurture faith in their children by showing them the richness and beauty of lived faith.

From “Sharing the Light of Faith,"
The National Catechetical Directory of the United States, 1978

St. Brigid’s Faith Formation Program is based on the belief that a parish program is intended not as a substitute, but instead as a support and enhancement of a faith formation lived in the home environment, the “domestic church."

Program

Levels 1 and 2 – a two year preparation to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist (Communion)

Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 – continuing faith formation

Levels 7 and 8 – a two year preparation toward receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. (If a student has not come to classes for a couple of years, they might need to be evaluated to see if they need a third year of study.)

RCIA – for those children over 7 years of age and unbaptized, a special process is in place and will be discussed upon registration.

Teens – those in high school who have not completed their sacraments will need to speak to a director upon registration.

Policies & Guidelines

Arrival:  Parents bring their child into our school chapel where they gather with their class and catechist.  The catechist will bring his/her class to a designated classroom. If a child arrives late, they must be first brought to the office by their parents.

Dismissal:  Parents must come inside the chapel to pick up their child; there are no exceptions for older children.

Carpooling:  Please come to the office to fill out a form with names of children in a carpool, along with names of parents in a carpool.  If you are taking another child home in a specific circumstance, you must notify the office.

Absences:
In Levels 1 through 6, if a child is absent he/she is required to complete the missed lesson.
After a third absence a director will contact family to discuss the situation; excessive absences may result in a child having to repeat a grade.
In Level 7, more than 5 absences and/or incomplete assignments will necessitate repeating that level.
In Level 8, any missed class, for any reason, must be made up.

Snacks:  No food may be brought to the classroom.

Bathroom:  Please have your child take care of this at home or use the bathrooms in the chapel before program begins.

Fire Drills:  A fire drill will be held during the year.

Program Closing:  If we need to cancel classes because of inclement weather, an announcement will be made on Channel 12 as well as a recorded message on the Religious Ed. phone line.

Discipline:  If a student's behavior continues to disrupt a class even after the catechist has spoken to him/her, the director will address the situation with the parents if necessary, and an appropriate resolution will be reached.

Electronic Devices:  Should be left at home, or if absolutely necessary, turned off or placed on the catechist’s desk during class.

Program Registration

Entering the Program (for the first time)

• All families are required to register as members of St. Brigid’s Parish.
• A copy of each child’s baptismal certificate is required at time of registration, even if they were baptized at St. Brigid's.
• When transferring from another parish, proof of prior instruction must be sent to us from that parish.
• If an Order of Protection is in place, we must be advised of this at the time of registration.

Registration

• Every family is required to re-register their children every year.
• Registration forms will be mailed to families toward the end of each school year.
• Children must be pre-registered between April and the week after Labor Day.
• Children who register after the Sept. date will be placed in a class depending on availability of room and catechists.  You are responsible to contact us if you do not receive a registration form by May 1.
• There is an “early bird” discount given if you register before a certain June date, and registering early is also helpful if you need a certain day/time or want to request a certain catechist.

Parent/Parish Partnership in Faith 

• Please consider serving in your parish as a catechist (teacher), substitute or hall monitor.

Tuition

• Tuition must be paid at registration.  If there is a financial burden, we will work with families on a payment plan or help to find a solution.  In addition to the regular fees charged, there is an additional fee charged in the Sacrament years.

Special Needs

• If your child has special needs or circumstances, please tell us at registration.  We will do our best to accommodate your child’s needs.  All information will be kept confidential.