“The mission to educate demands that Christian parents should [...] take care to show their children the depths of significance to which the faith and love of Jesus Christ can lead.” (St. John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio, P.39) We in the St. Patrick Religious Education Program desire to assist parents in this holy task.
PARENTAL ROLE IN FAITH FORMATION
The Christian family is ordinarily the first experience of the Christian community and the primary environment for growth in faith. Instruction in our parish education program endeavors to provide our youth with the authentic teaching of the Catholic Faith, building on the "church of the home." This is the sure foundation of a genuine relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Church.
RETURN TO ALL IN-PERSON LEARNING
Because we believe as Catholics that we are one Body in Christ, it is so very important that we return to meet in person once again. We are a community of believers and learn our faith through Christian witness and shared belief.
Furthermore, children need to be in community, to see one another, and to grow in trust and holy friendship with their fellow students and with their catechist. Last year was a highly unusual year and we are so very grateful for our catechists who worked through difficult circumstances and to our children and families who persevered online as needed.
Faith in Jesus Christ was meant to be handed down through relationship, person to person. Recognizing that we refer to Jesus’ Eucharistic Body as His True Presence, we are grateful to be able to truly be present to one another once again.
Opportunities for Community Gathering
Again this year, we will offer some extra community gatherings which may not be marked on the calendar. These special events will be coordinated with the Liturgical Calendar and provide simple opportunities for spiritual and communal nourishment. Please keep your eye out for invitations and reminders!
Calendar: St. Patrick's generally follows the Montgomery County Public School calendar. However, when the county schools have a scheduled early release day, St. Patrick's will still have class.
Emergency Closing: Whenever MCPS schools close due to inclement weather or an emergency, our classes will be canceled as well. Classes are canceled when after school and evening activities are canceled by MCPS. Check St. Patrick’s Website at http://www.stpatricksmd.org for weather related closings.
Attendance: Attendance will be taken for each class. It is important that students attend class each week. Habitual absences or a total of three absences not due to illness will require additional homework to be submitted to the DRE. Early pick-up may also require make-up homework. We are unable to switch classes to accommodate other extracurricular activities. It is imperative that students arrive for class on time. Teachers may use their discretion to hold their class past the dismissal bell. If tardiness is a particular problem for a class, parents are requested to call the office at 301-929-9314 if their child will be absent.
Drop Off – Pick-up Policy: When driving in the parking lot at these busy times, please use caution and courtesy. Staff members do not stay outside to meet the students. DO NOT PARK OR WAIT OR DROP OFF STUDENTS AT THE CURB IN FRONT OF THE PARISH CENTER.
Drop Off - Children should wear masks as they enter the building through the Rectory-side doors. Drop off is limited to the Parish Center door closest to the Rectory. No staff members will be outside to receive your child. Please do not drop off, pick up, park, or wait along the yellow curb lines in front of the Parish Center.
Elementary Pick up - Please park in the main church parking lot. Parents should come to the gym to meet their children.
Middle School Pick up – PARKING ALONG THE CURB IS NOT PERMITTED. Please drive slowly and watch for students, especially in the winter months when the students are both coming and going in the dark. Students will wait along the sidewalk. Please instruct your child to wait in the office if they do not see your car immediately.
Located in the Parish Center closest to the Muncaster Mill side.
Here at St. Patrick’s we desire that your children truly come to know the living Word of God because to know Him is to love Him. Therefore, each child in grades 1-5 receives a Children’s Bible which will be the primary text. The understanding of scripture is supported through classroom, workbook, and handouts for use in the home. Older children use age appropriate materials to help them enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ and a deeper understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Faith which our Lord has given us.
In compliance with the Archdiocesan Curriculum Guidelines, students in grades 3-8 will be given a standardized assessment in the spring of the school year. The assessment will enable our program to be accountable not only to the Archdiocese, but also to you, the parents, ensuring that your child is well versed in age appropriate practices, faith language, and general knowledge of their Roman Catholic faith tradition. Knowing that faith itself cannot be tested on paper, this assessment merely reflects religious education efforts and assists catechists in their lesson planning. Through our participation in this Archdiocesan initiative, we will be better able to assist our students and you, their parents, in your role as primary educators in the faith.
In our continuing effort to create a safe environment for the children of St. Patrick, the Religious Education Program implements the Circle of Grace Safe Environment Program. This program emphasizes personal dignity as a creation of God and the space that envelops us in His grace. A summary of the Key Concepts that are developmentally appropriate (that include topics of sexuality and internet safety in middle school) may be requested from the office.
Religious Education is centered on developing the whole child's Catholic identity in relationship to God. In this respect, St. Patrick's offers a curriculum rich in the following experiences:
St. Patrick Religious Education is a responsive learning community that strives to reach all students regardless of age, development, ability, and life circumstance. Please contact the Religious Education Office for more information on how we can accommodate your particular situation.
"Persons who are non-verbal can receive the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. They can show their spiritual understanding through gesture or respectful temperament." ADW Policies for Parish Catechesis 2013
Children who have not been enrolled or receiving formal catechetical instruction continuously will be given a pre-test for proper catechetical placement. The pre-test will be administered by the Office of Religious Education and when deemed necessary, a remedial plan will be put in place to provide the child with the foundations of faith formation. Remedial plans may include the completion of appropriate grade-level text and parent-student retreats or workshops. "When students lack sufficient religious instruction...the catechetical leader shall evaluate the student before a placement is made." ADW Policies for Parish Catechesis 2013
REGULAR PREPARATION FOR SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION: Two consecutive years of preparation are required for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation. First Communion preparation encompasses 1st and 2nd grades. Confirmation preparation encompasses 7th and 8th grades.
STUDENTS ATTENDING CATHOLIC SCHOOL and preparing for Confirmation at St. Patrick’s in the spring of 2022 must complete a Sacrament Registration form by October 31st in order to receive RE Office mailings. Private school students must complete all RE requirements for Confirmation as well as attend the Confirmation Retreat, and other events planned for Confirmation Candidates.
CHILDREN WHO ARE UNBAPTIZED OR BEYOND THE AGE WHEN SACRAMENTS OF FIRST EUCHARIST AND/OR CONFIRMATION ARE NORMALLY RECEIVED: Each case is evaluated individually. Please make an appointment with the Religious Education Office as soon as possible. Call (301) 929-9314 or email saintpatrickreled@gmail.com.