St. Clement Roman Catholic Church

“With Jesus we seek together to pray, share care and welcome, through formation, liturgy and service.”

Faith Formation

Family Handbook

2006-2007

Fr. Tom Morgan, V.F., Pastor

Fr. Carlos Rojas, Parochial Vicar

Americo Menendez

Director of Faith Formation

Cathy Rosales

Faith Formation Assistant

1104 Alexander St. North . Plant City, Florida 33563 . 813-752-8251

Fax 813-759-2721 . website: stclementpc.org

Dear parent,

You are the most important influence in your child(ren)’s relationship with God. For that reason, we will try to do everything possible to work with you in carrying out the promises which you made to God and to the Church at your child(ren)’s Baptism.

As those of you who were part of the St. Clement Faith Formation program last year know, we are gradually moving from a school model of Faith Formation to a model which is focused on Lifelong Faith Formation. This coming year, we will be having sessions for the entire parish, including you and your child(ren) during the summer.

We are looking forward to an enriching, faith-filled Faith Formation program led by our generous volunteer catechists. All that we do in our parish Faith Formation correlates to the CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, published in 1994. Each month there will be a parent gathering to provide tools and weekly materials for sharing lessons at home. Faith Formation requires weekly parental involvement and follow-up in order to strengthen the basics of our Catholic faith imparted weekly to our younger parishioners.

Our Sunday Mass Schedule: 7:00 and 10:30 a.m. We will continue to have a Vigil Mass on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and Sunday Mass in Spanish at 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Fr. Tom will continue the children’s participation homily during the 10:30 a.m. Mass.

The new times for the Faith Formation Sessions for our young parishioners:

Grades K-5 : Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Begins Sunday. September 10 Students may begin arriving at 8:45 a.m.

Grades 6 – 12: Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:45 pm

Begins Wed. September 6

Confirmation: Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:45 pm

Begins Wed. September 6 (grades 8th through 12th)

Pre-K : Sunday mornings during the 10:30 a.m. Mass.

Begins September 10 (Three and four year olds)

The children will be brought to church in time for their special blessing.

Please note that all young parishioners must be registered prior to attending class. All completed registration forms must be returned to the parish office. If your child’s records are not complete or sacramental preparation needs to be discussed, you are asked to call by Friday September 1 in order to avoid confusion on the first day of class.

Sincerely,

Americo Menendez

Director of Faith Formation

Dear Parents,

I hope that the summer months have provided you with opportunities to grow as a family of faith. The Church views each of her families as a “little church.” It is through your efforts with your spouse and children on behalf of Jesus that the world is transformed through your love and family life.

If you have had the opportunity to review our 2003-2004 Pastoral Plan, you would have read that it is our ongoing hope to explore different models for youth formation. (formerly referred to as CCD.) I am happy to announce this year we have summer sessions that involve all members of our community in whole parish catechesis. The principle behind this program is that growth in the faith is a life long process involving every member of a local church. We will continue to explore through the leadership of our Pastoral Council:, Americo Menendez, Director of Faith Formation; and our Adult Faith Formation Committee; other options that will make faith formation beneficial for all of us.

I once again recommend that every family subscribe to the magazine Catholic Parent published by Our Sunday Visitor (1-800-348-2440). In addition, besides a copy of the New American Bible and a Catholic Catechism, I recommend that every home have a copy of Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers published by the USCC [The United States Catholic Conference] (1-800-235-8722).

Please do not hesitate to contact Americo Menendez, or a member of our Pastoral Council if you have any suggestions regarding our faith formation programs.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. Thomas Morgan, V.F., Pastor

Table of Contents

Welcome Letter Americo Menendez……………………….…………………………… 3

Welcome Letter Fr. Tom Morgan.……………………………………………………… 4

Table of Contents ……………………………………………………………………... 5

Purpose and Mission Statement……………………………………………………… 6

Faith Formation Office………………………………………………………………… 7

Registration Information...…………………………………………………………… 7

Curriculum Foundation……………………………………………………………….. 8

Our Curriculum……………………………………………………………………….. 8

Policies (Admission, Attendance, Discipline, Arrival Dismissal, Emergency) ………. 9

Sacramental Preparation ……………………………………………………………… 10

Education Center Map ……………………………………………………………….. 11

Diocesan Harassment Policy ………………………………………………………….. 12
Parish Mission Statement

“With Jesus we seek together to Pray, Share, Care and Welcome, through formation, liturgy and service.”

The Mission of Faith Formation is to form all members into disciples through Formation, Liturgy and Service. The gift of faith which begins at Baptism must be nourished throughout the entire life of each Christian. Faith Formation fosters growth on an intergenerational basis, through catechetical experiences, and sacramental preparation.

Catechetical experiences consist of; weekly formation sessions, creative service projects, liturgical celebrations, retreats, community activities, Family Catechesis, Youth Ministry.

We recognize the family as the first location in which the mission of the church takes place. Parents have the primary responsibility for training their children in the practice of the faith. All formation offerings are at the service of the Family.

The Mission Statement of the Diocese of St. Petersburg begins with Matthew’s account of the Ascension in Chapter 28:16-20.

“The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw Him, they worshipped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.””

We are challenged to bring the Gospel to the entire world. Children are formed into disciples through the family’s faith life and parish faith formation. The family has the primary responsibility in faith formation. The gift of faith which begins at Baptism must be nourished throughout one’s entire life. The family is rightfully called the “domestic church” and as such, is the foundation of the wider faith community. Faith Formation serves the domestic church by offering guidance, instruction and support in their journey of faith and in turn is supported by the domestic church.

Faith Formation Office

The office for Faith Formation is located in the Parish Office Center (Loyola Building). Our hours are form 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. Feel free to call and leave a message on our voice mails. Americo Menendez is x303 and Cathy Rosales is x306. To leave emails use the parish website at www.stclementpc.org.

Registration for Faith Formation

Registration of new students and re-registration of returning students is required in Faith Formation. Parents must be registered members of St. Clement Catholic Church. You may register during registration sessions or the parish office from, 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, appointment is highly recommended. Kindly register as soon as possible in order for us to plan for classes and book orders.

There is no cut-off date for registration to accommodate the needs of those who have recently moved into the parish or wish to return to active participation. Students who are transferring from another parish must: 1. bring a letter indicating that they have been in class and 2. complete the requirements for advancing to the next level.

The fees are as follows.

Formation Fees for 2005-2006

Example

A family with 3 children, one in First Communion two not. Total cost $115.00 ($105.00 + $10.00)
A family with one child in Confirmation Total Cost $45.00 ($35.00 + $10.00)

Per Child .…………………………….. $35.00

Sacramental Preparation ………..….… $10.00

(Confirmation, First Communion)

The Baptismal Certificate is required if it is not on file. Fees are used for supplies and books. No one is denied Faith Formation for financial reasons. Fees may be paid in installments.

Upon registering each family is asked to sign a photo release for their child(ren). If you choose not to have your child(ren) photographed, please so indicate.

Foundation of our Curriculum

Faith Formation is from the beginning to the end of life, fulfilled in the Kingdom. The family, then, is the first place in which ‘the mission of evangelization’ takes place. Hence, parents are recognized as having the primary responsibility for training their children in the practice of the faith. Faith Formation is designed as a supplement to instruction taking place in the home. The end result of formation is to develop faithful disciples to the mission of the church given to us by Christ in the Gospel of Matthew “Make disciples of all nations.” Formation is one component of the Disciples Mission Statement for all parishioners. (on the website at www.stclementpc.org)

Regular attendance at Faith Formation sessions is an important factor in deepening a child’s understanding of God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who is revealed to us in scripture, prayer, church teaching and the lived experience of community. Weekly participation at Sunday mass is essential. Growth in faith and readiness for the reception of sacraments is nourished by regular attendance and active participation in the liturgy. It is our expectation that parents and children attend Mass each Sunday.

Our Curriculum

Faith Formation programs are chosen for their accordance not only with Diocesan standards, but also fulfilling our Saint Clement Parish direction in offering catechesis for all ages throughout the year. The following list reflects the curriculums used for the varying age groups as well as Sacramental preparation.

Age Level or Program	Resource Description
K-5 Grade Level	Harcourt series “Called to Faith” This series provides lessons for our young people that they can relate to in their lives. Home activities that can be done at the table and family discussion questions on the Gospel reading will be all a part of the preparation process.
6-9 Grade Level	Will be using a lectionary based approach. The catechetical component will be derived from the Sunday Readings using Pflaum as their resource for handouts and take home faith sharing pages. You can visit Pflaum at www.Pflaum.com
Confirmation	Sadlier series, “The Spirit sets us Free.” This series is designed for 6 sessions and incorporates prayer services and preparation topics that will be used for youth Confirmation Preparation Days.
Whole Community Catechesis (summer)	The Generations of Faith Program provided by Center for Ministry Development. This will be the resource used in order to provide a community catechesis to reach all members of the parish. Generations of Faith can be previewed online at www.generationsoffaith.org.

Policies

Admission

Families who wish to register for Faith Formation or Sacramental Preparation must be registered parishioners, or provide Pastoral permission for preparation away from their home parish. A family not yet registered and wishes to, will be provided the needed forms.

Attendance

Regular attendance in Faith Formation Sessions is an important factor in deepening a child’s understanding of our God. If your child will be absent please contact the Faith Formation Office at 752-8251 x303 or 306, leave a detailed voicemail with name of child(ren) and age level. If the family is need of special prayers please let us know. Frequent absence disrupts the small community building process. Being present each week is essential for the growth of the entire age level.

Discipline

In order to create an environment conducive to learning and sharing one’s faith, it is essential that all students cooperate with Volunteer Staff and Catechists. Any behavior that disrupts the sessions and is out of character with established level expectations will be handled as follows.

Step 1: The inappropriate behavior will be reported to the office and parents will be informed.

Step 2: If the behavior persists, parents are required to attend class with child.

Step 3: Recognizing that not all children thrive in a group environment, if inappropriate behavior persists after step 2, then a Pastoral Meeting will be set to discuss alternatives for Faith Formation.

We recognize that young people come to Faith Formation with different experiences and expectations. Our hope is to provide an environment for faith growth and a shared experience of the wonderful God we have. If behavior in the session or church property is one that violates the Harassment Policy from the Diocese located on page 12, then diocesan guidelines will be followed.

Arrival & Dismissal

In order to provide a safe environment for all children in the Faith Formation process, it is a 50/50 endeavor. Young children 2nd grade and below must be escorted to and from their classrooms, by their parents or guardians. This might pose as an inconvenience for some, but creating a safe environment for all our children is not an option. Given recent events there will also be Volunteer Parents providing traffic direction for a smoother flow of pedestrians and drivers in the parking lot. Older brothers and sisters in upper levels on Sunday are not to pick up younger siblings. An adult, being parent or guardian must pick up child from the Classroom.

The Children can be brought no earlier than 8:45am to their grade level and picked up at 10:15am. Adhering to these time frames will facilitate everyone’s enjoying their sessions and arriving at Mass on time.

Hurricanes

The Faith Formation policy in regards to Hurricanes and inclement weather will follow county protocols. If the county school system is closed, then we shall be closed as well. It is only prudent for the safety of all to not have classes on these days.

Sacramental Preparation

2006-2007

First Reconciliation & First Communion

First Reconciliation & First Communion are for children in level 2 (or children in higher level that have not yet celebrated these sacraments). The young parishioners preparing to celebrate these sacraments must be enrolled in regular Faith Formation (Sundays for K-5 and Wednesday for 6-12). Preparation for First Reconciliation will consist of two Parent and Child Meetings before celebrating Reconciliation.

January 21..…………..Parent/Child Meeting 9-10:15am in Cronin Hall

January 28……………Parent/Child Meeting 9-10:15am in Cronin Hall

February 8 ………...…First Reconciliation Service in Church 6:30pm-8:00pm

Reception following for entire Family in Cronin Hall

Youth celebrating First Communion must have celebrated their First Reconciliation. Immediate preparation will consist of two Parent and child meetings, and one rehearsal before celebrating their First Communion.

April 22……………….Parent/Child Meeting 9-10:15am in Cronin Hall

April 29……………….Parent/Child Meeting 9-10:15am in Cronin Hall

May 6th….……………Rehearsal in Church 12pm

May 12. ………………First Communion Celebration 10am in Church

Confirmation

Confirmation is for youth ages 13 to 17 who have completed a minimum year of Faith Formation prior to beginning preparation for the sacrament, and are currently enrolled in 2006-2007 formation year. Preparation for the sacrament consist of weekly Faith Formation Participation. All teens are required to attend an Encounter Retreat or overnight offered throughout the year. Each participant and sponsor or parent must participate in the Confirmation Retreat and Rehearsal at the end of the year. There will be an option for Confirmation this year. One with the Bishop the second with our Parish Priest. Copies of Baptism and Communion Certificates need to be turned in by November 4th.

Encounter Retreat

October 27 to 29 (at Camp Good Counsel)

December 8 to 10 (at Camp Good Counsel)

February 23 to 25 (at Saint Clement)

Sponsor and Youth Retreat/Rehearsal

March 17 10a to 3p (Spanish)

March 25 2p to 7p (Spanish)

March 31 10a to 3p (Spanish)

Confirmation

April 15 at the Cathedral 10:30am Mass (With Bishop Lynch)

June 2 at St. Clement at 1pm (With Parish Priest)

Harassment Policy for Non-Employment Situations in

Schools/Centers, Parish Faith Formation and Parish Youth Ministry

Programs of the Diocese of St. Petersburg

POLICY:

The Diocese of St. Petersburg requires that each Parish, Catholic School, or Early Childhood Center establish and adopt a policy that prohibits any form of harassment by any individual. The Diocese of St. Petersburg strives for the establishment of a Christian, professional and supportive educational environment for all persons engaged in or involved with Faith Formation programs, schools and early childhood centers, and parish youth ministry programs in non-employment situations. No parish, school, or early childhood center will be responsible for off campus harassment, unless it occurs at a parish, school, or early childhood center sponsored event.

PURPOSE OF THE POLICY:

This policy intends

That each individual is free from physical, psychological or verbal intimidation and harassment in the schools, early childhood centers, Faith Formation and youth ministry settings;

That each individual involved in schools, early childhood centers, Faith Formation and youth ministry programs maintain and further develop attitudes and behaviors which express respect for others and are reflective of each person’s God-given dignity;

To encourage a heightened sensitivity toward behaviors that others may find offensive and intimidating, whether these behaviors refer to race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, veteran status or disability.

This policy is not intended to otherwise limit the expectation of staff, children, students, and volunteers to engage fully in the traditions of teaching, celebrating, participating in and being formed by the Catholic faith, including but not limited to curriculum, catechesis, the Sacraments, other liturgies, worship services and ministries.

EXPLANATION OF HARASSMENT:

Harassment can result from a single incident or from a pattern of behavior involving verbal, written or physical conduct or communication.

Harassment encompasses a broad range of behaviors, which could include, but are not limited to:

Physical, mental or verbal abuse
Insults, jokes, or derogatory slurs based on one or more of an individual’s protected status(es)
Unwelcome sexual advances or touching
Implicit or explicit requests for sexual favors
Unwanted sexual comments (serious or humorous)
Unwanted sexually suggestive telephone calls, letters, e-mails, etc.
Comments or jokes based on issues of modesty and developing social awareness
Unwanted forced involvement in activities (e.g., physical, religious, etc.)
Coercion of religious styles or personal beliefs upon a participant
Intimidation in front of a group or forced personal sharing in groups
Inappropriate media or music use which would violate this policy

CONFIDENTIALITY:

The right to confidentiality, both of the complainant and of the accused, will be respected to the extent possible, but will be consistent with legal obligations and with the necessity to investigate allegations of misconduct and to take corrective action when this conduct has occurred.

IMPORTANT:

Parent/guardian signature is required on acknowledgement form upon receipt of handbook containing the Harassment Policy for Non-Employment Situations in Schools/Centers, Parish Faith Formation and Parish Youth Ministry Programs of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.