EFF Main Office Number: (919) 468 - 6120
Martha Waltersdorf, mwaltersdorf@stmichaelcary.org
Registration is now opened.
Please print these instructions before registering online.
Please click here to register
For more information contact the Faith Formation Department
VBS 2013 is right around the corner and the excitement is building! Here are some important dates and info:
• Participant Registration ends on June 7. You may also find the registration form online: (click here for link to registration form).
Volunteer Registration: There is still time to sign up. Please signup to work during VBS week including slots for setup and cleanup at: www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D49ABAF2F4-20132
• Decorating and Assembly Parties begin this week! Please signup to help create decorations and help with final preparations at: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0D49ABAF2F4-decorating
• Supply Donations: Donations needed to decorate the parish campus and enjoy our Vacation Bible School week! Click here to see our list of needed/wanted items
Thanks for sharing in the VBS enthusiasm!! We are looking forward to a fun and faith-building week!
Important Dates for Second Graders and Sacrament Preparation
At-A-Glance Calendar
Policies/Procedures
Permanent Record Form
First Reconciliation/First Eucharist Family Covenant Agreement
6th grade waiver
Special Needs Questionnaire
Stewardship Form
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Elementary Faith Formation program at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church is a ‘family centered’ program that serves children and families from age 4 until completion of the 6th grade. It is ‘family centered’ in that the goal is to catechize the entire family. The National Catechetical Directory calls us as catechetical leaders to bridge the gap between Liturgy, the classroom, and the home: the domestic church. At Baptism parents take an oath to raise their children in the faith. The Church tells us that the parents are the first and best teachers of their children in matters of faith. Our role as catechists is to not only teach the children, but support the ongoing faith growth of the parents.
Parish membership is required in order to register in the Faith Formation programs here at St. Michael. To become a member of the parish you must complete a registration card. Please return to the home page of the parish website and/or call 468-6100.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
The next step is to decide on a day/time for your child(ren) and follow the registration process that follows on-line (link to on-line registration). Please complete the process as soon as possible to receive your desired class day/time. To avoid the late fee, please complete registration by Friday, August 23rd. Please plan to have your child(ren) attend the class you have requested, unless you hear otherwise from us. You should receive confirmation of enrollment and class assignment by e-mail once forms are processed, but due to numbers, we cannot contact everyone personally. Additional class information will be posted on the website when possible. Scholarships, fee waivers, delayed payment, and/or payment plans are available by request. Your child will not be fully registered until fees are paid and all required supplemental information is provided by parent(s). At-A-Glance Calendars (link) and information on Policies/Procedures (link) will be handed out at the first class the week of September 15th—17th.
Families Preparing for First Reconciliation/First Eucharist please note some of the additional events to plan for:
~Two informational evening meetings (parents only) MANDATORY
~Celebration of First Reconciliation (child and parent)
~First Eucharist Workshop (child and parent) MANDATORY
~Celebration of First Eucharist (child, parent, and invited guests)
Parents are also required to read/study a take-home book for each Sacrament with the child and return the book completion form to the teacher/office.
First Sacrament Parents: Please provide a copy of the candidate’s Baptismal Certificate to the Faith Formation Office. If your child was baptized here at St. Michael please note that on your registration page. A completed Permanent Record Form and First Reconciliation/First Eucharist Family Covenant Agreement are also required for First Sacraments.
The Parish Office is open Mondays from 11 A.M. until 7 P.M., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:30 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. and Fridays from 8:30 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. Please e-mail or call your questions to Annette Fraga, (919) 468-6360 afraga@stmichaelcary.org, Faith Formation Assistant, Tristan Evans, (919) 468-6134 tevans@stmichaelcary.org, High School and Middle School Youth Ministry/Faith Formation Team Leader, or Martha Waltersdorf, Elementary Level Coordinator (919) 468-6120 mwaltersdorf@stmichaelcary.org.
DAYS AND TIMES
Our traditional on-site first through sixth grade classes meet once a week for an hour beginning with Open House/First Classes on September 15, 16, or 17, 2013 and continue through May 11, 12, or 13, 2014. Classes meet on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5:00—6:00 P.M. A later Monday session is held from 6:30—7:30 P.M. Sunday classes meet from 10:45 A.M.—11:45 A.M. Children enrolled in 2nd grade and above must be attending Mass weekly. The liturgy is the most important thing a child should be learning about. Attending 12:15 P.M. Mass is possible after the Sunday morning classes. Please do not leave in the middle of the Mass that begins at 10:30 A.M.
Although parents will receive a school year calendar at Open House, regular and occasional Holidays and special days/activities will be announced by e-mail, the website and Parish Bulletin. Please make sure we have your family e-mail.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Please note you will need to call or e-mail the office before registering your child:
If you have a school-age child, 8 or older, who has not been baptized Roman Catholic.
If you have a baptized child entering 2nd grade anticipating First Eucharist who has never attended any form of religious instruction. Completion of first grade is required to be prepared for the sacraments in second grade. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE.
If you have a baptized child in a grade beyond 2nd who has not made First Reconciliation or First Eucharist.
Together we will determine the best class to help you prepare your child for his/her sacraments.
Sixth grade students whose parents complete this waiver may enter and leave the building without a parent. (link to 3 pages of 6th grade waivers)
ALL YOUNGER CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED TO AND FROM CLASS BY AN ADULT.
SPECIAL CLASSES
Intermediate Sacramental Preparation (Year 2) – A child who was baptized Roman Catholic, but did not receive First Reconciliation/First Eucharist in the child’s second grade year is placed in his/her grade appropriate class for Year 1 of formal catechetical instruction. The following year, the child enters Year 2 of Intermediate Sacramental Preparation. Class offered Tuesdays from 5--6 P.M.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) -- A process designed for children in Grade 3 or older who were baptized in Protestant faiths OR were never Baptized and now come to our parish to become Catholic Christians. The Catholic Church recognizes them as a Candidate. A class of special instruction is offered on Tuesdays at 5 P.M. or Sunday mornings to prepare them for the sacraments of Baptism (if needed), Reconciliation, Confirmation, and Eucharist. At Easter time, the Candidate is Baptized or makes a profession of faith, receives the sacrament of Confirmation, and then receives First Eucharist at the same Mass.
Off-Site - classes that are initiated and organized by groups of parents and students who usually live in the same neighborhood or area. These are taught by catechists in their own homes. Please call Martha Waltersdorf for more information at 468-6120.
Home Schooling - parents act as their own child’s catechist using materials provided by the Faith Formation Office. Please call Martha Waltersdorf for more information at 468-6120. Not available for second grade students, Intermediate Sacramental Preparation or RCIC.
Home-School parents and Off-Site teachers/catechists will pick up materials at a scheduled time in early September.
Special Needs We are dedicated to providing a supportive learning environment for all children. In order for us to better serve your child, please complete the Special Needs Questionnaire (link to Special Needs form) letting us know more about your child. We have catechists experienced with special needs children.
Stewardship Opportunities at St. Michael’s
The expression, “It takes a Village…” is certainly true for our Faith Community. How will you help us this year? We ask each family to give a minimum of 4 hours of time and talent to our program. We have jobs for everyone with all ranges of time and skills to offer. The success of our program depends on the enthusiasm and efforts of our volunteers. Volunteer as a….catechist, co-catechist, substitute, hall monitor, child care help, or clerical support. No class will be held without 2 adults in the classroom. (link to Stewardship Form) Please help us make this the best year ever. Call for opportunities and suggestions.
When we give of our time and talent we are actively involved in the Church’s mission. We are looking forward to working with you.
Thank you for your support!
