EFF Main Office Number: (919) 468 - 6120
Martha Waltersdorf, mwaltersdorf@stmichaelcary.org
Jeanine Kromer, jkromer@stmichaelcary.org
The Elementary & Family 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 the of 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 teaches 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 registered member of the parish you must attend a New Member dinner where there are registration forms and information about St. Michael the Archangel Parish. (Please click here for information about New Member dinners.)
The next step is to decide on a day and time for your child (ren) and complete the registration form that follows (link to registration forms PDF) Return the forms to the Elementary Faith Formation Office with fee payment and volunteer form completed. Scholarships are available by request. Class assignments are posted on bulletin boards in the Church gathering space 2 weeks prior to the starting of classes.
The Parish Office is open Monday through Friday 8:30 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. Please email your questions to Martha Waltersdorf, mwaltersdorf@stmichaelcary.org, or Jeanine Kromer, jkromer@stmichaelcary.org
We look forward to a very exciting year!
Class Options for Pre-K through Grade 6
Traditional - These classes meet once a week in a traditional classroom setting at St. Michael’s school. Our goal is to provide the children with a comprehensive understanding of our Catholic faith. The children and their families come to understand what we believe as Catholics and how to live out those beliefs.
Sacramental Preparation Program - Children preparing to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist require two consecutive years of catechesis. The Sacramental Preparation class is designed for children who were baptized Roman Catholic, but did not meet the consecutive one year requirement as a first grader, or a child beyond the second grade who has not made First Reconciliation or First Eucharist. Classes are held once a week.
Rite of Christian Initiation adapted for Children
These classes are arranged for school age children who have not been baptized Catholic and who will be included in the program for preparation for full initiation in the Catholic Church.
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 homes using materials provided by St. Michael’s Faith formation office. For additional information contact Elementary Faith Formation Office.
Home Schooling - parents act as their own child’s catechist using materials provided by the Faith Formation Office. For additional information please contact the Elementary Faith Formation Office.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a “hands on” Montessori based Faith Formation program. Children are presented with a variety of materials that enhance and encourage their relationship with God. The classes gather in the Atrium (top floor of the Trinity Building), an environment in which they experience God through work and prayer under the guidance of a specially trained catechist. Classes fill up very quickly, so if you choose one of these, please send in your registration early. Classes must have a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 students. Placement preference for Levels II and III will be given to students who have attended Levels I, II, and III. We will have waiting lists for this program. For additional information about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, refer to the program’s general website www.cgsusa.org ; call Shana Zambone at 481-1016 or contact by email at szambone@stmichaelcary.org.
Special Needs: Please let us know if you have a child who is not able to be mainstreamed for Faith Formation, we have catechist willing to work with special needs children. We also work in collaboration with St. Andrew’s parish in Apex who have a Special Needs Sacramental Program in place.
If you have questions regarding the EFF program options please email Martha Waltersdorf mwaltersdorf@stmichaelcary.org or Jeanine Kromer jkromer@stmichaelcary.org
CLASS DAYS AND TIMES
Our traditional First through Sixth Grade classes meet once a week beginning September 14, 15, 16, 2010 through the week of May 17, 18, 19, 2011. Classes meet on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5:00—6:00 P.M. and 6:30—7:30 P.M. Thursday classes are offered from 5:00—6:00 P.M. only.
Our Pre-K and Kindergarten classes will begin on October 6 and end on April 13, 2011. These classes meet on Wednesday from 4:30 – 5:30 PM in the ECC.
Classes for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (COGS) are organized by levels.
Level 1 classes (Pre-K and Kindergarten) are offered Mondays 4:30-5:30pm,
Tuesdays 3:30-4:30 pm, Thursdays 3:30-4:30 or Thursdays 5-6pm.
Level 2 classes (Grades 1,2,3) are offered Mondays 6-7pm, Tuesdays 5-6pm or Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm. Children must have attended level 1 or 2 previously to register for level 2.
Level 3 classes (Grades 4,5,6) are offered Tuesday from 6:30-7:30pm.
Only children who have previously been in level 2 or 3 may register for level 3.
Holidays and special days/activities will be announced as we go through the year.
Stewardship Opportunities at St. Michael
The expression, “It takes a Village…” is certainly true for our Faith Community. How will you help us this year? We are asking 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, sitter, or clerical support. (link to Stewardship Form PDF) Please consider how you can help make this the best year ever. Please call the Elementary Faith Formation Office for opportunities and suggestions! Class assistants and hall monitors are needed for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for each class time. To volunteer please call Shana Zambone at 468-6357 or szambone@stmichaelcary.org.
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!
