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CATECHIST HANDBOOK

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH,

DE PERE, WI 54115

2016-2017

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Immaculate Conception Parish

Mission Statement

The mission of Immaculate Conception Parish’s Faith Formation is based on the celebration of the sacraments and building a foundation of faith for our youth by assisting parents in the formation of religious, moral, and spiritual knowledge of the Blessed Trinity and the Roman Catholic Church.

Vision Statement

We, the people of Immaculate Conception Parish, taking Mary as our model, strive to create an environment that is welcoming and accepting for our youth. Following the guidance of the Blessed Trinity, ours is a place where they can feel valued and comfortable, challenged and affirmed ... where their energy is appreciated and encouraged. We share the Good News of Jesus Christ through the Word of God, the seven Sacraments, and service inspired by the Holy Spirit. As part of the Roman Catholic Church, our students' faith grows through learning the skills of evangelization. Together we develop an awareness of their importance as members of our parish community.

For our Core Values & Belief Statements, visit our website at www.imconeida.org and click on Faith Formation (left side bar), then click on About (menu at top of page).

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STAFF

Pastor: Father John Chrysostom Katamba Deacons: Don Coenen & Jim Heider 869-2244 ext 102

Coordinator of Faith Formation & Youth Ministry: Sue Meyer

Parish Office address (at St. Joseph’s): 145 St. Joseph Drive, Oneida, WI 54155 Parish Office: 869-2244 Brenda Rybicki-Smith Father: John Katamba ext. 102 Dcns. : Don Coenen & Jim Heider ext. 102 Parish Office hours: Monday- Thursday 9:00 am- 4:00 pm Faith Formation Office Information: Phone Numbers: FF Office (Traeger Center) 869-2004 Wednesday evenings Faith Formation Office hours: (Sept – April) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:00 am-2:00 pm Wednesday 4:00 pm -8:00 pm Summer Hours vary

Faith Formation Phone: 869-2004

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Catechesis

"Catechesis is nothing other than the process of transmitting the Gospel, as the Christian

community has received it, understands it, celebrates it, lives it and communicates it in

many ways." (General Directory for Catechesis #105)

Jesus empowered the Church to continue His mission when He said,

Full authority has been given to me both in heaven and on earth; go, therefore and make

disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of

the Holy Spirit. Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that

I am with you always, until the end of time. (Mt. 28:18-20)

This great commission has been handed to women and men, whom God has called, to

proclaim the Good News. This ministry of teaching and forming has traditionally been

referred to as catechesis.

The name of catechesis was given to the whole of the efforts within the Church to make

disciples, to help people to believe that Jesus is the Son of God...and to educate and

instruct them in this life and thus build up the Body of Christ. (Catechesis Tradendae #1)

The word catechesis comes from the Greek meaning "to echo the teaching" meaning that

catechesis or the teaching of the faith is an interactive process in which the Word of God

re-sounds between and among the proclaimer, the one receiving the message, and the

Holy Spirit! Catechesis is a life-long process of initial conversion, formation, education, and

on-going conversion. Through word, worship, service and community, it seeks to lead all

God's people to an ever deepening relationship with God who reveals himself in Jesus

Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Catechesis takes many forms and includes the

initiation of adults, youth and children as well as the intentional and systematic effort to

enable all to grow in faith and discipleship.

Many people recall the term C.C.D. which stood for the "Confraternity of Christian

Doctrine" (now referred to as Faith Formation) which served parishes in their efforts to

provide religious education to children who attended public schools. Today, we have

retrieved the notion of catechesis to capture the broader mission of the Church to proclaim

the Gospel to adults, youth and children in order to "put people in communion with Jesus

Christ" (Catechism of the Catholic Church #426). Source: http://www.catechesis-

chicago.org/

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What Makes A Good Catechist?

When you volunteer to be a catechist you must take it seriously, it is not a job to be taken lightly. By becoming a catechist you have made a commitment to teach students the best

you can. When you volunteer to be a catechist at your parish it says you will be responsible for that class for the year. That means you need to have lesson plans and

activities ready each time your class meets. That also means a catechist will be on time and will know the material. Remember you volunteered to be a catechist and they are

counting on you to be there and do your job well.

What makes a good catechist?

• When a catechist needs to be absent you follow the procedure for being absent that is written in the catechist handbook that you signed to verify that you

understood what your responsibilities are and the rules that you must follow. Contact the appropriate personnel when you find out when you will be absent ASAP.

When you are absent and you do not notify others this causes disruption and poor learning with the students. When you notify the CRE and co-teacher prior to being absent it allows them to make other arrangements. Nothing is worse than not having a teacher show up

and a lesson has not been planned. Other volunteers who are supposed to be doing something else and not your job will have to scramble and try to come up with a lesson

and teach your class. Utter chaos will result and your students will suffer the consequences from your inconsiderate actions. The catechist should also have all

necessary items and suggestions (lesson plan, Substitute Teacher Packet, tips, etc.) ready for the substitute so they can do their job efficiently and effectively.

• Always arrive at least 30 minutes before your class starts. To enhance your students

learning prepare your classroom. A well-organized catechist and classroom is a must. Without it, your students will not learn to their fullest potential.

• Use a wide variety of engaging activities that enable all your students to be

actively involved in the class. Do imaginative and creative activities that add excitement to your lessons. Make sure the activity fits your students and emphasize the lesson and

the objectives of what you want your students to learn.

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• Use the textbook as a resource, not as the sole source of learning. No curriculum is perfect and teachers need to supplement with activities to help teach their students. Using various resources provides your students with a variety of activities that helps enhance the

lesson and allows them to understand more and have a lot of fun in the process.

• Engage in efforts to deepen your knowledge of the faith and grow spiritually. No catechist can know everything and by going to workshops, retreats, classes, studying Catholic literature, etc. can help broaden your understanding and learn new ways of

teaching.

• Be prepared and know the material. Know your subject. Read, study, and learn. A

good lesson depends on how well the catechist understands the material.

• Have prepared and well planned lesson plans. Before you do anything you must plan and prepare. Having a well-planned and prepared Faith Formation (was called CCD) class

is essential. Without this your students cannot learn to their fullest potential. A well planned and prepared lesson plan will also help to avoid possible behavior problems that could arise in your class as well. A thorough and thought out lesson plan should include

various elements to promote good learning.

• Consistently model the behavior you expect of your students. If you want your students to be good Catholics, you must act accordingly. By modeling and living the

Catholic way of life it will reinforce proper behavior for your students.

• Teach what you are supposed to teach. The subjects should include the Church’s liturgical and sacramental life and moral teachings. You should also cover the topics that

are in your curriculum so your lessons will flow accordingly with next year’s class activities.

• Have Class Rules and keep disruptive behavior down to a minimum. Go over your Class Rules thoroughly with your students so they will understand them. Having a well

behaved classroom is critical for proper learning. For the students to learn to their fullest potential they need an environment that is quiet, without distractions, and organized. To

achieve this is to keep disruptive behavior down to a minimum.

• Be fair. Never show favoritism. Treat each student the same.

• Work well with others. That includes the priest, DRE, teachers, helpers, parents, students, etc.

• Obtain information from parents and have training for all personnel if you are

having a special needs child in your classroom. When a special needs child is assigned to your classroom, be sure to gather information from the parents about their

child before they come to class to help with the transition of their child into the classroom. Seeking the advice and assistance of the child's family is the most important factor in

learning how to teach a child with special needs. A training session of all personnel that comes in contact with the child should be conducted before the student starts Faith

Formation (was called CCD) to focus on identifying supports the student needs and how to implement them.

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• Assess students regularly. Test according to their abilities and how they work best.

Use various ways to assess what they have learned.

• Get parents involved in Faith Formation (was called CCD). Without parent involvement in Faith Formation (was called CCD) their child will not learn to their fullest potential.

• Assign homework that reviews previously learned material and is relevant to the objectives of the lesson. Homework should not be busy work, it should reinforce the

lesson. Have classroom assignment sheets to help keep students organized and parents up to date.

• Explain what you want your students to learn in ways that they understand the

material. Take into account the unique needs of your students or how they learn best to make your lesson as effective as possible.

• Use technology in your classroom that enhances the lesson and learning of your students. What is effective and needed for your classroom depends upon your students and what is available for the catechist to use. Whatever equipment you are using it must

achieve your learning objectives for your lesson. Always have the equipment ready before class and know how to use it.

• Catechists keep all information confidential. Anything you know and hear that is

personal about anyone, including the students is kept confidential.

• Catechists follow and sign the guidelines and rules set forth by the diocese and/or DRE. If there are not any, the DRE should write up some guidelines for the catechists to sign to verify that they understood what their responsibilities are and the rules that they

must follow. Be sure include in it an absenteeism policy and what they are supposed to do when they are absent.

It is a good idea to have a Catechist Handbook to acquaint volunteer catechists with the

policies and procedures in the Religious Formation Program. The Catechist Handbook will clearly define what the responsibilities are for the catechist and the procedures that they

are to follow.

What kind of catechist are you?

From the Catholic Toolbox June, 2010

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QUALITIES OF CATECHISTS

The National Catechetical Directory has established the ideal qualities for a catechist:

A. RESPONSE TO CALL Catechists are called by God through the Church to the ministry of catechesis, not only to give time and talent for re-echoing the faith but to be open to one's own deepening, understanding and living of the Catholic faith.

B. WITNESS TO THE GOSPEL Catechists are called to believe and witness the gospel and its power to transform life. Catechists are persons with an ongoing commitment to God's Word, in their mind, in their hearts and in their lives.

C. COMMITMENT TO THE CHURCH Catechists are called to be ministers of the Word and representatives of the Church. They are called to teach what the teaching authority of the Church proclaims, and when teaching any subject must always teach what the Church teaches, regardless of personal beliefs or opinions.

D. SHARES IN COMMUNITY Our God is a community of persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Made in the image and likeness of God, we are called to be God's people a community of faith. Catechists are therefore called to foster and build a faith community in their classrooms and in all aspects of the parish.

E. SERVANT OF THE COMMUNITY Catechists are called to serve the Christian community in the spirit of Jesus and the prophets. This service means not only seeking to meet the needs of individuals within the parish but also in the larger local and global community. This challenges the Catechist to be aware of Church teaching and actions in terms of peace and justice.

Catechists need to be open to receiving the service and care of others in order to truly be of service to others.

F. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Catechists are called to prepare for this important ministry by acquiring the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to communicate gospel values and Church teachings effectively for different age groups.

GUIDELINES FOR PRESENTING SOUND DOCTRINE

1. Take into account the experience and background of those being catechized and suggest ways the Christian message illumines their life (see NCD, 176e).

2. Must be based on accepted learning theory, established pedagogical principles, and practical learning strategies (see NCD, 175).

3. Use language and images appropriate to the age level and developmental stages and special needs of those being catechized (see NCD, 177-188).

4. Integrate biblical themes and scriptural references in the presentation of doctrine and moral teaching and encourage a hands-on familiarity with the Bible (see NCD, 60a).

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5. Challenge Catholics to critique and transform contemporary values and behaviors in light of the Gospel and the Church's teaching.

6. Maintain a judicious balance between personal expression and memorization, emphasizing that it is important both for the community and themselves that individuals commit to memory selected biblical passages, essential prayers, liturgical responses, key doctrinal ideas, and lists of moral responsibilities (see CT, 55; NCD, 176e).

7. Provide for a variety of shared prayer forms and experiences that lead to an active participation in the liturgical life of the Church and private prayer (see NCD, 145, 264).

8. Continually hold before their intended audience the ideal of living a life based on the teachings of the Gospel.

9. Include suggestions for service to the community that are appropriate to the ages and abilities of the persons who are being catechized.

10. Stress the importance of the local church community for Christian living, so that every Catholic contributes to building up the spirit of the parish family and sees its ministries as part of the Church's universal mission.

11. Sensitive to the appropriate use of inclusive language in the text and avoid racial, ethnic, and gender stereotypes in pictures (see NCD, 264).

12. Reflect the Catholicity of the church in art and graphics by presenting the diverse customs and religious practices of racial, ethnic, cultural, and family groups (see NCD, 194, 264).

13. Assist catechists by including easy-to-understand instructions regarding scope, sequence, and use of texts.

14. Suggest a variety of strategies, activities, and auxiliary resources that can enrich instruction, deepen understanding, and facilitate the integration of doctrine and life.

15. Include material that can be used in the home to aid parents in communicating church teaching and in nurturing the faith life of the family.

16. Instruct teachers and catechists on how to respond to the needs of persons with disabilities and individuals with special needs (see NCD, 195, 196, 264).

17. Help teachers and catechists distinguish between church doctrine and the opinions and interpretations of theologians (see NCD, 264).

18. Help develop the catechists' own faith life, experience of prayer, and mature commitment to the Church and motivate them toward ongoing enrichment.

From Guidelines for Doctrinally Sound Catechetical Materials, National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference 1990.

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JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FAITH FORMATION CATECHIST GRADES K-11

JOB TITLE: Catechist RESPONSIBLE TO: Coordinator of Faith Formation MAIN RESPONSIBILITY: To help young people grow in their faith as Catholics Proclaim the message-content of faith Build a Christian community-Body of Christ Foster prayer and worship for individual and community Promote peace and justice-practice faith PARTICULAR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Prepare lessons using a teacher’s manual and other available resources.

Teach a class>Wednesday night, 6:pm-7:15pm (Confirmation goes till 7:30 pm)

If you are unable to teach your class PLEASE contact the coordinator ASAP, Sue Meyer and contact one of the fill-in Catechists.

Arrive at least 20 minutes before class to set up and greet students.

Clean up after class.

Pray with and for students

Motivate children to serve others

Participate in on-going formation

Attend parish catechist training and in-services as required.

Complete VIRITUS training through the Diocese Discipline policy

Class room discipline is essential for providing an atmosphere for learning about God and

our Catholic faith in a safe environment. What we teach is central to whom we are called

to be as children of God and it is very important. Disruptive students while showing a lack

of respect for the catechist and their fellow students, also show a lack of respect for God.

The catechists have been asked to warn a disruptive student about their activities and if

necessary to have a talk with the student in the hall or during a break. If the disruptive

activity continues the Faith Formation Coordinator will talk with the student. If the

disruptive activity continues the parents of the student will be called and will have to

schedule a meeting with the Faith Formation Coordinator to discuss the actions of the

student. At the meeting the Faith Formation Coordinator, Director of Faith Formation and

the student’s parents will discuss options to correct the discipline issues including

removing the student from the class and reassigning them to another class, an alternative

learning method, or removing the student from the program.

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Students are expected to obey and respect their catechists and to cooperate with them in prayer, discussion and activities in class. Sexual harassment or sexual misconduct will not be tolerated. Faith Formation time is not a time for personal displays of affection between boyfriend/girlfriends. Clothing must be appropriate and contain no references to drug, tobacco, alcohol or sex. Facilities and equipment are to be respected. Desks and lockers are not to be opened. Attendance (This information is in the Parent Handbook) Each student is expected to attend each of the faith formation sessions. The sessions usually build on the previous class, so missing a session can leave a student with an incomplete knowledge of the material being covered. Attendance is taken by the catechist at the beginning of class. If your child is unable to attend a particular class, call our office at 869-2004 and leave a voice mail message. If a student is not present at the start of class and the absence has not been phoned in, a phone call will be made to number on the registration form. Arriving late to class also disrupts the class so the student and the parents are asked to make every effort possible to have the students arrive 5 minutes prior to class time so they can be in their seats at the required time. Students are not allowed to leave the building after their arrival until the end of class unless a parent is picking them up early. Parents should pick the students up at their classrooms. Students are also not to enter other parts of the building unless they are supervised by a catechist or coordinator. Students are not allowed to leave the building after their arrival until the end of class unless a parent is picking them up early. Parents should pick the student up in the office area. Students are also not to enter other parts of the building unless they are supervised by a catechist or coordinator.

VIRTUS

Any volunteer who works with children and/or vulnerable adults, is required by the Diocese to attend a “VIRTUS – Protecting God’s Children” session. An online application is also required so that a background check can be completed.

To register for a VIRTUS session, please go to www.virtus.org and enroll for the class that is most convenient for you. The online application must be completed within 30 days of taking the VIRTUS class. Please contact the Faith Formation office at phone number coming soon for instructions on how to proceed with your online application.

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Safe Environment Lesson (found in the Parent Handbook) Each year we are required by the Diocese to have a lesson for the youth that talks on an aspect of Safe Environment/Protecting God’s children. The parents of each child have the option to not have their child in the room during this lesson, but they must come into the Parish office and sign a form. These students will then be allowed to leave the room during that part of the evening’s lesson and then be returned when the lesson of Safe Environment/Protecting God’s children is completed. They will be asked to go to the main office.

TIME REQUIRED: One and one half to two hours per class for approximately 8 months,

September through April.

Catechist training as specified above.

Session Cancellation Whenever the Freedom School District is not in session---for snow days, teacher convention, or vacation---we will not meet for Faith Formation. If the weather produces threatening/dangerous conditions later in the day, Please check with our website www.imconeida.org then Faith Formation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

ATTEND WEEKEND MASSES REGULARLY

Ability to work with children of the elementary school, Middle or High school age.

Desire to share and grow in you Catholic faith.

Love of Scripture and the Church

Be comfortable with employing drama, crafts, art, and music to relate faith to children’s lives.

Ability to work with a co-teacher or aide.

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ILLNESS OR INJURY

In case of illness or injury, a child will be sent to the office and cared for

temporarily by an office helper or a member of the staff. Faith Formation

staff will administer only very basic first aid. If the illness or injury warrants

the child being sent home, the parents/guardians will be contacted, using

the phone numbers parents have provided to the staff. If contact cannot be

made, the additional emergency contact person listed will be called. If

emergency medical treatment is needed and no one can be reached by

phone, the staff will call 911. In an extreme emergency, 911 will be called first. An accident report

form will be filled out as necessary.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

FAITH FORMATION AFTER-CLASSES DISMISSAL PROCEDURE

It is of utmost importance that the children be safe at all times while they are here at

Immaculate Conception for their faith formation classes.

While I know parents watch meticulously for children in the parking lots, the fact is that

children are small, quick & not easily seen.

To avoid any accidents, I would like parents to pick students (grades K-4th) up from their

classrooms. If we could also have a few Catechists from higher grades watch the students

in the parking lot until traffic slows that would be very helpful.

Blessings to you for helping keep our children safe!

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Living our Faith Our faith must be integrated into all areas of our life. As faith-filled Christians we must live as people of integrity, manifesting the fruits of the Holy Spirit--- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Our faith affects: who we listen to in our lives, how we interact with our spouse and our children, how we interact with co-workers and customers, how we interact with fellow students and teachers. How do I live my faith? 1. Am I a person of integrity---a person of honesty and truthfulness with others and

myself? Do I forgive others when I feel wronged? Am I a person of mercy and compassion?

2. Do I use my hands, heart, ears, eyes, and feet in serving and caring for others? 3. How do I respond to the issues that face us in society? Are my views consistent with

Jesus’ teachings? Am I doing what I am able to further God’s Kingdom in light of Jesus’ teachings on life and justice for all peoples?

4. Are my moral choices consistent with Scripture?

Living our faith requires us to pass along our faith. This is an important part of who we are as Catholic Christians. Jesus has asked each of us to take part in this important mission. The Church teaches that the primary teachers of children are the child’s parents. The Parish is given the task of assisting the parents in teaching the faith to the children of the parish. The mission of the Faith Formation Team including the volunteer catechists is to assist the parents in teaching about our Catholic faith and passing faith on to the children who attend the programs and activities offered.

Catechesis is the transmission of the faith, and it begins with teaching in an organic and

systematic way the fullness of Divine Revelation as contained in Sacred Scripture and

Tradition. Intellectually knowing the faith is only one aspect of being a disciple. The other

aspect is living the faith and allowing it to transform one from within. To put it simply, the

disciple must possess the knowledge of both truth and love. Pope Francis stated this in his

first encyclical letter, Lumen Fidei. “Faith transforms the whole person precisely to the

extent that he or she becomes open to love. Through this blending of faith and love we

come to see the kind of knowledge which faith entails, its power to convince and its ability

to illumine our steps” (Lumen Fidei, 26). In educating children both dimensions are

essential for them to be formed as Disciples of Christ and desire to abide in Him. “If you

abide in me and my words abide in you….you bear much fruit and so prove to be my

disciples” (John 15:7-8), (Disciple of Christ Educator’s book, 7).

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COVENANT FOR MINISTRY

In a spirit of prayer and mutuality, we the undersigned welcome each other to

Ministry at: Immaculate Conception Parish, De Pere, WI 54115

Having prayerfully considered this decision I ______________________, choose Name of Catechist

to minister at Immaculate Conception Parish as a volunteer catechist under the

conditions as outlined in the job description.

As a representative of Immaculate Conception Parish I, __Sue Meyer____________,

do welcome ____________________________ into the ministry of the Gospel, the

catechetical ministry, beginning on September 14th, 2016 and through April 26th, 2017.

Together, we commit to furthering the mission of our church and proclaiming the

Good News of Jesus Christ.

_________________________________ _____________________ Signature of Catechist Date _________________________________ _____________________ Signature of RE Coordinator Date

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CALENDAR 2016-2017

September 2016

September 13 Catechist In-Service 6:00 pm

September 14, 21, 28 First day of Classes 6:00 pm / Classes

September 18 Catechetical Sunday

September 29 Reconciliation Parent Meeting 6-7:30pm

October

October 5, 12, 19 Classes

October 23 Youth Jam – grades 6-8th (Xavior Appleton)

October 26 Catechist In-Service - No Classes

November

November 2, 9, 16, 30 Classes

November 3 First Reconciliation Retreat 6–7:30 pm

November 10 First Reconciliation 2nd grade 6 pm

November 23 Thanksgiving Break

December

December 7, 14 Classes

December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception

December 21, 28 Christmas break

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January 2017

January 4, 11, 18 Classes

January 25 Catechist In-Service

January 26 First Eucharist Parent Meeting 6-7:30

January 29 Enrollment Rites grades 2 & 11

February

February 1, 8, 15, 22 Classes

February 21 Confirmation Retreat 12 pm to 7 pm

March

March 8, 15, 22 Classes

March 1 Mass – Ash Wednesday Service

March 8 ACRE testing grades 5, 8, & 11

March 23 First Eucharist Retreat 6 – 7:30 pm

March 24-26 Achor TEC grades 10-11th

March 29 Stations of the Cross

April

April 5, 19 Classes

April 12 No Classes Holy Week / Seder Meal 11th grade – Service 9th & 10th

April 20 First Eucharist Practice 2nd grade w/parents

April 23 First Eucharist Mass

April 26 Closing Ceremonies - Pizza

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Catechist Communication Folder

You each have a colored expandable folder with your grade level on it.

1. Pick up your whole folder before class.

2. Drop off the folder on your way out at night so I can track attendance.

These are examples of things you might put in the folder:

Attendance Chart – first thing you do each class.

Registration forms, permission slips, notes from parents, etc…papers that should go to the office

Worksheets you need copied for the NEXT lesson

Requests for special materials for an upcoming lesson

Questions or comments for me These are examples of things I might put in your folder:

Reminders to send home with children

Materials for your lessons that you requested

Notes/Reminders for you

You can ALWAYS call, email or text me, or stop in and we can discuss anything that will

help assist you in the classroom.

You can also email me.

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Requisition Form (must be turned in one week in advance)

Catechist: ________________________________ Date of Class: ___________________________ Grade: _______________ Number of Students: ________________ Lesson #: ______________ Worksheet Titles/Numbers (BML#, etc.)

1. ________________________________

2. ________________________________

3. ________________________________

4. ________________________________

Check equipment needed:

________ DVD Player & TV

________ CD Player

________ Candle for Classroom Prayer Service

Title of DVD(s) needed:

______________________________________________________________________

List other needs here:

______________________________________________________________________

Construction Paper

Color ________________ # of sheets ________________

Color ________________ # of sheets ________________

Color ________________ # of sheets ________________

Writing Paper # of sheets ________________

I would like to discuss _________________________ _____ Call me _____ E-mail me

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”THE BIBLE VERSE SPEED GAME”

This game is a fun quick way to help students become familiar with how to find

books and verses within the Bible.

Each student needs a Bible. You can do this as an oral game or as more of a visual

game. For a visual game you will need to copy a Bible verse onto a piece of paper

which is large enough for all the students to be able to see. Hold up the verse and

have students race to see who can find the verse first—have them read the verse

and give a prize (small piece of candy is good). If you want to do this as an oral

game simply call out the chapter and verse such as Mark 5:1-2 (Mark, chapter 5

verses 1 and 2) and follow the same procedure as with the visual version of this

game.

This game can be used anytime throughout your lesson: opening, time filler, closing,

and work with Scripture itself.

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Sample bingo board