Our Lady of Fatima

Faith Formation Handbook

2020 – 2021

Our Lady of Fatima Faith Formation program seeks, in partnership with parents, to instill in parish children, a knowledge and love of God which will deepen as

they live their faith through prayer, good works, sacraments and service to others. Focus on attendance at Mass and preparation for reception of

Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation is of utmost importance. Recognizing that faith starts in the family, the staff encourages a strong connection between home and class in terms of values and virtues to be practiced. All are welcome!

Office of Faith Formation Our Lady of Fatima Parish

225 Danbury Road Wilton, Connecticut, 06897

(203) 762-9080

Reverend Reginald D. Norman Pastor

pastor@olfwilton.org

Mrs. Kathleen Rooney Director, Religious Education

reledoffice@olfwilton.org

Mrs. Aimee McDonald Administrative Assistant

reledadmin@olfwilton.org

Parish Website: www.olfwilton.org/parish-life/education Office Email: reledadmin@olfwilton.org

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Youth Ministry Email: Gr. 1-8: fatimayouthk8@gmail.com

Gr. 9-12 olfyouthgroup2@gmail.com In the event school is closed and the front doors are locked, please call us or press the white button on the intercom box located on the left side of the

front door.

VISITING THE FAITH FORMATION OFFICE:

Our office is located within the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy building, 225 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT. Please call to make an appointment prior to coming to the building (203-762-9080). Upon arriving to the building, please press the white button to the left of the front doors and you will be buzzed into the building. After going through the two sets of glass doors, please be screened for temperature check and sign the “Visitor’s Log” on the table in the lobby.

REGISTRATION IS NOW ONLINE The link is: https://forms.parishgiving.org/form-2607943/

Classes will be held virtually and each class size is determined by the number of volunteer Catechists we have this year.

Registration IS NOT CONFIRMED until all tests, make up work, and grades missed are completed. For any financial difficulty, please communicate directly with Father Reggie at: pastor@olfwilton.org

2020-2021 TUITION FEES IN PARISH: BEFORE 8/17/20 AFTER 8/17/20

1 Child $225 $280

2 Children $275 $330

3+ Children $325 $380

OUT OF PARISH: BEFORE 8/17/20 AFTER 8/17/20

1 Child $285 $340

2 Children $335 $390

3+ Children $385 $440

Sacramental Materials Fees: $100 for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist $100 for Confirmation Replacement Book Fees: $20.00 per Christ Our Life Workbook $12.00 per Sacrament book (Blessed: First Reconciliation; Blessed: First Communion; Decision Point)

CLASS SCHEDULE 2020-2021

All Class Sessions begin the week of: Sunday, October 25, 2020 PreK/ Kindergarten: Mrs. Moran’s class: Sunday, October 25 – 9:00-9:30 am

First Grade: Ms. Donovan’s Class: Wednesday, October 28 – 4:00-4:30 pm

Ms. Tarantino’s Class: Sunday, October 25, 5:30-6:00 pm Second Grade: Mrs. Bellino’s Class: Monday, October 26 – 4:15-5:00 pm

Mrs. Morrissey's Class: Tuesday, October 27 – 4:00-4:45 pm

Mr. Furlo’s Class: Wednesday, October 28 - 4:00-4:45 pm

Third Grade: Mrs. Fattah’s Class: Wednesday, October 28 – 4:30-5:15 pm

Ms. Cawley’s Class: Thursday, October 27 – 3:30-4:15 pm

Fourth Grade: Mrs. Santosky’s Class: Monday, October 26 – 3:00-3:45 pm

Mrs. Brower’s Class: Tuesday, October 27 - 5:00-5:45 pm

Fifth Grade: Mrs. Dzik’s Class: Monday, October 26 – 4:00-4:45 pm Mrs. Highland’s Class Tuesday, October 27 – 5:15-6:00 pm

Sixth Grade: Mrs. Greef’s Class: Sunday, October 25 – 10:30-11:30 am

Mrs. DaSilva’s Class: Sunday, October 25 – 5:00-6:00 pm

Mrs. Pickering’s Class: Tuesday, October 27 – 4:15-5:15 pm

Seventh Grade: Mrs. Denneen’s Class: Sunday, October 25 – 9:15-10:15 am

Mr. McDowell’s Class Sunday, October 25 – 9:15-10:15 am

Mrs. Finn’s Class: Sunday, October 25 - 5:00-6:00 pm Mrs. McDonald’s Class: Wednesday, October 28 - 4:45-5:45 pm

Mrs. Mancuso’s Class: Wednesday, October 28 – 5:00-6:00 pm

Eighth Grade: Mrs. Kelly’s Class: Sunday, October 25 - 9:15-10:15 am

Mrs. Lillis’ Class: Sunday, October 25 - 9:15-10:15 am

Ms. Donovan’s Class: Sunday, October 25 – 5:30 – 6:30 pm

Mrs. Tarantino’s Class: Sunday, October 25 – 6:30-7:30 pm

Mr. Murray’s Class: Sunday, October 25 – 5:30 – 6:30 pm Mrs. Paige’s Class: Wednesday, October 28 - 7:00-8:00 pm

POLICIES

GRADES 1 – 5

ATTENDANCE:

Attendance at Faith Formation sessions is important for our children's spiritual growth. Please recognize the gifts of time, preparation, and generosity that our dedicated volunteer catechists offer to bring good news to our parish children.

Any student in grades 1 through 5 who misses more than four (4) scheduled Faith Formation sessions, will be required to complete make up work prior to registering for the next school year (2021-2022).

Attendance is taken at the beginning and end of each session. Please make every effort to have your child connected on time for each scheduled session. We do not call home if your child is absent. It is your children’s responsibility to complete all assigned readings, homework and tests.

CONDUCT:

We ask all families to adhere to the following guidelines:

● Please encourage your sons and daughters to be respectful and courteous at all times to both their teachers and their classmates. If a child has a behavior problem or is disruptive during class, he/she will have to be homeschooled for the remainder of the year.

● Your sons and daughters should attend their scheduled sessions in a distraction-free environment. Students should be sitting at a table or desk and NOT lying in bed or on the floor. We want to ensure your children’s faith is being enhanced and reinforced.

● The use of cell phones or any other electronic devices is not allowed during class time. If a child is seen using such a device, the teacher will notify the parent(s) or guardian(s) immediately after class.

(Policies Grades 1-5 continued)

TESTING:

Students in grades 1 and 2 will be asked to schedule a virtual meeting with the members of our Faith Formation staff, go hear the following prayers:

● The Sign of the Cross ● Our Father ● Hail Mary ● Act of Contrition ● The Glory Be (Doxology)

Students in grades 3 through 5 will be tested as per syllabus. A syllabus will be shared before the first class the begin. All assignments must be completed by April 26, 2021. All tests must be passed with a minimum grade of 70%. The tests will be given twice during the year and will be administered online. Study guides for these tests are located at the back of this handbook.

Each class session will be recorded to provide a safe environment and ensure the well-being of the children and our catechists.

POLICIES

GRADES 6 -8

ATTENDANCE:

Any student in grades 6 and 7 who misses more than three (3) scheduled Faith Formation sessions will be required to complete additional assignments before registering for the next school year. These assignments will be distributed (emailed) at the conclusion of the year. They are due back to the office by April 26, 2021.

Students in grade 8 who miss more than two (2) scheduled Faith Formation sessions will be required to an additional assignment by April 26, 2021to be eligible for Confirmation in Fall 2021.

Attendance is taken at the beginning and end of each session. Please make every effort to have your child connected on time for each scheduled session. We do not call home if your child is absent. It is your children’s responsibility to complete all assigned readings, homework and tests.

CONDUCT:

We ask all families to adhere to the following guidelines:

● Please encourage your sons and daughters to be respectful and courteous at all times to both their teachers and their classmates. If a child has a behavior problem or is disruptive in class, he/she will have to be homeschooled for the remainder of the year.

● Your sons and daughters should attend their scheduled session in a distraction-free environment. Students should be sitting at a table or desk and NOT lying in bed or on the floor. We want to ensure your child’s faith is being enhanced and reinforced.

● The use of cell phones or any other electronic devices is not allowed during class time. If a child is seen using such a device, the teacher will notify the parent(s) or guardian(s) immediately after class.

(Policies Grades 6 - 8 continued)

TESTING:

Students in grades 6 and 7 will be tested as per syllabus. A syllabus will be shared before the first class. All assignments must be completed by April 26, 2021. All tests must be passed with a minimum grade of 70%. The tests will be given twice during the year and will be administered online. Study guides for these tests are located at the back of this handbook.

Each class session will be recorded to provide a safe environment and ensure the well-being of the children and our catechists.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

SECOND GRADE

(NOTE: IF YOUR CHILD WAS NOT BAPTIZED AT OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH, A COPY OF HIS/HER BAPTISMAL

CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED.)

FIRST RECONCILIATION & FIRST EUCHARIST MEETINGS:

To Be Announced

First Eucharist is tentatively scheduled for either:

Saturday, May 1, 2021

OR

Saturday, May 8, 2021

EIGHTH GRADE

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION

NOTE: If the Confirmation candidate was not baptized at OLF or did not receive his/her First Holy Communion at OLF, a copy of his/her baptismal

certificate is required.

IMPORTANT DATES:

● Parent/ Candidate Meeting: TBA ● Registration Sheets and Candidate Contracts Due: Friday,

November 20, 2020 ● Saint Reports Due: Sunday, January 10, 2021 (please email reports

to: reledadmin@olfwilton.org) ● Retreat: Candidates & Sponsors: TBA ● Service Report Due: Sunday, March 21, 2021 (please email reports

to: reledadmin@olfwilton.org) ● Penance Service: Fall, 2021 - TBA

● SPONSOR CERTIFICATES: ● A sponsor certificate must be obtained from the sponsor's Parish

Office. ● If the sponsor is a parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima, he/she

MUST obtain a certificate from our Parish Office. ● Sponsor certificates cannot be issued more than six (6) months

prior to the Confirmation dates. ● Please DO NOT send in Sponsor Certificates to the Faith

Formation Office until the Confirmation dates have been announced.

● CONFIRMATION RETREAT: ● TBA

● PENANCE SERVICE: ● TBA

***CONFIRMATION DATES – you will be informed of the date upon receipt of notification from the Bishop’s office.***

GRADE 8:

THE CHURCH THEN AND NOW/ DECISION POINT TEXTBOOK

1. The Eighth Grade Program strives to deepen student understanding of Church through a study of its history by examining Scriptural images and model, the saints, commandments and virtues that enable us to give witness as members. These young adults see how the Church has been guided by the Holy Spirit throughout the ages, in good times and in bad times.

2. Decision Point is a Confirmation preparation program for young Catholics between 12 and 18 years of age. It is designed to engage this age group to “meet them where they are and lead them to where God is calling them to be.” The program is experienced through short films which lead to class or small group discussions. There is a workbook with additional material for reflection and journaling. The videos will be assigned weekly for homework and discussed in their virtual classroom sessions. Our teens will hopefully rediscover their Catholic faith through this program.

FAITH FORMATION CALENDAR

2020-2021

GRADES PRE-K – 8

We follow the Wilton Public School calendar. If school is not in session OR if there is an unscheduled early dismissal (even ten minutes), then there are no Faith Formation sessions.

We are an after-school activity on weekdays (Monday through Friday). If after-school activities are cancelled, due to inclement weather or another unforeseen reason, there are NO Faith Formation sessions.

Sunday sessions are rarely cancelled. If there is a question about being held, please email your child’s catechist.

CLASS TIMES:

Due to the increase of screen time our children are presently experiencing, the class times will be shorter in duration in comparison to past years.

Pre-K through 1st Grade: 30 minutes

2nd through 5th Grades: 45 minutes

6th through 8th Grades: 60 minutes

PREPARING FOR CONFIRMATION

GRADES 6 – 8

Confirmation will be administered after the completion of 8th grade, in the FALL of 2021.

SERVICE HOURS:

Each Confirmation candidate must complete thirty (30) hours of community service prior to receiving their Confirmation.

● Students may begin these hours in the sixth grade. ● There will be at least one opportunity during each 6th, 7th and 8th grade

class during the 2020-2021 year for some service hours. ● The Service Hour Report form is available through the office for 6th and

7th grade students. ● Eighth Grade students will receive the Reports in the Fall of 2020. This

form is to be completed and returned by the designated date. As indicated on the form, supervisor’s signatures are required.

HOMESCHOOL TESTING CALENDAR

2020 – 2021

Welcome to our Homeschool Faith Formation Program! Children may be registered for the following year only after successfully completely all previous curriculum obligations.

***ALL BOOKS MAY BE PICKED UP IN THE PARISH PARKING LOT ON SEPARATE DATES THAT WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY. ***

GRADES PRE-K - 1:

Students in grades 1 and 2 will have their workbooks checked for completion and their prayers will be tested twice during the year. Appointments must be made for virtual meetings with the Faith Formation staff.

GRADES 3 – 7:

Students in grades 3 - 7 will have their Christ Our Life workbooks collected at the end of the year and checked for completion. Tests will be emailed to the families during specified weeks and will need to be submitted to the office within seven (7) days.

HOMESCHOOL TESTING CALENDAR

Grade: Unit: Week Of: Book Drop Off Dates:

1 Prayers Tested_______ December 14, 2020

Books Checked_______ April 26, 2021 April 26, 2021

3 Units 1 & 2_____________________________December 14, 2020

Units 3 – 5__________________________________April 26, 2021

Books Checked _______April 26, 2021

4 Units 1 & 2_____________________________December 14, 2020

Units 3 – 5__________________________________April 26, 2021

Books Checked________April 26, 2021

5 Units 1 & 2_____________________________December 14, 2020

Units 3 – 5__________________________________April 26, 2021

Books Checked________April 26, 2021

6 Online Test 1___________________________December 14, 2020

Online Test 2________________________________April 26, 2021

Books Checked________April 26, 202

7 Online Test 1___________________________December 14, 2020

Online Test 2________________________________April 26, 2021

Books Checked________April 26, 2021

(Home-School continued)

Please note the following:

● Grade 1: As per diocesan requirements, the prayers that will be tested are:

1. The Sign of the Cross 2. The Our Father 3. The Hail Mary 4. Glory Be

● Grades 1 and 2: Prayers will be checked by the Faith Formation Staff virtually. Families will sign up for a day and time provided by the Faith Formation Office.

● Grades 3 though 7: Students will receive their tests the same week as the virtual classes. All tests must be completed and submitted to the office within 7 days.

● Study guides for grades 3 through 8 are included in this handbook. ● Please note that all workbooks and tests must be completed, prior to

registration for 2021-2022!

PLEASE NOTE FOR SACRAMENTAL YEARS GRADES 2 & 8:

● Grade 2: “Blessed: First Reconciliation” workbooks will be completed and dropped off at the Faith Formation office by December 14, 2020. Prayers will be checked in early January. “Blessed: First Communion” workbooks to be dropped off to the Faith Formation office by April 26, 2021.

● Grade 8: Eighth grade students will be given their Christ Our Life workbooks in October and should be dropped off to the OLF Faith Formation staff by Monday, December 14, 2020 to be checked for completion. The December test will not be administered until the workbook has been turned into the Faith Formation office. Tests are due to the office by December 21, 2020.

● The Decision Point workbooks will be distributed in December, 2020.

Sacramental Years Grades 2 & 8 Testing Schedules

2 Prayers Tested__________________________December 14, 2020

Blessed: First Reconciliation December 14, 2020

Blessed: First Communion April 26, 2021

8 Online Test 1 December 14, 2020

Christ Our Life______________________________ April 26, 2021

Online Test 2________________________________April 26, 2021

STUDY GUIDE:

GRADE 3: Christ Our Life – We Believe

Study Guide for Online Test 1: Week of December 14, 2020

Units 1 & 2

Know the Following:

Abram Disciple Rosary

Apostle Hebrews Sacramentals

Bible Mary Sarah

David Moses St. Clare

Decade Naomi St. Francis

Study Guide for Online Test 2: Week of April 26, 2021

Units 3, 4 & 5

Know the Following:

Angel Joseph Pentecost

Assumption Last Supper Purgatory

Communion of Saints Miracles Redeemer

Grace Parables Resurrection

John the Baptist Paschal Mystery Sin

STUDY GUIDE:

GRADE 4: Christ Our Life – God Guides Us

Study Guide for Online Test 1: Week of December 14, 2020

Units 1 & 2

Know the Following:

Baptism Catholics Conscience

Contrition Examination of Conscience Faith

Incarnation Mary New Testament

Old Testament Pope Reconciliation

Sacred Scripture St. Peter Trinity

Venial Sin

Study Guide for Online Test 2: Week of April 26, 2020

Units 3, 4 & 5

Know the Following:

List the ten Commandments in order

What are 4 kinds of prayer?

Be able to name two (2) of the Beatitudes.

STUDY GUIDE:

GRADE 5: Christ Our Life – We Worship Study Guide for Online Test 1: Week of December 14, 2020

Units 1 & 2 Know the Following: 2 Main Parts of the Mass. Original Sin Sacramentary 7 Sacraments/ describe each Paschal Mystery Seasons of the Church Year Chalice Pentecost Sign of Peace Ciborium RCIA Tabernacle Consecration Rite of the Sacrament Works of Mercy Meaning of the Eucharist Sacramentals

Study Guide for Online Test 2: Week of April 26, 2020 Units 3, 4 & 5

Know the Following: Absolution Matrimony Clergy Sacraments of Healing Contrition Sacraments of Reconciliation Examination of Conscience Sin – Venial & Mortal Holy Orders Viaticum “Keys to the Kingdom” Vocation Laity Vows Who can receive Anointing of the Sick?

STUDY GUIDE:

GRADE 6: Christ Our Life – God Calls a People Study Guide for Online Test 1: Week of December 14, 2020

Chapters 1 - 14 Know the Following: Hebrews 3 conditions for a mortal sin, p. 126 Number of books in the Old Testament, p.15 Exodus 4 sections of the Old Testament, p. 14 Story of Abraham 3 Religious truths in creation stories, p. 22 Unit 1 Review, p. 40 Story of Adam and Eve, p. 30 Story of Jacob and Esau Story of the Tower of Babel, p. 32 10 Commandments in order, p. 106 Story of Noah Mortal and Venial, p. 126 Unit 2 Review, p. 78 4 ways of being reconciled with God, p. 125 Liturgical Year

Study Guide for Online Test 2: Week of April 26, 2020 Chapters 15 – 24

Know the Following: Name the Three Kings Unit 3 Review, p. 140 only Name Three Judges Unit 4 Review, p. 173 Name 3 Prophets John the Baptist Prayer to St. Michael Apostles Creed Nicene Creed Prayer to St. Francis

STUDY GUIDE:

GRADE 7: Christ Our Life – Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life Study Guide for Online Test 1: Week of December 14, 2020

Chapters 1 – 14 Know the Following: Infancy narratives Meaning of the Gospel Meaning of the Name Jesus Synoptic gospels Meaning of Synoptic # of books New Testament 12 Apostles 2 Signs/symbols of Baptism Gentile Symbols of gospel writers First and best disciple RCIA 3 Titles of Jesus Pharisees Sacraments of Service Paschal Mystery Sacraments of Initiation Beatitudes (in general) Parable Example of a parable Sacraments of Healing 4 Elements necessary for Reconciliation 5 things Jesus had power over

Study Guide for Online Test 2: Week of April 26, 2020

Chapters 15 – 24 Know the Following: Pentecost acrostic, p. 102 3 Symbols of the passion p. 176 3 Vows that religious take Page 160 – Sorting Events

Cardinal virtues 3 ways we encounter the risen Lord Theological virtues Page 139 Transubstantiation Prayer to St. Michael Apostles Creed Nicene Creed Prayer to St. Francis

STUDY GUIDE:

GRADE 8: Christ Our Life – The Church then and Now Study Guide for Online Test 1: Week of December 14, 2020

Chapters 1, 3, 10 –19 Know the Following: Council of Jerusalem Models of the Church Communion of Saints Acts of the Apostles Stephen Paschal Mystery Paul Peter Constantine St. Vincent de Paul Crusades Council of Trent St. Catherine of Siena St. Julie Billiart Pope St. Gregory Martin Luther St. Thomas More Charlemagne Protestant Reformation

Study Guide for Online Test 2: Week of April 26, 2020 Decision Point Textbook

Be able to define: Grace Seven steps in the prayer process Conscience The seven sacraments Sin One great reason to be a Catholic Real presence The Ten Commandments – in order The Sacrament of Confirmation KNOW: The Jesus Question Gifts of the Holy Spirit Fruits of the Holy Spirit Marks of the church Three facts about the Holy Spirit Three corporal works of mercy Three spiritual works of mercy