Aquin System

Religious Education


Parent / Student Handbook








Serving the St. Thomas Aquinas Cluster:
Sacred Heart, Fillmore; St. Matthias, Cascade; St. Patrick, Garryowen; St. Peter, Temple Hill




Aquin System of Religious Education

Director of Faith Formation: Nicole Casey
Office: 608 3
rd
Ave. Cascade, Iowa, 52033
Telephone: 563-852-3331
Email: dbq023FF@dbqarch.org

Pastoral Coordinator: Deacon Ray Noonan
Office: 608 3
rd
Ave, Cascade, Iowa, 52033
Telephone: 563-852-3331

Aquin System
Board of Education:
President: Kay Hoffman
Meetings: 3
rd
Tuesday of each month
7:00 PM


Religious Education Centers:

Cascade Wednesday Evening Program
Aquin Elementary School: 852-3331
Director: Nicole Casey
Business Manager: Kelli Trumm

Cascade Day Program:
Aquin Elementary School: 852-3331
Director: Nicole Casey
Teachers: Nicole Casey, John McGuire
















Introduction

This parent/student handbook is designed to serve as a guide for
parents/guardians, students, and catechists involved in the Religious Education Program of
the Aquin System.

The catechetical formation of each child is a responsibility shared by the
parent/guardian and the staff of the Aquin Religious Education Program. The goal of the
Religious Education program is threefold: to present information in the content of our
Catholic Christian faith, to enable formation in the values and attitudes needed to live a
Catholic Christian faith, which leads to the end-goal of transformation and conversion in
Jesus Christ.

The policies in this handbook have been adopted by the Aquin System Board of
Education and apply to the Religious Education Program of the Aquin System. These
policies have been adopted by the Board to give the administrator, parents, students, and
catechists a guide in responding to the religious and spiritual needs of parish families.

Rules and regulations are made to help inform the students of the rights and needs
of others, as well as to help serve as a guide for his/her own acceptable behavior. Rules
and regulations help to create and maintain an environment wherein quality religious
education and the safety of every child are considered to be of the utmost importance.

Parents/guardians and catechists are expected to acquaint themselves and the
students with the contents of this handbook. Knowledge of the policies and rules in this
handbook will help achieve the goals of our religious education program.

Mission Statement of the Education Apostolate
Archdiocese of Dubuque

The mission of the Education Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Dubuque is to guide
individuals to:
*Respond to Gods call to personal conversion
*Form Christian Community
*Grow in knowledge and culture, becoming enlightened and enlivened by faith
*Shape society in the spirit of Gospel freedom, justice, and love

The Aquin System accepts and affirms the mission statement of the education
apostolate of the Archdiocese of Dubuque.






Aquin System Catechesis Goals



Message

*To offer programs in the spirit of Jesus and the Catholic Churchs teachings from
preschool to adult.

*To present an understanding of the sacraments, using age appropriate materials.


Community

*To deepen an understanding of the Catholic Christian way of life so as to live its
values in society.

*To form a living, vital Christian community spirit within out system which will
express itself in deep love, concern, respect, and support of one another.


Service

*To apply our understanding of out Catholic Christian faith in acts of service to our
community and the world.


Prayer

*To celebrate our faith in rituals, prayer services, and in Eucharistic liturgy.

*To deepen our relationship with God in the sacramental and prayer life of the
parish community.



The Aquin System is committed to providing the support necessary to offer
approved programs and activities in the following areas of catechesis: Adult, Family, Young
Adults, Adolescents, Children of Catechetical Age, Early Childhood, Persons with
Disabilities, and Catholic Schools.




Roles and Responsibilities


Parent/Guardian
You model your faith for your children daily. What your child will learn from
religious education class depends on your support and reinforcement at home,
attending Sunday Mass as a family, and family prayer. Your interest and encouragement
let your child know you value what is being done in religious education class. Learning the
Catholic faith cannot be done only during class time. We expect that you will work at home
with your child in using the family activity pages of their text and dialoguing with your
child about what is being learned in the classroom.


Catechist
The role of the catechist is to echo the Good News. The Good News is the message
of Jesus and the Catholic Church, prayer, and worship, community with each other and
within the parish, and service to all people. Catechists help lead the children to grow in
their faith and relationship with God and the church.


Aquin System Board of Education
The Aquin System Board of Education is responsible for establishing goals, setting
policies in collaboration with the Archdiocesan Board of Education, setting the budget,
implementing programs, and evaluating the programs with the Director of Faith Formation.
Members are elected from the parishes. The Director of Faith Formation serves as an ex-
officio member.


Director of Faith Formation
The Director of Faith Formation (DFF) is a catechetical leader and administrator
who is responsible for overall direction of system catechetical programs. This includes
working with the pastors, other ministers, and appropriate committees, boards, or councils
involved in setting policy and planning; supervising coordinators, designing catechetical
programs; assisting in liturgical planning; conducting sacramental preparation workshops;
and providing opportunities for catechetical formation.










Guidelines and Procedures


Accidents/Emergencies
Parents/guardians are asked to provide the program administrator with home and work
numbers, as well as another emergency number which would be used incase of an
accident/emergency. Should these numbers change during the year, we ask you keep us
informed.


Admission
Aquin System Religious Education Programs will accept students of any religious
conviction. However, as a student, everyone is considered a part of the total school
community and will be included and expected to participate in all activities scheduled as
part of the class.


Arrival/Dismissal
Religious Education students who attend in the evening should arrive no earlier than 10
minutes before class is scheduled to begin. Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD)
students should enter the school using the front doors by the main office. Released Time
Religion (RTR) students should enter using the bus doors and be escorted to class by the
RTR teacher.
Parents of primary children may want to come into the school to get their child/children, as
the parking lot can become rather busy while cars are pulling in and out.


Attendance
Attendance at programs and classes is essential to develop a sense of belonging to the
parish communities, for growth in your childs relationship to God, and for an ongoing
understanding of our Catholic faith.

Students who are enrolled in evening classes, CCD, or RTR must attend at least 85%
of the scheduled classes. If the child falls below the 85%, it is up to the directors
discretion whether or not the student may continue or advance to the next level the
following year.

Students in any of the confirmation programs may not miss required events.

In the event that a student disagrees with the directors decision, an appeal may be made to
the Aquin Board of Education.



Bills/Tuition
Tuition for religious education programs is established by the Board of Education for the
Aquin System. There is a sliding scale for families with more than 2 children per program.
Parents are notified about the cost of tuition at registration time.

*Financial aid is available. Please contact Kelli Trumm, business manager, or the DFF for an
aid application at registration time.

Admission to any Aquin System Program will be contingent upon payment in full of the
previous years tuition. If tuition is not paid in full by the end of the academics year,
families must pay the outstanding amount as well as of next years tuition before a child
may attend classes again unless other arrangements have been made through the business
office. Automatic transfer in monthly installments must handle the balance of the tuition.
In case of hardship, contact must be made with the parish pastor.

Calendar
Evening classes will meet on most Wednesday nights September May from 7:00 PM
8:15 PM. The 15 minutes are built into our schedule to act as one whole class every fourth
class. Every fourth class acts as one extra class. There are generally thirty class periods
per year. Each year a calendar of exact dates will be developed and sent to parents and
catechists each fall.

Released Time Religion follows the calendar of the Western Dubuque School District.
Classes meet every third day following the letter codes assigned by Cascade High School.

A calendar is also available on the website: www.aquinfaith.weebly.com

Communication with Parents
Adequate and clear communication between school and home is essential for the success of
the children. Parents should feel free to call teachers or the DFF about student progress or
other situations of concern.

There will be numerous communications to parents during the year. Children are often
given the responsibility of delivering notes to parents from catechists or the DFF. Parents
of day religion students may meet with teachers during parent/teacher conferences. The
DFF will also communicate information to parents through parish bulletins and the
website: www.aquinfaith.weebly.com.


Aquin Board Policy
The Aquin System of Education, in cooperation with the supporting parishes of the St.
Thomas Aquinas Pastorate, provides programs for the education and faith formation of its
youth. These programs, not only prepare students to live faith filled lives, but also provide
preparation for the celebration of sacraments.
The sacramental preparation programs are an extension of the mission of the parish to
which students belong, and in which they will celebrate their sacramental life. It is an
expectation that students be enrolled in one of the Aquin educational programs in order to
receive sacraments in the home parish. Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis with
the pre-approval of the pastor. This policy takes effect July 1, 2008 Approved March 18,
2008.

Confirmation Requirement

The Aquin System encourages students to participate continuously in the religious
education program. It is presumed that students who wish to be confirmed have been
enrolled in continuous approved religious education classes in order to receive the
sacrament of Confirmation. The sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated each year in
the Aquin System.

Confirmation students will be required to complete the following:
1. Complete 30 total hours of service hours ( 10 Church, 10 community, and 10
outreach.
2. Attend the confirmation retreat
3. Attend scheduled confirmation meetings
4. Attend all scheduled classes

Discipline

The respect and dignity of all persons is valued. Discipline helps all students as it
contributes to a climate of learning, loving and living.

All students are expected to:
*Be in the classroom on time and ready to begin class
*Listen when the teacher or someone else is speaking
*Respond with behavior and speech that is appropriate to the learning environment
*Respect self and others
*Respect all property

The regular classroom teacher will handle most discipline problems.

Major or recurring discipline problems may result in the teacher dismissing the student
from the classroom in accord with the following procedures:

1. The student must talk with the DFF before being allowed to return to the class. The
DFF will fill out a First Offense Discipline Slip stating the reason for the student
being sent to the DFF. The student is responsible to give the slip to his/her
parent/guardian who will also be notified by a phone call.

2. In the event a student is sent to the DFF for a second offence, the parent will be
notified by phone and will receive, via email, a Second Offense Discipline form
stating the reason for the disciplinary action. A conference will also be set up at this
time with the teacher, student, parents, and DFF.

In the absence of the DFF, the local coordinator will be responsible for filling out the
First or Second Offense Discipline slip.

3. A Third offence by the same student will mean dismissal from classes. The dismissal
slip will be sent via email and the parent/guardian will be contacted by phone. The
pastor of the student will be notified as well.

4. A review of the decision for dismissal will be made only after a meeting with the
student, his/her parents, the teacher, and the DFF. Following dismissal, an appeal
may be made to the Aquin Board of Education.


Dual Parenting Reporting
In the case of students whose parents marriage has been dissolved, the name and
addresses of both parents should ne in the students file. There should also be on file
custodial information indicating to which parent the child should be released after class.
Unless otherwise instructed, information commonly made available to parents of any
students in attendance will be made to both parents.

Emergency Closing
When school in the Western Dubuque District is canceled or dismissed early because of
weather, classes will not be held.

Food and Gum
Food and gum of any kind are NOT allowed in any classroom or inside the building unless it
is part of the class program and under the supervision of the catechists.

Homework
Homework is encouraged to help a student gain a better understanding of his/her faith.
Parents are encouraged to actively participate in helping their children grow in their faith
by ensuring that homework in completed.

Liturgical Celebrations for Evening Classes
Liturgies are celebrated near the beginning and the end of the school year as well as on
Holy Days. Opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation are provided twice a year.
Parents/guardians are highly encouraged to participate in these liturgies with their
children.



Progress Reports
Progress reports of CCD and RTR students are sent to parents/guardians at the completion
of each semester. Information about student progress can also be obtained by contacting
your students teacher at any time throughout the year. Teachers will also make
appropriate contact with parents/guardian before the semester if the child is not making
appropriate progress.



Registration
Registration for religious education classes will be sent via email starting in January.
Watch your parish bulletin and religious education newsletter and website for additional
information. Covenants are available by contacting the DFF at any time..

Sacramental Preparation
Parents will be directly involved in the sacramental education of their children. Children
who will receive the sacraments of first Reconciliation and first Eucharist and their parents
are expected to attend sacramental meeting and events as scheduled. Preparation for the
sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist take place in second grade. Students must have
been in a religious education program for at least one year prior to preparing for the
sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.

The Aquin System of Education, in cooperation with the supporting parishes of the St.
Thomas Aquinas Cluster, provides programs for the education and faith formation of its
youth. These programs, not only prepare students to live faithful lives, but also provide
preparation for the celebration of sacraments.

The sacramental preparation programs are an extension of the mission of the parish to
which students belong and in which they will celebrate their sacramental life. It is an
expectation that students be enrolled in one of the Aquin educational programs in order to
receive sacraments in their home parish. Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis with
the pre-approval of the pastor. This policy takes effect July 1, 2008.

Telephone / Cell Phone Use
The telephones in the school are intended for business calls. Students are to use the phone
only with the approval of the teacher. Cell phones and other mobile devises are not to be
on or present during class time for any reason unless under the supervision of the teacher.


HELP FOR VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE
The Archdiocese of Dubuque has established a program of pastoral assistance to people
who believe they, or those in their care, have been sexually abused as minors by clergy or
other Church personnel. This assistance will include help in informing civil and Church
authorities. Victim Assistance Coordinators are trained to facilitate access to appropriate
professional mental health services, social service agencies, support groups, and/or
individuals who can provide spiritual care. Any individual desiring help from this program
is invited to call toll free 800-803-6758 or 866-319-4536 to report an allegation or receive
assistance. This program is part of the Policy for Protection of Minors.


Religious Education Curriculum
Grades 1-12

The catechetical series, We Believe, published by William. H. Sadlier, Inc., is used in grades
1-6.

Grade 1 God Loves Us
Students will learn about Gods love and creation of the human person and all life. Basic
tenants of Catholicism are taught using the trinity, church seasons, scripture stories, and
the Eucharist. Strong emphasis is put on living as a follower of Jesus.

Grade 2 Jesus Shares Gods Life
The focus of this year is to prepare for the sacraments of reconciliation and Eucharist by
studying the life of Jesus.

Grade 3 We Are The Church
Students will study what it means to belong to the family of Jesus the church. In addition,
students will learn about the gifts (sacraments, mass, each other) that are given to help
people better participate in the mission of the church.

Grade 4 Gods Law Guides Us
Students explore what it means to be a disciple. An emphasis is placed on the Ten
Commandments as a source for helping people to do Gods Will.

Grade 5 We Meet Jesus in the Sacraments
The focus of this course is a deeper look at the sacraments and hoe one might better live
them in order to model Jesus.


Grade 6 We Are Gods People
Divine Revelation, the 4 main attributes of God and the Old and New testaments is explored
in this section. Students will identify the many genres of the Bible.

The Catechetical series, Faith and Witness, published by William H. Sadlier, Inc. is used in
grades 7 and 8.

Grade 7
Part 1: Morality: A Course on Catholic Living
Students will learn about sin, forgiveness, love, justice, choosing life, truth, virtues, and
making moral decisions.

Part 2: Church History: A Course on the People of God
Students will learn the importance of church history and the saints from A.D. 476 to the
twentieth century and beyond.

Grade 8
Part 1: Liturgy and Worship: A Course on Catholic Prayer and Sacraments Celebrating
mass and the sacraments are the foundation of this course. Students will also learn and
practice different types of prayer and study seasons of the liturgical year.

Part 2: Creed: A Course on Catholic Belief
Catholicism is a way of life as students will learn this year. Saints are explored as role
models who chose to continue Christs mission.

High School: Grades 9-11

The Archdiocese of Dubuque Parish High School Curriculum Implementations for the Fall
of 2014 are based on: Adaptation of the Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework
for the Development of the Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age For
use in Parish and Youth Ministry Programs

Theme #1: Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture Fall 2014
Theme #2: Who is Jesus Christ Spring 2015
Theme #3: Jesus Christs Mission Continues in the Church Fall 2015
Theme #4: The Mission of Jesus Christ (Paschal Mystery) Spring 2016
Theme #5: Sacraments as Privileged Encounters with Jesus Fall 2016
Theme #6: Life in Christ Spring 2017

The cycle will continue for Fall 2017 thru Spring 2020, and again after that.