1. Registration

Forms are emailed/mailed to registered families in August.
Faith formation classes are offered for children 4 years old through high school.
 
Sacramental preparation students (usually grade 2) must complete a sacramental records form and, if baptized at another parish, provide a copy of the  baptismal certificate .
 
Emergency contact is requested on registration form.
 
Fee is $40 per child.  No more than $100 per family.
Fees are waived if unable to pay.  Speak with Sr. Jackie.
 
Forms are due back before classes begin or at 1  st session.
 
If interested in home schooling and desiring help in choosing materials, indicate on registration form and Sr. Jackie will contact you.  We have a variety of materials available for loan or purchase.
 
Home schooling is NOT recommended for sacraments year.
 
Special needs (learning disabilities) should be indicated on registration form.  We do our best to include in regular classes.  Indicate food allergies.
 

2. Attendance; arrival; dismissal

Children are brought to the parish hall by parents to wait for class to start.  Coffee and donuts are provided between Masses.  Parents should stay til students are met by catechist.
 
At start of fall classes, parents are asked to introduce themselves to catechists.  Let catechist know when someone else will pick up child (ren).
 
If you know you will be away, speak with catechist and get materials to do lesson at home.  If your child is sick, check with catechist about missed work.
 
Parents meet children at the end of class in hall or outside classrooms.  A catechist will stay till all children are picked up.  Try to be prompt so catechist is able to attend Mass.
 
We average 25 sessions.  It is important to try to attend all so that core beliefs can be imparted and children can begin understanding faith basics.
 
It is difficult for a child to keep playing ‘catch up’.
 

3. Communication

Email will be used to update you on activities.
 
Watch bulletin notices under faith formation or check web site.   www.stannegorham.com
 
Occasionally we may send a notice with children.
 
We welcome your suggestions about what works best.
If you do not have email, indicate on registration form so snail mail will be used!
 
Questions?  Check with your child’s catechist after class or contact parish office.
 

4. Emergency Cancellation

If stormy weather, check TV stations 6,8,13 or web site.
Decision may be made Saturday eve or by 7am Sunday morning.  If driving is unsafe in your area, stay home!
 

5. Fire safety

 
All classes have instructions on evacuation steps, route.
Each class will practice in fall.  All go to the nearest exit and move away from the building allowing space for emergency vehicles.
 
These instructions are posted in all meeting rooms.
 
Natural Disaster:  All should move away from windows and to the center of the building.
 

6. Health Concerns and medication

 
We are not allowed to give out medication.
 
If your child has an eppy pen or other special medication, make us aware of it.  We do not take responsibility for its use.
 
Allergies and health information can be indicated on registration form.
 
A confidential appointment can be made with the Parish Catechetical Leader to discuss special needs.
 
If a child is diagnosed with a medical condition after registration, please inform Parish Catechetical leader.
 
 

7. Child Abuse

 
CIRCLE OF GRACE yearly sessions help educate youth and catechists to ways help  build up self esteem and how to recognize unsafe behavior.  Parents can choose to opt out of the session for their children.  A form must be returned to office indicating opting out.
 
Parents receive information in the policy book when registering in the program.  A parent information session is offered each fall.
 
Volunteers, catechists, chaperons, anyone working with students must complete the Protecting God’s children training and submit a volunteer form to diocesan office.
 
Volunteers need to read monthly online VIRTUS articles to keep their certification active.  Printed copies are available in the catechetical office.
 
For youth protection, two adults are required to be present in each class or at an event.
 
Volunteers who suspect child abuse are mandated to report this concern to their pastor/administrator or state authorities.
Contact the Department of Human Services, Child Protective Services.  1-800-482-7520
24 hour hot line 1-800-452-1999
 
        Bishop Deeley encourages anyone who may have   
        Information about any case of sexual abuse of a minor by 
        a church representative to contact civil authorities and 
        Michael Magalski, Director of the Office of Professional
        Responsibility for the Diocese of Portland, at (207) 321-
        7836 or at michael.magalski@portlanddiocese.org.
 
An informational pamphlet – Support and Assistance Ministry -  is posted on church bulletin boards and available on corridor leaflet rack.  It has information for getting help from the diocese.