3350 Union St. P.O. Box 399, North Chili, N.Y. 14514, 585-594-1400
St. Christopher's Church
Dear Junior High Parents:
After much discussion with parents, teachers, students, staff and prayer we feel that we finally have a Junior High program in which we can all work with.
Please note that even though these are specific changes we are still looking for your input. We understand we are going to have to tweak as we go through the year and hope that you will be patient with us. Your thoughts and concerns are important to us, so please don't hesitate to respond to this letter. As you read through this be conscience as to your child and how they will fit into this program and how you might need our help.
It was agreed that Junior High classes will be on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. September until the end of April. The program will be made up as follows:
We hope that this letter helps to define what we are looking to do in the coming years for our Junior High and Senior High students. Faith Formation is not just a subject to be taught, but an invitation to a way of life. We feel, with these changes, we have created an environment in which faith can flourish for our students and their families. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. 594-1441
God Bless-
Judy and Patricia
After much discussion with parents, teachers, students, staff and prayer we feel that we finally have a Junior High program in which we can all work with.
Please note that even though these are specific changes we are still looking for your input. We understand we are going to have to tweak as we go through the year and hope that you will be patient with us. Your thoughts and concerns are important to us, so please don't hesitate to respond to this letter. As you read through this be conscience as to your child and how they will fit into this program and how you might need our help.
It was agreed that Junior High classes will be on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. September until the end of April. The program will be made up as follows:
- As requested by our students the 6th and 7th graders will be grouped together. Our 8th grade students and all students who have made confirmation will be in classes together. They will also help us with special projects with the 6th and 7th graders.
- Every four weeks we will have a group program scheduled. During these times we will be able to talk about Confirmation and what it means to be Confirmed. All students who have already been Confirmed will help with this program. Other activities will include outside speakers on, vocation, cyber space issues, text messaging, specific skits, involvement in World Youth Sunday at all Masses, service projects in the community, sing along with Jeff and Patricia, and any suggestions that you might have. For each of these evenings a different classroom will be assigned as the host class.
- We want to make sure that students know that it is okay to be late if they are involved in a school program or sport activity. They must inform either the office or the teacher so that can be marked on the attendance sheet.
- If students are going to be out for several weeks for sport activities they will be able to make up this time by helping Judy and Patricia. Some possibilities will be helping with Liturgy of the Word or in Faith Formation classes on Monday or Tuesday. We want to work with families to meet the needs of the child. Faith is hands on and we need to give this age group more hands on attention so they will continue into the Senior High Youth Ministry program. We want them to feel welcome and to know that they are in a safe environment.
- It was requested that circle prayer be done in the classroom just before we go down to the church for dismissal. This would make it easier to close with scripture. As part of the Spirit Alive program, we will begin to introduce scripture to our students and their families.
- We will be using the same program that we have been using but will be providing teachers with more tools and better teacher guides to use in the classrooms. Lessons will continue to be classroom discussions and skits. Several teachers have volunteered to assist Judy and Patricia with incorporating the new teaching tools with our present program.
- Some of our students talked about the possibility of have a Mass on Sunday evening once a month. This will help the students who are working to at least be able to join us once a month. It was suggested that we invite other priests to come in and help with this.
- It was requested that we do more Confirmation outreach in the classrooms. We will be providing more time for faith sharing as a group so the students become more comfortable with that aspect of their prayer life.
- Have parents volunteer whenever they can on the group nights to help with the activities for that evening.
We hope that this letter helps to define what we are looking to do in the coming years for our Junior High and Senior High students. Faith Formation is not just a subject to be taught, but an invitation to a way of life. We feel, with these changes, we have created an environment in which faith can flourish for our students and their families. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. 594-1441
God Bless-
Judy and Patricia
Jr. High Faith Formation Program
For 6th to 8th grade students
For 6th to 8th grade students
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