Welcome to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Faith Formation Program. This handbook was designed to give parents and guardians basic information about our program. If at any time you have a question or concern, please contact the Director of Faith Formation.
Faith Formation Office: 734.847.1725
Tyler O'Brien- Director of Faith Formation (DRE) (734) 847-1725 ext. 21 olmc.dre@bex.net
Go to the Faith Formation tab and follow the instructions for registration.
Classes are filled on a first-come basis. New families will need to submit a Certificate of Baptism for each child registering. Please submit certificates no later than October 1st.
| One child | $85.00 |
| Two children | $120.00 |
| Three or more children | $140.00 |
|
First Reconciliation/Communion Retreat Fee |
$30.00 |
| Confirmation Retreat Fee | $50.00 |
No one will be denied Faith Formation for financial hardship reasons. Payment arrangements can be made through the Faith Formation Office. If you are unable to afford any or all of your child(red)'s fees, please let us know. We guarantee confidentiality.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Faith Formation admits students of any race, color or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities. In addition we will not discriminate in administration of educational policies, fees, fee waivers or educational programs. Our Lady of Mount Carmel will provide quality Faith Formation for all students.
It is important that students arrive on time for Faith Formation class. Please do not drop students off any earlier than 10 minutes prior to class start time. Please make sure your child is safely in the building before you leave. If the weather is questionable, contact our office or this website before dropping off your child (See “Class Cancellations”)
You have asked us to help you with the Faith Formation of your child. Their attendance is of utmost importance for their ability to grasp this very important material. When a student is going to miss a class, the parent should contact the Faith Formation Office. If you know of the absence in advance, please send a note with them prior to the week they will miss. If the child is ill or it is a last minute absent, call the Faith Formation Office (734.847.1725) before class begins. Letting us know your child will be absent and why will help us to keep them up to date with the rest of their class. Should your child have too many absences (more than 5), it may mean that your child will need to repeat the year in order to get a full understanding of the material. (preschool excluded). We will take into consideration the reasons for the absences and what has been done to catch up with missed lessons.
First Communion and Confirmation students are expected to be at every class. Contact the Faith Formation Office if there is a situation, which prevents the student from attending. PARENTS MAY BE ASKED TO POSTPONE SACRAMENT PREPARATION WHEN THERE ARE MORE THAN THREE ABSENCES. When possible, the student will go to class on another evening of that same week. If a child misses a class for whatever reason, he/she is expected to make up the work.
Responsible attendance—on time and prepared to participate—is of utmost importance for your child’s ability to grasp the material. We accommodate parents’ schedules by offering multiple classes days/ times. In the event that there is a conflict with a sports or dance or other schedules, and a parent has requested to have their child dismissed early from class for a number of weeks, parents are asked to instead work with their child at home during that time, in order not to disrupt the classroom learning environment with a student leaving early or arriving late; or, if possible, have their child come to class on another evening that same week. This way the child does not lose the classroom experience or the content of the lesson as taught by their catechist. Other requests for early dismissal, such as a school event (ie, Christmas concert), are expected by the
Faith Formation Office. Parents are kindly asked to notify the office the week before the event.
If Bedford schools are cancelled for inclement weather, Faith Formation classes will also be cancelled. If Bedford schools are in session but weather conditions have worsened or are predicted to worsen, classes may be cancelled. Check the homepage on this website for cancellations.
You are also encouraged to "like" our facebook page: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Faith Formation Temperance, MI. Cancellations will also be posted there. When possible, an email notification will be sent to all families. In the event we have not cancelled classes and you feel the roads are not safe, please keep your child home. (Please call the Faith Formation Office and let us know if you choose to stay home.)
It is the policy of the Archdiocese of Detroit that all employees and volunteers, report all forms of abuse (i.e., physical, mental, psychological, emotional, etc.) against any minor, even if the person is no longer a minor, perpetrated by any person. If a child discloses any information that leads us to believe the child is unsafe we will report it to the proper authorities.
The Archdiocese of Detroit requires that any employee or volunteer who may have contact with children must submit to a Criminal History Background Check before beginning their volunteer assignment, and also attend a “Protecting God’s Children Workshop” within 6 months of assignment. The Archdiocese of Detroit also mandates that all parishes participate in the “Circle of Grace” program, where our catechists assist children and young people, through grade/age-appropriate lessons, to recognize God’s love by helping them to understand their own (and other’s) dignity in mind, body and spirit. Parents are notified in September of the date of the class, which is held in early October.
Please see the OLMC Discipline Policy and Classroom Rules.
We are here to serve the Faith Formation needs of our children, youth and adults. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to share them with your child’s Catechist or call the Faith Formation office at 734.847.1725. Electronic communication will be sent to your home through your email address. This mail will keep you up-to-date on all Faith Formation happenings.
Students in Grades 1-8 may be given brief home assignments each week. Please check your child’s folder regularly for homework or notes from their teacher. Parents are asked to discuss class-covered material and help children re-iterate what took place during class.
Grades 1-6 will use Sadlier “We Believe” texts. This program utilizes a spiral learning method. Each year students grow in their knowledge and understanding of the four pillars (Creed, Sacraments, Morality and Christian Prayer) of the Catechism of the Catholic Church because the timeless truths of our faith are taught every year on every grade level. Sadlier has a useful website with helpful material for your child’s grade, games for students and information for parents. Please check it out at www.WeBelieveWeb.com.
Grade 7 and 8 use Catholic Connections from St. Mary's Press. Grade 8 Confirmation Sacrament Prep uses a text from Ascension Press, entitled “Chosen”.
We are using consumable textbooks, which means the students can write in them and keep them at the end of the year. The book is the property of the student and he/she is responsible for it. If a child forgets his/her book, he/she can use the classroom copy that week but may not write in it. If you have lost your book, please contact the Faith Formation office immediately. A $20 replacement fee will be charged and you will be given a new book.
The Good News Gang (children age 4 thru Grade 4) meet each Sunday during the 11:00 am Mass from September thru May. They are dismissed from Mass by the Celebrant of the Mass, after the Opening Prayer, to hear the Gospel at their own level of understanding. They then discuss the Gospel and how they will live the good news of Jesus during the week. They return to Mass at the time of the Offertory.
Our pre-school teachers utilize the “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” program as the basis for each lesson. Pre-School children are introduced to a loving, caring God. The child discovers how wonderful is God’s creation of him/her. They are involved in hands-on, Montessori-style learning. Teachers are trained and certified in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd method of teaching.
The first grade child will learn to know God as the giver of gifts, especially the gift of life. Lessons focus on our loving Jesus, the Christian community, our families and friends. The first grader discovers the beauties of God’s world. Each student learns to listen to God by listening to others, and shares experiences of belonging to God’s family. Each will show how he/she is a friend of Jesus and a child of God.
The first-grader will learn THE SIGN OF THE CROSS, THE OUR FATHER, THE HAIL MARY AND THE GLORY BE.
The second grade child will learn to celebrate the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The importance of the Mass is stressed throughout the year. The two principal parts of the Mass, Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist, will be explained. Each student should grow in his/her desire to receive Jesus and will verbalize this desire during the Eucharist preparation year.
The second grader will also be instructed on making their First Confession, and will have two opportunities during the year to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Additional prayers to be learned include GRACE BEFORE MEALS, THE ACT OF CONTRITION, AND THE GUARDIAN ANGEL PRAYER.
Each third-grader will become more aware of his/her membership in the Catholic Church, as each learns how God the Holy Spirit is present, helping in prayer and sharing the Good News of Jesus with others in the Christian community. The third grader will study how the 12 Apostles were called and how they followed Christ.
In addition to prayers learned previously, the third grade child will learn THE MARKS (CHARACTERISTICS) OF THE CHURCH—One, holy, catholic and apostolic.
The fourth grade person will learn about the formation of his/her own Christian conscience, so as to grow in moral awareness. The child is taught to examine his/her life and actions in light of Jesus’ example. Bible stories are used to present examples of the effects of sin, to understand the difference between accident, mistake and sin, and how important it is to choose God’s way. Through learning concepts of God’s forgiveness, the fourth grader is prepared to receive and offer forgiveness as part of daily living.
Prayers to be learned include THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.
Each fifth grader will learn a deeper meaning of what it means to be a member of the Roman Catholic Church, especially through appreciating the Seven Sacraments. He/she will differentiate among the Sacraments of Initiation, Healing and Service. The student will explore signs of love and new life, reflect on sorrow and forgiveness, recall people who serve the Church, and tell why we should work toward Christian unity.
Each fifth grade child will be able to recite and explain the SEVEN SACRAMENTS, and to recite THE APOSTLE’S CREED.
The Grade 6 student will discover the concepts of faith, trust, freedom, and justice displayed in the Old testament through the stories of our ancestors in Faith (Abraham, Moses, and David); and the lives of Jeremiah and other prophets. Each sixth grader will study the covenant made by God and His people throughout salvation history, will imagine himself/herself as a modern-day prophet and explore trusting in God and living justly.
Each sixth grade person will be able to LOOK UP A CHAPTER AND VERSE IN THE BIBLE AND RELATE A STORY FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT AND THE NEW TESTAMENT.
The theme of seventh grade is Morality. Each student will study the life, values and teachings of Jesus in the light of moral living. Each will learn about trust, caring, handling temptations, and making decisions as Jesus did.
Each will learn THE SEVEN VIRTUES AND DISCUSS TWO OF THEM.
The eighth grade student will study in-depth the Sacrament of Confirmation and the meaning of signs and symbols as expressed through ritual.
Through preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, each eighth-grader will explore how to live out and renew baptism promises, while deciding how to be open to the Holy Spirit. Grade 8 students will volunteer their time in a class Christian Service project, as well as completing one “Challenge of the Week” (found in their textbook.) Retreats, guest speakers and other activities will round out the year.
Each Grade 8 student will learn THE GIFTS AND FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Please go over the discipline policy with your child. If their behavior disrupts the learning process for him or others, the steps listed below will be followed to ensure that class participation may continue.
If a child is threatened by another student or threatens others or brings weapons to class, the catechist will call down to the office immediately. Authorities may be called, depending on the circumstances.
Any child who displays disruptive behaviors that are deemed detrimental to the classroom or school environment or who cause safety concerns will be transferred to homeschool learning immediately without the benefit of the four steps outlined above.
After Class Time
Please pick your child up promptly after class.
We are very concerned for their safety.
DISMISSAL AFTER CLASS
Please see the *Parking Map.
Anyone picking up someone other than their child(ren) should bring a note from that student’s parent and turn it into the office before class dismisses. The parent is asked to call the office to inform us of any other adult picking up their child. A child will not be released to someone who is not the parent if these procedures are not followed.
*Parking Map available in the Faith Formation Office.
Parents of pre-school children through Grade 5 are asked to park in the parking lot in front of the Parish Office, and enter there, taking their child to their classroom.
After class, your child’s teacher will escort the children to the parish office lobby to be picked up there. ALL STUDENTS in Pre-School and Grades 1-8 (and Confirmation students) will be dismissed at the same time.
Grades 6-8
Students in Grades 6-8 are dropped off and picked up in the Parish Hall/gym area of the parking lot. Students will enter and leave through the side door near the Parish Hall (see *Parking Map).
There is no parking in this area; instead, the parent will enter the parish grounds through Donna Drive, then drive around the perimeter of the parking area to the Parish Hall/gym area, where they will drop off (and pick up) their child.
After class, your child will be waiting for you at the sidewalk near the Parish Hall entrance. Just drive up to pick up your child when it is your turn. If a parent needs to come into the building, please park in the parish office parking lot area.
Again, if a parent has a pre-schooler or child in Grades 1 through 5, the parent will park in the Parish Office parking lot area. If you have an older child (Grade 6-8) also being picked up along with children in younger grades (pre-school and Grades 1- 5), please instruct the older child(ren) to dismiss as usual with their class, but then meet you in the lobby of the parish office.
We ask that parents instruct their children in proper behavior (no running, pushing) when leaving the building.
*Parking Map available in the Faith Formation Office.
On occasion, your child may need to leave early. Please send a note with them. When you arrive, stop in the office and we will call up to their classroom and have them sent down.
The dress code for class is casual. Please dress according to the weather. Please no short shorts or skirts. Students who come in inappropriate clothing, including foul language or clothing with inappropriate pictures will be sent home. No hats are to be worn in the building.
No messaging or use of electronic devices is allowed in class.
Emergency procedures and evacuation plans are posted in each classroom. Fire drills and tornado drills will be conducted once a year to acquaint the children with the procedures. Student safety drills (lockdown drills) will also be held.
The Faith Formation office will not dispense any medication without the parent’s written permission and a signed note by the child’s doctor. Contact the Faith Formation Office for the appropriate forms and procedures.
Students may not have medication in their possession during Faith Formation classes except for metered dose asthma inhalers, epinephrine auto-injector (epi-pen) or epinephrine inhaler. If your child needs to carry an asthma inhaler or epi-pen, please contact the Faith Formation office prior to the beginning of classes. Written approval from their physician and a parent is required for the student to possess and use these devices. We will also need to have a written emergency care plan.
“Parents are the first and foremost catechist of their children. They catechize informally but powerfully by example and instructions. They communicate values and attitudes by showing love for Christ and his Church and for each other, by reverently receiving the Eucharist and living in its spirit, by fostering justice and love in all their relationships. Their active involvement in the parish, their readiness to seek opportunities to serve others and their practice of frequent prayer, all make meaningful their profession of belief. Parents nurture faith in their children by showing them the richness and beauty of lived faith.”
(Sharing the Light of Faith—National catechetical Directory for the United States)
You must be your child’s primary example in matters of faith. Church authorities have helped us by developing positive laws called Precepts of the Church (listed below) to ensure our growth in our love of God and neighbor. We are obliged as Catholics to meet these minimum requirements of our faith (CCC 2041-2043.) As parents, we need to pass these precepts on to our children. This can make a big difference in their spiritual journey.
Prayer is also a tremendous gift from God that will aid our children’s spiritual journey. God hears and answers our prayers. When we are faced with difficult decisions we often pray the prayers we memorized as children. We need to pass on these traditional prayers so our children have them to fall back on as well. At the end of this handbook there is a list of prayers that students should know at each grade level. Parents are responsible for helping their children memorize these prayers. Catechists will periodically test the children on their prayers. Please work with them on memorizing their prayers.
Students will be tested periodically. Test scores along with the Catechists observation of classroom participation will be used to assess the student’s understanding of the material being presented. A student that does not grasp the material may be retained at the same grade for the following year. (Typically this will only happen if the student misses too many classes and does not make an effort to make up the missed assignments.) Progress reports will be sent home two times per year. They will include your child’s attendance record and comments from the Catechist. Please read the progress report and contact the Faith Formation office if you have any questions or concerns.
Students are provided the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent and Lent. (These may be rescheduled or cancelled if classes are cancelled due to weather.)
In the absence of a court order to the contrary, we will provide the non-custodial parent with unofficial copies of records if requested. If there is a court order specifying that there is to be no information given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the Faith Formation Office with an official copy of the court order.
ALL FAMILIES ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND MASS EACH WEEK. ALSO, STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE IN CLASS EACH WEEK. IF THERE IS A SPORTS
CONFLICT, THAT STUDENT IS EXPECTED TO ATTEND CLASS ON ANOTHER EVENING OF THAT SAME WEEK. THIS PROMOTES CONTINUITY OF LEARNING.
It is strongly encouraged that parents register their children for Faith Formation classes beginning with Grade 1, and continuing on thru Grade 8, and be present for classes each year, unless a serious reason prevents them from doing so. (An example of a serious reason would be chronic or acute illness.) Our program offers three separate days of classes to accommodate busy schedules.
Children who have completed first grade Faith Formation will be catechized for the celebration and reception of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist upon entering the second grade. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is received in second grade prior to the reception of First Eucharist. Families who have not completed Grade 1 classes, here or at another parish, will be expected to complete the Grade 1 curriculum before entering the sacrament program. Grade 1 lessons are an essential introduction to the Grade 2 curriculum and each grade builds upon the previous grade’s curriculum.
Age appropriate instruction is provided to lead children to an understanding of the Church’s teachings about the mystery of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. This includes classroom instruction, retreats and parental involvement. The Pastor determines whether a child is sufficiently prepared and has the right intention for the reception of First Eucharist based on information given from the Catechist and the Faith Formation staff. The parish also offers instruction to parents who have children preparing for the reception of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. These parent meetings are provided to assist you in fulfilling your primary role for nurturing the faith of your child. It is very important that you attend. There will be 2 meetings, one before each sacrament.
Verification of the child’s baptism must be received prior to receiving First Eucharist. If your child was baptized in a Christian denomination other than Catholic, they must make a profession of faith prior to receiving First Eucharist.
Upon entering the preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, after completing the Grade 7
curriculum in the classroom, youth are expected to have completed the following:
Youth entering the Confirmation Program will be expected to:
“All baptized persons with disabilities have a right to adequate catechesis and deserve the means to develop a relationship with God.” (National Directory for Catechesis) This statement includes all learning disabilities.
If there is any information you can provide to help us better work with your child, please call the Faith Formation office. Together we can create a plan for their faith formation including their strengths, difficulties and any accommodations that they may need.
All visitors must check in with the office upon entering the building. Parents and guardians are always welcome to attend a class. Most catechists would like to have prior notification.
We do not allow friends of students to attend the student’s class.
Our program is only possible through the help of many volunteers. Here are the areas for you to consider helping out:
If you are interested in any of these volunteer positions, please contact the Faith Formation office.
Please be aware that all volunteers who have contact with children must:
First Grade: Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be
Second Grade: All prayers above PLUS Grace Before Meals, Act of Contrition and Guardian Angel Prayer
Third Grade: All prayers above PLUS Marks of the Church
Fourth Grade: All prayers above PLUS Ten Commandments
Fifth Grade: All prayers above PLUS the Seven Sacraments
Sixth Grade: All prayers above PLUS The Apostle’s Creed and recite a story from the Old Testament and the New Testament
Seventh Grade: All prayers above plus The Seven Virtues
Eighth Grade: All prayers above PLUS The Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, and choose one of the following: Name the Four Marks and discuss, recite the Ten Commandments, name the Seven Sacraments and discuss one, recite a Bible Story, or Name the Virtues and discuss two (one moral and one theological).
Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Our Father: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Grace before Meals: Bless us, O Lord, and these, your gifts, which we are about to receive, from your goodness, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Act of Contrition:
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen
Guardian Angel Prayer: Angel of God, my guardian dear to whom God's love commits me here. Ever this day be at my side, to light and guard and rule and guide. Amen.
Morning Prayer: Dear God, as I begin this day keep me in Your love and care. Help me to live as Your child today. Bless me, my family, and my friends in all we do. Keep us all close to You. Amen.
Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.
Amen.
The Ten Commandments
The Seven Sacraments: baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, holy orders, matrimony
The Virtues
Definition: Virtues are spiritual powers or habits or behaviors. They help us to do what is right and avoid what is wrong.
The Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, Charity
Name the three Theological Virtues and Discuss one of them
The Moral Virtues: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance
Name the four Moral Virtues and Discuss one of them