Religious Education, Page 2

Parent Nights
Parent nights for 3rd, 4th & 5th grades are class sessions when the parent and child will participate in a variety of activities together.  At times the child will teach the parent and other times the parent will teach the child.  These classes provide an opportunity for the parents to become aware of what is being taught in the classroom.  If a parent is unable to attend these sessions, it is asked that they send another adult (or older sibling) to participate with their child.

YOUTH MINISTRY

Middle School
Middle School youth, Grades 6 through 8 meet at the Church on Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. They take part in a large group activity and then break into smaller classes. They are involved in a total youth program designed to meet the physical, spiritual and social needs of the young adolescent. All middle school age students of registered families receive a regular mailing with information about additional youth ministry opportunities that are available.

Confirmation
In the Charlotte diocese, students are confirmed at the age of 13, normally during 8th grade, and have two years of preparation before receiving the sacrament. Students attending a Catholic Elementary school are excused from attending Faith Formation classes the first year (normally 7th grade) and 8th grade classes, except on special class dates for which a calendar is issued. Please select the appropriate form from the list below for your service project and to select your sponsor.

• Service Project Information
• Service Project Form
• Service Project Reflection
• Sponsor Selection
• Confirmation Calendar
• Confirmation Retreat
• Confirmation Retreat Permission
• Confirmation Name

High School
Classes are scheduled for high school students on Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 PM in the Youth Building. Youth will learn what the church stands for and its beliefs. Discussions and reflections will help them to understand their role as young Catholics in today's world. High School students may also meet for fun and fellowship on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 until 7:30 PM in the Youth Building . Each week has a different focus and a calendar of events. All events are supervised and no religious education fee is required for this drop-in time. Parental chaperons and drivers may be needed on occasion.

Children's Catechumenate
Children who have not been baptized, or who are beyond the traditional age for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are invited to participate with their parents and families in the children's catechumenate. This is a series of classes & workshops that prepare the children for reception of the sacraments and provide support for the parents, as well as updating them in current theology. Call the Office of Faith Formation if you would like to enroll your child in this program. An additional sacramental fee of $50.00 per child is due to cover the cost of additional supplies and activities.

Bishop McGuiness High School, St. Leo's and Our Lady of Mercy Schools
Holy Family pays Bishop McGuinness High School an annual subsidy assessment to cover the cost of educating its students. Each family is provided with a Pastor Recommendation form to complete. The parish also pays a subsidy to the respective elementary school for each of its attending students. The elementary schools provide the family with a Parish Participation Voucher to be submitted to the church office for processing. The voucher is returned to the respective school, stating that the family is active and participating in the Parish, thus qualifying students for the Catholic tuition rate.

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