RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

 

STARE

Grades K-5:  Volunteers assist catechists with faith formation classes on Sundays.  There are also opportunities to help with Sacramental Preparation, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, and CREED, the monthly family faith formation program.  First Holy Communion and Confirmation Masses and receptions offer other means of supporting faith formation.

Grades 6-12 Volunteer opportunities include the Edge program (Thurs. nights for Grades 6-8) and Life Teen high school program (Wednesday nights).  Adults serve as Core members who help plan and implement the programs, usually as small group leaders or as chaperones for outings, retreats, and camps.

Involvement requires Virtus training which is designed to protect the children of God by preventing sexual abuse.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults):  Volunteers assist in this program which is designed to help adults in the conversion process to Catholicism that includes: inquiry; learning about the faith; purification and enlightenment; and reflecting on the sacraments received, especially Eucharist.

Religious Education Information Brochure

Folleto informativo sobre educación religiosa


 

Contact:
Arlene Somers-Maresca, Director of Religious Education
865-986-9885, Ext. 15

[email protected]

RCIA Contact:
Deacon John Krepps
865-288-0576
[email protected]


Para el formulario de inscripción en español, haga clic en el siguiente enlace:

 


Religious Education & Youth Ministry Registration Grades K-12

Religious Education, EDGE Middle School Youth Ministry, and LifeTeen High School Youth Ministry will register using this form. If your child will be preparing for First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation this year please register using this form as well. A separate form will need to be filled out for each child registering.

Children Information:

If your child will be preparing for their First Communion or Confirmation, WE MUST HAVE A COPY OF THEIR BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE NO LATER THAN JANUARY 6, 2024.


Family Information:



Important Information and Release Forms:

Safe Environment Age Appropriate Lesson Information:


MIDDLE SCHOOL / HIGH SCHOOL WAIVER: (complete if you have a student in gr. 6-12)

MIDDLE SCHOOL/HIGH SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT: (Grade 6-12)

1) The use of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, fireworks, matches, lighter, or items that endanger people or property are strictly forbidden.
2) Clothing must be appropriate (Please remember we are at church).
3) Language and behavior should exemplify Christian values.
4) You are expected to respect the rights and property of others.
5) No participants are allowed to leave the premises (defined as the area which the activity is taking place) without the express permission or the coordinator or teacher.
6) Each participant is expected to participate in ALL activities of each event.
7) CELL PHONES are only permitted to be used before and after activities. If a cell phone becomes distracting to an activity or event, it may be confiscated by any youth minister, program coordinator, or adult volunteer for the remainder of the event. A parent will have to come pick up any confiscated cell phone during church office hours.

PARENT AGREEMENT: I agree that my child is expected to abide by all rules and regulations as outlined in the code of conduct. I agree that if my child fails to abide by this code or engages in any infraction that is deemed by the coordinator to be inappropriate, he/she will be dismissed from this activity and sent home at my expense with no right of reimbursement.

PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT: I have read the forgoing and understand the Code of Conduct for participants and I will abide by them. In addition, I will abide by all directs given me by the coordinators, adult chaperones and teachers; unless they are morally, physically or emotionally dangerous to me. In such a case, I will seek out another adult for advice. I understand and agree that my parents or guardians will be notified at the time of any infraction requiring my dismissal from this event and That I will be sent home at the expense of my parent or guardian. I also understand that being in possession of any tobacco products, alcoholic beverages or drugs is cause for automatic dismissal from any event and a parent will have to come and pick up child regardless of time or distance.

Tuition: ($40 – 1 Child / $10 each additional child)


Inclement Weather Policy:

Please keep in mind that it is Parish policy to cancel classes whenever local schools are cancelled due to severe weather conditions. Updates will be sent out via Flocknote and parish Facebook page.


Flocknote/Social Media/Email Communication:

Flocknote & St. Thomas Facebook page will be the primary way for us to notify you if classes are cancelled due to inclement weather or other circumstances. You will be pre-registered in Flocknote so you will be able to receive religious education and youth updates and information .Please contact [email protected], [email protected], or the office at (865)986-9886 if there is any changes made in your contact information.


Reminder:

We acknowledge that as parents, you are the primary teacher for your children, therefore, your interest and regular discussions with your children about what they are doing in class is encouraged. Your child's faith formation begins at home and their parish faith formation classes are provided as supplemental support for what you do at home to engage and educate your child(ren) in their Catholic faith.

 
 

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