Policies & Procedures
for St. Joseph's Religious Education
General Information
Sunday Mass
The Catholic Church describes the Eucharist, ie., the Sacrifice of the Mass, as “the source and summit of the Christian Life” (CCC 1324). As such, Sunday Mass is essential for the formation of Catholic children. It is the responsibility of the parents to take their children to Mass weekly.
Sacraments
Children must attend two years (Grades 1 and 2) of instruction prior to the celebration of Reconciliation and First Communion. Attendance in the entire Religious Education Program (Grades 1-8) is required for Confirmation. This ensures that every child receives adequate formation and instruction for participation in the life of the Church.
Admission Policies
The Religious Education Program provides Catholic Faith formation to children of the parish in Grade 1-8 who do not attend St. Joseph School.
We offer inclusive education for children with special needs.
All new participants must be registered parishioners and provide a copy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate to be enrolled in the Program.
Parish registration is conducted through the Rectory.
Attendance Policy
Children are expected to attend all Religious Education classes. In the event of an absence, parents must complete the missed assignments with their child.
Completed assignments should be emailed to absentwork@stjosephgcreled.org
In the event of excessive absences, the child may be required to repeat the grade level.
Children are expected to attend the entirety of the class session. However, if a child must be picked up early, parents must notify the Religious Ed Office by 12:00PM on the day of class. Parents must come to the Office to sign their child out – children will not be released without the presence of a parent/guardian. Children are not permitted to leave early to attend sport practices.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Parents should enter the parking lot and drive around the building stopping under the bridge where their children will be escorted from their cars and into the building. Parents then exit the property. Students in Grades 1-5 will be dismissed from their classrooms. Parents are permitted entrance into the school at 5:10 and should meet their children in their classrooms. Students in Grades 6-8 will be dismissed from the school doors.
Emergency Closings
The Religious Education Program follows the Garden City Public School policy for snow days. If classes need to be cancelled for other reasons, announcements will be made via email and/or text messages.
Dress Code
Students are expected to dress appropriately.
The following items are not permitted:
- Shirts with inappropriate sayings, language or symbols;
- Bare midriffs;
- Slippers to class; and/or Hats and hoods
Parents will be notified to bring their child proper attire if they arrive in such items.
Food-free Environment
To protect our students with allergies, the Religious Education Program is a food-free environment.
Therefore, we ask that parents not send their children to class with food or drink of any kind.
Distraction Free Policy
To minimize distractions, students may not use internet-enabled devices during class time.
In general, we would prefer students not bring their phones or watches to religious education. However, if it is necessary, student devices must be silenced and stored in the classroom device holders, as per State regulation, for the entirety of the class.
If a student is found to violate the policy, the teacher will keep the phone until class ends and return it to the parent or guardian at dismissal.
Diocesan Child Protection Policy
The Diocese of Rockville Centre is dedicated to promoting and ensuring the protection of all children.
The Diocese will do all in its power to create a safe environment for children and young people, to prevent their physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect ... (Diocesan Child Protection Policy 2003). All Catechists are mandated (parents and guardians invited) to take part in “Virtus: Protecting God’s Children,” a program which provides training in the prevention, recognition and reporting of child abuse. In addition, all children in Grades 1-8 will take part in the Thoughtful and Safe Program. The presentation focuses on safeguarding God's children.
Communication
We encourage open communication between parents and the Religious Education Office.
As our catechists are volunteers, we ask that parents communicate to the Coordinator any questions or concerns regarding their child’s religious education. Parents should know the name of their child’s catechist and are encouraged to establish a relationship with the Catechist.
Visitors
For the safety of our students, no unauthorized persons will be allowed in the building or classroom.
Parents and all other visitors must report to the Religious Education Office for permission to enter the building during class time.
Parish Information
Parish Life
All children of the parish are invited to participate as Girls’ Choir Members, as members of our Altar Servers, and Junior Lectors.
St. Joseph Parish Internet Policy
St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre. Canon 216 of the Code of Canon Law states: No undertaking shall assume the name Catholic unless the consent of the competent ecclesiastical authority is given.
The competent ecclesiastical authority in a local parish is the bishop of the diocese
or the canonically appointed pastor of the parish. Therefore, any internet site that presents itself under the name of St. Joseph Church to disseminate information or post pictures of any parish activity must receive the expressed permission of the pastor.
St. Joseph Parish Anti-Bullying Policy
St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Garden City, exists as a community of Catholic prayer, faith, and service that is founded upon respect for the inherent dignity of every human person. The use of any media, including the Internet, or personal encounter, to harass, embarrass, or intimidate is completely unacceptable. Every member of every St. Joseph program or ministry is expected to conform to values and deportment consistent with Catholic faith.
Any volunteer or society member who does not do so will be asked to resign from that program or ministry.