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Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s):
It is hard to believe it could possibly be that time of year again, but the summer is quickly winding down and preparations for another year of Religious Education are well under way. After, what was in my estimation, a very successful previous year, I look forward with much enthusiasm to continue to work with your young people in sharing the Good News that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He loves each of us! With this in mind, you will find enclosed with this letter a Registration Form for the year '09 - '10. It is important to complete this registration form as soon as possible, as this is the only way to take advantage of the options for classes in Grades 1 - 6 is on a first come, first served basis. Registration forms may be mailed to the Parish Life Center (P.O. Box 564; N. Dighton, MA 02764) OR they may be placed in an envelope and dropped in the collection basket at one of the Masses. Please mark the outside of ALL envelopes: ATTENTION: GREG. We are also offering the opportunity to register for classes in person at the Parish Life Center on Sunday, August 30th from 9:00 AM until noon. A registration form cannot be processed unless accompanied by the registration fee ( see enclosed sheet). If the fee presents a genuine hardship for you, please contact Fr. Tim or myself at 508-822-1425 so we can attempt to determine the best way to assist you. Parent(s) of students in ALL GRADES (1 - 9) are required to attend a parent meeting to go over the plan for the upcoming year and to receive their child's book. The schedule for these meetings follows below; PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW as it is only possible to offer one meeting for each grade due to the number of students in our program. GRADES 1, 3 - 6 (last names beginning with A - L): (last names beginning with M - Z): GRADE 2: GRADE 7: Parent(s) of students in GRADES 8 & 9 are asked to attend the first scheduled class of their child. The schedule for the year will be given out and explained along with discussing the expectations for the two-year Confirmation program in our parish. The first class for both 8th and 9th grade is on the following date: Sunday, September 20th beginning with the 5:00pm Mass in church with parent / student meeting following until approximately 7:30pm ** Students in Grades 8 & 9 Confirmation are expected to attend the 5:00 pm Mass each week they have class, followed by gathering in the Parish Life Center for class on Sunday evenings from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Grade 8 & 9 will meet each week, alternating between meeting as a group in the parish hall or in small groups in the classroom wing. The students will be assigned, on a rotating basis, to participate in the celebration of Mass (reading, taking up the collection, presenting gifts, etc…). ALL STUDENTS will again be purchasing their books for the year. The Registration cost includes this fee. The Registration fee has increased slightly this year. This is only to help cover the cost of the books and rising cost of materials. There is much that we hope to do with the young people throughout the year to help enhance their learning and living the Catholic Faith, and it is only through these funds that we are able to provide for this. Those who may have done HOME SCHOOLING in the past are required to contact myself before registering. This option is only available after meeting with and receiving the permission of the Director and will only be granted in extremely rare circumstances. Also, as a reminder, students in Grades, 2, 8 & 9 must attend Religious Education classes offered by the parish. Finally, as a reminder, all families are required to be registered members of the parish prior to enrollment of children in the Religious Education program. All children in Grades 1 - 9 are then required to be enrolled in the Religious Education program as a fulfillment of Christian responsibility through one's baptismal promises. However, students in Grades 1 and 3 through 7 who attend parochial schools are exempt from attending classes here at the parish. Please remember that students in Grades 2 AND 8 & 9 must attend Religious Education classes here at the parish, regardless of attendance at a parochial school, in order to be prepared to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation respectively. *** Please note, in order to update our records, I am asking that all Registration forms, in addition to being accompanied by the fee, please also include a copy of your child(ren)'s baptismal record. If your child was baptized at St. Nicholas (formerly St. Joseph & St. Peter), then a physical certificate is not required, but simply the notation of place & date on the registration form. I close by expressing to you my excitement and optimism in working with you and the young people of our parish family once again this year. You can be assured of my prayers for you and your family as the summer winds down and preparations are made to return to classes. Please keep our parish and program in your own prayers. Sincerely in Christ, Gregory Bettencourt Director of Faith Formation |