Children

Registering for 2011 – 2012

NOW!

We are now taking registrations for the upcoming 2011-2012 year!  Registration forms can be found to the right (please print, fill out and return) or can be found at the information desk!

 

What is Children’s Faith Formation?

Children’s Faith Formation is a comprehensive, quality program where children from the ages of Kindergarten through 5th grade can experience and learn the importance of their Catholic faith.  Our volunteer catechists guide children to an awareness of Catholic doctrines and traditions. We introduce them to the richness of Sacred Scripture, the Sacramental Life of the Church, Prayer, and the Christian Moral Principles held by the Catholic Church for 2,000 years.   Catechists and Aides walk this faith journey with the children throughout the year.  Archdiocesan-approved and age-appropriate texts and materials are used in the formation of our children   Through these weekly classes, our children have an  opportunity to pray, answer their call to discipleship, experience community with their peers and participate in service projects.   Our goal is to evangelize and catechize our children in a safe, caring, and fun environment that leads them to a true experience of Christ.

 

Classes

  

Kindergarten – 5th Grade:

Our main Faith Formation program.  Children attend classes once a week, and can choose from 4 available times through the week.
Runs September through May.

 

Tuesday

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm*

 

Kindergarten – 5th Grade Homeschool:

Parents share faith at home with their own children.  They use IHM Faith Formation materials and turn in lesson sheets.
Please contact our office to obtain your teaching materials.

 

*Please note that our Wednesday Night Children’s Faith Formation classes are generally reserved for those families who have members in Middle School Youth Group, High School Youth Group/Confirmation, or our RCIA, RCIT or RCIC programs.  If your children are registered for this day and you do not have any family members that fall into the above categories, please be aware that you may be bumped to a different day if space is needed.  Thank you!

 

Sacramental Preparation:

This two-year program is designed to prepare children to receive their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.  If your child meets the requirements, Sacramental Prep is done in tandem with one of our Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday faith formation classes.  The prerequisites are as follows:

  • Baptized children are in grades 2-5
  • Children have at least one year of prior Faith Formation or other religious education
  • Children are enrolled in a regular Faith Formation class on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday
  • Families are registered members of IHM

In addition, the following requirements must be met by the parents throughout the year:

  • Parent and child must attend the Fall and Spring Sacramental Prep retreats
  • Parents agree to actively participate in the child’s Catholic faith by attending Mass on Sunday, as well as Our Catholic Journey on Wednesday evenings
  • A copy of the child’s baptism certificate must be presented by the date of the Fall retreat (November 20th, 2010)

Retreat Dates

 

First Reconciliation (Fall)

November 12, 2011
11:30 am – 6:15 pm

Even though weekly classes touch on this sacrament throughout the year, this retreat will give a more in-depth understanding of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  This retreat is designed and structured to engage the children with creative activities and interesting and fun leaders.  ALL SESSIONS ARE IMPORTANT!  PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME and DO NOT LEAVE EARLY.  PLEASE DEMONSTRATE TO YOUR CHILDREN THE PRIORITY OF THIS DAY AND SACRAMENT, by putting GOD FIRST above other activities. 

First Holy Communion (Spring)

TBA 

Dates of Services

 

First Reconciliation

November 19, 2011
8:00  am
(There will be NO adult confession during this time)

First Holy Communion

April 28, 2012
5:00 pm Mass
April 29, 2012
8:30 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 6:00 pm Masses

To give these children the special attention they deserve as they receive this sacrament, mass space will be limited to the number of communicants. 

Special Needs Religious Education:

IHM is a host parish for this Archdiocese ministry.  Persons of all ages who have special needs are welcome.  Sacramental Preparation is also available.  Runs September through May

Saturday

9:30 am – 11:30 am

 

Faith Formation Fees

As you all know we have raised our fees for faith formation of your children this year.  This is due primarily to the difficult economy and increasing costs of providing staffing, materials, books and space for the large number of children in our program.  This year we are asking you to help the families who tithe regularly by carrying the burden of this fee.  Their sacrifices must be shared by all who attend our programs.  There are discounts for those who are registered members of Immaculate Heart of Mary, as well as for those who register early and/or have multiple children who need to register.

The fees break down as follows:

Child (K-5th): $50.00 per child
Sacramental Prep Program (1st Reconciliation & 1st Holy Communion): Additional $25.00 per child.

Youth Group (Middle & High School & Confirmation): $150.00 per student

Family Discount (3 or more children): Less $30.00

NON-REGISTERED (non-active) Parishioner: Additional $100.00 per family

Late Fee (after Sunday, August 28): Additional $50.00 per family.

Payment plans can also be arranged for those in need.  Please contact us for details. 

We are also more than happy to waive fees for those who truly are in financial need.  We never want to deny a child the opportunities to learn our faith because of an inability to pay.  Reductions in these fees are made on a case by case basis, depending on your need.  Please present your request to us.  You can also volunteer in a number of ways to help carry the burden by tithing your time or talent in lieu of fees.  Again, please contact us.  We welcome your enthusiastic assistance!

On behalf of all of us here at Immaculate Heart of Mary who work to provide a loving and warm atmosphere for your children:

 Thank you for sharing the burden with your generosity!

 

CHILDREN’S ST. NICHOLAS PAGEANT

Saturday, December 10, 2011—4:00 pm

This year’s new children’s Advent/Christmas pageant is the story of the ‘real’ Bishop St. Nicholas.  This pageant tells the story of how St. Nicholas lived, and why he is the patron saint to many; also how he relates to the birth of Jesus!  This pageant is being held during the weekend of IHM’s Christkindlmarkt, prior to the Saturday evening mass.  There is a need for performers and carolers.  Children MUST attend the required practices!

If you would like your child to participate, please observe the following:

  • Child must be registered in IHM’s Faith Formation classes (in-house, up-to-date homeschool, or Special Ed)
  • Forms available during CFF classes this week or at the Info Desk.
  • Return form by SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2011! 
  • Participation selection is on a first-come basis.
  • Child MUST attend rehearsals. (NO exceptions).
    • Children’s Choir: Wednesday, November 29th, 5:30 pm-6:30 pm; Wednesday, December 7th, 5:30 pm-6:30 pm, and Saturday, December 10th, 8:30 am-10:30 am.
    • Children Performers: Saturday, December 10th, 8:30 am- 10:30 am.
  • Children must be at the church Saturday, December 10th, 3:30 pm.

Donna Kroll, CFF Director

Tammy Guttroph, Pageant Director 303-457-0518

 

SANTA’S CHRISTMAS PRAYER

The sleigh was packed, the reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt by the side of the bed.
 

“Dear Father,” he prayed.  “Be with me tonight.
There’s much work to do and my schedule is tight.

I must jump in my sleigh and streak through the sky,
Knowing full well that a reindeer can’t fly.

I will visit each household before the first light,
I’ll cover the world and all in one night.

With sleigh bells a-ringing, I’ll land on each roof,
Amid the soft clatter of each little hoof.

To get in the house is the difficult part,
So I’ll slide down the chimney of each little heart.

My sack will hold toys to grant all their wishes.
The supply will be endless like the loaves and the fishes.

I will fill all the stockings and not leave a track.
I’ll eat every cookie that’s left for my snack.

I can do all these things Lord, only through You,
I just need your blessing, then it’s easy to do.

All this is to honor the birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us, Your most Holy Son.

So to all of my friends, lest Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them, who gave me this job.