Author: Becki Roach

St. Ann
Faith Formation Handbook
2019-2020
“Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. Matthew 14: 28-30
If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat.

Parish Mission Statement
"We, the parish family of St. Ann Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, exist to love God and one another, to grow in our personal relationships and in our Lord, and to strengthen our community through prayer and worship. "As Christians, we are committed to reaching out to those in need in the larger southwestern Marion County area; and to demonstrate our concerns for the broader universal church and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in terms of sanctity of life, social justice, peace and love. "Steeped in the traditional faith and Catholic heritage of our founding members, we pledge our individual talents to harmoniously work in Christ's image for the growth and betterment of our community. "We accept the challenge of active stewardship of both our parish programs and property with time, talent and sacrificial giving and we pledge to preserve this legacy for future generations."
Faith Formation Commission
2019-2020
Pastor—Fr. Francis Joseph Kalapurackal
Coordinator of Faith Formation– Kelly O’Brien

Responsibilities of Parents
1. Attend Mass with their children each Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation
2. Receive the Sacraments frequently
3. Attend parent meetings as required
4. Make sure their children attend Faith Formation Classes regularly and come prepared
5. Support the Coordinator of Religious Education/Youth Ministry
Responsibilities of Students
Attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation
Attend and participate in faith formation classes each Sunday
Complete homework assignments given by catechists
4. Display a Christian attitude towards your catechist and classmates
Responsibilities of Catechists
Complete the Safe & Sacred training
Attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days
Be in good standing with the Catholic Church
Attend catechist trainings/meetings toward certification
Be prepared for class.
COMMUNICATION
Communication between the pastor, coordinator, catechist, and parents is essential. Join our Remind App to receive updates on events and emergency
situations. Email is the preferred means of communication, but please call the office at any time with question, concerns, or suggestions.

RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
Adults who are interested in joining the Catholic Church may attend classes to prepare you for the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. These will be administered during the Easter Vigil.
Catholic adults who need only to be confirmed are encouraged to attend.
This class is open to all parishioners as a faith sharing experience. We will have a Meet & Greet on Wednesday, September 4, at 6:30pm to provide information. Classes will begin September 11 at 6:30pm.
Faith Formation
Children in Kindergarten through grade 12 meet each Sunday for faith formation from 10:30-11:45 a.m.. These classes are provided to help parents with their children’s faith formation and religious education. Classes begin September 8th and April 26th. High Schoolers are encouraged to participate in Confirmation classes if they are not yet confirmed.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE
In order to maintain a classroom conducive to learning and maintain a feeling of security, we have developed a simple, and hopefully, effective procedure. God has truly blessed us with wonderful children, but on occasion, they test their limits.
If a student becomes disruptive or disrespectful in class:
1. Teacher will politely tell student to discontinue behavior
2. Student will be taken from the classroom and informed that if behavior continues, they will leave class and report to the Coordinator of Faith Formation
3. Coordinator will inform student’s parents and jointly will decide a discipline plan.
*Coordinator will ensure student’s return to Faith Formation the following week.

Assessment of Catechesis Religious Education (ACRE)
Each year, grades 6 & 8 are given the ACRE test. This serves as a tool for assessing the effectiveness of catechetical/religious education programs. It offers us a picture as to where these grade level students are in terms of their basic religious knowledge, religious beliefs, attitudes, practices, and perception. When results are in, a parent meeting may be scheduled.
Missed Sacraments
Special classes are set up to prepare students who missed the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, or Reconciliation. Please contact Kelly O’Brien.
kellobrien@comcast.net or 317-821-2909
Attendance
It is very important in any educational program that students attend regularly to ensure their progress. This is especially true in a weekly religious program. Parental cooperation is anticipated to ensure that absentees are kept at a minimum.
If your child can only attend every other week, please contact your catechist so work may be made up.
Attendance in sacrament classes is essential (grade 2 and confirmation). If your child misses more than two class sessions per semester, please contact the catechist or coordinator for make up time.
Retreats, field trips, or special days are just as important as class. We expect everyone to be present.
It is common courtesy to contact the catechist or the office if a student is going to be absent.
In case of bad weather and emergency cancelations, a notification from Remind 101 will be sent. Please check your cell phone.

Curriculum
Preschool: (Ages 4 & 5)
Text: Pflaum: Seeds
This is lectionary based curriculum designed to teach Creation, Trinity, Jesus Christ, Church.
Prayers: Sign of the Cross, Glory Be, Grace Before Meals
Catechist: Kisch Elsenbroek
Kindergarten/First
Text: Pflaum: Promise
This is lectionary based curriculum designed to teach Creation, Trinity, Jesus Christ, Church, Christian Morality, Sacraments, and the Kingdom of God along with seasonal themes on a developmental level through the weekly Sunday readings.
Prayers: Sign of the Cross, Guardian Angel, Glory Be, Grace Before Meals
Catechist: Cindy Barnes
Second Grade
Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. This class follows a special curriculum book that each child will receive and use during class. The Mass is also explained.
Texts: Encounter with Christ: Reconciliation & Eucharist
Prayer: Prayer of Sorrow (Act of Contrition)
Catechist: Sally Brandenburg
Oct 6- Reconciliation parent meeting
Nov 3– First Reconciliation Parent video
Nov 10-First Reconciliation Parents video
Dec 7– First Reconciliation/Sacrament @ St. Ann
March 22– First Communion parent meeting/Blessing Cups?
April 18-First Communion parent retreat @ St. Ann
April 25-First Communion at 4 p.m. Mass @ St. Ann

Curriculum
Third/Fourth Grades
This class is designed to teach Creation, God, Jesus Christ, Church, Christian Morality, Sacraments, and the Kingdom of God along with seasonal themes on a developmental level through scripture and the catechism.
Text: Our Sunday Visitor: Alive in Christ
Prayer: Apostle’s Creed
Catechists: Shelly and Joe Beauchamp
Oct 26-Retreat
Dec 10-Advent Book Club
March 3-Lent book Club
Fifth/Sixth Grades
This class is designed to teach Creation, God, Jesus Christ, Church, Christian
Morality, Sacraments, and the Kingdom of God along with seasonal themes on a developmental level through scripture and the catechism
Text: Our Sunday Visitor-Alive in Christ
Prayer: Rosary
Catechist:
Feb. 29-Retreat
Seventh/Eighth Grades (Good Shepherd Room)
Faith Themes: Church History-RCL/Benziger
Morality-RCL/Benziger
Prayer: Memorare
Catechist
Nov 8/9: Retreat Lock - In
Feb 1: Jr. High Rally
.

Calendar 2019-2020
September 1 No FF Class
4 RCIA begins
8 First Day of Class & Altar Server Training
15 Class
22 Class
Catechetical Sunday during 9:30 Mass
Bingo at Worthington Place
29 Class
October 6 Class
First Reconciliation Parent Meeting
11 HS Haunted Hike
13 No Class
20 Class
Mission Sunday
HS Rock Climbing
22 Confirmation Parent/Candidate Meeting
26 3rd/4th Grade Retreat
27 Class
Bingo at Worthington Place

November 3 Class
Reconciliation dvd during faith formation for adults
8 Jr High Retreat
10 Class
Reconciliation dvd during faith formation for adults
17 Class
HS Rock Climbing
24 Class
Bingo at Worthington House
December 1 No Faith Formation Class
6 First Friday Movie
7 First Reconciliation Retreat/ Sacrament
8 Class
High School Rock Climbing
15 Class
22 No Class
High School Cookies/Christmas Caroling/Bingo
29 No Class
All youth are invited to participate in our Christmas Eve Pageant. Practices are on Mondays in December from 6-7 p.m.

January 3 First Friday Movie
5 Class
10-11 High School Lock-In
12 Class
19 Class
High School Rock Climbing
22 March for Life-Indianapolis
26 Class
Bingo at Worthington Place
February 1 Jr High Youth Rally
2 Class
7 First Friday Movie
9 Class
16 Class
High School Rock Climbing
23 Class
Bingo at Worthington House
29 5&6 Grade Retreat
-Sorrowful Mysteries Silhouette Play

March 3 Class
First Friday Movie
8 Class
Confirmation Sponsor/Candidate Day
Class
High School Youth Group Rock Climbing
22 No Class except for First Communion Parent Meeting-Blessing Cups
29 No Class
Bingo at Worthington House
April 3 First Friday Movie
5 Class
9 Holy Thursday
10 Good Friday: 3pm
12 No Faith Formation Class-Easter
18 First Communion Retreat@St. Ann
19 Class
High School Rock Climbing
25 First Communion-4 p.m. Mass
26 Last Day of Class
Bingo at Worthington Place VBS Registration
High School Rock Climbing

Prayers
Preschool-1st Grade should know
Sign of the Cross
In the Name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Angel of God
Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
to whom God’s love,
commits me here.
Ever this day
be at my side,
to light and guard,
to rule and guide.
Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,
Is now,
ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Meal Prayer
Bless us, O Lord,
and these your gifts,
which we are about to receive
from your bounty,
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

Prayer 2nd Grade should know
Prayer of Sorrow (Act of Contrition)
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,
I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more,
and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
In His name, my God, have mercy.
Amen.
Prayer 3rd & 4th Grades should know
Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried:
he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father
almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Amen

Prayers 7th & 8th Grades Should Know
Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that any one who fled to your
protection, implored your help or sought your intercession
was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence,
I fly unto you, O virgin of virgins my Mother.
To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions,
but in your mercy hear and answer me.
Amen
All Students will be tested on their prayers in the spring.
Please know that the majority of your child’s learning should be, and can only be, accomplished at home. The hour and 15 minutes a week that your child spends with us is not sufficient time to teach the faith. We act as a supplement for their at-home learning and living. You, the parents, are the most important teachers and resource in your child’s life, especially when it comes to handing on the Catholic tradition. If you would like some at-home resources to help with this process, please contact Kelly.
Thank you for being a part of our Parish family at St. Ann!

High School
Grades 10-12 (or if already confirmed)
The high school class is discussion based on current church and moral issues. Youth are encouraged to speak their
opinions. This class is designed around what the youth want to learn.
Confirmation
Grade: 9
Curriculum: Chosen by Ascension Press
Catechist: Kelly O’Brien
Oct. 22 : Parent/Youth information meeting, Mandatory
March 14: Sponsor/Candidate Day, Mandatory
Prayer for Good Humor
Grant me, oh Lord, good digestion, and also something to
digest. Grant me a healthy body and the necessary good
humor to maintain it. Grant me a simple soul that knows to treasure all that is good and that doesn’t frighten easily at the sight of evil, but rather finds the means to put things back in their place. Give me a soul that knows not boredom,
grumbles, sighs and laments nor excess, because to that
obstructing thing called “I”. Grant me ,O Lord, a good sense of
humor, allow me the grace to be able to take a joke, to discover in life a bit of joy, and to be able to share it with others.
By St. Thomas More

Policies
Child Abuse Policy
The Archdiocese of Indianapolis requires that all persons who work with children in a parish undergo a criminal background check and are also required to undergo training through the Safe & Sacred program. If you would like more information on this program, please check out their website: safeandsacred.org/hrarchindy
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Policy
Preschool through Grade 2
At the recommendation of the Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education, we have instituted a drop-off and pick-up policy for all children in preschool through second grade. A parent or guardian (not an older brother or sister) is required to drop off and pick up their child(ren) at the classroom door each Sunday. There are many reasons for this policy, the most important being the safety of your child(ren).
If, because of extenuating circumstances (such as a restraining order), there is someone who is not permitted to pick up your child (regardless of grade), please notify the coordinator of religious education immediately. It would be prudent to inform your child(ren)’s catechist of the situation as well. We want to cooperate in keeping all children safe.
Unless notified otherwise by your child(ren)’s catechist, please do not pick up your child(ren) any earlier than 11:45 a.m.

Social Media and Cell Phone Policy
Students are able to have cell phones in class. They are not permitted to use them during class time. If they are caught with their cell phone out, they will be asked to put it away. If they are caught with it out again, the phone will be confiscated until the end of the class. Please, talk with your child about this prior to the start of classes.
St. Ann will not accept any misuse of social media aimed against another student or the parish. Each instance will be dealt with on an individual basis and at the discretion of the director of religious education and the pastor.
Photography Consent
St. Ann RE has an automatic opt in for photography consent. We may make posts on social media, but never use the child’s name in any of the descriptions. If you would like to opt out, please do so in writing or email. Thank you.
Fees
All monies collected from religious education registration fees are put back into the parish fund. Money allocated for religious education from the parish fund are used for books, teaching manuals, classroom supplies, resource materials, videos, workbooks, paper and other necessary expenses. We do not make a profit off of religious education classes.
Family Information Changes
If your phone number, address, or other important information changes, please remember to notify the coordinator of religious education so that your records may be updated accordingly.

Emergency Medical Procedures
On the religious education registration form you will be asked to supply the name of an emergency contact person with their phone number. Likewise, you will be asked to sign the permission statement giving your permission for emergency medical personnel to treat your child in the event of a medical emergency.
The Religious Education office is supplies with a first aid kit for minor medical treatment (small cuts, scrapes, etc.). If a child is unable to complete a class session because of illness or minor injury, your child’s catechist will call you (the parents) first, then the emergency contact person listed on the registration form.
In the event of a serious illness or injury, a catechist will call 911 to request emergency assistance. Parents will be contacted second. The emergency contact person listed on your registration form will be notified third and informed of what has happened. Next, the catechist will notify the coordinator of religious education who will, if necessary, contact Father Francis. A copy of your child’s contact information is kept in their classroom.

Religious Education Fees:
Confirmation $50
First Communion: $40
Pr-K-8th: $20
Subsequent Children: $17
Family Max: $75
If, for any reason, payment of fees are financially burdensome for your family, please contact the coordinator of religious education. Your child(ren)’s faith formation is of first importance. Consequently, children will not be denied access to the program for financial reasons.
Questions and Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns about the content of this handbook or if you would like more information about the Saint Ann religious education program please contact Kelly O’Brien, Coordinator of Religious Education, at the parish office.
Thank you for enrolling your child(ren) in Saint Ann’s religious education program. Please let us know how we are doing and how you would like to be a part of this important ministry to the children of our parish.