PSF - "Putting Spirit First"
Something NEW has been added to "PSF" this year...a change in what this acronym stands for! Although we are, indeed, still people sharing faith there is a change in emphasis today. Now proclaiming "Putting Spirit First", PSF is a call to parents and participants to place a first priority on the religious education and the sacramental preparation of their young children and the involvement in the parish youth ministry by all high school youth.
PSF is still the formal education program for the children in grades K-8. The program meets for 3 to 4 consecutive weeks each month from September through April/May. The last Sunday of each month is a “free” day. This gives families and catechists (teachers) an opportunity to take a break for other Sunday morning activities.
PSF sessions are held from 10:10 to 11:10 am. which enables participants to attend either the 9 am or the 11:15 am Sunday morning Mass. Classrooms are situated throughout the Newman building and within the Family and Children’s Center near the Newman grounds.
The program is taught by volunteer catechists (teachers), having at least two catechists in each classroom. The K-6 classes follow the textbook series, Call to Faith; the 7th-8th grade classes follow, Living Our Faith. Both of these texts are published by Harcourt Religion Publishers. Additional texts are used in grades 2 and 4 for sacramental discussion. Grades 7 and 8 also use God’s Own Making, William H. Sadlier, Inc. publishers for a discussion on Catholic values of human sexuality.
For the PSF date and curriculum schedule see "PSF Schedule" under the heading "About the Program".
Religious Education Philosophy
The following philosophy statement, based on the parish mission statement, was written and approved by the Parish Education committee in the spring, 1998 with revisions in spring, 2007:
We believe that religious education is a life-long process.
We believe that the faith development of our community is our primary concern
We believe that parents are the primary educators of their children and that the entire community shares that responsibility.
We believe that our religious education program should include scripture, liturgy, Catholic tradition, and the development of Christian spirituality
Religious Education Policies
The following three policies have been approved by the Parish Education Committee.
Discipline Policy
Parents are the primary religious educators of their children. The Roncalli Newman Parish offers religious education programs for children to assist parents in that role. As students in the parish program, children are expected to act responsibly, to cooperate, and to show respect for themselves, the catechists, and others in the program. If behavioral problems arise within the program that prove harmful to the necessary good order of the teaching atmosphere, a progressive discussion between the following persons will be conducted until an agreeable solution to the problem is found:
+ Between the student, the catechist, and/or the Director of Religious Education
+ Between the student and/or parents and the DRE
+Between the parents, the DRE, and the Pastor
There will be no refund of fees due to a behavioral dismissal from the program.
Approved: Spring, 1998, rev. 2007
Participation/Membership Policy
Program participation and parish membership are expected to go hand-in-hand. As personnel training and support, supply and space acquisitions, staff and volunteer time are geared toward meeting the needs of the Roncalli Newman Parish community, it is fitting that anyone wishing to participate in the on-going religious education programs is expected to be a current, registered member of the parish.
This parish membership requirement will be waived for programs specifically opened to the public, such as lectures, discussions or dramatizations, etc. This requirement may also be waived with the approval of the pastor in consultation with the director of religious education. Adopted 7-21-1999, rev. 2007
Religious Education Guest Policy
Guests are welcome at the formal, weekly religious education programs (K-8) on an occasional basis, provided that at least a one-week’s notice is given to the classroom catechists. Approved: 6-13-2005, rev. 2007