DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS FORMATION Mrs. Sharon Lechtenberg
RELGIOUS FORMATION SECRTARY Mrs. Mary Saucier
Saint Bernard's Parish
4001 East 101st Street
Tulsa, OK 74137
PHone: 299-9406 - Fax: 299-7796
OFFICE HOURS:
Weekdays: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: till 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 8:30 a.m. till 8:30 p.m.
RELIGIOUS FORMATION COMMITTEE
Janice Zadner
Russell Romoser 299-6759
Bob Sharkey 254-9814
Nila Bennett 298-8702
Cathy Sheehan 230-2710
Sandra Waelder 299-2451
Sharon Lechtenberg 252-3204 or 299-9406
Brent Forth 299-4214
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT OF THE RELIGIOUS FORMATION COMMITTEE
While acknowledging parents as the primary religious educators of their children, we believe that St. Bernard's has an obligation to provide a
Christian education for all the members of the parish. Our goal is to provide the instructional means for this Christian education within a peer group environment.
We also believe it is essential to provide educational opportunities for all of the adults of the parish.
CLASS SCHEDULES
Sunday—8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
(Classes meet during Mass)
Preschool - Age 3
Preschool - Age 4
Kindergarten
All classes meet on Level A-Basement of the Gym.
Sunday—9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
Grades 1 through 4
Adult Education
Grade 1 meets in level A-basement of the gym-Grade 2 meets on level F-2nd floor of the Griffith Building- 3rd Grade meets on levels F and G of the Griffith Building-Grade 4 meets on level D-basement of the Griffith Building.
Sunday—6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Grades 9 through 12
Classes meet on the various levels of the Griffith Building.
Wednesday—6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Grades 5 through 8
Classes meet on the various levels of the Griffith Building.
Kindergarten
Maggie Victor
Jessica Finnell
Amanda & Shane Fitzgibbon
SUNDAY MORNING--9:45 A.M. - 10:45 A.M.
First Grade
Patti Miller
Logan Young
Mary Waelder
Megan Tiernan
Kristen Grewe
Claire Spears
Cathy & Catherine Sheehan
Divina & Darwin Roman
Second Grade
Kelsey & J Thomas
Patricia & Scott Wernhardt
Donna Smith
Kathy Scott
Rebecca Smith
Laura Boucher
Alaina Bellomo
Sandra Waelder
Jennifer Schmidt
Madeline Young
Third Grade
Maggie Victor
Tierney & Forest Plasencia
Angela Kushnerick
Matt Long
Christina & Jessica Jackson
Jean Yaeger
Amanda Ellingson
Kristen Hoelscher
Emily Bingham
Fourth Grade
Chantal & Lauren Pixley
LeighAnne Finks
Will Boleman
Jenny & Dean Herman
Alec Bisogno
Craig Walden
Julie & Stephen Steiner
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS—6:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
Fifth Grade
Sam Schaunaman
Maggie Victor
Anthony Rust
Deb, Taylor, & Jordan Van Dam
Sixth Grade
Sheila & Jon Plasencia
Emily Nelson
Chris Huber
Sue & Bob Key
Seventh Grade
Paul Boeckman
Becky Tiernan
Cookie Rentzel
Dave Batow
Eighth Grade
Kathryn Young
Elaine Bullard
Judy Vera
SUNDAY EVENINGS—6:30 P.M.-7:30 P.M.
Ninth Grade
Leith Watkins
Charlie Meyer
Lorie Witherspoon
Tenth Grade
Scott Gentry
Nila & Christopher Bennett
Elizabeth Andrews
Maria Copp
Eleventh Grade
Msgr. Gaalaas
Russell Romoser
Maggie Victor
Butch Borchers
Libby Hatch
Fernando Gutierrez
Twelfth Grade
Bill Sanders
Office Helpers
Jayne Murphy
Brian Alsdorf
Anna Lukeman
Sarah Alsdorf
Johnny Copp
Kendall Taber
Joey Copp
Emily Crowder
Grant Marcoux
Tony Lechtenberg
PROGRAM POLICIES
Registration
*The program is designed for preschool through twelfth grade students, and we encourage parents to enroll their children in the program. Each student must be enrolled through the Religious Education office before going into the classroom. If a parent feels there are circumstances that prevent the family from joining the parish, please contact our pastor.
*Each student must be enrolled in the same grade level for Religious
Education that they are in their public or private school system. Children repeating a grade or not attending school when they are age ready will be placed on an individual basis.
*Each student participating in a sacramental preparation program must be enrolled and attending classes for the entire Religious Education year. Students wishing to participate in the Confirmation Program as Juniors are expected to enroll AND attend the 9th and 10th grade classes unless they are attending Catholic schools. They will then only be required to attend religion classes in our program during their immediate preparation year.
Attendance
*All students are expected to participate in their regularly scheduled classes on a weekly basis.
*After two (2) consecutive absences, parents will be called unless the
office has been notified as to the reason for the absences.
*After three (3) consecutive absences, we will mail letters asking to be notified of the intentions of the child and the family to continue in the program. If we are not contacted, we will drop the student from our rolls. Parents may reinstate a student at any time by call the office.
*After a student has been tardy three (3) times, parents will be contacted to help us with the situation.
Student Conduct
*Respectful behavior is expected from all students in the program.
*Dress Code for all students, volunteers, and participants in parish activities is to wear modest and tasteful clothing. The Dress Code for the Public Schools and the Free Dress Day Code for the Parochial School is appropriate.
*No candy or drinks will be allowed in the classrooms. The only
exception will be organized refreshments by the teacher or permission
from the individual teacher.
*Student visitors will check in with the teacher and will be expected to participate in all classroom activities as well as follow classroom rules. Their names will be written on the class attendance sheet. All visitors will attend class rather than wander around the building unsupervised.
*If a teacher for some reason is not present in the classroom, the students are not to leave the room. The class may send a representative to the Director’s office to notify her and wait for resolution of the situation.
For Better Understanding
*Many misunderstandings and hard feelings can be avoided when teachers and parents work together. If you have any questions or problems, please call Sharon
Lechtenberg, the Religious Education Director, immediately at 299-9406 or 252-3204.
Changing Classes
In order to avoid further confusion, once students are assigned to a class NO changes will be made after the second class meeting. At the time of registration, requests are acceptable and encouraged. Late registrants will be assigned to the classes with the fewest students.
CLASS SCHEDULE
SUNDAY MORNING AND EVENING CLASSES
2007
CLASSES MEET SEPTEMBER 9, 16,23,30
September 30,Parents Meeting for 2nd Grades 9:45 a.m. in Chapel>
September 30,Parents and Sponsors Mtg./Confirmation 6:30 p.m. in Chapel
CLASSES MEET OCTOBER 7, 14, 28
October 7 & 14, Parents Meeting for 2nd Grades 9:45 a.m. in Chapel
October 21,NO CLASSES—State Teachers Meeting
October 28,Parents Meeting for 2nd Grades 9:45 a.m. in Chapel
CLASSES MEET NOVEMBER 4, 11, 18
November 4,DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS
November 4,Parents Meeting for 2nd Grades 9:45 a.m. in Chapel
November 25, NO CLASSES—THANKSGIVING
NOvember 29, First Reconciliation-Group #1—7:00 p.m.
CLASSES MEET DECEMBER 2, 9, 16
December 2,First Sunday of Advent Children's Advent Mass at 11:15 a.m. Mass
December 6, First Reconciliation-Group #2—7:00 p.m.
December 13, Advent Parish Penance Service—7:00 p.m.
December 23 & 30 NO CLASSES-CHRISTMAS BREAK
SPECIAL DATES FOR 2007
*First Reconciliation - Thursday, November 29 and Thursday, December 6, 7:00 p.m.
*Children's Advent Mass-Sunday, December 2, 11:15 a.m. Mass
2008
CLASSES MEET JANUARY 6, 13, 20, 27
January 13, First Communion Solemn Inscription for Thomas’, Wernhardt, and Smith-Scott classes 9:45 a.m. in the Church
January20, First Communion Solemn Inscription Boucher and Waelder classes, 9:45 a.m. in the Church
January 27, Rite of Choice 5:00 p.m. Mass
January 27, Parents and Sponsors Mtg. / Confirmation 6:30 p.m. in Chapel
CLASSES NEET FEBRUARY 3, 10, 17, 24
February 3, Chocolate Lover’s Festival after morning Masses
February 6,ASH WEDNESDAY
February 10, First Sunday of Lent
February 10, Parents Meeting-2nd Grades-9:45am-Chapel
February 17, Parents Meeting-2nd Grades-9:45am-Chapel
February 24, Parents Meeting-2nd Grades-9:45am-Chapel
CLASSES MEET MARCH 2, 9, 30
March 9, Daylight Savings Time Begins
March 16, NO CLASSES-Spring Break-PALM SUNDAY
March 23, NO CLASSES-SPRING BREAK-EASTER!
CLASSES MEET APRIL 6, 13, 20, 27
April 13, Parents Meeting-2nd Grades-9:45am-Chapel
April 20, Parents Meeting-2nd Grades-9:45am-Chapel
April 27, Graduating Seniors Mass-5:00 p.m.
CLASSES MEET MAY 4, (last Sunday classes)
May 4, FIRST COMMUNIONS
SPECIAL DATES FOR 2008
Confirmation—To Be Announced
Graduating Seniors Mass—Sunday, April 27, 5:00 p.m.
First Holy Communions—Sunday, May 4, 8:30 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.
CLASS SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY EVENING CLASSES
2007
CLASSES MEET SEPTEMBER 12, 19, 26
OCTOBER 3, 10, 24
October 17, NO CLASSES—State Teachers Meeting
October 31, NO CLASSES—Children’s Carnival
October 31, 7:00 p.m.—Vigil Mass for All Saints Day
CLASSES MEET NOVEMBER 7, 14, 28
November 21, NO CLASSES-THANKSGIVING BREAK
CLASSES MEET DECEMBER 5, 12
December 19 & 26 NO CLASSES—CHRISTMAS BREAK
2008
CLASSES MEET JANUARY 9, 16, 23, 30
January 2 NO CLASSES—CHRISTMAS BREAK
CLASSES MEET FEBRUARY 6, 13, 20, 27
February 6, Ash Wednesday, Classes will be held at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., MASSES WILL BE HELD AT 8:30
a.m, 5:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m
CLASSES MEET MARCH 5, 12, 26
March 19, NO CLASSES—Spring Break—HOLY WEEK
CLASSES MEET APRIL 2,9, 16, 23, 30
MAY 7 Last Class
CURRICULUM SUMMARY FOR PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM
Preschool-Age 3, Sadlier, Children of God-4s
This program is especially designed for 3 year olds who will be turning 4. This activity-rich text provides experiences for the child to explore God’s gifts of family, friends, others, and the world. Prayer experiences foster and nurture the young child in prayer. Activities focus on development of faith through language, visual, motor and listening skills, and games. Scripture and theme-based stories, songs, poems, chants, finger-plays, and movement activities present life and faith themes.
Preschool-Age 4,Sadlier, Children of God-5s
This program is especially designed for four and five year old children to learn about Jesus. The activities in this program offer themes about caring in our families, for our families, for others, and for God’s world. With stories, songs, activities, and games, the children are exposed to the life and stories of Jesus and the place he fills in a Christian life. The children are brought to an understanding of how much Jesus loves each of us especially the children.
Kindergarten, Harcourt, Call to Faith--Kindergarten
The children explore the wonderful world God made, and how God made people to be like Him and to love Him and others. God shows His love through others and how when we pray, we are talking to God. God wants us to care for His world. Jesus is the Son of God and the Son of Mary and how all Christians are called to follow Christ. The children learn about the Church as a family created by God and how all creation is called to live by the law of love. They are introduced to the words and actions of the Sacraments and how they show the wonders of God.
CURRICULUM SUMMARY FOR ELEMENTARY GRADES
Call to Faith Series, Grades 1-6, Harcourt
First Grade
The “lens” through which the Christian message is presented this year is God. The children are encouraged to learn about God and to grow in their relationship with the Holy Trinity. The seven key areas of catechesis are Revelation,
Trininty, Jesus Christ, The Church, Morality, Sacraments, and the Kingdom of God. God shares with us his creative work by entrusting all creation to our care. The children deepen their understanding of Jesus as the Son of God. They learn that Jesus is both divine and human. They get to know Jesus’ human family. They learn about the community of God’s people and the sacraments as signs and celebrations of God’s loving presence.
Second Grade
Jesus Christ is the central theme for the 2nd grade students. They learn about the Son of God become human to save us from the power of sin and everlasting death. They see how Jesus calls all people to holiness and how He called us to follow him, using stories and signs to show us about God’s love. In Jesus’ actions of feeding and forgiving, the children come to understand the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation. They come to understand that the Mass celebrates Jesus’ saving love. The children learn that Jesus will come again, to bring the kingdom of God in its fullness. They practice the kingdom values of justice, love, and peace.
Celebrating Our Faith: Reconciliation and Eucharist are the additional books we use for the sacramental preparation programs. These books are for parents and catechists to work together to prepare the children to celebrate the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist for the first time. There are also sessions for the parents for each sacrament.
Third Grade
With the Church as the focus of study, the students explore the Church as both community and institution. They see that all members of the Church have a share in the Church’s ministry according to their state in life. The students see how the marks of the Church, signs of the spirit’s presence, are lived today. They also learn to look to the Church for moral guidance as they grow in the virtues of faith, hope, and love.
Fourth Grade
The students explore what it means to sin. They see that sin is more than mere lawbreaking; it is a rejection of God’s love. The students explore the Beatitudes to describe the reign of God that Jesus announced and how they show them how to live and act as a follower of Jesus. They also explore the Ten Commandments in detail as a foundation for morality. They come to understand that we are free to choose how to respond to God’s love, and that the Holy Spirit gives us gifts to help us choose.
Fifth Grade
Focusing on the sacramental experiences of ritual and symbol and the centrality of the Paschal mystery is a great way to touch the religious imagination of young people. They focus on an in-depth presentation of the Eucharist, our great sacrament. They explore the role of the assembly and liturgical ministers and learn more about the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The students reflect on the nature of the Church as sacrament, exploring their own place in the Church’s rich sacramental life, and what place each of the sacraments have in our life and how we integrate them into our lives.
Sixth Grade
Sixth graders learn that the Scriptures are the love story of God and humans from creation to the coming of the kingdom in fullness. The students are presented with their connection to all members of the communion of saints. They see that despite the tragedy of historic divisions, the Church continues to work for the unity in which it began. They use the powerful imagery of the Book of Revelation to look to the future coming of God’s kingdom in fullness. They will also see that the mission of the Church is to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed to all people.
CURRICULUM FOR JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH PROGRAM
Seventh Grade, Harcourt, Jesus Christ - The Church - Revelation
Seventh graders are taught how to use the Bible and to understand the New Testament. Incarnation, Jesus as a model of wisdom, His relationships, Our Savior and how the Church is One in Christ are topics that are studied. Also studied are the Church as a community of disciples, Catholic, the Body of Christ, the source of life, Apostolic and made up of the Christian Faithful. The final topic studied is Revelation—how God is revealed to His people, how we know God through Scripture, and Faith and Tradition.
Eighth Grade, Harcourt, Morality - Sacraments - The Kingdom of God
The eighth grade will study Morality—freedom and responsibility, valuing life, being virtuous, honoring God and family members, and everyone’s dignity. The will also review the Sacraments of the church. Their last topic of study will be the Kingdom of God and how we are called to be a part of God’s World.
Ninth Grade, RCL, Understanding the Catechism:Creed; Harcourt Journey Through the Old Testament
This course deals with the most fundamental and significant of all life-truths. The students will cover topics including the meaning of faith, professing Christian faith, prayer and celebrating the Christian mysteries, and living as a Christian. They will also study the Old Testament Scriptures and the main themes addressed in it.
Tenth Grade, RCL, Understanding the Catechism: Morality; Harcourt, Journey Through the New Testament
This course is about moral decision making—about applying Christian principles toward the resolution of ethical dilemmas in real life in the real world. While individuals face different specific issues and decisions, everyone confronts these basic questions: How do I decide what is morally right or wrong—especially in a complex situation? On what should I base such decisions? What can help me act according to those decisions? The New Testament will also be a part of their year of study.
Eleventh Grade, CONFIRMATION
The entire eleventh grade year of Religious Education is devoted to a systematic study of faith and the Catholic teaching of that faith. Our text is The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth which is the youth version of The New Catechism. The candidates will also be expected to participate in 2 retreats, do Christian service for the community and the parish, and through prayer and discernment of how the Catholic Christian faith is present in their lives make a choice to be confirmed. The Sacrament of Confirmation is a time for the young person to ratify the "Yes to Catholicism" that their parents have until now given for them.
Twelfth Grade
This program focuses on the personal, social, and faith tasks confronting young adults, and nurtures the attitudes and skills required by young people to live as Christians after they leave high school. There are many opportunities for prayer and reflection as well as time to share with others. There is also a concentrated study of Scriptures and how they apply to all life’s lessons.
MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP
St. Bernard’s has a Middle School Youth Group that meets at least twice every month and usually meets weekly. This group is for youth in grades six through eight. Activity information is published in the Parish Bulletin on a Youth Page that is inserted into the bulletin. These activities include Bingo, Halloween Party, Christmas Chili Supper with Christmas Caroling, Bowling Party, Golf World, Lock-In, Game Time, etc. Any parents or other adults who would like to help with the Middle School Youth Group are encouraged to volunteer by our Director of Youth Ministries.
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP
St. Bernard’s has a High School Youth Group that meets twice weekly in the Dawg House. This group is for youth in grades nine through twelve. Wednesday nights are devoted to Bible Study and Sharing followed by a social time that meets in the Dawg House at 7:30 p.m. Sunday nights the High School meets for various activities which are also advertised in the bulletin on the Youth Page. Activities range from Movie Night in the Dawg House to dinner out together. Paint Ball, Retreats, Swimming Parties, All Souls Prayer Services, etc. are just a few of the fun and service activities offered by the Youth Group. For more information, please contact our Director of Youth Ministries, in the Parish Office.
SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS and SPRING BREAK SKI TRIP
Every year during the summer, we plan a joint trip for Middle School and High School Youth to Six Flags Over Texas. During Spring Break we also have a joint Ski Trip for all youth in Grades 7 and older. If more information is needed, please contact our Director of Youth Ministries.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
Baptism
Parents and Parents-to-be who wish to have their child baptized are requested to attend a Baptismal Preparation class. These are held bimonthly at the church. The specific dates are published in the parish bulletin. The class presents the theology of Baptism, the roles and responsibilities of the parents and godparents, the symbols used in Baptism, and the Rite of Baptism itself. After attending this class, arrangements may be made with the Pastor for the date and time of Baptism.
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults meet weekly under the direction of Rosemarie
Gulla. The RCIA is a process of conversion and growth into a community culminated within the Sacraments of Baptism/Profession of Faith, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
Eucharist
Children prepare for First Holy Communion in the second grade at St. Bernard's in the regular Religious Education Program. Older children will have special classes arranged with the Director of Religious Education. First Holy Communion will be celebrated on Sunday,
May 4, 2008, at both of the morning Masses.
Reconciliation
Children prepare for First Reconciliation during their 2nd grade at St. Bernard's in their regular Religious Education classes. 3rd graders will participate in the 2nd grade classes. 4th grade students and older will have special classes arranged with the Director of Religious Education. First Reconciliation will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 29, and Thursday, December 6, 2007, at 7:00 p.m.
Confirmation
Confirmation will be offered to people who are Juniors in High School or older and have been attending Religious Education classes in the past. For people who do not attend High School, the minimum age will be sixteen years old. Preparation will include: Classes from September through May on Sunday evenings; service projects that reflect the values and gifts of the student that benefit others; 2 retreats; interviews with the Director of Religious Education and the Bishop; dialogue with adult leaders, sponsors, parents, and catechists; prayer experiences together and privately. Candidates are to discern through prayer and reflection, through discussion with parents and sponsors, and through class attendance if they sincerely desire the Sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation is a Sacrament of Commitment, saying yes to our Baptism, our Church, and all God might want us to be. This call and response cannot be accepted by anyone except the candidate. We respect this decision. Confirmation will celebrated in late spring, 2008.
An adult member of the parish seeking Confirmation is to contact the Director of Religious Education for more information.
ADULT ENRICHMENT
SUNDAY CLASSES
Being offered this year is a weekly Scripture Class with Deacon Alan Mikell during the 9:45 a.m. classtime in Room G-6. Presently the class is concentrating on the Lectionary readings for each Sunday, but they will be selecting various topics throughout the year.
Also being offered is "Adult Apologetic Class”. These classes will be covering various topics about the Church and are for anyone who is interested in having more knowledge about the faith and be able to respond to questions from others about our faith. These classes meet on Sunday evenings 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. in Room G-6.
The RCIA classes are for those who are not Catholic and would either like to know about the Faith or would like to join the Church. These classes meet on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. under the directorship of Rosemarie
Gulla.
Other Adult Opportunities will be advertised in the Parish Bulletin.
Dear Parents / Guardians,
After you have read this handbook, please sign and return this form to the student’s teacher or to the Director of Religious Formation in the Parish Office. Thank you.
