St. Rita Religious Education

Curriculum grounded in Catechism   

St. Rita religion curriculum guide for grades K-8 is grounded in the basic truths of the Catholic faith presented in The Catechism of the Catholic Church.  Knowledge of this document and of this curriculum guide is essential for all those teaching religion in the name of the Bishop, the chief catechist of the Diocese of Rockford.

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Catechist responsibilities

Each catechist tries to be with the entire scope of the guidelines and studies closely those pertaining to the grade he or she is teaching.  Knowledge of these guidelines precede study of the teacher's manual from a textbook series.  Religious education curricula should be directed by The Catechism of the Catholic Church and supported by the religious education textbook and any other outside resources that may be needed to teach a particular topic.

Sound teaching strategies, appropriate for the age and abilities of students, are crucial to successful religious education.  Again, we find wise words from our Holy Father's Apostolic Exhortation:

"The age and intellectual development of Christians, their degree of ecclesial and spiritual maturity and many other personal circumstances demand that catechesis should adopt widely differing methods for the attainment of its specific aim: education in faith."

Teachers of religion are required to participate in the Diocesan Catechist Certification Program in order to become well-grounded in the teachings of the Church and trained to use appropriate methods for teaching religion to various ages and abilities of learners.

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Class Times

Sunday Morning

Wednesday Nights

Special Dates

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Arrival

Students are to check in at the school foyer with the aides.  Sunday morning students should then be escorted to their rooms by their parents.  Wednesday night students in Grades 1-8 will gather in the cafeteria until it is time for class to begin.  Students in the Wednesday evening Grade 8 class will gather in the Faith House.

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Attendance

It is important that students attend regularly.  If a student will be absent, please call the Religious Education office at 398-6483.

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Athletics

All Religious Education students are eligible for St. Rita Athletic Teams.  Students must attend Religious Education regularly.

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Respect

All students are expected to respect themselves, their peers, catechists, aides, the D.R.E., the building and property of others.  Any behavior that shows a lack of respect will be handled by the catechist or D.R.E.  If the behavior is severe or continues, parents will be called.  Disrespectful behavior may lead to suspension from the Religious Education program.

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Sacramental Preparation

All students of both public and parochial schools will be prepared through the Religious Education program.  The sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are normally celebrated in Grade 2.  The usual time for Confirmation at St. Rita Parish will be during Grade 8.  

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Tuition

The Religious Education office does not handle billing or record keeping of the tuition.  Please contact the parish office at 398-0853 with your questions and concerns.  You may leave your payments with our staff when your child comes to class.

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Questions

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Doug Colloton, Coordinator of Religious Education or Becky O'Hara, Religious Education Secretary, at 398-6483.

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Catechist Role Description

The catechist is a person called to nurture a living, conscious and active faith in the students taught so that they, in turn, can respond eagerly and openly to God's self-giving.

The catechetical task is a vitally important one, which calls for spiritual growth, acceptance of catechetical responsibility, and participation in ongoing formation.

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