Office of Religious Education
80 Atlantic Avenue
Marblehead, MA 01945
781-631-8340
Mary J. Pagliarulo, DRE
sosdremusic@verizon.net
Kathleen Nelson, ARE
sosassistant@verizon.net
OUR LADY, STAR OF THE SEA RELIGIOUS EDUCATION GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
“The purpose of Religious Education is to promote an understanding of a love for
the teachings and person of Jesus Christ. If properly presented, this should lead to
what is called a Faith Community, people of belief working together with trust and
loving concern for the entire community.
“The message of Christ is eternal. His basic teachings will never change. Their
manner of presentation will vary however, from generation to generation…” (Taken
from the Policy Statement of the Archdiocese).
At Our Lady, Star of the Sea, we strive to bring Jesus’ message to our children
through word and action. They are taught the relevance of what Jesus said as we
live our everyday lives.
The Mass is an integral part of our faith experience, and weekly attendance is
strongly encouraged.
Great emphasis is placed on the role of “Christian Service” since this is one of the
ways in which our parish fulfills Jesus’ message.
Sacramental preparation combines participation by parent, teacher and child. We
emphasize the role of parents/guardians as the first and foremost educator of their
child. Our goal is to support the parent in that role.
Sacramental celebrations are planned to reflect the dignity and solemnity of the
sacrament as well as the joy of the celebration.
Tradition plays a major role in the practice of our faith, and the children are taught
many as a means to enrich their understanding.
ATTENDANCE:
Due to the limited number of classes, attendance is a requirement. A
telephone call, prior to class, if possible, from the parent/guardian to the Religious
Education Office (781-631-8340 EXT. 11) will be required in case of an absence.
If a student needs to be dismissed early from a class, *a note from the
parent/guardian must be presented to the teacher prior to the start of the class. For
the safety of the student, he/she will not be released from the class until the
parent/guardian arrives in the Center.
INCLEMENT WEATHER:
Our Lady, Star of the Sea’s Religious Education schedule follows the
Marblehead Public Schools schedule regarding days off for inclement weather. If
we decide to cancel classes on a day Marblehead Public Schools does not cancel,
an announcement with be made on Channel 4, WBZ 1030,Channel 5 and Channel 7.
The general rule is: No School/No Religious Education! A voice mail will also be left
on the Religious Education telephone line 781-631-8340. If weather is
questionable, attendance is left to the parent’s discretion.
EARLY RELEASE DAYS AND DAYS OFF:
When Marblehead Public Schools have scheduled an early release day or day off,
please check Our Lady, Star of the Sea Religious Education calendar to see if there
is class.
DISCIPLINE:
Students are asked to treat all teachers, adults and their own peers with the
same love and respect that they would like to receive. They will be asked to follow
basic classroom rules of conduct. Since our teachers are volunteering their time,
we cannot expect them to have to discipline youngsters who are not able to function
within a classroom setting. Misbehavior which interferes with the rights and space
of the other students will not be tolerated.
****Cell phones, pagers, portable music devices and portable video games
are not allowed in class or at presentations. If used, these items will be taken away
and returned at the end of class. Continuous use in subsequent weeks will result in
dismissal from the class, and the student will not be allowed to return until a
meeting with the parent/guardian and the DRE has resolved the situation. Also,
basket balls, footballs are also not allowed!
Food, drinks and gum are not allowed anywhere in the Parish Center classrooms or
function room. Running, yelling or other loud noises are also not allowed.
Sufficient verbal warning will be given to any child not following these rules. If a
student disrupts a class or presentation, by talking or other forms of disrespect, the
student will be brought to the Religious Education Office to discuss with the
Director the proper ways to behave during class time. If the student further disrupts
the class, he/she will be dismissed from the session and will not be allowed to
return until a meeting with the parent/guardian has been arranged with the DRE.
MASS/FAMILY MASS:
Attendance at Mass on a weekly basis is a central part of our faith and
heritage. When we come together in worship each week, we get to experience true
community: God’s people coming together at the Eucharistic Celebration to
strengthen their faith and also to be challenged by His Word and sent forth into
ministry to His people. Weekly attendance at Mass is just as important as regular
attendance at our Religious Education classes. The 9 AM Mass is the designated
Family Mass at Our Lady, Star of the Sea Parish. This Liturgy during the school
year includes the Children’s Choir and Homilies geared more towards the children.
COMMUNICATION:
We will be using the following forms of communication to get information to
students and parents:
Weekly Mass Bulletin – The Bulletin will be your best source for information. Be
sure to pick one up after Mass each week! They are also available in the church
and at the Parish Center during the week. Periodically, e-mails or letters will be
sent home with information regarding your child’s class or grade. The website is
also a valuable tool www.staroftheseamarblehead.org.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION SUMMARIZATION:
Our Lady, Star of the Sea’s Religious Education program is a progressive
one from grades 1-11–each year builds on the material taught in the previous grade.
If a student misses a particular grade or grades special make up work will be
required. Each year has its own requirements, leading the children to a more
complete understanding of their faith. In this section you will receive a brief
overview of the entire Religious Education program with a more detailed description
of your child’s grade.
Both the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the National Catechetical Directory
stress the importance of developmental learning for the children. Just as life
gradually unfolds for a young child, so too do the mysteries of the Word become
flesh, redemption and life in the Holy Spirit. In each lesson, the Faith Formation
“core content:” Scripture, prayer and worship,
Doctrine and Christian morality are presented.
o Grades 1-6 uses the text series, Faith First – Legacy Edition
published by RCL Benziger focuses on teaching the timeless truths of
Our Catholic Faith building each year through Creed, Sacraments,
Morality and Prayer.
o Grade 7 & 8 The curriculum used by grade 7 is Jesus in the New
Testament , Morality, Sacraments, Church History also published by
RCL.
o Grade 9 Grade Nine is the first year of Confirmation Preparation.
Using the textbook Path Through Catholicism as well as the Bible,
students explore Church, the Bible and Sacraments. There are
different aspects to each class including teacher and student
presentations, large-group and small-group discussions and
activities.
o Grade Nine students are also required to attend a monthly Youth
Ministry Mass and Meeting (scheduled on a Sunday evening from 6 –
8 PM)
o Grade 10 is the second year of Confirmation Preparation. The various
confirmation text books along with guest speakers, teacher and
student presentations and large-group and small-group discussions,
students will explore how they use everything they have learned since
first grade Religious Education classes in their everyday lives.
Students in Grade 9, 10 and 11 are also required to attend a monthly Youth Mass
Sunday morning at 11:00 and Meeting (scheduled on a Sunday after the 11:00 Youth
Mass)
o Grade 11: In the fall of Grade Eleven, students wishing to be confirmed will
be required to attend the Confirmation Retreat (a full day retreat held in the
Parish Center) as well as the Confirmation Mass.
Christian Service:
All those seeking to be confirmed will be actively involved within some form of
Christian service. This is volunteering your services to a neighbor, friend or
stranger in need beyond the duties within one’s own family. It is ministering to the
sick and lonely; it is feeding the hungry and clothing the naked; it is teaching others
about Christ and sharing one’s own gifts and talents to bring out the gifts in others.
Following the example of Christ at the Last Supper as He washed the feet of His
disciples and gave them command to do the same, we, as members of His body
respond in loving service to the community. A typed essay will be required, to be
completed before the end of the 10th grade semester, explaining their Christian
Service.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation at Our Lady, Star of the Sea is a 2 year program beginning in
Grade 9. However you must complete Grades 1 through 8 in a religious education
program. The Sacrament of Confirmation takes place in the fall of their Junior year.
The Confirmation retreat will be some time before the Confirmation Mass, along with
one rehearsal before the Confirmation Mass.
CONFIRMATION SPONSOR:
Students are required to choose a Confirmation Sponsor. Your Confirmation
Sponsor will help guide you during the Confirmation process. “The sponsor’s duty
is to see that the one confirmed acts as a true witness to Christ and faithfully fulfills
the duties inherent in the sacrament.” (Canon 892) The character of the sponsor to
help you decide is as follows:
o Consider asking one of your Godparents.
o The Church requires that the sponsor be an active, practicing Catholic who
has already celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation.
o The sponsor is to be more mature, more informed and experienced in ways
of our Catholic Faith and culture than the candidate is. Therefore it is
suggested that the sponsor be a Confirmed Catholic, older friend or relative
(at least 16 years of age) in whom the candidate can confide. (PARENTS
MAY NOT BE SPONSORS FOR THEIR CHILDREN)
o The sponsor needs to have had some experience with his or her faith and a
clear perspective from which to speak. The sponsor is one who is willing to
share his or her faith with the candidate.
o The sponsor should be in contact with the candidate on a regular basis.
o The sponsor is an assistant to the parents as the prime source of the faith.
o The sponsor is to support the candidate on the faith journey, being
supportive in prayer and in the candidate’s search for the Holy Spirit.
o The sponsor needs to be an open, honest, caring, committed and
encouraging person who will help the candidate grow in his or her
understanding of the faith as the young person comes to a deeper
appreciation of God in his or her life.
o Please fill out a Confirmation Information Sheet. The forms can be found at
the Religious Education Office, or on the Parish Website.
CONFIRMATION NAME:
Candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation have two options concerning the
choice of a Confirmation name:
Stay with your present baptismal name. This shows the sacramental connection
with the first and second parts of your initiation into the Catholic Church – Baptism
and First Eucharist. To select your baptismal name would demonstrate that you feel
a continual growth in your faith and you now wish to make this recognized through
the Sacrament of Confirmation. This must be decided before Sept 1st, so that the
program may be complete with their Confirmation name. This can be submitted as
part of the Confirmation Information sheet.
The candidate may choose a Saint’s name. This would symbolize a new beginning
in your faith life and a connection with that particular saint. This would be
especially true if you felt that you have not been particularly strong in your faith and
are now making a renewed promise to your faithfulness. It is important to learn
something about the saint you choose before you decide.
BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE:
Any Religious Education Student that was NOT baptized at Our Lady Star of the
Sea Parish, a copy of his/her Baptismal Certificate must be handed in at the time of
Registration.
**Please check calendar for dates**