Church of Saint Joseph
A Roman Catholic Community of believers in Babylon,
on the south shore of Long Island, New York

 

A Message for Parents

As the first and most important teachers of your children your input is essential in order to form your children in our Roman Catholic Faith.  Weekly participation in Sunday Mass (or Saturday evening) is the most effective way to form children in the faith.  You can help your children prepare for Sunday liturgy by reading the Gospel and sharing what its message means for you.   This family activity would help all members of the family, children as well as adults, be more open to hearing God’s message at Mass.

     PREPARING FOR SUNDAY LITURGY: HOW DO WE DO IT?

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Begin by focusing on the Gospel only. (If your children are older you can also read the other scripture passages.)

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Invite one of your children to find the Gospel passage in the Bible.  Use any translation.  On Sundays we hear the New American Bible.

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Or, access the reading online through the parish website www.stjosephsbabylon.org.  Click on LINKS. Scroll down to the large icon on the right – New American Bible Daily Mass Readings. You will see a calendar. Click on the date of the coming Sunday and you will access all the readings exactly as they will be heard at mass.

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Light a candle, create a special atmosphere.  Invite your children to listen carefully as you read the Gospel.  Then suggest listening for a word or phrase that stands out.  Slowly read the Gospel again.

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What is God saying to you in these words.  If you had to get up and give a homily on these readings what would you say?

PARENT MEETINGS AND SPECIAL LITURGIES

We look forward to your presence at parent meetings and special liturgies.  Please mark your calendar with the dates listed for events for your child’s grade level.  Please call the Faith Formation office if you are unable to attend a scheduled event.

ATTENDANCE

Weekly Attendance is required in order for a child to successfully complete each grade level.  Please phone the catechist when your child must miss the Faith Formation group and then, to the best of your ability, make up the missed chapter with your child.  Children are expected to attend each scheduled session. 

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Each child is to be escorted by a parent, guardian, or designated adult to the door of the catechist’s home or to the door of the catechist’s meeting room in the Center.  At dismissal time the child will be released by the catechist (home or meeting room) only to the parent, guardian or designated adult.

  INFORMATION FOR THE CATECHIST FORM

Your child will be given an “Information for the Catechist” form at the first meeting.  Please return the information form to the catechist at your child’s next Faith Formation group meeting.

      CONTACT WITH CATECHISTS

We encourage you to be in communication with your child’s catechist.  The catechist is available to share or clarify any concerns you might have. If your child is unable to attend a meeting, please notify the catechist prior to the meeting.

    PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

After each meeting of your child’s Faith Formation group try to find time to read the chapter presented by the catechist that week and discuss its content with your child.  A schedule for the year will be taped inside your child’s text.  CHILDREN LEARN BEST WHEN PARENTS ARE INVOLVED.

   QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

      Please feel free to call the Faith Formation Office if you have questions, suggestions, problems or concerns.