Known Homeschool Sacramental Guidelines  

Brought to you by the Keeping It Catholic

Faith, Family and Home Education Network

Dear KIC Site Readers:

The following guidelines are published as they appear in original form.

We have added color emphasis to sections to which parents may wish to pay particular attention, so that parents will learn to recognized "proof texting" of Church teachings or their interpretation thereof (especially Canon Law). In most cases, this emphasis illustrates that the proper role of parents in the total education of their child(ren) (including catechesis) has been marginilized by the diocese.

Additionally, while dioceses claim there is a partnership between parents and pastor, many guidelines forget that it is the diocese's role to assist parents - not to enforce uniformity, by either enforcing teaching method, claiming parents must be certified, or otherwise issuing policy statements on "anyone who assumes the role of catechist" (i.e., Cincinnati). It is that latter kind of of statement which is made purposely to include parents. Clearly, the Sacrament of Matrimony places the role of parent as a primary and principle one over "any" catechist.

 

Keeping It Catholic reiterates once more that guidelines for homeschoolers are not necessary if the local parish and/or diocese truly understands the sacred nature of Matrimony. However, in situations where a diocese has already implemented "homeschool" guidelines, the best example to date is Atlanta, Georgia. The worst to date, flagrant in their violation of the heart of Canon Law, are the entire state of Florida, and the dioceses of Los Angeles , New Orleans, and Chicago.

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2. CONFIRMATION (Canons 879-896)

2.1 The Department of Religious Education will prepare specific policies for preparation of candidates for the sacrament.

2.2 Prerequisites for the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Archdiocese:

(a) Candidates for this sacrament must have been in attendance in a catechetical program for at least two years prior to enrollment in the confirmation program or in attendance at a Catholic school for one year before enrollment in the confirmation program. An exception to this policy will be made in the case of children schooled at home. The pastor is responsible for seeing that the home school candidates are properly prepared by examining children who are being schooled at home with regard to the teaching they have received and the knowledge they have acquired.

(b) Copies of the candidate's baptismal certificate and First Eucharist certificate must be presented to the Pastor before reception of this sacrament.

(c) Requests for confirmation in a parish are to be made by the Pastor to the Archbishop in the early fall. The Pastor will include three (3) preferred dates. The Archbishop's office will notify the Pastor of the date selected. Parishes are encouraged to select dates throughout the school year rather than solely in the late spring.

(d) The candidate has the right to make the decision about his/her readiness for this sacrament.

2.3 The sacrament is ordinarily to be administered within a Mass. (C.881)

2.4 Priests who instruct and receive adults into the Church, whether by baptism or by profession of faith (C.883.2), are to confirm them when they are received.

3. EUCHARIST

3.1 First Eucharist

3.1.1 Prerequisites for the reception of first Eucharist:

(a) The child must be enrolled in the parish school/religious education program for at least one year prior to beginning preparation for this sacrament. An exception to this policy may be made in the case of children schooled at home. The pastor is responsible for insuring that the home schooled candidates are properly prepared by examining them on the teaching they have received and the knowledge they have acquired.

(b) A copy of the child's baptismal certificate must be presented to the Pastor prior to reception of first Eucharist.

(c) Sufficient time must elapse between reception of the sacrament of reconciliation and first Eucharist so that the child can distinguish between the two celebrations.

(d) No child should be admired to the reception of the sacrament without sufficient preparation as determined by the Pastor in consultation with the parents.

3.1.2 The Department of Education has issued specific guidelines about preparation of children for first reception of the Eucharist.

TO: Pastors and Religious Education Directors

FROM: Bob Fontaine

SUBJECT: Home Schooling Programs

We have had a number of inquires concerning home schooling among Catholic families. You may be solicited concerning advertising in your parish bulletins for a Catholic home schooling network. The efforts of many parents in regards to home schooling is commendable. Many families do not have access to a Catholic school and wish to have a Catholic academic learning environment for their children.

Sr. Clarissa Goeckner, diocesan coordinator for children and family catechesis, is an excellent resource concerning the many religious education programs which are available. She can also address many of the issues pertaining to religious education programs which are not on the approved list.

Here are some basic guidelines we ask home schoolers to follow:

1. Be active in your parish religious education program. Home schoolers may include religious education programs with materials approved by the diocese but should not isolate themselves from their parish programs. Sacramental preparation must be done through parish programs.

2. Utilize Catholic religious education programs approved by our Bishop for home religious instruction. All parish religious education programs have this approved list.

3. Please note that our bishops have not endorsed a Catholic home schooling program. The issue of an official home schooling program based on Vatican II and the new Catechism of the Catholic Church is currently being addressed at the national level.

Here is an advertisement for your bulletin which you might consider if approached by a home schooling group.

Catholic home educators are currently meeting at ________________ once each week for the purpose of sharing educational projects and general support. These meetings supplement our parish religious education involvement and serve to promote an ongoing Catholic environment for our families. If interested, please contact us at _______________.

 

1701.1 Policy It shall be the responsibility of the pastor, in accord with the norms established by the diocesan bishop, to provide for the catechesis of all the faithful. The various catechetical roles shall be exercised under the supervision of legitimate ecclesiastical authority. (Canons 773, 774, 776, 777)

 

1701.2. Policy The pastor shall promote and foster the role of parents in catechesis. (Canon 776)

 Procedures

The Church community fulfills its responsibility to parents in their catechetical role by providing programs, resources and support.

 

1701.3 Policy Parents shall have the primary responsibility to ensure the Christian education of their children in accordance with the teachings of the Church. (Canon 226)

 

Procedures

a) Parents ensure their children's deepening catechesis "aimed at inserting him or her organically into the life of the Church" by enrolling them in a Parish Religious Education or parochial school program. (Catechesi Tradendae #37) These programs are under the authority of the pastor and in accord with diocesan catechetical policies. (See Book III The Teaching Office of the Church, Policies and Procedures for Religious Education)

b) Home Catechesis: In extraordinary cases, parents may choose to provide formal systematic catechesis for their children at home, apart from parish programs. This home catechesis is to be in accord with all applicable Archdiocesan policies for catechesis. (See Book III The Teaching Office of the Church, Policies and Procedures for Religious Education) Parents establish the process of home catechesis with their local parish community in the following manner:

1) Parents, their pastor and/or his designated catechetical leader enter into a dialogue regarding mutual responsibilities and expectations for catechesis. The dialogue culminates in a written covenant between the pastor, parents and the child.

2) The pastor and/or his designated catechetical leader provides parameters and guidance in the selection of texts and other materials to ensure their conformity with the Church's catechetical documents.

3) Parents, pastor and catechetical leader witness to and provide for the communal dimension of catechesis. This will include:

i) Participation in parent sessions

ii) Parents are invited to attend catechist formation sessions and are informed regarding offerings for formation in the Archdiocese.

iii) Participation in sacramental programs, retreats, liturgical celebrations, etc.

iv) Interaction with peers and the parish community in worship and such events as are determined in dialogue.

4) The pastor, his designated catechetical leader and parish catechetical staff will provide resources and support for parental catechetical efforts, including materials and opportunities for the parents' faith development.

 

1701.4 Policy The pastor or his designate determines the readiness of children prior to the first reception of the sacraments (Canon 777, according to the following criteria.

 

Criteria

a) Reconciliation (criteria are to respect the natural disposition, ability, age and circumstances of the individual child)

1) understanding of the relationship of the sacrament to his/her life

2) ability to recognize good and evil

3) understanding of repentance

4) understanding that one can turn for forgiveness to Christ and the Church

5) knowledge that faith is expressed through being forgiven and forgiving (NCD #126)

b) Eucharist (criteria are to be adapted to the child's intellectual capacity)

1) awareness of God's love

2) awareness of the call to participate in Christ's sacrifice

3) knowledge of the gift of the Spirit

4) understanding that the Holy Eucharist is the real body and blood of Christ

5) ability to participate in experiences of sharing, listening, eating, conversing, giving, thanking, celebrating

6 knowledge of the mystery of Jesus' life (cf. Canon 913)

7 ability to receive the Body of the Lord with faith and devotion (cf. Canon 913) (NCD #122)

(cf. Archdiocese of Chicago Policies and Procedures Book IV: The Sanctifying Office of the Church, Policy 104.3.1.)

· Parents are encouraged to meet with their pastor so that he and/or his delegate can assist them in developing a catechetical plan and in choosing catechetical materials suitable for home-based religious education. (Canon 776)

· Growing Together: Ministry to Children, the Graded Course of study for Early Childhood and elementary Catechetical Programs and Growing Together: Adolescent Religious Education, a Manual for Parish and School Programs have been approved by the Archdiocesan Commission on Education and promulgated by Archbishop Pilarcyk as the official content to be followed for all early childhood, elementary and high school catechesis in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Anyone assuming the role of catechist for children or youth is expected to follow the content outlined in these documents.

· Parents are invited to use the Archdiocesan Media Centers and their own parish resource libraries to supplement their educational efforts.

· Parents and their children are welcome and encouraged to participate in parish liturgies and/or other events prepared specifically for children and their families.

· The pastor and/or his delegate should invite the parents to participate in the catechist certification process of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati as outlined in The Ministry of the Catechist (Canons 779, 780)

· Parents are encouraged to meet with the pastor and/or his delegate periodically to review the progress of their catechetical efforts.

· When parents believe that their child is ready to receive a sacrament, the pastor of the parish to which the child belongs is to decide whether he or she is properly prepared. (Canons 777, 914) The Parish to which a child belongs is either the parish in which he or she resides or is another parish in which he or she is registered. Growing Together: Ministry to Children should be used as the basis for determining readiness.

April 3, 1997

Dear Home School Parents:

The purpose of my letter is to respond to an inquiry from a home school parent regarding religious education and sacramental preparation of children in home school education.

The normative method for religious education at St. Charles, of all students, is within the parish catechetical program, or in the catechetical program offered in St. Charles School.

However, some parents have expressed a desire to fulfill their child's religious education requirements within the context of a home school program. At the recommendation of the Department of Catechetics for the Archdiocese of Detroit, the following guidelines have been implemented at St. Charles Borromeo for incorporating religious education into a Home School Program.

The guidelines are as follows:

1) For recognition in the Religious Education program a Home School family must be a participating, registered and contributing member of St. Charles parish, and must be registered in St. Charles religious education program.

2) Parents, who provide religious education as a part of their home school program, must be certified or working towards certification as a catechist. The Director of Religious Education (DRE) can assist you with certification.

3) The Parent/Catechist will be required to meet quarterly with the Director of Religious Education to evaluate the accomplishment of academic objectives set forth by the Pastor and the Director of Religious Education.

4) The Parent/Catechist will be required to attend all parent meetings of the Parish Religious Education program.

5) Home Schooled Religious Education Students must be evaluated by the Director of Religious Education (DRE) at least twice a year for academic progress, comprehension and spiritual formation.

6) Only those religious materials recommended by the Pastor and the Director of Religious Education may be used in a Home School Religious Education program. Parent/Catechists who use other religious materials in lieu of what is recommended will forgo recognition in the program, and their child will not be considered prepared to enter a sacramental preparation program.

7) Sacramental preparation, specifically, may only be accomplished in the Parish Religious Education Program. Home schooling for sacramental years will not be acceptable. Sacraments belong to the community of the Church and not private families, therefore, sacramental preparation should be taught and evaluated within the community of the Church.

8) Whether a student participates in a classroom program, or in a home school program, each grade level must be completed before being considered for being moved to the next level of sacramental preparation.

In conclusion, the Archdiocese of Detroit is currently formalizing guidelines. Once this process is complete additional requirements may he forth coming.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely Yours

Rev. William H. Tindall

I. Competent Private Instruction (Home schooling)

The Archdiocese of Dubuque maintains a system of schools accredited by the State of Iowa and by the Archdiocesan Board of Education. The Archdiocesan Board respects the right of parents/guardians as the primary educators of their children (cf. Iowa Code #299.1; SLF #299; Canon Law #774).

Parents/guardians choosing the competent private instruction option should contact the local public school district to receive approval to educate their children at home. Public school districts have primary authority in these programs, receiving financial aid and bearing reporting responsibilities.

The Catholic schools of the Archdiocese do not provide this option because of the importance of socializing the student into a Catholic faith community, establishment of a positive self image, and development of relationships with adults and other students. (cf. Mission statement of the Archdiocese/Philosophy of Curriculum)

II. Dual Enrollment Programs with Non-accredited schools

Catholic schools of the Archdiocese may not enter into a dual enrollment arrangement with non-accredited schools for any portion of the day. In addition to the reasons cited above, this position is taken because of our commitment to operating accredited schools (cf. Policy #2470)

Students

Home Schooling - Religious Education

Policy adopted: March 7, 1992

Revised: May 4, 1996

Archdiocesan Board of Education

Parents/guardians and children are expected to participate in the parish/system-sponsored catechetical programs which have been approved by the Office of Catechetical Services.

Regulations:

1. Programs and materials must be approved by the Office of Catechetical Services.

2. Parents/guardians are to participate in the parish sacramental preparation programs and sacramental celebrations (cf. Policy #6150.4).

3. Approved catechetical programs must include a parish component involving participants gathering periodically for information, faith sharing, community building, and service opportunities.

4. Parishes should make an effort to standardize fees for all parish catechetical programs. Financial hardship should not be a deterrent nor considered a reason for not enrolling a child in the parish program. (cf. Policy #3240.1).

1. First Eucharist will be celebrated only with those who have been properly prepared (Canon 913 #1), who are actively involved in the parish preparation program, and who freely choose to receive.

2. Sacraments are celebrations of the believing community. The option for home-schooling during the preparation for this Sacrament is discouraged except for serious pastoral need.

3. Children attending a Catholic school which is not in their home parish will prepare for and celebrate the Sacraments in their home parish. Exceptions to this will only be made with the express consent of the child's pastor.

4. Children, who were baptized Catholic as infants, will normally celebrate First Eucharist in either the second or third grade at the discretion of the parish.

5. First Eucharist will be celebrated only with children who have previously been Sacramentally Reconciled. (Canon 914).

6. There will be a significant period of time between the celebration of first Reconciliation and first Eucharist. The catechesis for first Eucharist must be done separate from the catechesis for Reconciliation, and the preparation periods for these two Sacraments must not take place within the same time period nor overlap in any way. (See NCD #126).

7. Requirements for the first Eucharist preparation process are to be clearly communicated to parent(s)/guardian(s) in a timely manner.

8. Parishes must provide a minimum of one meeting with parents prior to the child's celebration of first Eucharist. Parent(s)/guardian(s), the primary educator(s) of their children, are to be intimately involved in the catechesis for first Eucharist. This helps parent(s)/guardian(s) renew and strengthen their own faith, and enables them to serve as a positive faith example for their children. (See Diocesan Guidelines regarding the involvement of parents in this Sacrament.)

9. It is essential that a parish utilize the talents of the most gifted and highly trained catechists for the preparation for this Sacrament. The first celebration of a Sacramental encounter with God through Christ is an experience of significant and special grace and deserves our best effort.

10. The priest-pastor or parochial vicar will be involved in the preparation of children and their parent(s) /guardian(s) for the celebration of first Eucharist. (Canons 528/777)

11. Educational/formational content for first Eucharist:

· The preparation process must follow Diocesan Curriculum Guidelines published on 1/1/95

· The preparation process must respect the natural disposition, ability, age, and circumstances of the individuals.

· The child must know, in an age appropriate way, that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.

· The child must be able to distinguish the Body and Blood of Christ from ordinary food. (Canon 913 #2)

· The child must be able to demonstrate reverence appropriate to the situation.

· The child must know the proper response to the minister of Eucharist when presented with either the Eucharistic bread or the Eucharistic cup.

· The child must be aware of the laws concerning Eucharistic fast.

· The child must be able to demonstrate the proper hand position for the reception of Eucharist.

· The child should understand that the appropriate commitment to Word and Sacrament is the altering of our life so that our entire life is a response to Jesus with us.

12. Liturgical guidelines for first Eucharist:

· First Eucharist will normally be celebrated within the Easter season.

· First Eucharist is not to be celebrated on Holy Thursday.

· The liturgy will be kept simple in order to prevent the appearance of a "performance."

· The opportunity to receive both the Eucharistic Bread and Eucharistic Cup is to be provided.

· Education and rehearsal on receiving the Blood of Christ is important and will be provided so that receiving from the cup is a reasonable option for the child.

Any parish which would find it necessary, for pastoral or theological reasons, to deviate from these guidelines, will submit an alternate plan to the appropriate diocesan office (Liturgy: Office of Worship; Catechesis: Department of Religious Education) for recommendations and final approval.

Diocese of Erie

Department of Religious Education

September 1, 1995

 

Essential Elements

1. Reconciliation will be celebrated only with those who have been properly prepared, who are actively involved in the parish preparation process, and who freely choose to be reconciled.

2. Sacraments are celebrations of the believing community. The option for home-schooling during the preparation for this Sacrament is discouraged except for serious pastoral need.

3. The recommended time for first Reconciliation is to be once the person has reached the age of discretion. (Canon 989)

4. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated prior to the child's reception of first Eucharist (Canon 914).

5. There will be a significant period of time between the celebration of first Reconciliation and first Eucharist. The catechesis for Reconciliation must be done separate from the catechesis for first Eucharist, and the preparation periods for these two Sacraments must not take place within the same time period nor overlap in any way. (See NCD #126).

6. Parishes must provide a minimum of one meeting with parents prior to the child's celebration of first Reconciliation. Parent(s)/guardian(s), the primary educator(s) of their children, are to be intimately involved in the catechesis for first Reconciliation. This helps parent(s)/guardian(s) renew and strengthen their own faith, and enables them to serve as a positive faith example for their children. (See Diocesan Guidelines regarding the involvement of parents in this Sacrament.)

7. Requirements for the preparation process leading to first Reconciliation are to be clearly communicated to parent(s)/guardian(s).

8. Children attending a Catholic school which is not in their home parish will prepare for and celebrate the Sacrament in their home parish. Exceptions to this will only be made with the express consent of the child's pastor.

9. It is essential that a parish utilize the talents of the most gifted and highly trained catechists for the preparation for this Sacrament. The first celebration of a Sacramental encounter with God through Christ is an experience of significant and special grace and deserves our best effort.

10. Educational/formational content for first Reconciliation:

· The preparation process must follow Diocesan Curriculum Guidelines published on 1/1/95

· The preparation process must respect the natural disposition, ability, age, and circumstances of the individuals.

· The catechist for first Reconciliation will emphasize the love and mercy of a forgiving God, and the importance of repentance and conversion.

· Sin will be presented in a manner and language understood by the child.

· A very simple Act of Contrition is to be used: one which is easily understood by the child.

· The liturgical experience of first Reconciliation will follow the Rite of Reconciliation of Several Penitents with Individual Confession and Absolution as described in the Book of Rites.

· Sacramental Reconciliation is required of those who are in serious sin; it is recommended for those in venial sin. (Canon 988) The catechist, with seven year old children, must strive not to blur this distinction and make venial sin into something more than it is.

Any parish which would find it necessary, for pastoral or theological reasons, to deviate from these guidelines, will submit an alternate plan to the appropriate diocesan office (Liturgy: Office of Worship; Catechesis Department of Religious Education) for recommendations and final approval.

Diocese of Erie

Department of Religious Education

September 1, 1995

Diocese of Orlando

OFFICE OF THE BISHOP

Memorandum

To: Priests, DRES, Youth Ministers, and Catholic School Principals

From: Most Reverend Norbert Dorsey, CP (initialed by Bishop Dorsey on hard copy)

Bishop of Orlando

Date: April 28, 2000

Re: Sacramental Policies & Guidelines for Those Who Home School

Statement of the Bishops of the Province of Florida

Responding to many pastors and priests throughout the state who asked for some help and clarification concerning the sacramental preparation for those who home school, the bishops of Florida appointed a special committee to review and offer suggestions for policies and guidelines.

Having discussed and reviewed the material on more than one occasion, the bishops formulated and approved the statement "Sacramental Policies and Guidelines for Those Who Home School" that I now present to you.

I will ask Sister Linda. L. Gaupin and the staff of the Diocesan Office of Religious Education to prepare a workshop to assist all involved to become more acquainted and comfortable with these policies.

I trust that this will be helpful to you, the parents of such children, and those who assist you in these ministries.

P.O. Box 1800, Orlando, FL 32802-1800

421 East Robinson Street, Orlando, FL 32801 - (407) 246-4815 - FAX (407) 246-4941

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FOLLOWED BY A MEMORANDUM, dated the same as above:

Diocese of Orlando

OFFICE OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Memorandum

To: Priests, DRES, Youth Ministers, & Catholic School Principals

From: Sister Linda. L.Gaupin,, DCP, Ph.D (initialed by Sister Gaupin on hard copy)

Diocesan Director of Religious Education

Date: April 28, 2000

Re: Workshop on "Sacramental Policies and Guidelines for Those Who Home School

Statement of the Bishops of the Florida Province (sic)

The "Sacramental Policies & Guidelines for Those Who Home School" is a statement of the bishops of the Florida Province. This means that this statement is now policy for every diocese in the state of Florida. All parish catechetical leaders in each diocese have received a copy of this policy statement and will be participating in workshops in their own diocese to assist them with implementation of this document.

In his memorandum to you Bishop Dorsey indicated that a workshop should be scheduled for all concerned to assist you to become more acquainted and comfortable with these policies and guidelines. The workshop for the Diocese of Orlando will be on:

Registration: If you plan to participate in this workshop, please contact our office by Wednesday, May 17, 2000 by calling Bob Birmingham at 407-246-4910

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. I look forward to seeing you at the workshop.

P.O. Box 1800, Orlando, FL 32802-1800

406-408 East Ridgewood Street, Orlando, FL 32803-5619

(407) 425-4900 - FAX (407) 246-4940

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The preparation for a sacrament is a very special time in the life of the Church. In the Bull of Indiction of the Great Jubilee Year 2000, our Holy Father states that "Revelation also teaches that the Christian is not alone on the path of conversion in Christ and through Christ, his life is linked by a mysterious bond to the lives of other Christians in the supernatural union of the mystical Body. This establishes among the faithful a marvelous exchange of spiritual gifts, in virtue of which the holiness of one benefits others…" Thus the time of sacramental catechesis provides the entire parish community with the opportunity to deepen their spirituality in the sacramental life of the Church while at the same time lead others to receive a sacrament for the first time. As such, sacramental catechesis (the immediate preparation for a sacrament) is an activity distinct from religious education.

The interaction between the parish community and those preparing for a sacrament gives credibility to the belief that catechesis is the "responsibility of the entire Christian community" (GDC, #22) and therefore "is not an action which can be realized in the community on a private basis or by purely personal initiative." (GDC, 219.b). For this reason the "Code of Canon Law" requires the diocesan bishop and pastor to ensure that appropriate catechesis is provided to all those preparing to receive a sacrament.

Canon 777 - Attentive to the norms established by the diocesan bishop, a pastor is to take care in a special way:

1. that suitable catechesis is imparted for the celebration of the sacraments;

2. that through catechetical instruction imparted for an appropriate period of time children are prepared properly for the first reception of the sacraments of penance and the Most Holy Eucharist and for the sacrament of confirmation;

3. that having received first communion, these children are enriched more fully and deeply through catechetical formation;

4. that catechetical instruction is given also to those who are physically or mentally impeded, insofar as their conditions permits;

5. that the faith of youth and adults is strengthened, enlightened, and developed through various means and endeavors.

There are situations where some families choose to "home school" their children/youth. In this setting they choose to provide secular and/or religious education in the home. These policies and guidelines provide direction for sacramental catechesis for those who home school their children/youth.

Policies and Guidelines

1. The proper context for the celebration of the sacraments is the parish community. "Liturgical services are not private functions, but are celebrations belonging to the Church, which is the 'sacrament of unity.' " [CSL, #26]

2. Sacramental catechesis "is an essentially ecclesial act" (GDC, #78) and therefore "not an action which can be realized in the community on a private basis or by purely personal initiative"[(GDC, #219.b]. Sacramental catechesis, therefore, takes place in a parish based program.

> Those who home school their children are required to contact the pastor, or the one delegated by him to be in charge of the parish sacramental program for approval, prior to beginning any sacramental program.

> Those who choose to home school their children are to fully participate in the parish based program for sacramental catechesis;

> Parents/guardians who homeschool are to register their children for sacramental catechesis according to the regulations established by the parish;

> Parents/guardians who home school, together with their children, are to participate in all dimensions of the parish program for sacramental catechesis: catechetical, ritual, service, spiritual (retreats, etc.) and any other requirements for sacramental preparation as determined by the parish;

> Parents/guardians who home school, together with their children, will use the catechetical text and supplementary catechetical resources established by the parish program;

 

3. Liturgical celebrations have an integral role in sacramental catechesis since "catechesis is intrinsically bound to every liturgical and sacramental action" {GDC, 30}. Thus, the liturgy "is therefore the privileged place for catechizing the People of God" (CCC, #1074). Through the prayers, symbols, gestures, music and actions of the liturgical prayers, the faithful receive formation intimately connected to the catechesis which follows.

> Parents/guardians and their children/youth are to fully participate in all of the liturgical prayers scheduled in the parish based program for sacramental preparation.

>As parishioners of the parish, families who homeschool are expected to participate weekly in the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist in the parish.

4. All parish-based programs for sacramental catechesis include formation of adults in the parish, especially those whose children/youth are preparing to receive a sacrament. The catechesis of children/youth and the catechesis of adults "should not be separate watertight compartments" (GDC, #72). This structure promises unity of vision within the parish and fosters harmony among the people of God.

>Parents/guardians and sponsors [where applicable] of home schoolers will fully participate in all adult catechetical formation programs related to sacramental preparation of children/youth in the parish-based program.

> Parents/guardians and sponsors [where applicable] are expected to participate in all other activities as required in the program, i.e., interviews, etc.

 

5. Children not baptized as infants who have attained the use of reason and are of catechetical age are to be prepared for the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and eucharist (sic) according to the Rite of Christian Initation of Adults (RCIA, #252.).

6. The diocesan bishop has the responsibility "to issue norms concerning catechetics" [CL, #775.1] and to ensure that all who exercise this ministry are in communion with him.

> The policies, guidelines and directions developed by the diocese for sacramental catechesis are applicable to all those who home school their children/youth.

These policies and guidelines are meant to promote the evangelizing potential of sacramental catechesis in the life of the Church. We pray that our Catholic people will be set ablaze with a desire to live their sacramental life fully and share it freely with others. May their eagerness to live the sacramental life bring transformation to the whole world.

Approved by the Bishops of Florida

March 6, 2000

Policy 3.e. Parents have a right to the assistance and support from the parish leadership in meeting their responsibilities to their children. When parents decide to homeschool their children (homeschool denotes a family that assumes responsibility of teaching all academic subjects in the home or a family that uses public education but desires to do religious instruction and formation in the home), it is expected that they will provide a regular, thorough catechesis and formation for their children. Though homeschooled children are expected to meet the same standards as other students, they are not required to attend the parish religioius education classes. In preparation for the sacraments, however, the children must attend parish rehearsals, and be invited to attend retreats or other formation activities. Parents should attend the appropriate sacramental meetings that the parish schedules for adult formation and information.

The Pastor has the final responsibility to evaluate readiness for reception of a given sacrament, and he should clearly state for all parish families how he will determine that readiness. In determining readiness, the process should not contain requirements that are more or less demanding than they are for other children. Parents who decide to homeschool need to review their educational materials and formational program with their Pastor.

While parents are the primary educators of their children, their interpretation of doctrine can never supercede the legitimate teaching authority of the Pastors of the Church.

Policy 4.b. Parishes have been directed to put into effect parent programs that directly involves parents in the formal preparation of their children for the reception of the sacraments. Such programs are to be continued and perfected. Parishes where parents have not been involved in the sacramental preparation of their children are to initiate a parent program. These programs have a two-fold purpose: 1) to supplement and update the parents' understanding of the sacrament; 2) to provide parents with the practical tools to help their children understand the sacrament.

d. Parents have a right to expect assistance from the parish which will enable them to meet their responsibilities as the primary religious educators of their children (NCD #60d, 224).

 

 

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Diocese of Lansing

MEMO

DATE: August 30, 1999

TO: Pastors, Pastoral Coordinators, Principals, DRE's, Youth Ministers, Education Commission Chairpersons

FROM: Dr. Dorita Wotiska, O.P.

RE: Diocese of Lansing Policy and Administrative Regulation for Faith Formation and Religious Education for Home Schooling Programs - First Reading

Many of you have called, requesting assistance with Faith Formation and Religious Education for Home Schooling Programs. Bishop Mengeling directed me to develop a policy and administrative regulation to address this concern.

 

Enclosed is a copy of the First Draft of the Diocese of Lansing Policy and Administrative Regulation for Faith Formation and Religious Education for Home Schooling Programs. Please review these with the appropriate groups in your parish and educational setting. After the review, kindly send me one consensus response, if you have one. If you accept what is printed, please indicate that you accept either by calling the office (517) 342-2520) or by mail.

 

Please have your reply to me no later than October 1, 1999.

 

Thank you for your time and assistance.

 

SDW/Jlh

Enclosure

It is the obligation of the parish leadership to provide religious education programming for children/young people. There are situations where some families choose to "home school" their children/young people. It must be understood that these efforts cannot be done independently of the parish setting. The following guidelines give direction to such efforts.

 

1. The primary responsibility of parents for the education of their children in the Faith cannot be interpreted in an isolated way, since the family is an integral part of the larger ecclesial community. All religious education must be carried out in a way that builds unity within the Church. Catholic homeschooling must promote that understanding that being a Christian is not a private matter, of individual choice, but rather of a personal vocation within the context of the Church lived out in the experience of the parish community.

 

2. The pastor has the obligation to know the parents' intention to home school their children/young people; therefore, parents must notify the pastor of their decision. Parents are required to follow the guidelines set by the pastor and must register their child/young person with the parish Director/Coordinator of Religious Education.

 

3. Home schooling parents are responsible for the participation of their child/young person in the immediate sacramental preparation as required or approved by the parish, through interviews for sacramental readiness, practice for sacramental celebrations, appropriate initiation rites and retreats.

 

4. Home schooling parents must participate in parish parent meetings and parent preparation programs for the sacraments as requested or approved by the parish.

 

5. Parents must participate in catechetical formation so that they will be able to prepare their child/young person for the sacraments, in collaboration with the parish community. This is supported by:

Canon 780 "Local Ordinaries are to ensure the catechists are duly trained to carry out their office properly, namely, that continued formation is available to them, that they have and (sic) appropriate knowledge of the teaching of the Church, and that they learn both the theory and the practice of the principles of pedagogy.

 

6. With regard to the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation, parents must ensure that their children/young people are correctly prepared and connected to the local parish and participate in the appropriate religious education programs.

 

7. The pastor and Director/Coordinator of Religious Education will require a periodic written and oral report, to be made by the home schooling parents. A form should be developed by the parish to assist in this reporting. Children/young people must be interviewed by the Pastor, Director of Religious Education or designated representative to determine their understanding of and readiness for the reception of the Sacraments.

 

8. Since the passing on of the faith is the responsibility of the whole parish community; pastors, parents, and directors of religious education must collaborate to insure (sic) that the children/young people are appropriately catechized and prepared for the reception of the sacraments. As parishioner, (sic) families are expected to regularly participate in the parish Sunday liturgy.

 

9. The rights of children and young people, to catechetical formation, can best be served when pastors, parents and catechists offer formation appropriate to the level, development and disposition of the young person.

 

10. The parish Director/Coordinator should serve as a resource to the parents. Approved textbooks and other appropriate materials must be used in all seasons. The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the General Directory of Catechesis are excellent resources of parents and catechists.

Regulations

Approved___________

DIOCESE of LANSING, Lansing, Michigan

Keeping It Catholic received the Lansing, MI final draft statement during the week of June 17, 20000.

 

The Religious education/faith formation of children and youth is the

responsibility of parents, pastors and the local parish community. The Code

of Canon Law provides the direction:

Can. 226 #2 Because they gave life to their children, parents have the most

serious obligation and the right to educate them. It is therefore primarily

the responsibility of Christian parents to ensure the Christian education of

their children in accordance with the teaching of the Church.

Can. 773 Pastors of souls especially have the proper and serious duty of

seeing to the catechesis of the Christian people, so that, through doctrinal

formation and experience of the Christian life, the faith of the people may

be living, manifest and active.

Can. 774 #1 The care for catechesis, under the direction of lawful

ecclesiastical authority extends to all members of the Church, to each

according to his or her role.

Can. 774 #2 Before all others, parents are bound to form their children, by

word and example, in faith and in Christian living. The same obligation

binds sponsor and those who take the place of parents.

Can. 793 #1 Parents, and those who take their place, have both the obligation

and the right to educate their children. Catholic parents have also the duty

and the right to choose those means and institutes which, in their local

circumstances, can best promote the Catholic education of their children.

Can. 793 #2 Parents have moreover the right to avail themselves of that

assistance from civil society which they need to provide a Catholic education

for their children.

Can. 794 #1 The Church has in a special way the duty and the right of

educating, for it has a divine mission of helping all to arrive at the

fullness of Christian life.

Can. 794 #2 Pastors of souls have the duty of making all possible

arrangements so that all the faithful may avail themselves of a Catholic

education.

Can. 798 Parents are to send their children to those schools which will

provide for their Catholic education. If they cannot do this, they are bound

to ensure the proper Catholic education of their children outside the school.

 

POLICY WORKSHEET

It is the obligation of the parish leadership to provide religious education

programming for children/young people. There are situations where some

families choose to "home school" their children/young people. It must be

understood that these efforts cannot be done independently of the parish

setting. The following guidelines, quoted in Responsibilities and Rights of

Parents in Religious Education, page 8, numbers 1, 2 and 3, give direction to

such efforts.

 

1. Parents have the freedom to undertake systematic catechesis of their own children in preparation for the sacraments. For this reason parents may use other means to catechize their children in the place of parish-sponsored programs, subject only to the doctrinal authority of the Church and to the virtue of prudence.

 

2. Pastors have principal practical authority over the administration of the sacraments. For this reason, pastors are to judge the eligibility and proper disposition of candidates for the first reception of the sacraments and they are to set the time, place, and manner of the reception of a sacrament, subject only to the doctrine and discipline of the Church regarding sacraments and to the virtue of prudence.

 

3. When pastors or their representatives require that children must attend parish religious education programs or that home schooling parents must accept non-essential parish and diocesan regulation of their home catechesis as a condition for receiving a first sacrament, the pastors violate, not only the parents' right to be the principal educators of their children, but also the parents' right to religious freedom, two rights that are morally guaranteed to parents by the teaching of the Second Vatican Council and subsequent papal teaching. 1

 

4. The parish Director/Coordinator should serve as a resource to the parents assisting them in selecting appropriate materials and in providing opportunities for spiritual formation.

 

 The Religious education/faith formation of children and youth is the responsibility of parents, pastors, and the local parish community. The Code of Canon Law supports this direction:

Can. 773 Pastors of souls especially have the proper and serious duty of seeing to the catechesis of the christian (sic) people, so that, through doctrinal formation and experience of the christian (sic) life, the faith of the people may be living, manifest and divine.

Can. 774.1 The care for catechesis, under the direction of lawful ecclesiastical authority, extends to all members of the Church, to each according to his or her role.

Can. 774.2 Before all others, parents are bound to form their children, by word and example, in faith and in christian (sic) living. The same obligation binds sponsors and those who take the place of parents.

 

Therefore it is the obligation of the parish leadership to provide religious education programming for children/young people. There are situations where some families choose to "home school" their children/young people. It must be understand that these efforts cannot be done independently of the parish setting. The following guidelines give direction to such efforts.

 

1. The primary responsibility of parents for the education and formation of their children in the Faith cannot be interpreted in an isolated way, since the family is an integral part of the larger ecclesial community. All religious education must be carried out in a way that builds unity within the Church. No homeschooling can be tolerated which does not promote the understanding that being a Christian is not a private matter of individual choice but rather a personal vocation within the context of the Church lived out in the experience of the parish community.

 

2. Since the pastor has the obligation to know of the parents' intention to home school their children/young people, parents must notify the pastor early in the process. Parents are required to follow the guidelnes set by the pastor and must register their child/young person with the parish Director/Coordinator of Religious Education.

 

3. Home schooling parents are responsible for the participation of thier child/young person in the immediate sacramental preparation as required or approved by the parish, through interviews for sacramental readiness, practice for sacramental celebrations, appropriate initiation rites and retreats.

 

4. Home schooling parents must participate in parish parent meetings and parent preparation programs for the sacraments.

 

5. Parents have the responsibility to participate in catechetical formation so that they will be able to prepare their child/young person for the sacraments, in collaboration with the parish community. This is supported by:

Canon. 780 Local Ordinaries are to ensure that catechists are duly trained to carry out their office properly, namely, that continuing formation is available to them, that they have an appropriate knowledge of the teaching of the Church, and that they learn both the theory and the practice of the principles of pedagogy.

 

6. With regard to the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation, parents must ensure that their children/young people are correctly prepared and connected to the local parish.

 

7. The pastor and Director/Coordinator of Religious Education will require a periodic progress report to be made by the homeschooling parents. A form should be developed by the parish to assist in this reporting. Children/young people must be interviewed by the Pastor, Director of Religious Education or designated representative to determine their understanding of and readiness for the reception of the Sacraments.

 

8. Since the passing on of the faith tradition is the responsibility of the whole parish community, pastors, parents, and directors of religious education must collaborate to insure (sic) that the children/young people are appropriately catechized and prepared for the reception of the sacraments. As parishioners, families are expected to participate in the parish Sunday liturgy.

 

9. The rights of children and young people to catechetical formation can best be served when pastors, parents, and catechists offer formation appropriate to the level, development and disposition of the young person.

 

10. The parish Director/Coordinator should serve as a resource to the parents. Approved textbooks and other appropriate materials must be used in all sessions. The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the General Directory of Catechesis are excellent resources for parents and catechists.

The Office of Religious Education with the Office of Catholic Schools under the direction of the Executive Director of Christian Formation and approval of Archbishop Schulte makes the following statement regarding home schooling for religious education.

It is the responsibility of the diocesan bishop to issue norms concerning catechetics and to make provision that suitable instruments for catechesis are available. (canon 775 S1)

Pastors have the responsibility for sacramental preparation and all catechesis so that the faith of the faithful becomes living, explicit and productive through formation in doctrine and the experience of Christian living. (Canons 843 S2; 773; 777)

In the spirit of the letter dated, November 21, 1991, written by Rev. Msgr. Robert Massett, the following similar statement was made. It has been decided that as of the 1992-3 school year, religion programs in private non-sectarian schools will no longer be approved or allowed to replace catechetical instruction or sacramental preparation in the church parish.

In light of the entire process for catechesis to include knowledge, the co unity, service, and worship, home schooling cannot replace catechetical instruction or sacramental preparation in the church parish. (GCD #17; NCD #32; CT #20-26,) The parish must continue to be the prime mover and pre-eminent place for catechesis. (CT #67)

Home schooling is not to be confused with catechesis held in homes which follow criteria stated below:

1. Pastor approval of the program.

2. Local DRE approval and supervision of the program and catechists implementing the program.

3. Catechesis must follow the curriculum guide of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

4. Parish evaluation of each group and individual in written and/or oral forms must be established before the program begins.

 

These are the Guidelines set forth for use in the Diocese of Palm Beach concerning parents who choose to catechize their children at home without the benefit of the prescribed program for the Parish. We distinguish here between the Parish prescribed, supervised Program for home lectionary-based catechesis and the self prescribed catechesis for home study.

Statement

The Office of Catechesis and Leadership Development, with the approval of Bishop J. Keith Symons and Reverend Francis Lechiare, Vicar for Education, make the following statement regarding home schooling for religious education K-12.

It is the responsibility of the Diocesan Bishop to issue norms concerning catechetics and to make provision that suitable instruments for catechesis are available. (Canon 775 #1)

Pastors have the responsibility for sacramental preparation and all catechesis so that the faith of the faithful becomes living, explicit, and productive through formation in doctrine and the experience of Christian living. (Canons 843 #2; 773; 777)

In the light of the entire process for catechesis to include the four components of knowledge, community, service and worship, home schooling alone cannot replace catechesis or sacramental preparation in the church parish. (General Catechetical Directory #17; National Catechetical Directory #32; Catechesi Tradendae #202-26). The parish must continue to be the prime mover and preeminent place for catechesis. (CT #67)

Of the educational programs available to the Catholic community, Catholic schools afford the fullest and best opportunity to realize the fourfold purpose (message, community, service, worship) of Christian education among children and young people. (To Teach as Jesus Did; Sharing the Light of Faith) Studies have shown that the support and involvement of parents is essential to the process.

Guidelines for Religious Education Home Schooling

When parents decide to be responsible for the total religious education of the child(ren), they will meet the following criteria:

1. Parents will register in their parish and declare their option for home schooling.

2. Certificates of Baptism must be submitted to the Director of Religious Education upon request.

3. An in-depth interview should take place with the Pastor and/or the Director of Religious Education and Parents, discerning the reasons for not including their children with others of the parish. Frequently, real or imagined problems can be resolved, and the children can be integrated into the regular classes provided by the parish.

4. The Pastor and/or Director of Religious Education will approve the home program and text(s). The preferred text will be the one used in the parish religious education program or the parish elementary school program.

5. The Pastor, parish priest, parish Director of Religious Education, or their designate will meet periodically with the home catechists to review the progress of the program.

6. The home catechists will follow the curriculum prescribed for all students of the parish Religious Education program.

7. The parents and children enrolled in parish Religious Education programs, a Catholic school, or home schooling will participate in the Immediate Preparation Program in the parish (including all parent meetings and rehearsals). The readiness of the child(ren) for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation and Penance will be mutually determined by the home catechist and pastor or his designee. (Canons 843.2, 890)

8. Reception of the Sacraments of Initiation and Penance will take place in the family's parish of registration.

9. Unless otherwise indicated, the catechesis taught in the home is only for the children living in that home.

Guidelines for Academic Home Schooling K-12

1. Parents who choose Academic Home Schooling for their child(ren) will follow Florida State law and register with the Public School District in which they reside, or they will register in an Independent Private School incorporated in the Sate of Florida under Florida Statute #623.

2. Parents who choose to withdraw their child(ren) from the Catholic School for home schooling will request their child(ren)'s school records from the public school district in which they reside. The Catholic School will forward the child(ren)'s records to the Public School District in which the family resides. Upon the request of the parents, the Public School District will forward the records to a designated Independent Private School or Public School.

Resources

Family to Family

Seton Home Study

The parishes and schools of the Diocese of Peoria endorse the concept of Home Schooling and will cooperate with those parishioners who elect to educate their children through home schooling.

AR

E - 131

Catholic parents are at liberty to educate their children at home even in the presence of parish schools. The administrators and teachers of the school of the parish to which these parents belong will assist the parents in the education of the children to a reasonable degree.

It shall be the obligation of the parent to see that the non-public registration enrollment and staff report (87-01) is completed in a proper manner and contains the appropriate information about the home-schooled child. It shall also be the obligation of the parent to arrange for all requisite testing of the child at that time when the child registers at the local (public or) Catholic school. Finally, it shall be the obligation of the parent to insure that the child receives an adequate education in the courses and branches of education taught to the children of corresponding age and grade in the (public or) Catholic School and to complete the Nonpublic Registration. Enrollment and Staff Report (87.01) in a timely manner.

The parish school will provide textbooks to the parents of the home schooled child on the same terms as it provides for the children in attendance at the parish school. The parish school will permit the home schooled child to attend some classes at the parish school, space permitting, at a tuition rate which is pro-rated against the total tuition of the school according to the classification of the parent and child.

The parish school will permit the home schooled child to participate in extra- and co-curricular activities as long as such participation does not contradict any applicable state law.

Pastors will make reasonable attempts to identify parishioners who are engaged in home schooling.

Finally, those home-school students who have interacted with their Pastors in sacramental preparation may receive the Sacraments with appropriate classes.

Approved:

Monsignor James F. Campbell

Vicar General

Dr. Melvin H. Kuhbander

Superintendent of Schools

Date: March 19, 1996 / Feast of St. Joseph

3. Children being educated at home are to receive First Penance, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation in their own parish church. (Cf. "Archdiocesan Policy Statements: "Confirmation and First Holy Communion," July, 1994.)

4. A pastor or his delegate is to meet with the parents and the child at least twice during the period in which the child is preparing to receive these sacraments. At these meetings, the parents are to discuss with the pastor or his delegate the plan that is being used to prepare the child for the reception of the sacraments.

5. Parents are to review with the pastor or his delegate the instructional materials that are being used to prepare children for the reception of the sacraments. The parish is to make available to the parents a copy of the "Archdiocesan Guidelines for the Reception of the Sacraments," as well as copies of textbooks and other resources that are used in the parish school or the parish religious education program. Parents may use these materials or any other suitable materials that are judged to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

6. Attendance at Parish Religious Education classes may not be made a condition for the reception of these sacraments.

7. Children being educated at home are to receive these sacraments at the same age as other children from the parish.

8. Children being educated at home are to be invited and strongly encouraged to participate in all liturgies for those preparing for sacraments since the liturgy is the source and summit of Christian life and the privileged place of catechesis. This invitation and encouragement should include other special events supporting sacramental preparation. (CF. Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1074)

9. Parents of children being educated at home are to be notifed concerning special programs that the parish is sponsoring for parents of children preparing to receive these sacraments. Parents should be encouraged to have their children participate in these programs; however, children may not be denied the reception of these sacraments because of the failure of parents to participate in these programs.

10. Cases of doubt should always be resolved in favor of the right of the child to receive the sacrament.

The Diocese of Phoenix has established guidelines that St. Catherine must follow. The guidelines include that first and second grade re: attendance is mandatory for receiving First Communion. All students must have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation the year prior to receiving the First Holy Communion. All students must attend at least 80% of the classes to make the Sacrament. No late registrants will be permitted to make Holy Communion. There will be no exceptions.

A. Mindful of parents' privilege as the primary educators of their children in the ways of faith, we also recognize that the sacraments are properly to be celebrated within the context of the parish community. The rights and responsibilities of parents and parishes alike in this endeavor call for a true partnership between the two.

B. Whether their children attend a parish religious education program, a Catholic school, or are instructed at home, parents are required to participate actively in preparing their children to receive the sacraments, especially Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation. This includes participation in the parish sacramental preparation programs and sacramental celebrations.

C. In light of the entire process for catechesis to include the four components of knowledge, community, service and worship, home schooling alone cannot replace catechesis or sacramental preparation in the parish church. (GCD #17; NCD #32; CT #202-26) The parish must continue to be the prime mover and preeminent place for catechesis. (CT #67)

D. "By virtue of his office, the parish priest is bound to ensure the catechetical formation of adults, young people and children." (Canon Law #776) "In a special way the parish priest is to ensure, in accordance with the norms laid down by the diocesan Bishop that an adequate catechesis is given for the celebration of the sacraments; children are properly prepared for first confession and first holy communion, and for the sacrament of confirmation, by means of catechetical formation over an appropriate period of time; children after they have made their first holy communion, are given a richer and deeper catechetical formation." (Canon Law #777.1.2.3)

E. When parents decide to be responsible for the total religious education of their child(ren), they will meet the following criteria:

1) Parents will register in their parish and declare their option for home schooling.

2) Materials must be on the approved list provided by the Vicariate of Christian Formation. The preferred text will be the one used in the parish religious education program of the parish elementary school program. The pastor or parish life coordinator will approve the home program and text(s).

3) The home schoolers will follow the Religion Curriculum Guidelines for the Diocese of Phoenix.

4) The pastor, or his designate, will meet periodically with the home schoolers to review the progress of the program.

5) Reception of the Sacraments of Initiation and Reconciliation will be celebrated in the family's parish of registration.

F. The Vicariate of Christian Formation which includes the Catholic Schools Office and Office of Catechetical Ministry acknowledges the right of parents as the primary educators of their children. "Under the supervision of legitimate ecclesiastical authority this concern for catechesis pertains to all the members of the Church in proportion to one's role. Parents above others are obliged to form their children in the faith and Christian life by word and example." (Canon Law #774.1 &.2) Parents who choose to do home schooling are exercising that right. While the mission of the Catholic Schools Office is to support administrators in maintaining quality Catholic schools, it recognizes home schooling as a parent's choice for their children's education. This recognition does not imply support services to parents in their implementation of home schooling.

G. Parents choosing to home school their child/ren must complete the Home School Affidavit of Intent and send it to the County Superintendent of Schools, along with a copy of the birth certificate.

H. A clearly defined policy should be in place at each local Catholic school to govern the acceptance of home schooled children.

I. A diploma from a school indicates regular attendance at that school and successful completion of the accepted curriculum of the school. It is not properly issued to a home schooled student.

J. Whether in Catholic schools, parish religious education programs or home schooling, it is essential that Catholic education foster strong Catholic identity, love for personal and communal prayer, regular Mass attendance and service to others.

What are the local Church policies affecting home catechesis? What is required of students? of parents? of pastors? The following passages are drawn from diocesan documents and adapted for homeschooling families and their pastors.

Parents who wish to homeschool their children in religious education should schedule a meeting with a parish priest to discuss their plans for catechesis. Parishes for their part should make available to homeschooling parents any resources such as textbooks and support materials that the parish uses in religious education. Homeschooling families can elect to use these materials or other suitable materials of their own choosing. Though homeschooled children are expected to meet the same standards as other students (the published catechetical guidelines) they are not required to attend CCD or other classes. When service projects or other works are required, the parents may be entrusted to oversee the work.

In preparation for the sacraments, however, the children should attend rehearsals and their parents should attend appropriate meetings for adults. All materials that parents choose for home catechesis should be sound in Catholic doctrine and in conformity with the published standards and teachings of the Church. Parents should review their educational materials with their pastor. It is the pastor whom the Church has called to work with parents to determine a child's readiness for reception of the sacraments. Both pastor and parents should be acquainted with the diocesan catechetical guidelines and the "Instrument for Evaluation of Catechetical Textbooks and Materials 'promulgated to ensure texts' conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Assistance in this important work is available through the Department for Religious Education/CCD. Call 456-3112.

First Penance/Eucharist

127.1 The time of formation must be understood to include the whole period following the child's baptism. Thus, parents are to help their children develop a life of prayer, a knowledge and love of Jesus Christ and his teachings, and a practical relationship with the local Church.

127.2 Through support and practical helps, parishes should assist parents fulfill this role in the first several years of a child's life.

For children who are formally schooled at home as for any other child proximate preparation for the sacraments of penance and Eucharist begin to intensify when children approach the age of reason. Parents who homeschool their children should make an initial contact with their pastor at this time if they have not already.

Parishes must provide the parents with a set of expectations for their child at this time. Those expectations must include conformity to the Sacraments of Initiation Policies of the Diocese of Pittsburgh as well as all other catechetical policies established or promulgated by the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

As immediate preparation for the sacrament approaches pastor and parents need to discuss:

1. Options for Celebrations of the Sacraments

In accord with parish policy the child may receive each sacrament individually with the family or within a group.

2. Welcome at Parish Events

Parishes encourage homeschooling parents and children to participate in parent meetings retreat service social activities and practices connected with the sacraments.

Parish staff should include homeschooling families in any informational mailings from the parish dealing with the sacraments and surrounding events as well as pertinent information about gathering the child's baptismal certificate when necessary. Six months prior to the scheduled sacraments, parents will need to arrange an interview between the pastor(or his delegate) and their child to determine the child's readiness and to allow time to make adjustments in any further preparation, if necessary. Interviews are to be based upon the requirements noted in the Sacrament Policies and information stated in the Catechetical Curriculum Guidelines, Diocese of Pittsburgh.

136.1 All parents should be gathered and prepared in the year or so prior to the celebration of First Communion.

A. The parents of all candidates should be reminded of their unique and God-given role in the Christian formation of their children. They should be given an opportunity to receive practical information concerning preparations for the first eucharistic Communion of their children, and for the celebration of the sacrament of penance during the time of formation. In addition, they should have the opportunity for personal spiritual preparation for these celebrations.

B. Parents who for the first time are leading a child to Eucharistic Communion are to be provided with catechesis to deepen their understanding, and appreciation of the Eucharist in the life of the Church and in their own lives. They should also be helped to appreciate the relationship between such Communion and the call and dignity of baptism. Within this context, they are to be offered catechesis concerning the Church's ministry of reconciliation, celebrated in the sacrament of penance and fulfilled at the table of the Lord.

C. Parents who have previously participated in such programs are to be welcomed to take part again.

D. Parents and families with special needs (e.g., family crisis, alienation from Church) are to receive particular pastoral attention to enable them to participate fruitfully in the celebration of the sacrament.

136.2 A candidate whose parents do not participate in special programs may not for this reason be deprived of the right to eucharistic Communion (Code of Canon of Law 843; 912).

Confirmation

100.1 The time of formation is understood to include the whole period following baptism.

102.1 Specific preparation of the candidates for confirmation is to occur during the year preceding the celebration of the rite. In the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the latter occurs in the 8th- or 9th-grade year, depending upon the parish.

The homeschooling parents and student should make initial contact with the pastor in the beginning of the 7th-grade year, or the time of proximate preparation. Including the student in this initial interview will give the pastor a basic sense of the depth of the child's religious formation to this point.

Parishes are to provide the parents with a set of expectations for their child. Those expectations include conformity to the above named Sacrament Policies, as well as information from the Catechetical Curriculum Guidelines, Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Parishes encourage homeschooling parents and children to participate in parent meetings, retreat, service, social activities, and other practices connected with the sacrament of confirmation.

Parish staff should include homeschooling families in any informational mailings from the parish dealing with the sacraments and surrounding events, as well as pertinent information about gathering the child's baptismal certificate and sponsor certificates, when necessary. Six months following the initial meeting with the pastor, parents should arrange an additional interview between the pastor and their child to determine the child's readiness and to allow time to make adjustments in further preparation, if necessary. Interviews are to be based upon the requirements noted in the Sacrament Policies and information stated in the Catechetical Curriculum Guidelines, Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Parental Formation

105.1 In the case of candidates who are children, their parents should be gathered and prepared in the year or so prior to the celebration of confirmation.

A. The parents of all candidates are to be reminded of their unique and God-given role in the Christian formation of their children. They should be given an opportunity to receive practical information concerning preparations for confirmation. In addition, they should have the opportunity for personal spiritual preparation for the sacramental preparation.

B. Parents who for the first time are leading a child to confirmation are to receive catechesis about the sacrament in order to deepen their understanding and appreciation of confirmation in the life of the Church and in their own lives.

C. Parents who have previously participated in such programs should be welcomed to take part again.

D. Parents and families with special needs (e.g., family crisis alienation from the Church) are to receive particular pastoral attention to enable them to participate to fruitfully in the celebration of the sacrament.

105.2 A candidate whose parents do not participate in special programs may not for this reason be deprived of the right to confirmation (Code of Canon Law 843, 912).

Homeschooling parents who wish to read the Diocese of Pittsburgh's guidelines for catechesis or for sacramental preparation, or the instrument for evaluation of catechetical materials, may find copies at the Learning Media Center at St. Paul Seminary. Parents who wish to buy copies of these documents may do so by contacting the Secretariat for Education at 456-3100.

BACKGROUND

 

Catholic home-based religious education is the way some parents are responding to a particular charge from the Church. Throughout the 20th centruy, the Church has called parents to be the "primary educators" of their children.

 

In his 1994 "Letter to Families," Pope John Paul II wrote: "Parents are the first and most important educators of thier own children, and they also possess a fundamental competence in this area; they are educators because they are parents." (16)

 

The Second Vatican Council in its "Declaration on Christian Education" (5) also affirmed the "primary and inalienable right and duty" of parents to educate their children. In the "Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World" the council fathers go on to say: "By their very nature the institution of matrimony itself and conjugal love are ordained for the procreation and education of children...Graced with the dignity and office of fatherhood and motherhood, parents will energetically acquit themselves of a duty which devolves primarily on them; namely, education and especially religious education." (48)

 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children: "They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and ...service are the rule. The home is well suited for education in the virtues." (2223)

 

Catholic home educators have taken these teachings literally and have taken them to heart. They have responded with their time, attention, and love, giving their days over to the personal care and tutoring of their children. Yet they do not labor alone. Catechesis is the work of the whole Church, and the members have different responsibilities (cf. "Catechesi Tradendae" 16). Parents are their children's primary educators, but not their only educators.

 

The Church calls herself mother and teacher. As teacher, the Church is the guarantor of the soundness of Christian doctrine whenever that doctrine is conveyed. Pope John Paul II urged bishops to "let the concern to foster active and effective catechesis yield to no other care whatever in any way ("Catechesi Tradendae" 63). He directed bishops to take on the "chief" management of catechesis," while at the same time surrounding themselves with competent and trustworthy assistants. A bishop serves all catechists, whether in the school, the parish, or the home, by offering them clear Catholic doctrine and ensuring the soundness of their teaching.

 

In this service, pastors, according to Pope John Paul II, are the "immediate assistants" of their bishops and are urged to "neglect nothing with a view to a well-organized and well-oriented catechetical effort" (Ibid, 64). Because of this charge, pastors have the chief responsibility for fostering, guiding, and coordinating catechesis. Canon 777 clearly states:

 

"In accord with the norms established by the diocesan bishop, the pastor is to make particular provision:

 1. that suitable catechesis is given for the celebration of the sacraments

2. that children are properly prepared for the first reception of the sacraments of penance (sic) and Most Holy Eucharist and the sacrament of Confirmation by means of a catechetical formation given over an appropriate period of time;

3. that children are more fruitfully and deeply instructed through catechetical formation after the reception of First Communion;

4. that catechetical formation also be given to those handicapped in body or mind insofar as their condition permits

5. that the faith of young people and adults be fortified, enlightened and developed through various means and endeavors. (Canon 777)

Therefore, all engaged in the catechetical ministry are obligated to fulfill their duties in cooperation with the bishop and pastor in this single commission to educate in Christ's name (Canon 774,776).

(KIC NOTE: Brackets [ ] indicate a correction indicated on the proposed guidelines draft. Strikethroughs as seen below (example: this is a strikethrough) were also on the original draft.

1. The catechetical leader should meet with the parents and [should offer to] assist them in choosing suitable catechetical materials, including textbooks and other appropriate resources from the Diocesan Media Library.

2. The catechetical leader should provide parents with the diocesan Religion Course of Study and encourage them to follow it.

3. The catechetical leader should provide [offer] parents with training in the use of the catechetical materials they have chosen.

4. The catechetical leader should invite the parents to attend any parent meetings scheduled throughout the year. He/she should also invite the families to the Masses and prayer services preapred to include the children of the parish.

5. The catechetical leader and the parents should agree on [try to establish} a regular means of evaluating the progress of the children receiving religious education at home. The catechetical leader should maintan regular contact with the parents.

6. The pastor and catechetical leader will collaborate with the parents who present their children for the reception of the sacraments in order to ensure that the children are properly prepared.

a. a partnership between parents and parish is always to be the norm for sacramental preparation; requirements for homeschooled children should be neither more nor less demanding than they are for other children.

b. since sacraments are community celebrations, and Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist are sacraments of initiation into the community, preparation necessarily encourages and facilitates community involvement.

1. Parents will [have the responsibility] to register their household with the parish and state their wish to catechize their own children.

2. Parents will meet with the pastor/catechetical leader to discuss the catechetical plan.

3. Parents are encouraged [will be offered] to follow the diocesan Religion Course of Study and to use the parish textbooks. The Diocesan MedianLibrary is another valuable resource to help supplement their educational efforts.

4. Parents and children are encouraged to participate in parish liturgies and/or other events prepared specifically for children and their families.

5. Parents are encouraged to meet with the pastor, catechetical leaders or their designate periodicically to review the progress of their catechetical efforts.

6. Parents who wish to present their children for the reception of the sacraments will [are responsible to] collaborate with the pastor/catechetical leader to ensure that the children are properly prepared:

a. a partnership between parents and parish is the norm for sacramental preparation

b. since sacraments are community celebrations, and Baptism, Confirmaton and Eucharist are sacraments of initiation in to the community, preparation necessarily encourages and facilitates community involvement.

 

POLICY 200: Parishes shall provide for the catechetical formation of adults, young people and children (see Code of Canon Law, Canons 773, 776, 777), through systematic formal catechesis of sufficient length and intensity to ensure effective faith and sacramental formation at each level. Parish catechetical programs should include the formation of persons of particular or cultural groups and persons with disabilities.

Guidelines for Implementation:

· The catechetical instruction for elementary students should follow the Diocesan Guidelines for Catechetical Curriculum. Grades One through Eight provided by the Office for Catechetical Ministry.

POLICY 201: Parents should notify the Pastor and/or Director of Catechetical Ministry of their desire/intention of home-schooling their children in religion and, according as required, register their child/children with the DCM.

Guidelines for Implementation:

· The DCM or Coordinator should serve as a resource to the parents, suggesting textbooks which the parish is using, other appropriate materials, etc.

· Periodic progress reports should be made by home-schooling parents to the DCM or Coordinator.

· Home-schooling parents should participate in parish parent meetings and in parent preparation programs for the sacraments.

· Home-schooling parents are responsible for the participation of their children in immediate sacramental preparation as required or approved by the parish.

POLICY 230: All active catechists and teachers of religion shall be certified or in the process of certification through the California Catechist Certification programs offered by the diocese. All certification is issued for three years, renewable.

1. Parish catechists and parochial school catechists, including all catechists of adolescents and catechists for Christian Initiation of Adults and Children of Catechetical age, shall obtain California Catechist Certification by completing one of the following:

a) the Basic Catechist Formation Course offered through the diocese;

or

b) the certification courses (totaling 45 hours) offered through the San Diego Diocesan Institute for Adult Education and Ministry Formation;

or

c) those specific courses or workshops, identified by means of an individual catechist profile evaluation, which remain necessary for certification.

2. Parochial school teachers shall have two years from the commencement of their service as religion teachers to complete catechist certification.

3. Catechists for preschool, special religious education and infant baptism programs shall be certified by completing the appropriate diocesan specialization course.

As primary educators of their children, parents have the right and responsibility to choose the best means of educating them. Historically, Catholic parents have focused on Catholic schools and parish schools of religion. Currently, some parents are choosing other means such as home schooling to educate their children. Canon law, however, clearly stipulates that the Archbishop of the Archdiocese approves any and all religious education programs if they are to be "Catholic." While home schooling may be a necessary and viable option for a variety of reasons, religious education is also the responsibility of the parish school and parish school of religion. All religious education programs are the responsibility of the local pastor.

The following guidelines have been formulated to give pastors and other parish educational leaders direction in relating to parents who choose to home school their children:

1. Parishes, utilizing Archdiocesan guidelines, should specify and articulate religious education requirements to parents who choose to home school. Regular meetings are encouraged between home school families and parish directors/coordinators of religious education.

2. Parents have an obligation to observe the religious education requirements outlined by the religious education leadership in the parish (pastor, director/coordinator of religious education, principal).

3. For the reception of the sacraments, parishes should provide guidance, identify resources and materials, and incorporate children who are home schooled into the parish celebration.

4. Only Archdiocesan approved religious education texts should be used in the religious education of children who are home schooled. All other religion texts need to be approved by the pastor or by the Office of Catechism of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.

5. Students who were home schooled and who wish placement in a Catholic school or parish school of religion will be assessed for placement at the appropriate grade level. The final decision in regard to this grade placement rests with the principal or director/coordinator of religious education.

6. Schools and parish schools of religion are not obligated to provide instructional materials for use in the home schooling situation nor are they obliged to enroll children in a part of the educational program of the school (fine arts classes, physical education classes, etc.). However, care should be taken to reach out to these families and, in the area of religious education, approved materials could be provided.

If a parent chooses to remove a child from a Catholic school or from the parish school of religion program for the purpose or home schooling, the pastor, principal or director/coordinator of religious education is not required to inform Archdiocesan or state officials of this action or maintain any records in regard to the child's program or progress in the home schooling situation. It should be noted on the child's cumulative record that he/she has been removed from the school/parish school of religion for the purpose of home schooling. The date of withdrawal should also be noted on the cumulative record.

July, 1997

 

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