Blessed Sacrament High School News

Background
The High School Program of Blessed Sacrament Parish is designed to provide an overview of the Catholic faith in grade 9 as a foundation for the Confirmation program which begins in grade 10and is completed in grade 11. Over the three years, the young adults are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the Catholic Faith and be fully participating in that faith. Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation begins in grade 10. The intent of the curriculum in grades 10 and 11 is to transition the student from a first level of faith, a learning and more passive faith experience, to the next level of faith, an active and participative level of faith. Participation in the High School Program is a requirement of Confirmation Preparation for young adults who attend public High School.

Expectations
Our Parish tries to emphasize the importance of young adults taking responsibility for their faith development. By the time the young adults are in High School, we expect each to acknowledge they are continuing a journey of faith which began at Baptism. This is a time for reflection and discernment. It is expected that parents will encourage and lead their young adults through example and prayer. Our catechists can only build and guide their classes. The fruit of their work is only an enrichment of what is done at home.

Requirements
Blessed Sacrament Religious Education requires the following with regards to the High School Program for young adults in public High School:
1. Attendance at all classes, Confirmation retreat and enrollment Mass.
2. Active participation during class
3. Regular attendance at weekly Liturgy (Sunday Mass)
4. 20 total hours of Community Service to be completed by the end of 10th grade.
5. Participate in an assessment and interview at the end of grade 11 to determine preparedness for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Young Adults who attend Catholic High School who are eligible to participate in the formal Confirmation Process in the fall of 11th grade are expected, while in High School to:
1. Attend Confirmation classes at Blessed Sacrament Religious Education Program, Confirmation retreat and enrollment Mass.
2. Actively participate in the Religion Classes of the Catholic High School
3. Regularly attend weekly Liturgy (Sunday Mass)
4. Contact the Religious Education Office should there be a change in address.
5. Complete 20 total hours of Community Service by the end of 10th Grade and show documentation to the Coordinator of Religious Education.
6. Participate in an assessment and interview at the end of grade11 to determine preparedness for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Attendance Policy
Attendance is mandatory. Because there are only 6 total classes per semester, attendance is required for each class. If a situation arises which causes a student to be absent, a parent must phone the Religious Education office (832-6161) prior to class. Missed lessons must be made-upby the student. Excessive absences can result in the student repeating the grade or not being confirmed. Extreme measures will only be taken after consultation with the student’s parents and as a last resort. Any student sincerely attempting to participate in the program need not be concerned.

Points of Order
It is critical to the success of our program that an atmosphere of order and discipline be maintained in all classes. The following will be the policy to maintain that order. Students who disrupt class to the extent that it prevents the teacher from teaching or distracts other students will be sent to the office. This first level of discipline will be handled by the program coordinator. If a student is sent to the office a second time, the coordinator will contact the student’s parents or guardian and work with them to improve the behavior. Should there be a third occurrence the student’s parents or guardian will again be contacted. This third meeting will result in either a significant improvement in the student’s behavior or expulsion from the program. If a student is expelled, his/her parents or guardian will have the option of teaching the student at home. The student could be allowed to return to the program the following year. The grade level will depend upon the level of improvement in the student’s behavior and the successful completion of the prior year’s course at home.

Service Hours
Beginning in 9th grade, youth will be asked to complete a total of 20 Community Service Hours in order to be eligible for the Sacrament of Confirmation. These hours are considered cumulative beginning in the Ninth Grade and continuing until May of Tenth Grade. It is expected that the youth will participate in a minimum of 5 Parish Service Hours as part of the total hours of Service.

***If any candidate for Confirmation has not completed 20 total Community Service Hours, the candidate will be deemed ineligible unless arrangements are made with the Religious Education Leader.

Some suggestions for possible Community Service with in Blessed Sacrament Parish are:
Altar Server
Usher
Lector Choir Member
Help with various Religious Education Dinners
Reconciliation Retreat
Reconciliation Reception
Eucharist Retreat Sacrament of Eucharist
Liturgy of the Word for Children
Parish Grounds Help
Vacation Bible School
St. Nicholas Raffle
Some suggestions for possible Community Service outside* of the Parish are:
St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy
Kevin Guest House
Various Walk-a-thons
Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts
Senior Citizens Groups
Tonawanda YES Program (information available at Religious Ed. Office)

*These are suggestions only; any outside service must be accompanied by a letter from the leader of the organization detailing what the service was and how many hours were completed. When deciding on service work always be guided by the Spiritual and Corporal works of mercy.

Corporal Works of Mercy
1. To feed the hungry.
2. To give drink to the thirsty.
3. To clothe the naked.
4. To comfort the sorrowful.
5. To shelter the homeless.
6. To visit the sick.
7. To bury the dead.

Spiritual Works of Mercy
1. Correct those who need it.
2. Teach the ignorant.
3.To counsel the doubtful.
4. Comfort those who suffer.
5. Be patient with others.
6. Forgive others who hurt you.
7. Pray for others.