• 2011-2012 Calendar for Pre-School Religious Education Program (PREP)
• PREP DEACON FAMILY SCHEDULE in Adobe Reader (pdf - 40 KB)
• Curriculum - Lesson Planning
• Opportunities to Partner with the Pre-School Religious Education Program (PREP)

PREP is designed to give preschool children ( ages 3 to 5 years) an introduction to basic Catholic Christian principles. Classes meet on Sunday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 am during the regular school year, beginning in September and continuing through April.

Class sessions include a gathering time for children to get to know each other, before the lesson of the week is presented. The lesson is taught with age appropriate activities, crafts, and catechist led discussions.

Parental involvement is key to the success of this program.

For more information call the Religious Education Office at 708-383-4185 or reled@stgilesparish.org.

2011-2012 Calendar in Adobe Reader (pdf - 160 KB)

See How to Participate in our Faith & Family Liturgy

• Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum - Lesson Planning in Adobe Reader (pdf - 33 KB) - Document
• Kindergarten Curriculum - Lesson Planning in Adobe Reader (pdf - 36 KB) - Document

PARENTS & PARISH PARTNERING TO HAND ON THE FAITH

The understanding of partnership is vital to the success of “HANDING ON THE FAITH” to the next generation of Catholic Christians. Parents have the MOST influence with regards to their child’s overall education and faith development.

The parish of St Giles provides four distinct programs to assist parents in handing on the faith to their children. While these programs provide a systematic structure of sharing our Catholic faith and traditions, it is the parents who have the greater opportunity to assist their child in living their Catholic faith in the everyday events that families live.

It is not enough to simply drop your child off for Religious Education class each week. You have the added responsibility of mentoring your child in living the faith.

Your active partnering with the Religious Education programs as a parent volunteer is one way in which you the parent may mentor your child in living the faith.

Regularly participating in mass and in the sacraments is another valuable way of mentoring your child in the faith.

If your faith is incorporated into your everyday life then faith will become an important part of your child’s life as well. Our Religious Education pages provides parents with many ways to become active partners with St. Giles parish in order to “hand on the faith”. Each family is to choose one area in which they are able to commit their time, and talent for the coming program year.

PARTNERS IN HANDING ON THE FAITH

Please keep in mind that since the program is parent run, the volunteer tasks are designed for the greatest extent possible for busy families with small children. Most positions can be shared, several require minimal time, and some can be completed from home or done with children in tow. Even the most challenged family (e.g. - six kids under five and a traveling spouse) is no match for our flexibility and creativity. Just contact a co-chair and we will find a way to include you.

Coordinators are in need of committee members to assist them with the tasks described. If the coordinator role is too overwhelming, join one of the committees as a volunteer worker!!!

IMPORTANT: * DENOTES THIS POSITION IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE PARENT COORDINATING BOARD.

* Co-chair Sr. (1)

This volunteer coordinates the PREP program by conducting board meetings, coordinating registration with the parish Religious Education office, and communicating with PREP families. This is a one year position.

* Co-chair Jr. (1)

This volunteer assists the senior Co-Chair and is a two year position. The first year is spent in a ‘less senior’ role, while the second year is spent in the more senior role. Duties are split between the two positions according to the familiarity with the PREP program and the co-chairs discretion.

* Secretary / Newsletter (1)

Takes minutes at the PREP board meetings and works with teachers to produce a weekly email newsletter which is posted on the parish’s website. COMMITTEE MEMBER.

* Communications (1)

This volunteer edits and updates the parent handbook as instructed by the board and also is responsible for designing and distributing the Christmas Pageant and Graduation invitations. COMMITTEE MEMBER.

PREP Catechists (8)

No teaching experience required as teaching materials and lesson guides will be provided. Each class is equipped with two adult catechists and will also have two junior high school student aides plus a volunteer classroom craft parent. PREP volunteer catechists are to attend a classroom management and a lesson planning workshops. Participation in continuing adult formation events held in the parish are strongly encouraged. Background check required.

* Craft-Coordinator (1-2)

This Adult Volunteer works with the Classroom Craft Volunteers to produce the needed materials for the individual classroom's craft projects for the year. Main responsibilities include keeping a running inventory of the PREP supply cabinet and replenishing needed materials for catechist use.

Classroom Craft Volunteer (4)

This person assists the catechists with the organization and preparation of the weekly craft. checks supplies in the classroom cabinet, replenishes needed items from PREP supply cabinet or submits a supply request form to the Craft Coordinator as needed. The classroom craft volunteers also assist with the Christmas Pageant and Graduation celebration as needed.

* Deacon Parent Coordinators (4)

Maps out the Deacon family schedule for each class at the start of the year. Sends out weekly email reminders with the scripture reading for that particular week and if needed, contacts the family by phone. ALL FAMILIES PARTICIPATE AS A DEACON FAMILY.

* Student Aide Coordinator (1-2)

Works with a member of the Religious Education Office to manage a group of junior high school aides. The aides assist in running children’s games at the parish block party in addition to their weekly classroom assignments. The coordinator needs to facilitate an orientation session at the beginning of the program year which outlines the duties of the aide, and also assigns the aides to specific classrooms.

* Service Project Coordinator (1-2)

Selects and organizes a charitable activity that the children can participate in during Christmas and Easter. Past activities have included : writing letters to sick children, providing for a specific need for the children at Hepzibah, donating toys and creating sack lunches for the homeless. COMMITTEE MEMBER.

Names Boards / Photographer (1-2)

Designs and builds the name boards that are put outside the classroom doors. Takes photos of all the children and classrooms on the first day, and prints those photos throughout the year as needed.

* Religious Board Rep (1)

Attends Religious Education meetings throughout the year to foster communication and enhance future planning between PREP and other RE programs in the parish.

* Coordinator of Christmas Pageant Set-Up / Breakdown (1-2)

With the help of the PREP board, the lead parent (often a dad) recruits a few other PREP parents or teenage siblings. The group sets up tables and chairs in McDonough Hall the day prior to the Pageant and breaks it down immediately after the Pageant’s conclusion. COMMITTEE MEMBER.

* Hospitality Coordinator

This parent is ultimately in charge of the food and beverage component of the Christmas Pageant and the informal graduation. With the help of the board, other parents are enlisted to bring items as assigned by the lead parent. The graduation is a much smaller affair and is easily handled by the lead with some assistance from the board. COMMITTEE MEMBER.

* Facility Set-Up Coordinator

A parent volunteer who is responsible for opening the classrooms in the Gleeson building before PREP classes meet, and locks up the classrooms when the PREP sessions have finished. This volunteer remains during the session at a station at the entrance as an additional adult who monitors those entering and exiting the building and in case of emergency. The coordinator would establish and communicate a schedule to the volunteer parents for this role. COMMITTEE MEMBER.

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PREP Board - Members of the PREP board are the various coordinator positions listed above who meet three times a year to discuss, evaluate, and implement PREP program policies and activities in conjunction with the parish’s Coordinator of Religious Education. The positions designated above with an asterisk * are members of the PREP Board.