The normal grade for the reception of these Sacraments for the first time is grade two. Students who are beyond grade two and have not yet received the Sacraments will be offered a two year preparation program, appropriate for the child’s age and experience. Individual cases will be reviewed by the Director.

Students who attend Catholic schools will receive their basic catechetical instructions in school, but must participate in all other non-classroom programs and activities offered by the parish.

All students must faithfully attend class sessions and activities related to the sacramental preparation. Failure to do so will mean that the child will have to wait to receive the Sacrament until all sessions are completed.

Parents are required to attend all parent meetings.

Confirmation
There is a two year period of preparation before the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. The candidate must be enrolled in a formal program of catechesis approved by the Director.

The normal grade to receive Confirmation is grade eight. Students beyond grade eight MUST attend the High School Catechetical program (Youth Group) sessions. Individual cases will be reviewed by the Director.

Students who attend Catholic schools will receive catechetical instructions in their school, but MUST participate in all other programs and activities offered by the parish including the four fall Sunday sessions. Failure to complete all necessary assignments and requirements will mean that the candidate will have to wait to receive the Sacrament until all requirements are met.

Parents are required to attend all parent meetings.

Nonbaptized Children and Teens
Children and teens who have not yet been baptized will be enrolled in a special two year program of catechesis. Each case will be reviewed by the Director. These candidates will usually be baptized at the Easter Vigil as part of the RCIA group.

Tuition
Tuition for all Religious Formation programs helps to pay for students textbooks, workbooks, supplies, videos, arts and crafts materials and other associated expenses. Tuition payment is due at registration and rates are doubled if the enrolled is not a parishioner of St. John Neumann Church. Tuition assistance is available and no one will be turned away for financial reasons. See the Director for information concerning tuition assistance.

Parent Volunteers Program
The Religious Formation program is staff primarily by volunteers. For this reason, each and every family is required to volunteer for one major or two lesser service opportunities each year at registration time. Please record your volunteer efforts in the appropriate binder in the Religious Formation Office. Families unable to meet this obligation will be assessed a fee of $25.00 payable at registration.

Attendance
Regular attendance is required of each student. The student must be on time and ready to begin class. Students who are tardy MUST report to the main office before going to class. Students who miss more than five classes during the year will not be promoted to the next grade. Students are expected not t o leave class early for any reason, except in an emergency. Students who are planning to leave early must report to the office before departing.

Homework
Homework is strongly suggested and must be completed when assigned by the catechist. Each catechist will explain classroom rules and expectations at the start of the year. If you have any questions concerning homework, please notify the catechist.

Discipline
Good and positive behavior is expected from each student at all times. Discipline problems create a difficult situation for all involved. Individual problems will be addressed by the catechist. If there is no improvement, then the situation will be handled by the Director. Every opportunity will be given the student to improve his/her behavior. If no improvement is made, however, the child will not be allowed to stay in the classroom and the parent will be responsible for the child’s religious formation program for that year.

Cancellation of Classes
We follow the NO SCHOOL announcements made by the Montgomery Public Schools. If school is closed for the day, our classes are cancelled. If school is delayed, we will have classes that day. In rare cases, we may have to cancel classes during the day due to the change in weather conditions. Listen to AM1500 for announcements. Please DO NOT call the rectory.

Confidential Information
If a special learning or health situation exists, please speak with the Director. This will allow everyone concerned to provide appropriate care for your child. The information will be kept confidential.

Sunday and Holy Day Mass/Sacraments
Students learn best by example. Canon 1136 of the Code of Canon Law states that parents are the primary educators and t he cornerstone of their child’s education in the ways of the faith. Please make participation in Mass and the Sacraments a family priority.

Parent Meetings/Adult Faith Formation
Parents are urged to take advantage of the educational and spiritual opportunities that exist in our parish and archdiocese. Sacramental and general parent meetings are mandatory.

Archdiocesan Policy #2010
It is the intention of the Archdiocese of Washington to prevent child abuse by Archdiocesan personnel. Archdiocesan and parish staff (paid and volunteer) must submit a completed Informational Questionnaire and a fully executed Criminal History Record Check.