Weekend Announcement

In August, the Religious Education Committee recommended a two tier program to satisfy three desires expressed in the survey:
all classes on the same day
strong preference for classes on Sunday morning, and
reduce class time to one hour

Wednesday evening was the only day we could schedule all the classes into the PAC. By suggesting the two tier approach, some classes could be consolidated because of smaller numbers caused by dividing the student body, Sunday morning was a possibility. The two tier program was an addition to what we had already been doing, K to 2 on Sunday and 3 to 8th on Wednesday, adding 2 classes on Sunday and consolidating 2 classes on Wednesday.

The two tier program does have the negative side-effect of consolidated classes 3rd/4th and 5th/6th.

I have hired a Program and Volunteer Coordinator to handle all the teacher needs and supplies, and to manage the basic functions of the program. I have asked the Religious Education Committee to continue its oversight of the program and to continue to explore means of improving it.

With the changes in staff, I believe scheduling all the classes on Wednesday evening is in the best interests of the children. We can start classes on October 4th, 6:30. I have given permission for teachers requiring more than 1 hour per class to use an additional ½ hour to 8:00 if the parents agree. Those teachers not needing the time can dismiss at 7:30. Those classes going to 8:00 will fulfill 40 hours of instruction. First Communion workshops (Required) will also fulfill 40 hours of instruction. Alternatives Workshop or meeting with Fr. Pat will provide options for families to easily make up the difference.

I have to confirm the availability of teachers for both Sunday and Wednesday before a final decision is made. If we have a Sunday program, it will be 1 hour classes with 14 hours of alternative programming.

Religious Education Committee will monitor our progress and make recommendations for changes. Each year we have improved on what we’ve offered in our Program. This year will be no exception. Officially we will also change the name to Parish School of Religion (PSR) to comply with the title used by the diocese.

Personnel Changes

After 14 years of service to St. Joseph's Religious Education program, Heidi Kellett has resigned for personal reasons. I have accepted her resignation. We all wish her well and thank her for her generous service.

I have begun to look at replacements. The CCD program will be delayed in its start while we work out some of the issues. I am look at simplifying the program for a new Program and Volunteer Manager. The only way to get everyone in at one time simply is Wednesday Night. Many expressed a desire for Sunday mornings but that was only possible by combining classes as a result of offering both Sunday and Wednesday sessions. I have not ruled out splitting the classes Sunday K to 3 and Wednesday 4-7. More info will follow after I've consulted with teachers.

Atttitude

Following the Religious Education Committee decision, rumors started: We're doing too much, too fast; teachers are quiting; etc. It seems on second thought understanding of the challenge and excitement is surfacing.

We have never accepted the attitude "we can't do that". Our attitude is "let's step up and make it happen". Recall Robert Kennedy's words "Some people see things and ask why. I see things and ask why not."

What is proposed will require an increase in volunteers. Religious Educators are building the future, not preserving the past. We are investing in our youth. No cost is too high. For example, St. Joseph pays out over $25,000 a year in Catholic School subsidies for children attending Catholic Schools. The families involved contribute a small fraction of that amount in the offertory. We do it because we believe the whole Church benefits from it. I can say for certain that St. Joseph, which does not have a Catholic School, has benefited from Catholic Schools over the past 15 years. Fr. Kevin and myself are both products of Catholic Education. Without that who knows what we might have become and who might have served here in our place.