| PRAISE Office Hours
September through May
Monday: Closed
Tuesday through Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
(during class times)
Summer Hours
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
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PRAISE Class Times
Tuesday: Every other week - Grades 7th through 8th from 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Wednesday: Grades 1 through 6th from 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Saturday: Grades K through 6th and bilingual classes from 9:15 - 10:45 AM
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| How to Register for PRAISE Classes
Call the PRAISE office at (847) 546-3554 to register or come in during office hours. A copy of your child's baptism certificate needs to be provided. If your child has attended another parish religious education class, a transfer sheet needs to be given to us at the time of registration.
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How to Contact Us
St. Joseph Rectory
114 N. Lincoln Avenue
Round Lake, Illinois 60073
Telephone: (847) 546-3554
E-mail: praisereled@msn.com
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| The History of our Program Name
Religious education for families takes place in many areas of our parish. It takes place in our homes, at RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) activities, baptismal classes, Bible study, catechetical meetings, teen meetings, weekly religion classes for children, and within the school. With that thought in mind, we wanted a name for our program that would distinguish it from other religious educational events within the parish.
When searching for a name we considered what our mission is within St. Joseph Parish. Our program is designed to assist parents in keeping their Baptismal Promise made at their child's baptism: to teach and raise their child in the Catholic faith. Our catechists answer their need by volunteering to teach and support our families.
With this in mind, we named our religious education program the "PRAISE" (Parish Religious Assistance In Supporting Each other) program.
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| What our Program Offers
We have classes for kindergarteners through 8th grade and for older students who have not attended religion classes. Classes begin in September and run until May.
In 2nd grade the students are prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Communion. From grades K through 8th the curriculum covers Creed, Worship & Sacraments, Morality, Scripture, and Liturgical Seasons. In 8th grade the students are prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation. We use the Resources for Christian Living series, which also has a Web site (www.faithfirst.com) that offers programs for families and catechists.
Our program is designed sequentially, as each year builds upon the previous year. At the end of eight years in the program between family and catechist, students have been given a good faith foundation to enable them to lead an active life in their parish. Our program is designed as a continuous eight-year program. Families that choose to drop out of the program and come back at a later time must make up the lost classes.
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Extra Programs
Our program includes bilingual Spanish classes in grades K through 3rd.
We also have a program for older students who have not attended previous religion classes. Students must be in the program two years to prepare for the receiving of a Sacrament. After two years students are mainstreamed into their age level class to continue on in their faith formation.
For the past several years our students, parents, and catechists have produced the "Tour of Bethlehem" for our parish. This is an Advent activity where the children take on various character roles that tell the Christmas story.
During Lent the students present the Living Stations which the parish is invited to attend.
Every month all classes highlight a specific area of our faith, which gives our students the opportunity to take an active part. This covers praying the rosary, saints, collecting canned goods for the needy, holding a baby shower for Respect Life, keeping in contact with senior citizens, and preparing for family Mass, etc.
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| Family Involvement
You (parents) play the most important role in your family's faith formation. You are their first teachers of their faith. To help make your job easier:
As a family attend weekly Mass and Holy Days of Obligation.
Take the time to meet your child's catechist and know you are welcome into the classrooms at any time.
Take an active interest in your child's class. We encourage families to discuss the weekly lessons and apply them in their home environment. It is the parents' responsibility to teach the prayers which can be found in the child's textbook.
Parent attendance at meetings, classroom programs, and liturgies help you and your child build a strong relationship within our parish community.
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About Our Catechists
The first requirement to become a catechist is to be a practicing Catholic willing to share your faith with the children in our parish. Most catechists have had no prior teaching experience. Training is offered throughout the year, which is applied toward their certification as catechist. They can receive 24 hours for beginning catechist and 48 hours as a certified catechist. Classes are offered in the local area, which makes it easy for catechists to work into their schedule. Areas of study covered are: Catechesis, Church, Prayer, Liturgy, Sacrament, Theology, Scripture, and Moral Life.
The PRAISE program holds catechist meetings once a month which gives participants time to reflect on past classes, plan future classes, and come together to pray and share their talents. If you are interested in becoming a catechist or aide in a classroom you may contact the PRAISE Office at (847) 546-3554.
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