General Policies

Attendance                          

It is very important that your child participate fully by regularly attending all sessions.  Please refer to the appropriate
schedule for more information.  Please do not drop your child off at church any earlier than 15 minutes of the start
of any program and pickup your child promptly when the program ends.

Absenteeism

When involved in sacramental preparation, a call to the office to inform us of an absence would be helpful.  Calling
the office would not be necessary in other programs.

Parental Involvement      

Our parish faith formation programs are designed to support parents who are the primary educators of their children.
It is in this spirit of collaboration that we strive to enhance your child’s faith formation.  Parents will have the opportunity
to participate in special workshops/programs throughout the year.  In addition, parents may want to volunteer to help with
special projects or events in their child’s group.

Cancellations

        If school is cancelled in Cape Elizabeth, then the Faith Formations Programs are cancelled.  If school is not cancelled
in Cape Elizabeth and the weather deteriorates throughout the day, a message will be left on the voice-mail of the Parish
Catechetical Leader or Youth Minister and also on the parish web-site www.saintbarts.com.

Snack Policy       

In general, no snacks are allowed during the Chester’s Kids and Faith Friends program.  On occasion, we have special
events that do include food and beverages of which the parents will be notified in advance.  Snacks may be provided
during regular sessions of Good News Disciples, Jr. YM, and YM.  If your child has a food allergy, we would ask that you
provide for your child so as to prevent any emergencies.

Discipline Policy               

The child’s catechist, in a manner consistent with Christian principles, will handle minor behavioral problems. 
Serious behavioral problems that disrupt the class or pose a danger in any way will result in the student being removed
from the class for the remainder of the session.  The Parish Catechetical Leader, Youth Minister, or a volunteer will
supervise the student.  Persistent misbehavior will result in the notification of the parents who will need to meet with the
Parish Catechetical Leader or Youth Minister to work out a satisfactory resolution to the problem.  If all else fails, parents
will be asked to continue their child’s faith formation at home.  It is impossible to describe every behavior that may occur,
however, such things as profanity, drugs, alcohol, and/or tobacco use, physical or threatened abuse, vandalism, and
detrimental actions to oneself, others, and parish property will be considered serious infractions.  Necessary steps to ensure
the safety of all will be taken.

Offsite Activities

At least two weeks in advance, parents will receive written notice of a planned off-site activity.  The parents will be
asked to sign a permission form, which will contain the date, time, place and nature of the activity.  All such field trips will
relate to the faith formation of the students, i.e. Christian service, spiritual development, shared fellowship, worship and
prayer.  Adults will supervise students at all times during any off-site activities.  All drivers are expected to have a good
driving record, valid license, and certificate of insurance for the vehicle they are driving.

Volunteer Application Process

Volunteers are the mainstay of our faith formation process.  Our programs can only be implemented when adult
members of the parish come forward to share their faith with our children and youth.  While we are ever grateful to those who
desire to serve in this ministry, it is necessary to have a screening process so that all may be assured of the safety of our
children and youth and the authenticity of our teaching.  With the safety of the children and the integrity of the
faith formation program in mind, all volunteers will be asked to:

• Complete an application form
• Submit to a background check
• Attend one session of “Protecting God’s Children” training

Volunteers are selected from members in good standing of the Catholic Church and of the parish.  Anyone interested
may contact the pastor and/or the Parish Catechetical Leader and/or the Youth Minister for further information concerning
the application process.  The Pastor, the Parish Catechetical Leader, and the Youth Minister may also seek out members of
the parish and ask them to consider volunteering.  Publication of the needs of the faith formation program will also be made
via the weekly bulletin and other publications.