In his 1994 Letter to Families, Pope John Paul II writes: “Parents are the first and most important educators of their children.” When parents present their children to be baptized, Catholic parents are reminded that they have the responsibility to train their children in the practice of their faith. We expect that all homeschooled children in the Prep Program are attending mass weekly and on Holy Days of Obligation.
The following is an agreement between St. Philip Neri Parish Religious Education Program and parents/guardians of children participating in Home Based Instruction.
1. The family, children, or designated legal guardian must be registered members of Saint Philip Neri Parish.
2. Members of St. Philip Neri Parish are part of a community of worshipers because we believe in the Mystical Body of Christ. As such, the children and their parents/guardians are required to participate in the communal devotions that are scheduled for families in the Parish Religious Education Program.
3. I understand that I will receive the appropriate curriculum materials needed to effectively home school my child (ren). The materials provided are the same texts, supporting documents and online resources that are in use within the Parish Religious Education Program and will be grade specific for each student.
4. Prayers appropriate for each grade level will be memorized as designated in the Archdiocese Religion Guidelines. http://phillyocf.org/prayers/
5. I agree to complete my child’s appropriate grade level (as discussed and determined by parent/guardian and the Coordinator of Religious Education). All chapter review tests must be handed in the day of the written assessment.
6. If this is a sacramental preparation year for my child (2nd grade), I understand that it is my responsibility to obtain the dates and times for all parent meetings, practices and retreats.
7. It is the parent’s responsibility to bring the child to the PREP building when Father is present for confessions. Once in the Fall and once in the Spring.
8. I agree to attend all appropriate sacramental meetings. (2nd grade -First Penance, 2nd grade - Communion).
9. I agree have my child attend all appropriate practices and retreats relating to the preparation required for reception of sacraments.
10. I understand that my child will be evaluated (by written exam) with a mid-year assessment and final assessment. Parents are responsible to get the child to the assessment on the scheduled dates. Parents are responsible to make sure the child is prepared for the exam.
11. I understand that if, after careful and thoughtful reflection, a student who is preparing for the reception of a sacrament has not demonstrated a reasonable level of understanding regarding the curriculum, the Pastor may defer the student’s reception of the sacrament.
12. I understand that if, after careful and thoughtful reflection, it is determined that a student has not successfully attained a reasonable level of understanding regarding the curriculum that he/she is studying, the Catechist and Coordinator of Religious Education may recommend that the religious educational needs of the student may be better served in the formal Parish Religious Education program at the grade level specified by the Coordinator of Religious Education.
13. I understand that if my child does not having a passing grade on the written exams, he/she will need to repeat that grade level.
14. As part of the Saint Philip Neri PREP Program parents are required to review the Safe Environment Lesson Plan (grade appropriate) with your child (ren) and return the required form by the date listed. (Attachment A – Safe Environment Form) http://phillyocf.org/safe-environment/
15. I understand that student tuition for home schooling is $200 (1 child), $300 (2 children), $400 (3 or more children). The tuition amount supplements material and sacramental expenses and administrative costs (copying costs, office overhead), and professional services from the Coordinator of Religious Education.