IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Holy Infant Church
535 Conewago Creek Rd
Manchester, Pennsylvania 17345
717/266-5286
holyinfantparish@gmail.com
Office Hours: M - Fri: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Religious Education Office
The Director of Religious/Pastoral Assistant's office is in the parish offices.
Who is eligible?
The Religious Education Program extends from pre-school (age 4) through 12th grade. Children may be enrolled in kindergarten the year they are eligible to attend kindergarten in their local school districts.
Time and Location of Classes
Classes are held at the church, beginning promptly at 9:20 am and ending at 10:40 am. During class, parents are welcome to attend the Koffee Klatch in the Social Hall.
Please Note:
* Please drop your child off at the main entrance.
* Any child in pre-school/kindergarten to grade 3 must be picked up at their classroom by an adult or older sibling (grade 5 or older).
* No child will be permitted to wait outside the building or in the parking lot
Registration & Tuition
Registration forms are sent to each family in the RE program in May. The tuition schedule is as follows: Before June 1 (Discount): $50 for 1 child; $90 for two children; or $120 for 3 or more children; after June 1 (Regular): $60/$100/$130; after July 15(Late): $75/$120/$150.
Please Note:
* New families to the RE program should call the parish office. A Baptismal Certificate must accompany the registration form for new students to the program.
* Those who cannot meet the full fee are invited to apply for full or partial scholarships. No student will be refused because of inability to pay tuition.
* No tuition is charged to the children of our teachers and aides.
Attendance and Promptness
Attendance and promptness are extremely important. Your child is expected to attend all sessions unless ill or for some other serious reason. Five or more absences are considered excessive and may affect next year’s grade placement. If your child is in a sacramental program, grades 1, 2, 7, 8, three or more absences will be considered excessive. This may influence your child’s readiness to receive the sacraments.
When a child is absent, a note should be given to the child’s teacher explaining the reason for the absence. The teacher will go over with the child the work he/she needs to make up.
Please inform us if there is a shared custody situation and if your child will be missing many classes.
Health Procedures
Parents are asked to advise teachers of any health situation which may affect their child’s class participation. It is Diocesan Policy that we have a health form and an emergency release for each child registered in the RE Program. No child will be permitted to remain in class without these forms.
Weather Conditions
If weather conditions are such that classes must be cancelled, teachers and/or aides will be calling the oldest student of each family to inform you. If you do not hear from your child’s teacher by 8:30 am, please call the Parish Office at 266-5286 to hear a recorded message or check the parish website at www.holyinfantparish.com or Facebook page.
Dress Code
Students are to dress appropriately and conservatively. Since many of our students attend Mass before or after class, dress should reflect good taste. No T-shirts with skulls or a sexual connotation, jeans that are torn, short shorts, etc., will be permitted.
Progress Reports/Pastor’s Review
Each year, teachers are encouraged to give the students some form of an evaluation. This could be a formal written test, an oral test, or a work sheet. This evaluation can be given mid-year and/or at the end of the year. The purpose is to assess the student’s knowledge of what was taught. The teacher may base the test on a list of definitions and prayers and the student’s text. Progress reports will be sent out at the end of December and at the end of the year.
Liturgy
We are known as a “Eucharistic People.” Our ultimate prayer and worship is the Mass. Weekly attendance at Mass must be a priority and is expected. Children of all ages are welcomed and invited to attend Mass. Parents’ example is worth more than anything we can ever say or do. Since Mass is such an integral part of the practice of the faith, lack of attendance at Mass may influence your child’s readiness to readiness to receive their First Communion or Confirmation.
Sacrament of Penance
Each grade has an opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Penance during the school year. Confession is usually scheduled during Advent and Lent. Parents are encouraged to bring their child/ren when necessary at the regularly scheduled time for Penance. Penance is available from 4:00 to 4:40 pm on Saturdays or by appointment.
Stewardship
Stewardship is not an issue of money. It is a way of life, an attitude that says the blessings of this earth and of life are gifts not to be horded but to be shared. With the blessings we have received, we make a proportionate return to God of our time and treasure. In December, boxes of contribution envelopes are handed out to the children. We encourage you to teach your children to use these envelopes and to give from their own money.