Children and Family

The Family Study & Workshops is our parish religious education program for students entering Kindergarten through eighth grade who attend either non-Catholic private schools, public schools, or are home schooled.  The emphasis of the program is to impart a knowledge and meaning of basic Catholic doctrine and an understanding of how to live one's faith according to age level and capacity of reception.  Family Workshops are facilitated by carefully selected and trained individuals.  Families will participate in grade appropriate small group environments.  Student texts will include Call To Faith (published by Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum Division, Inc.) and Family Life (published by RCL Benziger). 

This family-focused model began at the Immaculate four (4) years ago to meet the needs of our parents who want to attend Mass regularly with their children, who welcome the opportunity to learn more about our Catholic Faith with their children, and lastly, whose family schedules just do not allow for a program which demand a weekly commitment.  With the Family Study & Workshops, families meet one weeknight a month (October through April) in age appropriate workshops which, together with the home study component, provides a personal, spiritual, and experiential opportunity to bring faith more fully into the home.

Family Study & Workshops Registration Form 

Family Study & Workshops Calendar coming Summer 2012

If not a Parishioner of Immaculate Conception please print and complete the attached New Parishioner Registration Forms

Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum Division Web Site

Our programs cannot continue to provide faith sharing opportunities for our families with children without the many volunteers who make it happen.  But, we need much more help.  Please consider volunteering in one or more of these ministries.  Most require only a little bit of time and minimal effort but would make a tremendous difference in our program. Please review the attached Volunteer Form. Thank you in advance for the support of our ministries.

FAMILY STUDY & WORKSHOPS

• For families with children entering Grades K-8
• Family Workshops meet one Wednesday evening a month from October thru April @ 7:00-8:00pm.  The workshops are designed to provide family-based opportunities for experiential faith formation.
• Call to Faith and Family Life monthly assignments must be completed at home with interactive parental involvement

For more information please contact:
Glenda Sorteberg
Family Faith Formation
Office: 410-427-4726
Fax: 410-427-4795
gsorteberg@theimmaculate.org

SACRAMENTAL PREP FOR CHILDREN

For information on preparing your children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion coming Summer 2012.

For information on preparing your children for the Sacrament of Confirmation coming Summer 2012.

CLOW (Children's Liturgy of the Word)

What is CLOW?
Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is a special part of the 10:00 am & 12:00 pm Sunday Liturgy (10:00 Mass only during summer months).  It is held weekly for children from 3 through 6 years old who are invited to hear the Word of God in a manner especially prepared for children.

Prior to the Scripture readings, the children are called forth by the celebrant, who blesses them, and are then led in procession to the Sacristy & Adoration Chapel with the CLOW minister.   Children’s Liturgy of the Word begins with a prayer, followed by readings and psalms/responses from the Children's Lectionary and reflection.  The CLOW ministers engage the attendees in prayer and reflection on the Word.  The children then return to the main church and their families after the Prayers of the Faithful.

CLOW provides a wonderful opportunity to involve our young children in the liturgy at a level understandable to them.  As friends, neighbors and family within the parish, the children bring to us the simplicity of God's Word as scripture stories are told, retold and discussed at home, in the car, at the dinner table, or at bedtime.  We seek to show each child that they are important participants in the liturgy of God's Word, thereby enriching the entire parish family.  We seek to show them the Wonder of God's Word.

Parent Support?
Parents play a critical role in preparing the children to attend CLOW and are encouraged to ask them about each week’s readings and lessons. 

We ask for parental assistance in reminding your child that he/she is still in Church and should exhibit the appropriate behavior while attending CLOW, including listening attentively, walking in and out quietly with hands folded in a prayerful posture over their hearts, standing for the Gospel, etc.  Asking questions after Mass about what they heard in the readings and what the leaders discussed will give you a good indication of how well they paid attention.

Ministry Opportunities
CLOW is a wonderful, rewarding experience for both the children and the leaders.  The only requirement is your desire to answer God's calling to share your faith with others - in this case, our children!  Teens or adults interested in assisting with the Children's Liturgy of the Word should contact Glenda Sorteberg by email gsorteberg@theimmaculate.org.  

SPECIAL NEEDS CATECHESIS

The Church of the Immaculate Conception offers a catechetical program for children with special needs.  The program includes current teaching methodologies, visual and verbal cueing, a structured environment, and clear expectations. Since 2001 the program has served 4 parishes and has prepared many students for First Eucharist and Confirmation. Please contact Valerie Smitheman-Brown at 410-427-4901 or vbrown@theimmaculate.org for additional information and registration. To register your child for this program please download a School of Religion Registration Form.   Please note that your child is registering for the Special Needs Program.

Special Needs Catechesis Calendar coming Summer 2012.

For registration information
contact Glenda Sorteberg
at 410-427-4726
or gsorteberg@theimmaculate.org.

SKY! VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 
July 23-27, 2012 ~ 9am-noon

Every kid wishes they could fly…
At Sky VBS, kids discover that by trusting God, everything is possible.  Every day, our children will share a Bible story about someone who has trusted God.  Our mornings will be filled with games, music, experiments, snacks, and live entertainment!  Children entering Grades Kindergarten through 5 this fall are invited to join us as we transform the Immaculate campus into the boundless, blue sky!  Contact Glenda Sorteberg at gsorteberg@theimmaculate.org or 410-427-4726 for more information.  VBS fills quickly, so please register early.

Middle and High School Students:  we need your help!  What a wonderfully fun way to earn service hours!   Contact Glenda Sorteberg to sign up.

Vacation Bible School Registration Form