The School of Religion is our parish religious education program for students entering Pre-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. Students are taught by qualified catechists using the Call To Faith series, a spiral curriculum published by Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum Division, Inc. The School of Religion runs from September to May. Parents are the child's primary catechists and must play an integral part of the child's total faith formation process.
The School of Religion General Information and Upcoming Orientation Dates
The School of Religion Registration Form
The School of Religion Calendar
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.
For more information please contact:
Glenda Sorteberg
Director of the School of Religion
Office: 410-427-4726
Fax: 410-427-4795
gsorteberg@theimmaculate.org
For information on preparing your children for the Sacraments of Reconcilitaion and First Holy Communion click here.
For information on preparing your children for the Sacrament of Confirmation click here.
What is CLOW?
Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is a special part of the 8:30, 10:00 & 11:30 am Sunday Liturgy. It is held weekly for children from 3 through 10 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 that week’s leader. Children’s Liturgy of the Word begins with a prayer, followed by readings and psalms/responses from the Children's Lectionary and reflection. The leaders try to engage all of the attendees in prayer and reflection on the Word. The children then return to the main church and their families after the homily.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word provides a wonderful opportunity to involve the 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.
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
For registration information
contact Glenda Sorteberg
at 410-427-4726
or gsorteberg@theimmaculate.org.
Next summer, the theme for our Vacation Bible School is SKY: where children learn that by trusting God, everything is possible! SKY Registration Forms will be available here in January 2012! Questions? Contact Glenda Sorteberg at gsorteberg@theimmaculate.org or 410-427-4726.
