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Special Programs

I.         Special Needs Program

               The special needs catechetical team of Our Lady’s Parish throughout the years has provided inclusion ministry in the religious education classroom for special needs children.  These classes have flourished with their attentive nurturing and creative faith sharing. 

              Children with special needs have been mainstreamed with children of the religious education program and will continue to be mainstreamed if this process meets the needs of the special child.  The bonding, which has evolved among the students, has given deeper meaning to the word “community.”  Commendations are extended to the catechists who have pioneered initiatives with their expertise in education, medicine, and religious studies to meet the needs of our children.  Their efforts will continue to form the foundation of our special needs program.

              Mrs. Darlene Altschuler, Special Needs Coordinator, in cooperation with Father Damian, Dr. Linda Dix, and the special needs team, has developed a component of the program geared to the specific needs of children with autism, and those children who have special learning differences.  Classes for children 12 years and younger are held each Thursday afternoon in the school building.  A program has also been implemented for the continuing religious education of children with special needs, 13 years and older.  This program is held in the evenings of the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.  Parent Meetings will continue to be held according to the schedule established by the team.  We are grateful to those catechists who continue to volunteer for special training in this ministry.

               

 

II.        The Home Program

The Home Program is made possible to:

  • Accommodate children in grades three through six who are not able to make the afternoon classes.
  • Include children with varied learning styles.

How it works:

  • Parents register and pay regular tuition.
  • Parents are given the child’s textbook, a special home activity booklet, and copy of the grade level schedule. 
  • The parent is expected to contact the office to arrange a “progress report” meeting.  At the end of the year an evaluation of the year’s learning will take place.

Please note:  Those children who have been enrolled in the home school program from third grade until sixth grade will be asked to take an assessment of Christian doctrine before entering the Confirmation Program in the seventh grade year.  Those students who need a fuller explanation of doctrine will be asked to enroll in the transitional course for one year to establish their readiness for beginning studies in the Confirmation Program.

III.      The Initiation Process for Elementary and Junior High School Children

(Sacramental Preparation Process for Older Children)

The initiation path for children of catechetical age makes room for God’s Spirit to

move the hearts of communities, parents, catechists, children, and sponsors in ways unexpected, unpredictable, and unique.  Children emerge with a spiritual garment that is filled with the wonder and awe of a God who loves them and calls them by name.

The Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.  Sometimes, children do not receive these at the usual time (Baptism as an infant, Eucharist in second grade, Confirmation in eighth grade).  This process is designed to bring the older child into full participation in the sacramental life of the Church.  Also, young preschool children who are desiring Baptism may be brought into the family of God through preparation by the Religious Education staff.  Please contact Dr. Dix for further information.

  • First Year – During the first year the child will be mainstreamed on grade level.                                                      
  • Second Year – The child participates in the initiation process by attending weekly sessions on Tuesday evenings, from 7:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.  In these sessions, the candidate becomes familiar with the Lectionary readings for the week, and receives instruction preparing the child for celebration of the sacraments of Baptism, Penance, Eucharist, and Confirmation.  The child will participate in special liturgies highlighting his/her spiritual journey.  The child is also invited, but not required, to attend regular Religious Education classes on grade level on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday from 4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

IV.     The High School Initiation Process

Candidates will usually be high school students who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation.  There may be young people who have not been catechized at all and have not received any of the sacraments or only the Sacrament of Baptism.  More details about the process may be obtained by calling the Religious Education Office or the High School Coordinator, Mrs. JoAnne Campbell (856) 866-8884

V.    Christian Initiation for Adults

          This is an ongoing process for adults wishing to become members of the Catholic Church.    

             Witness and encouragement is given to the faithful as they journey with these candidates. Interested people should contact the Rectory Office (856) 235-0181 or the Initiation Team leader, Mrs. Jane McCorkell (856) 778-0155.

VI.    Parish Life Ministry

         The Parish of Our Lady of Good Counsel becomes the curriculum for Parish Life Ministry.

This is a process of transformation – more than information.  Bible Study and special lectures are offered throughout the year.  Special events are also held.  Parishioners are asked to watch the Sunday Bulletin for announcements, or contact Mrs. Jane McCorkell (856) 778-0155.