Faith Formation Guidelines

Classes start promptly at 9:00AM. Please check the Catechism Calendar for important dates and events.

General Policies and Guidelines for Parents and CCD Students

St. Jude Syro Malabar church abides by the rules and guidelines provided by the St.Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago, office for the Protection of Children and Youth towards maintaining the onsite and the Social Media policies to honor the privacy of others, taking responsibility, keeping boundaries, protecting privacy of children, and hence achieve the goal of effective Faith Formation.

The Church recognizes that parents have the primary responsibility for educating their children in the faith. Parents should assist their children in their learning, teach them how to pray, and review any take-home materials for the next Faith Formation class.

In addition, parents are asked to:

  • Submit a signed registration form/parental consent forms requested when registering children for the Faith Formation Programs.
  • Bring their children to class on time. Tardiness is disruptive to the class.
  • Communicate any compliments, complaints, or concerns to the Contacts listed on the website. Your prompt action can make a big difference for our children, our Faith Formation program, and the catechetical ministry.
  • Attend Holy Mass after Faith Formation classes. If parents need to pick up their children early for an urgent reason, they should inform the class teacher each time. If this happens frequently, the teachers and the Faith Formation Program Team may contact you. Note that attendance is only credited when the student attends both the class and the holy Mass that follows the class duration.
  • Parents should read and understand the attendance policy. We will strictly adhere to the guidelines provided by the diocese.
  • Encourage their children to follow the safe environment guidelines at all times while on the premises of St. Jude Syro Malabar Church.
  • Pay attention to and share with and encourage children to practice the wisdom shared by our Faith Formation Team or the Catechists periodically through emails.
  • Encourage children to attend Mass, family prayers (morning/evening prayers, rosary, liturgy of hours, daily mass readings, etc.).
  • Support and facilitate a safe fellowship time for the teachers and students using our church facilities outside of Faith Formation Program class hours.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

The following are the attendance and examination policies for the CCD program:

  • Students are expected to attend all classes regularly. There are 25 Sundays in the program from September to June. Please reference the academic calendar linked on this website.
  • Students are encouraged to attend the Holy Mass on Sundays after class. If they are unable to attend the Mass for any reason, please inform the teachers ahead of time. Note that attendance is only credited when the student attends both the faith formation class and the holy Mass that follows the class duration.
  • Students should read and understand the attendance policy. We will strictly adhere to the guidelines provided by the diocese.
  • Each catechism class should last for a minimum of one hour and thirty minutes. The Pastor and Faith Formation team have the right to arrange extra classes as needed.
  • Students are always expected to dress in their best attire for class and Mass. “Sunday best” is the recommended attire.
  • Children are requested to comply with the safe environment policy and appropriate behavior in class. If any issue arises, such as bullying, inappropriate behavior, or improper use of media with regards to church or Catechism, it must be reported and addressed promptly.
  • At the first incident, the student will be reminded of their misbehavior by the classroom catechist.
  • After the second incident, the student will be sent to the Faith Formation Team and Vicar.
  • If the student’s behavior continues and cannot be helped by the catechists or Faith Formation Team, parents will be contacted.

There will be two exams in an academic year: a semi-annual exam in January and an annual exam in June.

Volunteering

We have dedicated and enthusiastic adult volunteers who provide catechetical, logistical, promotional, and other types of support. The more volunteer participation we have, the stronger our program will be for parish families. Our goal is to offer a systematic, high level of catechesis, and this can only be accomplished with your help.

Adult volunteers will need to apply and complete a background check and  attend a Safe Environment/ Virtus Training. Youth volunteers are invited to assist the program. If you are interested in volunteering, please send an email to stjudenvasundayschool@gmail.com. Thank you for serving the parish.