Dear Parents:
Let me start in thanking you for your support for the FAITH FORMATION program for this past year. We celebrated our largest First Communion class ever in Religious Education this past Saturday, May 3, 2025. I personally wish you a restful and blessed summer. Below you will find information on the upcoming Religious Education program for 2025-2026. Please keep this letter for your future reference. Actual schedule will be released in August.
Our registration period for the 2025-26 school year will open on June 1, 2025. Early Bird Tuition will be discounted $25 must be received on or before July 1st . From July 2nd through September 1st, Standard Tuition ($125/$175) will be in effect. ($175 is for more than 1 child in the program) We are pleased to announce NO INCREASE in our registration fees for this year.
Registrations for returning students that are received after September 1st will incur a $25 late registration fee ($150/$200)
Please note: To provide for a smooth start to the school year, the registration period will end on Thursday, September 18th and all returning students MUST be registered by that date.
Do not delay registration due to financial burden. Let us know and we will work with you.
We cannot accept requests for specific teachers and classmates.
Due to teacher limitations, we cannot offer CONFIRMATION classes on Wednesday at 4pm.
Our Confirmation Preparation Program classes for Levels 1 and 2 are ONLY offered on Sundays at 11:30 A.M. Because of the unique format of the program, all students must attend at the same time. Please plan accordingly.
Classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of students that can be accepted is determined by classroom space limitations and safety regulations. Once the maximum capacity is met, that class must be closed. Please do not ask us to squeeze your child into a closed class or session.
If your schedule only allows for a particular session, register as soon as possible to ensure a placement that meets your needs, and to avoid disappointment or conflicts. The Wednesday 4PM Communion Sessions 1 & 2 are a popular session and fill up very quickly. If you need this session, you must register early.
Our office does hold regular office hours between June 1s and September 1st. Completed registration form and the tuition can be sent to us through regular mail, can be dropped off at the rectory. Office is open on most Sundays from 9 a.m.- 1p.m.
AS ALWAYS, OUR PROGRAM DOES NOT OFFER AN INDEPENDENT HOME STUDY OPTION PLEASE DO NOT ASK TO HOME SCHOOL YOUR CHILD.
Policies and Procedures:
Attendance: There is a maximum of FOUR absences, even if they are for valid reasons. If your child has more than FIVE absences, he/she may have to repeat that level. If there is a serious issue causing the absences, such as illness or quarantine, please speak with our office to work out a plan.
Early Dismissal: Parents MUST report to the office when picking up a student before dismissal time. Early dismissal should be for family emergencies ONLY. Practice for sports is NOT an acceptable reason for early dismissal. If early dismissals begin to add up, you will need to have a conference with our office staff to come up with a solution to the problem.
Mass Attendance: All students are expected to attend weekly Mass as part of your commitment to raising your child in the Catholic Faith.
Parent Involvement: Parental involvement is essential to the success of the religious education of our children. Parents are the primary educators of the faith, and our program is designed to support the faith formation already being actively practiced at home with your family. Please make every effort to attend scheduled parent meetings.
Books: Workbooks will be distributed on the first day of class. Students are to leave their books in the classroom each week and it is theirs to keep them at the end of the school year.
Missing Years: Religious Education is an 8-year program. For continuity, children must attend each level in sequence. If you are rejoining our program after being away for some time, the missing years will need to be made up. These children will be placed in the Level that follows the last Level they completed, NOT the Level that matches their grade level in public school. Therefore, all Level 2 students are expected to return to our program after receiving their First Communion.
Special Needs: If your child has any special needs, please notify our office to ensure that your child will be appropriately accommodated.
Food: Under no circumstances can food, beverages or candy be brought to any classroom without specific permission from their teacher.
Phones: Students must have their phones turned off and stowed away while in our building or in the church. Please do not call your child’s phone during class time.
Safe Environment: As mandated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Archdiocese of Miami every child enrolled in a Religious Education program will receive an age-appropriate Thoughtful and Safe personal safety lesson each year. Parents are welcome to attend their child’s Safety lesson or opt out of this class.
DON’T DELAY! Register Today!
Sincerely,
Deacon Jerry McGuinn DRE, St. Ambrose Church