Director: SUSAN VAN DEVENTER
Sacramental Coordinator: SALLIE KABASH

Dear Parents of CCD Children,

            Welcome to Holy Cross CCD.  We have classes for children whose families are members of the parish of Holy Cross, grades kindergarten through seven.  The children receive their first communion in second grade and confirmation in seventh grade.  To receive the sacraments each child must attend CCD continuously from first grade through seventh grade.  The kindergarten program is optional.

            You will find a link to the registration form on this page.  Please fill  out the form and return it to this office together with a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate and a check for $50 payable to Holy Cross CCD.  If your child was baptized at Holy Cross we just need the date on which your child was baptized.  We don’t need a copy of the certificate. 

            Holy Cross CCD meets on Sunday mornings in the Holy Cross School classrooms.  When you fill out the registration form, please indicate which session you would like your child to attend.  Session 1 meets from 9:15 to 10:15.  Session 2 meets from 10:45 to 11:45.  Please make sure your child attends Mass every Sunday.

            We use the “Finding God” series of books, published by Loyola Press for grades 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6.  Kindergarten  and Seventh Grade use “Christ Our Life” by Loyola.  Second Grade uses “The Gift of Reconciliation” and “The Gift of Eucharist” by Silver Burdett and Ginn.     

            We look forward to meeting your child in September.  You will receive a copy of the calendar and your class assignment in the mail at the beginning of September.  If you are interested in volunteering to help with the program, either as a teacher, an aide, or a substitute teacher, please fill it in on the application form.  Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call.   We are happy to have your child as a part of our program.

                                    Yours in Christ,

                                    Susan Van Deventer

Holy Cross CCD Curriculum 2004-2005

Kindergarten

The text used is “Christ Our Life” by Loyola.  The children are gradually introduced to the simple truths of faith at their level of experience and  understanding.  The purpose is to enable the children to sense God’s presence.  The foundation for good decision making is laid as we try to foster the awakening of a Christian conscience.  The kindergarten year is optional. 

Teachers:  Kathleen Seslar, Ann Murdock

Grade One

The text used is “Finding God” by Loyola.  The children are introduced to the concepts of God as our Creator, Jesus as God’s son and most special gift to us, and the Holy Spirit.  They learn about church, the Bible, prayer, and caring and sharing.  The learn the Hail Mary, the Sign of the Cross, the Lord’s Prayer, the Glory Be to the Father and Grace Before and After Meals.  Children must attend first grade CCD in order to make their First Reconciliation and First Eucharist in second grade. 

Teachers: Eileen Luby, Barbara O’Donnell, Christine Foggia, Lauren Babiak, and Joanne Scesa

Grade Two

The texts used are “The Gift of Reconciliation” and “The Gift of Eucharist” by Silver, Burdett and Ginn.  The first half of the year is spent preparing for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation.  The children learn to understand right from wrong through conscience formation and they encounter the healing, mercy and forgiveness of God. The second half of the year is spent preparing for First Eucharist.  This semester draws children deeply into an experience of the Eucharist which is rooted in the Mass as meal, memorial and sacrifice.  They develop an appreciation for Eucharist and learn how to live more fully their Catholic faith.

Teachers: Connie Fox, Lisa Haywood, Laura Burns, Paige McCann, Regina Longo, Matt Celebuski

Grade Three

The text used is Loyola’s “Finding God”.  This is a very important year as the children learn the basic tenets of the Catholic faith.  They learn about the Trinity, the Ten Commandments, the seven Sacraments, and the marks of the church.  They also discuss making good decisions after learning about sin, the virtues and the fruits of the Holy Spirit.   They also learn about the gospels and their church. 

Teachers: Theresa Mattina, Barbara Grossman, Kerry Chandler, Kathy Driscoll. Luba Caruso

Grade Four

The text used is Loyola’s “Finding God”.  The children are exposed to the concept of free will.  They examine the Theological Virtues, the Beatitudes and the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy and learn how to apply them to their own lives. 

Teachers: Don Brady, Jim Hempstead, Maureen Dupree, Doug Mangini, Christine Bolton, Regina Bennardo

Grade Five

The text used is Loyola’s “Finding God”.  The children learn to respect others and that all people are made in the image and likeness of God.  They study the Old Testament and learn about creation.  In the New Testament they learn about the life of Jesus and the idea of salvation.  They study the Sacraments in detail and also become familiar with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 

Teachers: Susan Feiring, Nancy Harding, Diane Von Arx, Brenda McCue, Lori Pomphrey

Grade Six

The text used is Loyola’s “Finding God”.  The focus this year is on the Bible.  Each student receives a Bible.  Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of the major themes of Hebrew Scriptures.  Scripture is presented as the foundation for the sacraments, the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes and the marks of the Church. 

Teachers:  Jane Pattwell, Melanie Neubelt, Paul Kolarsick, Henry Rosset, Lori Lundy, Virginia O’Connor

Grade Seven

The text used is “Christ Our Life” by Loyola.  The year is spent in preparation for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation.  The goal is the growth of the faith life within the students.  They acquire a special strength through Confirmation to live a Christ-like life, to witness to Christ and to participate more fully in the Eucharist. 

The students must pass a series of tests and present a report on the saint whose name they have chosen to take in Confirmation.  They must select a sponsor who is older than sixteen and is a practicing Catholic.  They must perform five hours of community service and attend special teaching mass with their parents in the church.

Teachers:  Kathleen Belluscio, Carolyn Mumma, Christine Hetzler, Claudia Lucey, Mindy O’Mealia, Fran Miller, Theresa Babiak, Tracy Cuje, Joyce Shine-Mattis 

HOLY CROSS CCD CALENDAR 2005-2006

Important Dates for Reconciliation

Reconciliation Parent’s Meeting

This is a mandatory meeting for all parents of second graders who will be receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation.  Children are not to attend this meeting. 

Date: Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Time: 7:00 pm
Place: Holy Cross Church

Reconciliation Practice

All practices for First Reconciliation will take place in Holy Cross Church .

Please drop off your child at Holy Cross Church at 3:25 pm and pick up your child at 4:45 pm

Group One: Monday, November 28, 2005 – 3:30 to 4:45 pm -- Last names A to Lanziano

Group Two: Wednesday, November 30, 2005 – 3:30 to 4:45 pm -- Last names Lembeck to Z

Reconciliation Ceremony

Dates: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 and Thursday, December 1, 2005
Place: Holy Cross Church
Time: 7:00 pm

Group One: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 -- Last names A to Lanziano

Group Two: Thursday, December 1, 2005 -- Last names Lembeck to Z

Dress Code: All children should wear their Sunday best for the ceremony.  NO sneakers or jeans permitted.  Girls should wear a dress or skirt.  Boys should wear nice pants with a sweater or dress shirt.

Important Dates for First Eucharist

First Eucharist Parent’s Meeting

This is a mandatory meeting for all parents of second graders who will be receiving their First Eucharist.  Children are not to attend this meeting. 

Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Time: 7:00 pm
Place: Holy Cross Church

First Eucharist Practice

A parent must accompany their child to this practice
Practices are mandatory.  Please do not bring siblings.
All practices take place in Holy Cross Church from 3:30 to 4:45 pm.

Group One: Monday, May 1, 2006 - Last names A to DalPra

Group Two: Tuesday, May 2, 2006 – Last names deGersdorff to Lanziano

Group Three: Wednesday, May 3, 2006 – Last names Lembeck to Reid

Group Four: Thursday, May 4, 2006 – Last names Roth to Z

First Eucharist Ceremony

Date: Saturday May, 6, 2006
Place: Holy Cross Church

Bring your child to Holy Cross Church at least 20 minutes prior to your ceremony so that we can get the boys’ boutonnieres on and get everyone in line. 

Group One: 9:00 am – Last names A to DalPra

Group Two: 11:00 am – Last names deGersdorff to Lanziano

Group Three: 1:00 pm – Last names Lembeck to Reid

Group Four: 3:00 pm – Last names Roth to Z

Dress: Girls – White dress, white tights, white shoes, veil, no gloves.

Boys – Navy blue jacket, white slacks, white shirt, white tie, good shoes (no sneakers)

Important Dates for Confirmation

2006 Confirmation Retreats

All retreats will take place in Holy Cross Church on a Sunday from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. This special evening is for candidates and their parents.
Candidates must attend with their class.

Retreat #1 – January 8 > Mrs. Mattis’s “Sunday” class.

Retreat #2 – January 22 > Mr. Rosset’s class.

Retreat #3 – January 29 > Mrs. Mattis’s “Tuesday” class.

Retreat # 4 – February 12 > Ms. Ciampolis’s class.

Retreat #5 - February 26 > Mrs. O’Mealia’s class.

Retreat #6 - March 5 > Mrs. Miller’s class.

Retreat #7 - March 12 > Mrs. Pattwell’s class.

Retreat #8 – March 19 > Ms. Kantor’s class.

Confirmation Paperwork

Parents of Sunday CCD students: Date – Sunday, March 5th 
Place: Holy Cross School Faculty Room
Time: between 3:30 and 5:00 pm

Parents of Tuesday CCD students: Date – Tuesday, March 7th 
Place – Holy Cross School Faculty Room
Time – between 3:30 and 5:00 pm

Parent of Holy Cross School students: Date Tuesday, March 7th 
Place: Holy Cross School Faculty Room
Time: between 2:30 and 5:00 pm

Parents come to Holy Cross School Faculty room to turn in the following:

1.      Completed Confirmation Application,

2.      Confirmation fee - $100

3.      Completed Service Form

4.      Copy of your child’s letter requesting Confirmation.

Confirmation Ceremony

If the gym in unavailable because of construction, Confirmation will be held in the Church.
As soon as a date is confirmed with the Bishop you will be notified.
Tentative dates are Wednesday, May 17th and Thursday, May 18th

Confirmation Practice with Sponsor
This practice is mandatory for all candidates. 
If your Sponsor cannot make this practice a parent can stand in for them.
Tentative dates are Monday, May 15th and Tuesday, May 16th