REACH - Special Needs Programs

Religious Education Apostalate
for Christian Handicapped

REACH 2010-2011 Calendar

The REACH program helps students:

• Play, work, and pray happily with others.
• Develop a sense of awe, wonder, respect, gratitude and stewardship for God's creation.
• Develop a sense of community and worship.
• Know that God loves, protects and provides for them.
• Recognize that prayer is talking with God.
• Explore in active ways the Bible stories that form the Catholic Christian faith.
• Celebrate their place in God's family.

The REACH program welcomes children who:

• Are at least 6 years of age by September 1st.
• Need a program at a slower pace with simplified lessons and a small student to instructor ratio.
• Want to feel a part of a faith community.
• Want to learn more about God's love.

Children are grouped according to age and/or ability. Each group has a Lead Catechist and each student is assigned a Helper Catechist. Classes are held twice a month on Saturday mornings from September to April. Sessions are from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and follow a routine. Each class begins with prayer. Students then work on a craft that relates to the day's lesson. The Lead Catechist then conducts a formal lesson and concludes the lesson with prayer. Finally, all the groups come together for snack time, singing, sharing, and socializing.

One of the special events at REACH happens in December. Families are invited to attend the REACH Advent mass. Students participate in all areas of the mass and prepare a special program. The mass is followed by a reception and a visit from Santa.

The REACH program also provides sacramental prepartation for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. For more information about the REACH program or to register, call the Religious Education office at (630) 355-4545 ext. 112.