Dear Parishioners,

May the peace of the Lord be with you. Hopefully, the past few months have afforded your family an opportunity to relax and enjoy one another's company and to appreciate God during the fun times of summer.

As we approach the one-year anniversary of September 11th, we will hear much about the fears and anxieties we have all faced in the aftermath of this tragic event. As Catholic Christians it is our responsibility to teach our children in the home and in the Religious Education Community the gospel message: "I am with you always."

During these early weeks, we will be remembering those who lost their lives in this tragedy and we will pray for them and for their families. It is equally important that you discover the gift of your own families, and acknowledge the love you share at home.

This past summer I became aware, through feedback from a number of parents, that we were remiss by not taking some time to discuss with our students the recent child abuse scandal in the church. It was not our intent to keep these issues from being discussed. The community of Sacred Heart wishes to provide every opportunity for our children to become more aware of how God is working in our lives and the richness of the Spirit at work in these extremely difficult issues. We value your communication, and want to hear from you no matter the concern.

 You are sincerely invited to participate as often as you are able. It is understood just how busy families are. But there may be times that we forget to put the priority of God and Religious Education first simply because we are caught up in activities that we believe are very important. As Bishop Pilla said at the Summer Institute for catechists, "Parents work very diligently at making sure their children have every opportunity to learn all that is needed to acquire a good position, job, profession, in our society; do we work as hard at providing a rich education and spiritual experience of who God is in our lives?"

The children will participate at various times during the year at a Saturday evening liturgy followed by a potluck supper. Check your child's calendar as well as the parish bulletin for times. The first Mass is scheduled for children in the third and fourth grade in the Parish School, the PSR and the home school children, on Nov. 17, at the 5 p.m. Mass. There will be a practice the Saturday before.

 Another opportunity for our children is Eucharistic Devotions. Although all children preparing for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation are required to participate with their families, every family is encouraged to spend time in devotion to the Blessed Sacrament that week beginning with the 9:30 a.m. Mass on Friday, Nov. 21.

 The new Faith First Family Program will be offered once a month on Saturday evening beginning with the 5 p.m. Mass followed by a potluck supper. Each gathering will focus on a theme based on the liturgical calendar. The first is Oct. 5, on the Blessed Mother and the Rosary.

In January, the Parish Vocation Fair will kick off with a Press Conference on Wednesday, Jan.14, at 7 p.m. in the church. Fr. Joe, Deacon Roger, Sister Therese Marie, Dr. Margarita Lassaletta, Caesar Merced, and the Boland, Smith, and Greczanik families will give a presentation on their chosen vocations.

PSR classes begin the second week in September and everyone should be registered prior to attending class. However, it is never too late. If the time has arrived and you are not registered, call the Religious Education Office and we will be glad to assist. Don't let the ability to pay the fee determine whether or not you register your children for PSR. The PSR fee can be paid over the course of the year or when you are able.

For families that home school, please stay in contact with our office so we may be sure to include your children in our activities.

We look forward to a rich and diversified religious experience for our children this year. Please keep our families and catechists in your prayers and we will
remember you in our daily prayer.

-- DIANE BRUCE, Director of Religious Education