As I write this particular Newsletter I am filled with the joy and excitement that comes from a deep spiritual experience. I have been reflecting on the beautiful First Reconciliation for our second graders in the parish. On February 8, the second graders came together in prayer with their parents to celebrate the light of Christ that filled their beings. The children come with a sense of being anxious and rightfully so, because this is so important a sacrament in their spiritual life. But also, the parents come with a deep sense of role model. Thank you to all the parents who have exhibited such a strong faith. We ask all the families in our parish to pray for these families as they bring their children to Holy Communion.
FAITH FIRST FAMILY NIGHT: Although we are small, we have had many positive compliments about our Faith First Family Night, which is held on the second Saturday of each month. We begin with Mass at 5 p.m. and a potluck supper after. We share our faith on various themes each month and there are many activities for the children. You may want to join us in March as we begin Lent or in April as we continue Lent and look at the outcome of Jesus’ death on the cross, or in May to discover the wonder of Pentecost.
LIVING STATIONS: The children of the parish in grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 will be presenting the Living Stations for the parish. The children will be working on one station during Lent. It would be great if you could include the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday evening, 7 p.m., in church.
JUNIOR PRAESIDIUM: What is it and what does it do? For those of you who may be familiar with the Legion of Mary in our parish, the Junior Praesidium is the younger members of our parish who come together on Monday afternoon, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., in the Andes room, to pray and work together. This is a very powerful experience when we take time away from our busy schedules to come together for the sole purpose to pray. Parents might consider encouraging children in grades 5 through 8 to become members. Also, if you have younger siblings they are welcome with an older sibling.
How do we teach our children the importance of praying for peace? By being involved with the Junior Praesidium and praying the Rosary with us every week. Another powerful way is to pray the Rosary every night as a family. When we pray together in our families and with our larger family the Church, we can work miracles.
CONFIRMATION BAKE SALE: Thanks to our generous parishioners and hard working confirmandi, the bake sale raised over $400 to be presented to the bishop, for the poor of the diocese. RE-REGISTRATION: As you may already know, the Parish School of Religion is really staffed by the generosity of our parish volunteers. Much of my office help is also on a volunteer basis. Many parents have very generously said that all I need to do is ask for whatever I need and they are willing to help. So here goes- what I really need is for the parents to re-register every spring for the coming PSR year. This May, there will be an envelope in your envelope pack to re-register your children for the fall. Please use this envelope to re-register your children before summer. If you use the gold envelope to re-register, then you will need to include ALL of the necessary information. If you add a new child, then you will need to use the registration forms that you will find at all of the doors of the church beginning May 1. A copy of the baptismal form for all additional children must accompany the registration form.
NEW REGISTRATION: For families who are new to the parish, there will be registration forms at all the doors of the church, beginning May 1. A copy of the baptismal certificate for each child registered must accompany the form.
NEW PSR CATECHISTS AND CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS WILL BE NEEDED FOR THE FALL: I have been notified of several new issues. First, at this time I know I'll be needing another 2nd grade teacher, one fifth grade teacher, and an eighth grader teacher in the fall. Also, due to the issues in the church, we have been required to provide a classroom assistant in all classrooms. This is essentially for the protection of our catechists as well as the child. If you were willing to give a little time to the PSR program it would be helpful to have a regular weekly classroom assistant. Please pray on this and call me before June.