Youth Weekend Retreat coming up.
The Youth Ministry team will take several of our teens on a weekend retreat, Nov 14-15. We ask the community to pray for us as we go off together to pray and to listen to God speaking to us, away from the busy-ness of our lives.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Fall Festival a success!
Many, many thanks to all who helped to make our First Fall Festival a success! The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Everywhere I looked people seemed to be truly enjoying themselves. We are blessed to be part of such a collaborative community of faith.
I am collecting feedback from the event, so please email your comments, both what to keep and what to improve upon, to sscott@dsj.org
This event would not have been possible without the help of the following parishioners:
In the kitchen: Marika Harkins, Joan and Greg Sease, their son, daughter and their 3 grandchildren, Bill McPeak, Mike Froess, Maria Etheridge, Mary de Leo, Lucy Chai, Hedwig Harkins, Lorene and Roger Hughes, Sue and Jackie Winklebleck, Ziggy Freslassie, John Cruickshank, Ken and Margaret Shieck,
With the drinks: Frank and Becky Muller and John and Edith Cruikshank.
Setup/tear down/facilities: Alan Welch.
Silent Auction coordinator: Kathy Quick.
Music and announcements: Luisa Lennon.
Pumpkin Walk: Hank, Vicki, Jessica and Kenny Schwoob, Leticia Tapia, Alicia Dagdagan, Samantha Supan.
Ticket Sales: Pat Arand.
Games: Rocky Tilney, Kathy Foos, David Silva.
Shifts: Curtis, Nancy and Madison Lindsey, Joe, Mary, Katie and Thomas DiLeo, Doug and Anne Moe, Ying, Matt, James and Joshua Holden, Rocky Tilney, David Silva, Delia Besio, John Ordona, Capella Kerst, Marina Valdez, Meg Alduino, Ralene Wasielewski, Antonella Biondi, Sara Machado, Jeremy Panelli, Kim Hanrahan, Steve Salcido, and the students from Canyon Heights Academy: Alexandra, Emika Lewis, Josh Parker, Joel Parker, and Carbel.
Food contributors: Lorene Hughes, Cynthia Ruiz, Rosemarie Luck, Meg Bullock, Amy Trayer, Donna Poppenhagen, Ralene Wasielewski, Eleanor Licup, Patricia Soraire, Maria Panelli, Betty Theresi, Jo Ann McPeak, Diane Dalton, Evan Rust, Delia Besio, Mary DiLeo, Corina Martin.
Underwriting: three anonymous contributors.
To wrap up, our silent auction took in $808, and a preliminary look at our numbers shows that we profited $1,700, all of which will go towards our catechetical programs.
Many, many thanks to all who helped to make our First Fall Festival a success! The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Everywhere I looked people seemed to be truly enjoying themselves. We are blessed to be part of such a collaborative community of faith.
I am collecting feedback from the event, so please email your comments, both what to keep and what to improve upon, to sscott@dsj.org
This event would not have been possible without the help of the following parishioners:
In the kitchen: Marika Harkins, Joan and Greg Sease, their son, daughter and their 3 grandchildren, Bill McPeak, Mike Froess, Maria Etheridge, Mary de Leo, Lucy Chai, Hedwig Harkins, Lorene and Roger Hughes, Sue and Jackie Winklebleck, Ziggy Freslassie, John Cruickshank, Ken and Margaret Shieck,
With the drinks: Frank and Becky Muller and John and Edith Cruikshank.
Setup/tear down/facilities: Alan Welch.
Silent Auction coordinator: Kathy Quick.
Music and announcements: Luisa Lennon.
Pumpkin Walk: Hank, Vicki, Jessica and Kenny Schwoob, Leticia Tapia, Alicia Dagdagan, Samantha Supan.
Ticket Sales: Pat Arand.
Games: Rocky Tilney, Kathy Foos, David Silva.
Shifts: Curtis, Nancy and Madison Lindsey, Joe, Mary, Katie and Thomas DiLeo, Doug and Anne Moe, Ying, Matt, James and Joshua Holden, Rocky Tilney, David Silva, Delia Besio, John Ordona, Capella Kerst, Marina Valdez, Meg Alduino, Ralene Wasielewski, Antonella Biondi, Sara Machado, Jeremy Panelli, Kim Hanrahan, Steve Salcido, and the students from Canyon Heights Academy: Alexandra, Emika Lewis, Josh Parker, Joel Parker, and Carbel.
Food contributors: Lorene Hughes, Cynthia Ruiz, Rosemarie Luck, Meg Bullock, Amy Trayer, Donna Poppenhagen, Ralene Wasielewski, Eleanor Licup, Patricia Soraire, Maria Panelli, Betty Theresi, Jo Ann McPeak, Diane Dalton, Evan Rust, Delia Besio, Mary DiLeo, Corina Martin.
Underwriting: three anonymous contributors.
To wrap up, our silent auction took in $808, and a preliminary look at our numbers shows that we profited $1,700, all of which will go towards our catechetical programs.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Youth Mass
Sunday, November 1, 11am
Our second Youth Mass is this coming Sunday. Choir members, be at the church by 10:30am.
If you have a child who would like to participate in the Youth Masses as a greeter, usher, reader or choir member, please contact Sherry at sscott@dsj.org
The next Youth mass will be on December 6, at 11am.
The next choir rehearsals will be on Tuesday, Nov. 10 and 17, from 5:30-6:30pm.
Sunday, November 1, 11am
Our second Youth Mass is this coming Sunday. Choir members, be at the church by 10:30am.
If you have a child who would like to participate in the Youth Masses as a greeter, usher, reader or choir member, please contact Sherry at sscott@dsj.org
The next Youth mass will be on December 6, at 11am.
The next choir rehearsals will be on Tuesday, Nov. 10 and 17, from 5:30-6:30pm.
Advent Family Breakfast
Sunday, November 22, 10-12noon, Becket Hall
The entire parish family is welcome to join the catechetical ministry in celebrating and preparing for the season of Advent. We will enjoy a continental breakfast after the 9am mass while we share our knowledge and experiences of the season and brainstorm ways to celebrate the true meaning of Advent/Christmas. Families will create an advent keepsake to treasure!
This event is part of the catechetical program, meaning, CM families are expected to attend.
Please RSVP to Sherry by Nov 17.
Sunday, November 22, 10-12noon, Becket Hall
The entire parish family is welcome to join the catechetical ministry in celebrating and preparing for the season of Advent. We will enjoy a continental breakfast after the 9am mass while we share our knowledge and experiences of the season and brainstorm ways to celebrate the true meaning of Advent/Christmas. Families will create an advent keepsake to treasure!
This event is part of the catechetical program, meaning, CM families are expected to attend.
Please RSVP to Sherry by Nov 17.
Faith Formation Conference, " The word of God, coming to life", is coming to the Santa Clara Convention Center, November 20-21.
Register by Friday, October 30. Let's get a large group of catechists and volunteers and carpool from St. Thomas to and from the event on Friday and Saturday. If you have work commitments or family commitments, you may sign up for just one of the days. For more information or to register online go to: http://www.dsj.org/education/catechetical-ministry/faith-formation-conference
It's a great way to get some continuing formation whether you are a beginning catechist or a seasoned veteran.
RSVP carpools to Sherry at sscott@dsj.org
Register by Friday, October 30. Let's get a large group of catechists and volunteers and carpool from St. Thomas to and from the event on Friday and Saturday. If you have work commitments or family commitments, you may sign up for just one of the days. For more information or to register online go to: http://www.dsj.org/education/catechetical-ministry/faith-formation-conference
It's a great way to get some continuing formation whether you are a beginning catechist or a seasoned veteran.
RSVP carpools to Sherry at sscott@dsj.org
Bible Presentation Ceremony
Tuesday, November 3, 7pm, Becket Hall
For 5th and 6th grade CM students and their families. Parents of 5th and 6th grade CM students: please plan to attend. You will be presenting a bible to your student. The ceremony will take about 30 minutes. rsvp to Sherry at sscott@dsj.org
Tuesday, November 3, 7pm, Becket Hall
For 5th and 6th grade CM students and their families. Parents of 5th and 6th grade CM students: please plan to attend. You will be presenting a bible to your student. The ceremony will take about 30 minutes. rsvp to Sherry at sscott@dsj.org
Tips for preventing the spread of the H1N1 flu virus.
In addition to the prevention guidelines we are following at mass ( http://www.dsj.org/about-us/bishops/bishops-statements/adaptations-of-liturgical-norms-in-response-to-a-request-from-th), we are also taking precautions when we gather for catechetical classes. (http://www.dsj.org/education/catechetical-ministry/pandemic-catechetical-plan)
I'd like to point out a few of the measures we have taken at St. Thomas to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu virus. First, we are asking the students to wash their hands when arriving at St. Thomas and just before they have snack. Second, we are preparing our snack in individual containers. Third, we are wiping down tables and chairs between the 4pm and 7pm sessions. Fourth, we have segregated the students' writing and craft supplies in individual, labeled containers.
If your student is running a fever, or is sick, do not send them to class. The child must be without a fever, unassisted by fever reducing medication, for 24 hours before they can return to class.
Here is some advice from the CDC: exerpt from http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
Get vaccinated. Vaccination is the best protection we have against flu. Seasonal flu vaccine is available now and initial doses of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine also are available, with additional doses available later this year.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way.
Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.
Stay informed.
Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.
In addition to the prevention guidelines we are following at mass ( http://www.dsj.org/about-us/bishops/bishops-statements/adaptations-of-liturgical-norms-in-response-to-a-request-from-th), we are also taking precautions when we gather for catechetical classes. (http://www.dsj.org/education/catechetical-ministry/pandemic-catechetical-plan)
I'd like to point out a few of the measures we have taken at St. Thomas to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu virus. First, we are asking the students to wash their hands when arriving at St. Thomas and just before they have snack. Second, we are preparing our snack in individual containers. Third, we are wiping down tables and chairs between the 4pm and 7pm sessions. Fourth, we have segregated the students' writing and craft supplies in individual, labeled containers.
If your student is running a fever, or is sick, do not send them to class. The child must be without a fever, unassisted by fever reducing medication, for 24 hours before they can return to class.
Here is some advice from the CDC: exerpt from http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
Get vaccinated. Vaccination is the best protection we have against flu. Seasonal flu vaccine is available now and initial doses of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine also are available, with additional doses available later this year.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way.
Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.
Stay informed.
Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.
Our 2010 Parish Photo Directory needs YOU!
Lifetouch is photographing our parish families all this week. If you have not yet signed up for your photo session, you may do so at our website at www.stcsj.org There are still some slots available. We want all of our families to be included in our photo directory.
When talking to the CM students about it tonight, one of our catechists explained that our directory is like a family photo album. Everyone from our parish family needs to be included in it. If you have recently had a professional portrait taken of your family, you may give us a copy to be included rather than have another photo taken.
Lifetouch is photographing our parish families all this week. If you have not yet signed up for your photo session, you may do so at our website at www.stcsj.org There are still some slots available. We want all of our families to be included in our photo directory.
When talking to the CM students about it tonight, one of our catechists explained that our directory is like a family photo album. Everyone from our parish family needs to be included in it. If you have recently had a professional portrait taken of your family, you may give us a copy to be included rather than have another photo taken.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Fall Festival is coming to St. Thomas!
Mark your calendars for our parish-wide festival on Saturday, October 24, from 11am-4pm.
We will have an inflatable slide for the kids, plenty of games and prizes, face painting and a pumpkin walk. We have hamburgers, hotdogs, homemade chili, homemade pies and cupcakes.
Each class is contributing a theme basket to the silent auction. Don't have time to purchase an item for the class basket, you can donate $5-10 and a volunteer will make the purchases for you. Please bring your item or cash donation to class on Tuesday.
Tickets for the festival will go on sale this weekend, (Oct. 17-18) after all the masses. Tickets will also be on sale in the office during business hours (9-2pm M-F) and before and after CM classes on Tuesday, Oct 20.
Wristbands $10 in advance, $12 at the door (includes unlimited slide and games and two chances at the Pumpkin walk)
Tickets are 6 for $5 in advance and $1 each at the door. Tickets are good for food and drinks.
We still need volunteers to work the games during the event, if you haven't signed up yet, please contact Sherry.
Mark your calendars for our parish-wide festival on Saturday, October 24, from 11am-4pm.
We will have an inflatable slide for the kids, plenty of games and prizes, face painting and a pumpkin walk. We have hamburgers, hotdogs, homemade chili, homemade pies and cupcakes.
Each class is contributing a theme basket to the silent auction. Don't have time to purchase an item for the class basket, you can donate $5-10 and a volunteer will make the purchases for you. Please bring your item or cash donation to class on Tuesday.
Tickets for the festival will go on sale this weekend, (Oct. 17-18) after all the masses. Tickets will also be on sale in the office during business hours (9-2pm M-F) and before and after CM classes on Tuesday, Oct 20.
Wristbands $10 in advance, $12 at the door (includes unlimited slide and games and two chances at the Pumpkin walk)
Tickets are 6 for $5 in advance and $1 each at the door. Tickets are good for food and drinks.
We still need volunteers to work the games during the event, if you haven't signed up yet, please contact Sherry.
Youth Choir
Do you play an instrument? Do you like to sing? Then sign up for our Youth Choir. The youth choir will practice twice/month from 5:30-6:30pm on Tuesdays. The Youth Choir will sing at the 11:00am mass on the first Sunday of each month, except for January. Also, on Easter Sunday they will sing at 9am instead of 11:00am.
Practices are:
October 20 and 27 for Mass on November 1
November 10, 17 and December 1 for Mass on December 6
December 8, 15 and 22 for Christmas Eve Mass on December 24, 5pm
No mass in January
January 26 and February 2 for Mass on February 7
February 22 and March 2 for Mass on March 7
Maarch 23 and 30 for Easter Sunday Mass at 9am, April 4
April 20 and 27 for Mass on May 2 (First Holy Communion)
Click here to download a flyer and sign up form:
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hZGU4M2M1NGItYjE5ZS00YjU5LWFmOGMtOTA5MDRmMGY2Nzcy&hl=en
Do you play an instrument? Do you like to sing? Then sign up for our Youth Choir. The youth choir will practice twice/month from 5:30-6:30pm on Tuesdays. The Youth Choir will sing at the 11:00am mass on the first Sunday of each month, except for January. Also, on Easter Sunday they will sing at 9am instead of 11:00am.
Practices are:
October 20 and 27 for Mass on November 1
November 10, 17 and December 1 for Mass on December 6
December 8, 15 and 22 for Christmas Eve Mass on December 24, 5pm
No mass in January
January 26 and February 2 for Mass on February 7
February 22 and March 2 for Mass on March 7
Maarch 23 and 30 for Easter Sunday Mass at 9am, April 4
April 20 and 27 for Mass on May 2 (First Holy Communion)
Click here to download a flyer and sign up form:
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hZGU4M2M1NGItYjE5ZS00YjU5LWFmOGMtOTA5MDRmMGY2Nzcy&hl=en
Catechetical Ministry Calendar 2009-2010
View our calender here.
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hYjE5MDlmMTQtMDk2NC00ODVmLWIwODMtYWI5ZTBjZDRmMzk3&hl=en
View our calender here.
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hYjE5MDlmMTQtMDk2NC00ODVmLWIwODMtYWI5ZTBjZDRmMzk3&hl=en
VIRTUS Safe Environment workshops
Our Safe-Environment workshops are almost completed. This year we completed lessons 5 and 6 from the VIRTUS manual. The children in grades 3/4 and up wrote letters to their parents explaining what they have learned about staying safe. The letters will be mailed out shortly.
Click here to read a letter from Sherry about the Safe Environment Program.
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hYTQ0MjVmYzctMzRjZC00NmI1LThlYjYtZjBlN2Y4MzM2NGJj&hl=en
Your child's participation in the Safe Environment program is not mandatory. If you would like to opt-out of the Safe Environment workshop, please click here to print the Opt-Out form.
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hYWIwZTY1ZWItOGIxYy00MWE0LWJjZjYtMTNjZDMxMzgwODMy&hl=en
Our Safe-Environment workshops are almost completed. This year we completed lessons 5 and 6 from the VIRTUS manual. The children in grades 3/4 and up wrote letters to their parents explaining what they have learned about staying safe. The letters will be mailed out shortly.
Click here to read a letter from Sherry about the Safe Environment Program.
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hYTQ0MjVmYzctMzRjZC00NmI1LThlYjYtZjBlN2Y4MzM2NGJj&hl=en
Your child's participation in the Safe Environment program is not mandatory. If you would like to opt-out of the Safe Environment workshop, please click here to print the Opt-Out form.
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hYWIwZTY1ZWItOGIxYy00MWE0LWJjZjYtMTNjZDMxMzgwODMy&hl=en
Lesson Schedules by class:
If your student is going to miss a class, you will need to read the material with them at home. Here are our lesson plans by grade level so you know which lesson we are covering each week.
First year class
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hODNiOWFiNzItMzliMC00NTQwLTg3YTQtNzUzOTY4MDZmNzZk&hl=en
Second year class
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hYmY1OGI4MTEtMjhlNC00YzI1LTk3NDgtYWRiMDAwMDdlMzRk&hl=en
Third/Fourth grade class
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hNzFjOTUyYmQtMzY1MC00OGQ2LWI3MzktM2NlNzZlZTAzNzQ1&hl=en
Fifth grade class
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hOWUzYjliNWYtYzg5Yy00Mzg2LWFmZTktZWZkMGM3ZTQ5Y2Y3&hl=en
Sixth grade class
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hNjYxODcwOGQtYTk3ZS00N2FjLWFiYzQtNTVmNzQ5Y2Y4ZTc5&hl=en
Seventh grade class
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hNzI2YjZkMjAtZmQ2Mi00NjczLTg3YjMtODI0ZDNlNTU2NTcw&hl=en
If your student is going to miss a class, you will need to read the material with them at home. Here are our lesson plans by grade level so you know which lesson we are covering each week.
First year class
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hODNiOWFiNzItMzliMC00NTQwLTg3YTQtNzUzOTY4MDZmNzZk&hl=en
Second year class
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hYmY1OGI4MTEtMjhlNC00YzI1LTk3NDgtYWRiMDAwMDdlMzRk&hl=en
Third/Fourth grade class
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hNzFjOTUyYmQtMzY1MC00OGQ2LWI3MzktM2NlNzZlZTAzNzQ1&hl=en
Fifth grade class
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hOWUzYjliNWYtYzg5Yy00Mzg2LWFmZTktZWZkMGM3ZTQ5Y2Y3&hl=en
Sixth grade class
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hNjYxODcwOGQtYTk3ZS00N2FjLWFiYzQtNTVmNzQ5Y2Y4ZTc5&hl=en
Seventh grade class
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hNzI2YjZkMjAtZmQ2Mi00NjczLTg3YjMtODI0ZDNlNTU2NTcw&hl=en
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Our Youth Ministry team is planning a Retreat for highschoolers. The retreat date is November 14-15. We will spend the weekend at Camp Redwood Glen in the beautiful Santa Cruz mountains. Permission forms are due to the parish office by October 18.
For more information/retreat fees see our flyer:
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hYzNkNTJhMjktNzc0NS00MjcwLTkwZTEtMDkxZTBlYWQ5NGZh&hl=en
For our permission form:
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hMmIwOWIzMGQtZWQwNC00ZjgyLWI2MTktYTAxZDA2MWE5ZDFk&hl=en
For more information/retreat fees see our flyer:
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hYzNkNTJhMjktNzc0NS00MjcwLTkwZTEtMDkxZTBlYWQ5NGZh&hl=en
For our permission form:
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hMmIwOWIzMGQtZWQwNC00ZjgyLWI2MTktYTAxZDA2MWE5ZDFk&hl=en
Sessions and Times
Preschool through Kindergarten (3, 4 and 5-year-olds). During 9 am Mass each Sunday October-June
Grades 1 through 4. Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:15 pm
Grades 5 through 8. Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:15 pm
Family Gatherings. This is part of the Catechetical Program. For 2009 we have two Family Gatherings.
o Advent Family Workshop, Sunday, November 22, 12-2pm
o Lenten Soup Supper and Stations, Friday, February 26, 2010, 6- 8:30pm
Youth Ministry
which is separate from Catechetical Ministry but a mandatory experience before entering Confirmation Preparation Program. Youth ministry is to help young people discover their Catholic identity and to call them to an active life in the Christian family. To accomplish this, it is necessary to recognize youth as "CHURCH" and to welcome their rich and spiritual style of expressing their faith. High School (grades 9-12) meets two Saturday evenings/month at 6:30 pm.
Liturgy of the Word for Children
serves grades 1 through 6. Children are invited to celebrate the Word of God at the 9 am Sunday Mass in a manner understandable to their age level. The children meet with adult and teen leaders after the Opening Prayer and return to the regular Mass at the Presentation of the Gifts.
Preschool through Kindergarten (3, 4 and 5-year-olds). During 9 am Mass each Sunday October-June
Grades 1 through 4. Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:15 pm
Grades 5 through 8. Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:15 pm
Family Gatherings. This is part of the Catechetical Program. For 2009 we have two Family Gatherings.
o Advent Family Workshop, Sunday, November 22, 12-2pm
o Lenten Soup Supper and Stations, Friday, February 26, 2010, 6- 8:30pm
Youth Ministry
which is separate from Catechetical Ministry but a mandatory experience before entering Confirmation Preparation Program. Youth ministry is to help young people discover their Catholic identity and to call them to an active life in the Christian family. To accomplish this, it is necessary to recognize youth as "CHURCH" and to welcome their rich and spiritual style of expressing their faith. High School (grades 9-12) meets two Saturday evenings/month at 6:30 pm.
Liturgy of the Word for Children
serves grades 1 through 6. Children are invited to celebrate the Word of God at the 9 am Sunday Mass in a manner understandable to their age level. The children meet with adult and teen leaders after the Opening Prayer and return to the regular Mass at the Presentation of the Gifts.
Catechetical Ministry
“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Mt19:14
Philosophy
Catechetical Ministry is a share in Jesus’ own mission of proclaiming the Reign of God. Catechesis is that activity which enables faith to become living, conscious, and active through the light of instruction — especially sharing God's Word in Scripture and sharing the tradition of the Catholic Church. Catechesis is a life-long process for each individual as well as the work of the entire Catholic Christian community.
The Church teaches that the primary responsibility for the spiritual growth and development of children rests first and foremost with their parents. Parents may share this responsibility with others, but they do not relinquish it.
The Church assists parents in passing on their faith through the ministry of catechesis. Catechists echo the Catholic faith in a way that those being catechized (children, youth, and adults) can understand. Catechists must do more than merely teach about their faith. They help children/youth build and strengthen their relationship with Jesus and the Church. Catechists do this by proclaiming the Word, building a sense of community, which leads to prayer and worship, encouraging loving service to others, and living lives as examples to others.
Our catechists are all volunteers, from many walks of life. They are people who have answered a call to minister to our children/youth and who have prepared themselves in a variety of ways to serve as catechists. Above all, they are people for whom faith is important enough to share.
The catechetical process seeks to open children/youth to the discovery of the goodness and beauty of God as reflected in their world, and help them to experience this world within the Catholic Christian community. It seeks to help them grow further in their faith, their understanding of our Catholic tradition, our unity in Christ, and the many gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The goals of the Catechetical Ministry Program at St. Thomas of Canterbury are:
I. Ongoing conversion to Jesus Christ
II. Full participation in the life of the Catholic Church
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)