Classes Resume Sunday, 1/2 and Tuesday 1/4

Catechetical Classes resume for Preschool on Sunday, January 2.

Classes resume for grades 1-8 on Tuesday, January 4. Merry Christmas!

Advent Family Night

We have another evening of Whole-Community Catechesis coming up on Tuesday, November 30, 6:30-8:30pm.

Come get in the spirit of Advent! The entire parish is welcome. We will learn about Advent, it's relationship to Christmas and our Liturical Year. We will make a keepsake ornament to adorm our trees. We will sing, clap, pray, and praise!

This event is part of Catechetical Ministry and all Catechetical students and their families are expected to attend. No Drop offs. If you need childcare for those under 3, please let me know by Nov. 15 so I can provide adequate staffing.

Family Night October 26, 6:30pm

Celebrating the lives of the Saints..

and our own “Call to Holiness”

When: Tuesday, October 26, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Becket Hall

We will begin with food and hospitality (something St. Thomas is very good at!) Next we will explore the lives of a few saints, discuss the theology behind the Communion of Saints, the feasts of All-Saints Day and All-Souls Day, the Hispanic customs of Dia de los Muertos. We will break into age groups for some in-depth discussion and hands-on activities, then rejoin and finish the evening with prayer.

RSVP: to Sherry at 364-8840 or cm@stcsj.org

Finally, you are invited to bring a memento/photo of your deceased loved ones. We will be creating an altar to remember those who have gone before us. It will remain up through Nov. 2, the Feast of All Souls. Please put your name on the item, so we can be sure it gets returned to you.

Upcoming Dates in Catechetical Ministry..

September 21, 7pm (Tuesday): Mandatory All Parent/All Catechist Meeting. Come meet your child’s catechist and get an overview of our program this year. This meeting is for parents only, please contact Sherry if you need childcare. If you are going to miss the meeting, you may read the talking points here:

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3vdg1COCS0hMTc0ODcxNzAtZGVkNC00NzFhLThkZTAtZWFjODJkYjBmMzUz&hl=en&authkey=CIi0v_EB

September 26, (Sunday): Early childhood classes begin for preschoolers during the 9am Mass.

September 28, (Tuesday): First day of classes.

Grades 1-4 meet at 4-5:15pm.

Grades 5-8 meet at 7-8:15pm.

October 3, Sunday, 12-4pm. Parish Fall Festival
click here for flyer:

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B6e2e4Z7SAORMTQyYjJkODUtYTlhNS00MDMyLWJiMDEtNDcwOTI3MWQzZWVl&hl=en

Registration for fall Catechetical classes

Faith in God is the most important thing you can nurture in your child. Showing our child(ren) that God loves them unconditionally helps to build healthy, emotionally stable, well-grounded individuals. Together as the catholic faith community of St. Thomas, we can show our children that unconditional love God has for all of us. Together, we can teach our children how we pray, what we believe, and how we live our lives.

Registration for Catechetical and Sacrament preparation classes will take place after all masses the weekend of August 28-29, 2010. Registration materials will be mailed out to all families who were previously enrolled. If you are new to St. Thomas, you may pick up materials in the office after August 15.

Classes are held from late September through mid-May for the following age groups:

Preschool, ages 3-6: Sundays mornings during the 9am mass.
Grades 1-4: Tuesdays, 4-5:15pm.
Grades 5-8: Tuesdays, 7-8:15pm.
Children seeking the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist need to complete two years of preparation.
Grade 9: Confirmation preparation is also a two year process. Sundays, 10-11:15am January-May

For more information contact Sherry Scott, catechetical coordinator, at (408) 364-8840 or cm@stcsj.org.

Have a great Summer!

"God, our Father, protect us as we travel and explore this summer. Keep our minds and our bodies healthy as we relax and rejuvenate after a busy school year. Help us to always walk as disciples of your Son, Jesus, whether at work or at play. Amen"

Catechetical Sunday, September 19

This year's theme is Matrimony, Sacrament of Enduring Love. We will be commissioning our catechists at the 9am mass. We need a few more catechists for our Early Childhood program and as ministers of Children's Liturgy of the Word. The commitment is once per month. Training and support are provided. If you feel called to serve; to share your faith with the next generation, please contact Sherry at cm@stcsj.org