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

Fall Festival

This year's fall festival is tentatively set for Sunday, October 3, 12-4pm. We will have our giant slide return along with all our great foods from last year, games, prizes, and raffle. Save the date! We are looking for volunteers to help with the planning and execution of this parish-wide event. Please contact Sherry to volunteer at cm@stcsj.org

Vacation Bible Camp

Twenty-two kids from St.Thomas are going on a SonQuest! We will transform St. Thomas and Sacred Heart Parishes into a tropical rainforest for our weeklong camp. Lively music, bible stories, scripture memory verses, lots of fun games, crafts, yummy snacks and lunch await us as we go on a quest for Jesus. Nine teen counselors and sixteen adults from St. Thomas will assist them on their journey. Please keep us all in your prayers through Sunday, June 20. Camp runs from Monday-Friday, June 14-18 with a closing Mass at Sacred Heart on Sunday, June 20 at 5pm.

Our Fruits of the Spirit Potluck Dinner is next Saturday evening, May 23 after the 5:15pm mass. Free tickets are available after all masses. (the tickets help us with headcount and seating) We will be having a talent show and a sing-a-long. If you or your families are interested in having an act in the talent show, please contact, Sherry at sscott@dsj.org.