April 2018
 




Tasting Celebration  
Our students preparing to receive their First Holy Communion recently came to the "Tasting Celebration."  Students enjoyed a night of craft, song, prayer and instruction followed by the opportunity to "taste" the unconsecrated bread and wine. Our young candidates will be making their First Holy Communion on April 28th. Deacon Bill Jamieson helped them to more fully understand and appreciate the Eucharistic meal and prepared them to properly receive the Body and Blood of Jesus.     

First Communion Families
Please pray for all of the children in our parish preparing to receive their First Holy Communion on Saturday, April 28th. Parents of these children are reminded that rehearsal is on Thursday, April 26th, at 6:30 p.m. We ask that each child come with one parent and no siblings.  This is a very large group, so please do not drop your child off at the church and leave.  Thank you for your cooperation.

It is important to continue working at home in the We Believe and Celebrate First Communion book.

Confirmation is Coming up Quickly! 
Thanks to all of the families who have turned in their paperwork for Confirmation.  If you still have missing paperwork, please submit the forms to the Religious Ed office by April 16th/17th.               
 
All Confirmation candidates are required to write a letter to our pastor requesting to be confirmed.  Students were given instruction in class during the week of March 12th. Letters must be turned in to their catechists by April 16th/17th.  Additionally, each student has been assigned an interview time with a member of the pastoral staff.  Interviews are scheduled during class time on April 23rd/24th and April 30th/May 1st. Class attendance is expected through May 8th.   
 
Seventh and Eight Grade Works of Mercy and Service Opportunities
click here. 

8th Graders
Monday, April 30th and Tuesday, May 1st classes will be Youth Ministry style!  Miss Beth (who leads our high school program) will talk about "Where do I go from here?" and how to stay involved after Confirmation.  We will have a light meal, fun activity, discussion, and prayer.   
 
Last Day of Regular Classes for Religious Education 
Monday, May 7th and Tuesday, May 8th will be the last days of class. May Crowning with a special blessing for the children and their parents will be held in the church at 6:45 p.m. on Monday and 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.  Parents are encouraged to join us and should go directly to the church after dropping children off to their classrooms.
              
Early Bird Registration for 2018-2019 with Discounted Fees!
Early Bird Registration, with discounted fees for Religious Education classes for 2018-2019 will begin at the end of this month. Registration tables will be in the main hallway of the St. Paul School building on:                                 
 
                            Sunday, April 29th         9:30-11:15 a.m.
                     Monday, April 30th         6:15-7:45 p.m.  
                                  Tuesday, May 1st           4:00-5:30 p.m.
                                  Monday, May 7th            6:15-7:45 p.m.
                                  Tuesday, May 8th           4:00-5:30 p.m.
 
Fees are discounted through the month of May to encourage you to register early.  Take advantage of this special pricing while it lasts! Click here for dates and fees.       

Have You Thought About Being a Catechist?
Many of our catechists are parents like you. They are not professional teachers or "experts" in the faith. They do, however, have a heart for Jesus and want to help our children grow to know and love him. We have a great training program and have been very successful in helping ordinary parishioners to become great catechists. It is possible to team teach with a partner (possibly a friend or your spouse?).  It is also possible to start as a classroom aide to gain confidence.
 
Catechists enjoy either full or partial tuition scholarships (based on their level of commitment) for their children in the Religious Ed program. We provide free babysitting for children of catechists and aides during class on Tuesdays. For more information or help in discerning whether this would be a good fit for you, contact Judith Jones at 885-7022 or jjones@stpaulonethlake.org. 
 
 
Loving those who are away from their faith . . .
It was suggested recently that maybe those who are away from the Church need to hear that it is OK to come back. Yes, the Catholic Church wants them and would welcome them. Our God is a God of love and mercy! Maybe it would help if you personally invite someone in your circle of family or friends to come to mass with you or to join you in a Bible Study or one of the many activities taking place here at St. Paul. If someone you know or love has left the Church and is thinking about coming back, we want to provide support and encouragement. Call 885-8855 to speak to someone personally.


Also Happening at St. Paul School and  Parish....   
   
     
Religious Education Department (313) 885-7022
Judith Jones, Director of Religious Education: jjones@stpaulonthelake.org
Katie Cook, Section Head for Grades 1- 4: kcook@stpaulonthelake.org
Tricia Kesteloot, Section Head for Grades 5 - 8: tkesteloot@stpaulonthelake.org