April 2019
 

We are coming down the Lenten homestretch and Easter is nearly here. To all of our families, we remind you that there is still time to go to Confession. We also urge you to come and bring your children to the Mass of the Lord's Supper and Foot Washing on Holy Thursday and the Stations of the Cross and Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday. See the attached Lenten Schedule for more information on all the above and well as the schedule of Masses for Easter.
Have a happy and holy Easter!


Yes,  
Religious Education Classes will be held on Easter Monday, April 22 and Tuesday, April 23.
 

Tasting Celebration  
Students preparing to receive their First Holy Communion recently came to the "Tasting Celebration."  The children and their parents 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 May 4th. Fr. Craig Marion helped them to more fully understand and appreciate the Eucharist and prepared them to properly receive the Body and Blood of Jesus. If you have not already completed it, it is important to continue working at home in the "We Believe and Celebrate First Communion" book. 

First Communion Families
Rehearsal for First Communion Mass is on Thursday, May 2nd, at 6:30 p.m in the church. We ask that each child come with one parent and no siblings.  Please do not drop your child off and leave.  Thank you for your understanding.


Grade One 
Mrs. Paschke's class made "Christ is Risen" rolls using the elements
of oil and spices to explain how Jesus' body (signified by a marshmallow) was anointed in the tomb.  She shared how the stone was used to cover the tomb and that when Jesus' friends returned to the site on Sunday morning, the stone was rolled away.  The body of Jesus was gone because He had risen!




Grade Two
Students from Mrs. Marsh's class were busy studying a lesson about the multiplication of the loaves and the fishes.
 
 

Grade Six
Sixth graders gathered together for an instructional Seder Meal, led by Rabbi David Polsky. Rabbi David shared the significance of the Seder Meal during Jewish Passover. Students enjoyed learning about our common roots in the stories of Abraham, Moses and the Plagues of Egypt. Rabbi David answered many questions and even took a selfie with the students to share with his own children at home. 
 
 

Confirmation is Coming up Quickly! 
Thanks to all of the families who have turned in their paperwork for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  If you still have missing documents, please note that all forms are due in the Religious Ed office by this Friday, April 12th.               
 
Interviews of confirmation candidates by the pastoral staff are underway. All candidates should have turned in their letters to the Pastor requesting to be confirmed. Class attendance is expected through May 7th.  

Click here for Seventh and Eighth Grade Christian Service Opportunities.  
              
Early Bird Registration for 2019-2020 with Discounted Fees!
Early Bird Registration with discounted fees for Religious Education classes for 2019-2020 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 28th         9:30-11:15 a.m.
                     Monday, April 29th         6:15-7:45 p.m.    
                                  Tuesday, April 30th         4:00-5:30 p.m.
                                  Monday, May 6th            6:15-7:45 p.m.
                                  Tuesday, May 7th           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 schedule and fees. 

Vacation Bible School 
For children entering Pre-k 4 through Grade 4, VBS will be held the week of August 12th - 16th. Sign-up will be available when you register for Religious ED classes. 
   
Last Day of Regular Classes and Celebrating Msgr. Halfpenny
Monday, May 6th and Tuesday, May 7th will be the last days of class. In addition to the already scheduled May Crowning the children will make presentations of class gifts and say good-bye to Msgr. Halfpenny.  Parents are warmly welcome to join us in church at 6:40 p.m. on Monday and 4:25 p.m. on Tuesday.  Parents  should go directly to the church after dropping children off to their classrooms.    
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