Most of my emails will be brief but as this is the first email, I wanted to make sure I answered as many questions as possible. ***There are two action items for you at the bottom of this email.
During the pandemic, the entire Faith Formation program was rebuilt and we learned a lot about what’s effective and what isn’t for our families. We learned that we can teach effectively over Zoom and especially for families with young children, it’s can be easier when meeting weekly to have a few weeks where you don't have to rush out the door but can connect via zoom briefly. We also learned that if we’re going to ask people to leave the house to come together in person, we want that to feel different from a catechism lesson. If I invite you over to the church, I want it to be meaningful for you and your children -- to celebrate the Liturgy, share in some refreshments, to play together with other children who share their faith in God. Most importantly, I want us to connect over God's teachings and enjoy each other's company.
We’re just about ready to kick off the Reconciliation/Communion Preparation Program. We will be hosting a relaxed brunch (fruit and light snacks) OUTSIDE after the 10:45 Mass (at Saint Elizabeth’s) on Sunday, September 25th. This will be a chance for parents and children to meet each other (and me!) and for you to pick up the program materials that we’ll be using this year, ask me any questions, etc. My goal for us getting together on Sept. 25th is to simply give the children a fun experience associated with the church, hear a brief overview of the upcoming year, and gather needed materials - no worksheets, just some food, fellowship and even some games for the kids to play.
Program Outline
Beginning Oct. 23, we will host (mostly) weekly meetings on Sundays either via zoom at 8 am or in person at 10 am.
The Zoom lessons will be 30 minutes and will go over the key concept for that week, and include breakout sessions for further discussion between parents and children.
The In-Person lessons will also be 30 minutes (after mass if hosted at St. Isidore's, and before mass if hosted at St. Elizabeth's). We will have coffee/juice and donuts for you to enjoy during the meeting. These lessons will also include introduction to our key concept for the week and a breakout session to talk with your family and group.
We ask that at least one parent attend with the child. I will send out weekly emails each lesson week with a (brief) assignment and Gospel readings as well as the Zoom link for that week. All the resources you need for the program will be in your bag that you pick up on Sept. 25th at the "Kick-Off" meeting including an awesome Children’s Bible (that my family absolutely loves for it's engagement and simplicity). If for some reason you can’t make it on Sept. 25th, let me know, and we can make other arrangements to get the materials to you before we start on Oct. 23.
Here are the dates for the Reconciliation and Communion program. If you can’t make one or two, it’s not a big deal. We've tried to make the meetings early enough to avoid conflict with other Sunday commitments.
RECONCILIATION
Sept. 25 Kickoff (following 10:45 am mass at St. Elizabeth's
Oct. 23 In Person 10 am: St. Isidores
Oct. 30 Zoom 8am
Nov. 6 Zoom 8 am
Nov. 13 In Person 10 am: St. Elizabeth’s
Nov. 20 Zoom 8 am
Dec. 4 Zoom 8 am
Dec. 11 In Person 10 am: St. Isidore's
Jan 8 Zoom 8 am
Jan 22 In-Person 11:45: St. Elizabeth’s
Jan 28(Sat) 11 am or 1 pm
COMMUNION
March 5 In-Person 10 am: St. Isidore's
March 12 Zoom 8 am
March 19 Zoom 8 am
March 26 Zoom 8 am
April 2 In-Person 10 am: St. Elizabeth's
April 23 Zoom 8 am
April 30 Zoom 8 am
May 7 In-Person 10 am: St. Isidore's
May 21 Zoom 8 am
June 4 In-Person: St. Elizabeth's
June 10 First Communion
All dates subject to change, of course.
Also, I'm working on dates to host monthly fun outings (finding God in all things) for the entire K-4. I'm envisioning a hike in October, Advent wreath makings in November, and Christmas movie and Pizza in December. Please stay tuned as these dates will be coming shortly.
Action Items for you:
1) Please reply to this email, just so I know you received it. It will also help your email learn to whitelist me; filters often catch our emails and I want to make sure everyone is receiving my messages. You can just reply with a quick “got it” OR I am also happy to answer any follow up questions you might have.
2) Please spread the word! Due to the pandemic, past attendance was low, especially with young families. It’s hard for us to reach our parishioners, particularly the ones with young children. Please tell your Catholic friends in the school pickup line, on the soccer field, or wherever, that the program is up and running and we have a very exciting year ahead of us with opportunities for fun, faith and connection.
Thank you for enrolling your children in the program and for your commitment to raising them in our faith. I look forward to working with you and your children this year.
I am always available to help with any questions you may have; don't hesitate to reach out via email or cell phone.
Peace be with you,
