Dear Religious Education Families,
Today is the Solemnity of All Saints, one of the six holy days of obligation, when Catholics are expected to attend Mass. On this important day, we attend Mass, as we do on Sundays, as a loving response to the God who has loved us first. There will be a 7:00 pm mass at St. Paul this evening to celebrate All Saints Day.
By attending Mass as a family, you demonstrate the importance of faith in your lives. "The Sunday celebration of the Lord's Day and his Eucharist is at the heart of the Church's life" (CCC 2177). In teaching your children, and preparing them for Sacraments, a consistent theme is increasingly apparent. A great number of our students say they do not go to church, but more importantly, express a desire to do so.
"Our family is so busy."
"We go to Church when we have time, which is rare."
"Now we just go at Easter and Christmas."
"The last time I went to Church was when my grandma died."
"We don't go to Church. God feels distant to me."
"When I go to Church, I feel refreshed."
"I wish we did go to Church on Sundays."
In addition to attending weekly Mass, another opportunity to encounter, spend time in prayer and build a relationship with Jesus, is Adoration. There is no class scheduled for Monday, November 21st, rather all families are invited to attend Family Adoration, anytime from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm in the church. Prayer materials will be available in the gathering space for all ages.
As we gather for Thanksgiving this year, let us consider ways to show our gratitude to God, not only for the significant blessings in our lives, but for the little things as well. The Eucharist is "an act of thanksgiving to God." We encourage you to pray with your children, attend Mass and celebrate the sacraments, our gifts from God.
Many blessings,
Megan, Donna, Christi, and Amy
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