Dear Parents,

Despite Covid 19, or perhaps because of it, exciting new things are happening next year around here! First, REP is going VIRTUAL!! In looking at all the possible scenarios we may face in our shared future Covid reality, making one simple early decision to NOT offer live sessions seemed the most prudent option. With our ongoing lack of catechists, the best way to deliver REP "at a distance", was with a Home-based approach. This is, of course, something you already do as you live your daily Catholic lives together. The Catholic Church has long honored parents as the first and most influential teachers of the faith to their children. This will hopefully be just one more avenue to learn and teach the faith- in a family setting. This new delivery method will put you, the parents, in the driver's seat, where you should be. You will make decisions about faith-based instruction: the day and time for religious education will be when it suits your family's schedule, and you can spend as much or as little time as you like on any given lesson or aspect of the faith, as you feel is needed. And chapter reviews can be taken and turned in online; no more trying to figure out how to get those back to us.

Please be assured that our priority moving forward is helping parents become familiar with the textbooks, parent plans, supplemental information, etc. so this can be a fruitful experience for all involved. Know that help will always be an email or phone call away as you navigate these new waters, and if you are nervous, understand you are more knowledgeable about faith matters than you think you are! I've found that sometimes the opportunities we are thrust into, bring about the best results. This may bring you the chance to have the important faith conversations you never envisioned having with your children. And all because you HAVE to. Be excited about it, and don't give up. Show no fear. It will take them a while to get used to your new role, too. Pray often for wisdom. Truthfully, if you knew how scared I was standing up in front you all those times... I know you can do this! All new textbooks come with online components, and we plan to equip you to use all the available materials to undertake with confidence this new, more formal role of passing on our beloved Catholic faith to your children.

We won't be together, but it's important that ALL FAMILIES register for the 20-21 year. All forms can be printed from the REP home page at www.stveronica.org Please register your family, even if you think your plans may change. Thanks for helping us plan efficiently and fully for the coming year.

The next big announcement is from me personally. I have decided to take early retirement to spend time with my beautiful grandchildren. I know that all

grandparents will applaud this decision and congratulate me on making such a positive move. Not that it is a move I make lightly. My five years at St. Veronica have overflowed with the joy and blessings of being surrounded by such wonderful people; dare I call you friends? It has been my great privilege to walk with you in preparing your children for Sacraments. Seeing their joy at receiving Reconciliation for the first time, their excitement dressed in their First Holy Communion clothes as they approach the Eucharist, and those "grown up" 8th graders confidently standing before the Bishop as they are confirmed has been emotional every time! (I'm tearing up right now.) Participating in the Wax Museum of Saints, the Advent Events, all the parent classes and family nights...each dear memory reminds me why I came to St. Veronica in the first place- to share our precious, precious faith with your families. I thank Fr. Del and Bill Frantz for having faith in me and giving me the chance to get to know each of you as we journeyed together these last five years. I leave certain that you, parents, can carry on the work done by the generous and committed catechists who've worked with your children up to now. The torch is being passed. You can do this with the same devotion and dedication to the Church that they did! Your children are depending on it!