December 2022

Dear Families,

As we begin this second week of Advent and our preparations for the great Feast of Christmas, we are called to seek the light of Christ, prepare and REJOICE! Even in the midst of darkness, our love for Jesus ensures that the darkness will not overcome us! Advent is time when we are called to wait, to hope and to trust God and acknowledge our many blessings. Please know that you and your children are a blessing to us, and it is our privilege to be on this journey with your family. May Advent be a time for all of us to focus on the great gift of Jesus Christ to the world and let us prepare to celebrate His birth at Christmas.

The Religious Education Team,

Megan, Donna, Christi, and Amy

Christmas Break

Last Class: December 19th

Return: January 9th

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Thursday December 8th, is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be celebrated at St. Paul, 6:30 am, 8:15 am, and 7:oo pm.

Reconciliation

Second grade students received their First Reconciliation on Saturday, December 3rd. All students in grades 3 - 8 had or will have the opportunity to participate in the Advent Reconciliation by next Monday. Please see the flyer below for additional Reconciliation opportunities.

Christian Service and Works of Mercy

God has uniquely equipped every person in the Church with specific skills and gifts. As Catholics, we are tasked with utilizing these gifts in our church and community. Jesus is the greatest model of selfless service, because His life was about serving others. Students in grades 2-8 will be participating in a Christian Service Project during class time. For additional service opportunities, please contact Tricia Kesteloot, tkesteloot@stpaulonthelake.org.

Eighth Grade and High School Confirmation Families

The Candidate and Sponsor Workshop will be held on Sunday, January 22, 12:00-3:00 pm. Please have your child reach out to his or her sponsor if they have not already. If your child's sponsor is unable to attend, a parent should accompany the student. This is a required meeting for all students preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this May. As a reminder, Confirmation Sponsors must be 16 or older, a Confirmed Catholic, and not a parent or step-parent.

Sacramental Dates

Second Grade:

February 6- First Communion Parent Meeting
May 11- First Communion Rehearsal
May 13- First Communion
May 14- Parish May Crowning at the 10am Mass

Eighth Grade & High School:

January 22- Candidate and Sponsor Workshop
March 15- Confirmation Name and Sponsor Form Due Mass Selection Form Due
April 1- Christian Service Packet Due
April 27- Confirmation Rehearsal
May 1 & 2- Confirmation Masses
May 8- "Confirmation is not Graduation! What's Next?" Introduction to Youth Ministry

Our students have been celebrating Advent in classes, check out these additional resources to see how you can celebrate as a family!

Advent Resources

10 Family Traditions to Try this Advent

Complete Guide to Advent including Advent Calendars, prayer resources, and much more!

Compass For Parents is a brand new resource that aims to anticipate the needs of Catholic parents, accompany them through the trials and joys of family life, and point them to faithful answers to life’s difficult questions. It is an online catalog with articles, books, videos and other resources to help navigate difficult conversations, life stages and challenges they face in raising children.