2013-2014 coming to a close

Our year is coming to a close.  Our last class will be next week, June 8.

First Communion will be held on Father's Day, June 15 during the 11:30 mass. We have, by my count, nine students who will receive their First Communion that day. I will send another email with more specific information to the families involved. 

I'd like to ask for your help in making this a wonderful day. The French Community had their First Communion today and the church looked very pretty.  Maybe a few of our parents would be willing to take on creating this? Let me know if you would like to be involved in a committee or group, that might provide perhaps some beautiful white flowers and decorations in the church.  

Also, we have had some donations to the Heifer Project, but not as many as last year. One of our students very thoughtfully noticed that giving a family a water buffalo ($250) cost less than an ipad. He hoped that we would be able to do this. If you are in a position to donate and this appeals to you or your child, please consider. Small donations add up! Next week we will open the box and have the children have a voice in what we can donate.  Here's a link to the possibilities: http://www.heifer.org/gift-catalog/index.html

Thinking about what is next, I would invite our families who will be returning to make a deposit of $30 for next year to help us plan and buy supplies for next year. Tentatively, our first class will be Sunday September 14; First Communion will be Corpus Christi, Sunday June 7.

It has been a beautiful year. Your children continually inspire me, and they have each shown a great deal of personal and spiritual growth. We as catechists are only a small part of that growth. You, their parents and family members, are their primary guides. They learn from you: from what you teach directly (what you say to them) and what you teach indirectly with your actions and your decisions  They reflect the values you epitomize.  I also want to acknowledge how moved I am by the discussions I have with many of you weekly, and wish I had more time to know you better. Raising children is never easy, and in our secular world, raising children with a strong spiritual compass is even harder, but I know it important to each of you because you bring your children every week, and eagerly contribute to the community.  How lucky we are! 

Thank you for entrusting your children to us; thank you for sharing yourselves with us; thank you for sharing your resources. I would hope the Religious Education program would be a place of growth for your family, and a joyful inspiration for you.