We have invited your children to participate in 30 hours of class since the beginning of our Religious Education Year. Our catechists have diligently worked to create opportunities for your children to learn. What have they learned?
Our youngest students have learned a little about creation, have worked puzzles, colored Bible themed pictures, and shared a children’s version of the Sunday gospels. They are using Seeds and Promise from the Gospel Weeklies series. To learn more about what you can do to extend their learning, please go to Gospel weeklies.org and click on appropriate lessons or parent materials. Kindergarten class is polishing the Sign of the Cross and has been working hard on Hail Mary. They are learning the Our Father now. Please work with your children in learning these prayers.
Our sacramental class has prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, celebrated that Sacrament and now is prparing for First Communion. You can view their lessons on Dynamic Catholic – Blessed program for First Eucharist. Videos are also available.
The Third & Fourth grades are using the Bible as their text. They are learning the Books of the Bible, using different passages each week. They are getting quite good at finding passages and knowing about where Books are in the Bible. They also use a Sunday readings work sheet.
The 5th – 7th grades have been using the Visions program which is liturgically based and includes saints, and gospel related articles. They also worked on the Jesse Tree during Advent. We welcome Janette Corum who began teaching them in January. She shares Pope Francis' tweet of the week.
The Confirmation class is using You Cat (Youth Catechism) for their text. They have been studying the Creed in preparation for confirming their beliefs in the Catholic Church. They are looking into service opportunities.
We are offering a class for older students and adults “The Wild Goose” coordinated by Carol Jackson and Tracy House. This will be in Stern Hall 9:30 – 10:30 Sunday mornings.
We try to review topics like the cross on forehead, lips and heart before Gospel - with what that means as we live the Gospel message
The seasons of church year which all children should know, we review with each changing season and will again review in the Lenten and Easter season.
All children 2nd grade up should name 7 sacraments, with more knowledge of Baptism, Eucharist and Reconciliation. We provided an opportunity for all to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent.
Children pray each Sunday. As you pray with your children, please make sure they know and understand what they are saying. We are saying the prayer to St. Michael at the end of Masses during February. You find this on our St. William App or paper copies are available in the Gathering space of church.
During this year, we have had many absences both catechist and students. We have not been able to gather in larger groups. Hopefully we will do this soon.
Lent gave us the opportunity for Stations of the Cross, Rice Bowl activities, Holy Week Rooms, and celebrations for Easter, Mary, and Pentecost.
First Communion will be celebrated on May 1.
Again, I would encourage you to use Formed materials. Click on Movies and you will see a variety of selections.
Formed.org – sign in as a parishioner St William 40741 (free) and begin exploring. Materials are in English or Spanish.
The catechists and I are here to help in any way we can. Sharing our faith brings great joy to us. Father Carlos is hoping to have children and teens more involved in the Mass and we are looking forward to more service projects in our community that reflect living our faith in action.
Above my computer I have a quote from one of our stewardship ministry days here at St. William - “We are many parts, we are all one Body… And the gifts we have, we are given to share.” We sing this song at Mass. There are many talents in our parish – God given, that we are to use to build the Body of Christ. We welcome your ideas and talents in making our programs better. May the Lord bless all you do.
The Lord bless you and keep you!
The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace. (Num. 6:24-26)
Gratefully, Sister Marge and Catechists
Religious Education Calendar - 2022
Classes for Preschool - grade 12
Sunday 9:30 - 10:30
Theme: Say the Word and My Soul Shall be Healed / Una Palabra Tuya Bastará para Sanarme
"We are living in a secularized society which continues to squeeze Christianity to the margins, or completely out of engagement with Jesus Christ and the Church. . . .At the same time, we are blessed with an incredibly generous cohort of faithful who are sacramentally graced to give Gospel witness in their homes, schools and workplace, if only they were invited, trained and supported in their outreach as missionary disciples." - US Conference of Catholic Bishops
Sunday, May 1- Class - (First Communion)
Sunday, May 7 Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 15 Closing class - Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, February 5, 2023 - Confirmation
Stations of the Cross. – Thursday, March 31. 6:30 pm in church followed by Rice Bowl stories and meal in Stern Hall.
First Communion Retreat is scheduled for Wednesday, April 27, 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm.