November Events:

November 4th, 4:00-6:00 p.m. -- Fall Festival -- Kindergarten -- 6th Grade

November 14th -- Out-of-Cycle Class -- During C.C.E.

November 21st -- Thanksgiving Week -- No Class

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Parents! -- Remember we have videos for you to watch on Wednesday's
in the Parish Hall from 7:10 -- 8:00 p.m.

This month's offerings:

Nov. 7 -- The Vatican Revealed (Part One)
Nov. 17- The Vatican Revealed (Part Two)
Nov. 28 -- Meaningful Conversations About Prayer (Part One)

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This month kicks off something new in our program. The Level I Confirmation students will begin putting on puppet plays for the younger students. This month they will be presenting "The Prodigal Son" to Grades 2 and 3. We are all excited about this new addition to our program and hope the younger students who will be watching the plays and the older students who will be presenting them will find the experience enjoyable!

Sunday, November 4th--4:00-6:00pm

Kindergarten--6th graders
(Parents invited too)

Fun, Food, Games

SAINT Costume Contest:

Dress as your favorite SAINT--Prizes for the best costumes!

WECOME BACK!!!!! We have a wonderful group of Students for C.C.E. this year. It is great to have so many children continuing to learn about the Catholic way of life. Parents, you are to be saluted for encouraging and bringing your children to CCE classes.

AWSOME TEACHERS. Parents, we have AWSOME TEACHERS for the new school year. These teachers are giving up their Wednesday nights to come teach your children. As thankful parents we need to show and tell the teachers how much we appreciate their dedication to our children.

Teachers/Aides Needed We could use a second 6 th grade teacher/aide, 8 th grade aide, 4 th grade aide, Kindergarten aide. If you could help in any of these positions please call the parish office.

VIRTUS Virtus is a required course by the Archdiocese for teachers and parents who work with children in any way. If you need this course stop by the CCE office for information or go on line to Virtus.org to sign up.

Movie Night every Wednesday Our Archbishop has asked all parishes to involve the parents in learning more about the Catholic Faith. This year parents will be meeting in the parish hall from 7:10 pm -- 8 pm each Wednesday to learn more about the Catholic Faith. We have a list of DVD'S we will be showing. We are asking all parents to please join us in the hall each week. Father Ed will come in to answer your questions throughout the year. We hope this will be of help to you and your family. Movie Night every Wednesday-come join us. Parents, with a student in Confirmation, are asked to attend at least 6 of the 11 movies require for the Confirmation students' parents.

OCTOBER MOVIE TIME: CP required movies for Confirmation Parents

Oct 3: Why Catholics Do What They Do In Church? (CP)

Oct 10 The Sacred Place

Oct 17 Parents of Teens: What You Need to Know- Part 1 (CP)

Oct. 24 Parents of Teens: What You Need to Know- Part 2 (CP)

No Class Oct. 31. Halloween

Fall Festival November 4 th : 4-6 pm in the hall.

Costume Contest. 

Out of Cycle Student : Students that need to receive a sacrament that they missed. First class will begin Oct 10 th in the family life room. You will meet once a month in the Family Life Room during regular class times. Parent meeting will be announced by the teacher.

WELCOME BACK STUDENTS

School is back in session and hopefully your family is settling down from the summer vacation. Time is here to resume our Religious Education Classes. Students and Parents, we have been working vigorously to make improvements to our program. We are excited to have the children return to a fun and exciting year.

WEEKLY MOVIES FOR PARENTS

For the parents we will be showing a weekly movie in the parish hall. The movies will cover many fascinating aspects of Christian Living. Each movie will give you a chance to review and learn more about how to connect your faith to everyday activities. Show time is 7:10-7:50 pm. This will give you time to walk back to your car that is in line waiting to pick-up your children after RE class.

K-8TH GRADE CLASSES BEGIN

RE classes for K-8th begin Wednesday, September 12 at 6:55 pm in the Parish hall. Students will be introduced to their teachers and taken to their classrooms. Following introduction of the teachers is a parent meeting.

AIDES/OFFICE PERSONAL/ MONITOR

All aides, office personal, monitors, and anyone that would like to help with the RE program: Short meeting at 7 pm in the Family Life Room. Pictures for IDs will be taken starting at 6:30 pm

Confirmation students started classes August 29 with a Kick-off Rally. It was an awesome event. What an exciting way to begin the year? GO STUDENTS!

Pictures for IDs will be taken.

Office Aides, office personnel, and anyone that would like to help with the RE program meeting ~ Meeting at 7.p.m. in the Family Life Room. Pictures for IDs will be taken September 5th.

First Confirmation Class for Students will begin August 29 at 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Students please meet in the Parish Hall.

Teacher and Classroom Aides Meeting ~ for K-8th grades will be held at 7 p.m., August 29 in the Family Life Room. Teachers you need to attend this important meeting. We have a lot of new and exciting topic to discuss that will make this year a great year for you and your students.

Pictures for IDs will be taken.

Office Aides, office personnel, and anyone that would like to help with the RE program meeting ~ Meeting at 7.p.m. in the Family Life Room. Pictures for IDs will be taken September 5th.

Teacher and Aides from the RE program in the years past ~ ~ PLEASE, turn in your books and videos. We are missing several copies of videos and teachers' books for the RE program. Turn them into the Parish Office. We need them before the start of school. Thank you.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

The RE staff is working to get ready for the 2007-2008 R.E. program. If you have not filled out your child's registration and returned it to the office, please do so ASAP. If you need a form come to the RE table in the parish hall on August 5 th after the 9:00 and 10:30 mass, or download one from our website at www.smsj.org/forms . Once the classes are filled we will not accept any more students for the 2007-2008 school year.

Classes will begin for grades Kindergarten through Eighth on September 12 at 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. There will also be a mandatory parents meeting that night.

TEACHERS AND AIDES NEEDED .

Are you having a hard time trying to figure out how to fulfill your stewardship obligation? Sign up to volunteer as a RE teacher, a RE aide, or a RE monitor. Please fill out a volunteer form on August 5 th at the RE table located in parish hall after the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. mass, or download one from our website at www.smsj.org/forms or call the parish office to leave your name and phone number with Margaret.

STUDENT REGISTRATION, FAMILY INFORMATION AND VOLUNTEER FORMS
for the 2007-2008 school year available on our website at www.smsj.org/forms

Teacher's Meeting for K-8th grades will be held at 7 p.m., August 29 in the Family Life Room. Teachers, it would be great if you all would come to this important meeting. We have a lot of new and exciting topics to discuss that will make this year a great year for you and your students. Come see what we have prepared for you! Pictures for IDs will be taken.

Aides, office personal and anyone that would like to help with the RE program: Meeting at 7p.m. in the Family Life Room. Pictures for IDs will be taken.

CONFIRMATION PARENTS

Confirmation will start August 22 with a Parent orientation in St. Mary's parish hall at 6:30 p.m. Parents this is an important meeting for you only. It is extremely important that one or both parents attend the meeting, so you will be aware of what is expected of you and your child in the Confirmation Program. In keeping with the Confirmation Guidelines, Bishop DiNardo is asking that the Confirmation parents attend several information classes. We will be holding these classes in the hall on Wednesday nights for your convenience.

First Confirmation Class for Students will begin August 29 at 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Students please meet in the Parish Hall.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Hope your summer is exciting. The RE staff is working franticly getting ready for 2007-2008 R.E. Program. We are pleased to say our classes are filling up fast. If you have not filled out your child's registration and returned to the office please do so ASAP. Once the classes are filled we will not accept any more students for 2007-2008. You may find Registration packets in the hall under the RE bulletin board. You may return it to the office or drop it in the registration box in the hall

TEACHERS AND AIDES NEEDED.

Thanks to all the parents that have volunteered to help with the RE program. We do need teachers for 1st and 7th grades. We need a second Teacher and/or an aide for 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and Confirmation. Please fill out a volunteer form located in parish hall and drop in registration box or call the parish office to leave your name and phone number with Margaret. This is your opportunity to give to the children.

ART/ENVIROMENT TEAM

We are in need of parents that would like to work on Religious Deco banners for the RE program. It would be nice if we could have a lent, advent, confirmation, communion etc. made by some of our parents to hang in the stairway in the RE building. We have instructions in the RE office for the different banners we would like to have made. It would be nice if we could have a welcome banner made for the beginning of this school year. Contact the parish office: leave your name and phone number with Margaret and someone from the RE staff will contact you. THIS CAN BE AGREAT SUMMER PROJECT TO DO WITH YOUR CHILDREN.

Confirmation News

Confirmation is such a wonderful sacrament and we plan to make the program better each year. It is a program that requires a lot from you, physically and mentally. It teaches you about your faith and how to work with people of all ages in your church and community. Confirmation is a commitment to your faith and parish community that you want to participate as an adult loving and caring for Gods creation.

Our classes for the 07-08 school year will begin the end of August. Parents and students always remember to keep "God first, family second and jobs, careers, school third". Only then will your life be fulfilled with everything you need and love. God will provide to those who keep him first in their lives.

It has been a wonderful year for the students, teachers, aides and office staff. We had a few little glitches but nothing we couldn't handle. We are all looking forward to the next school year.

We hope to get more parents involved in learning about their faith so they will be successful in teaching their child at home. Then, when children come to class they will know a little about what they are studying for the week. Remember--you are the principle teachers of your child's faith. We only have them for an hour and 15 minutes a week to teach the basics. Spend time with your children weekly, if not daily, teaching them about our catholic faith. Work with them on church projects. We have things happening at the church for all ages and families.

Confirmation News

Projects:

March 4-Confirmation Classes Serve Coffee. If you have not done two Sundays this is your last chance for credit. See Maureen for information.

March 4-Activity/project Class following the Coffee at 2 pm in the hall. All students are required to be at this meeting. Make plans NOW to attend. This is considered a class; roll will be taken.

March 23-Living Stations of the Cross 6:30 pm St. Mary

March 30-Living Stations of the Cross 6:30 pm St. Joseph; All Students that did not do both of the Living Nativities are required to do the both of the Living Stations. If you did one complete Sunday of the Living Nativity, you are required to do only one of the Living Stations. If you did the Living Nativity at all 4 masses you are not required to do this but we would love for you to join us for the Living Stations.

Thanks to all the young men and women that helped with the Road Clean-up project. Bob Dean said you did an awesome job. Keep up the Great work! Anyone that would like to be part of this ongoing project call Bob or check with the RE office.

If you did not make one of the retreats we offered this year it is you and your parents' responsibility to complete one by April 4th for Level 3 (if you plan to make confirmation this year) and the end of April for levels 1&2.

Level 3 projects, mass journals, retreat and any other material must be in April 4th if you plan on being confirmed April 21, 2007

Thanks to all the Teachers, Aides, active volunteers and office staff. With out your help and dedication we could not bring this Awesome R.E. Program to the children at St. Mary - St. Joseph Parish Community. Parents, take time to thank the RE personnel whenever possible. They are all giving their time to make this a great program for your children. They put a great amount of time in teaching and planning the lessons.

We are looking for volunteers for next school year. We need teachers, aides, retreat coordinators, youth ministry coordinators and office staff (loading children into cars after class, hall monitors, registration personnel, phone coordinator, email coordinator, etc.) Please pray to God to give you guidance in helping with the RE program. Fill out a volunteer application or stop by the RE office to talk with a staff member. We would like to have the 2007-2008 RE staff completed by June 1.

A few changes have been made to help the program run smoothly. We have moved the RE office to the room next to the Family Life Room. Visitors please sign in and get your visitor's pass in the office. The Family Life Room will not be open for parents to use as a waiting room for their children. However, the social hall is open for parents that would like to wait in a comfortable environment. ALL PARENTS ARE TO PICK UP THEIR CHILDREN IN THE DESINATED CAR PICK-UP AREA. After finishing their jobs, teachers, aides and volunteers may continue to walk their children to their cars. No exceptions!

Attention Parents: The Religious Article Store in the hall has some great books for your children. Check out the Teen Area, there is some wonderful reading for you and your teenager. If you need a particular book, talk with the ladies to place an order. Spend a little time in the store-you will be amazed with what you may find.

All High School Classes will end at 8:30 p.m. instead of 8:15 pm. We will let the High School Students exit through the front door. You will continue to enter from the back door. So parents, if you pick-up a High School student you may wait for them on the west side of the hall or directly in front of the hall. Please do not park in front of the RE Building this area is for the teachers/volunteers only. Please exit out the north road as you do now.

Confirmation retreat will be held at St. Joseph's because of the construction at St. Mary's Hall. The retreat will be held both Saturday and Sunday. Every level must attend this retreat. Retreat is Saturday, February 24th, 8:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 25th, 9:00 a m. until 5 p.m. Students are asked to attend the early mass at either church. Bring a sack lunch for both days. Level 1 Bring drinks (juice and cokes), Level 2 Breakfast snacks (donuts, pig in the blanket etc.) and level 3 Snacks for breaks (brownies, cookies, etc)

The activity/project class February 25th has been changed to March 4th, 2-3 p.m. after you finish at the coffee fellowship. It would be a good idea that you are present.

Sponsors and Level 3 candidates: Mandatory meeting Sunday February 11th at 4 p.m. in the hall. It is very important that you and your sponsor attend this meeting if you are planning to be confirmed this April.

It's February! The Lenten Season begins Wednesday February 21st with Ash Wednesday. We will have classes and the students will receive ashes in their classrooms; however, if you would like to attend mass with your child, mass will be at 5:30 p.m.

February 07 Class Out of Cycle students 6:15 pm before class.

February 14 Class Elementary students will have a 30 minute party.

February 21 Class Ashes will be receive in the classrooms.

February 28 Class

We have moved the R.E Office to the room between the Family Life office and the 1st grade classroom. Parents and visitors are asked to sign and get their pass at the office.

Out Of Cycle Students will meet Weekly at 6:15 before regular class. We are preparing them for Baptism, Reconciliation and 1st Communion

Confirmation Students ~ you have made the Christmas Celebration great with sharing your time in making the Living Nativity such a success. Thanks to all of you that participated.

We have a lot of projects to do for this year. Many of you have not participated in any of the on going activities. You need to select one and start working.

2nd retreat February 24th Everyone that did not make the first Retreat will spend extra time (Saturday after mass and Sunday) to make up for the 1st retreat. This will take the place of a make up retreat for the ones that did not find a make up retreat in another parish. The students that attended the first retreat will only attend Friday evening and Saturday. More instructions will come before the retreat.

January 14th ~ Sunday 4 p.m. ~ Parish Hall ~ All Confirmation Students are required to attend this meeting. Parents, we will be going over the retreat, projects, activities for the rest of this year's and next year's plans, etc. Please make an effort to have your child present if he/she plans to remain in the program. Parents are welcome!

We will need cookies and drinks for snacks. Parents if you can send one of the following with your child: a package of cookies, small sandwiches, chips or 2 liter drink (coke, Dr. Pepper, sprite) Thanks!

From Fran Marek DRE and RE Staff
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years to All!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I know we are all looking forward to the holidays and spending time with our families. These are happy times for God gave us his Son, Jesus. Christ taught faith, joy, respect, sharing, honesty and hope to all. Look at the holidays and the New Year as a new beginning. Parents reach out to your children and teach them to pray, love, respect, give and to be honest to all. These skills they learn from you! Remember, your children represent you each day they go into the world. How are you being represented?

January 10 classes will begin.

Out of cycle classes have begun. If your child is out of cycle (with sacraments) and has not filled out the Out of Cycle Form or received their books, please contact Fran Marek at 936-894-2916. Your child needs to get started if you plan to have them make their sacraments this school year.

January 13th Saturday, Reconciliation for First Communion Class Students. First Communion Teachers will keep parents posted.

Confirmation Students And Parents Please Read.

Student and Parents - we had our first Retreat November 3 rd /4 th . As you know it is mandatory to go to a full week-end retreat each year. We have made it into 2 mini retreats for our students with no charge. We had 30 students come to the First mini retreat. However, there were a few who did not come both days. If you did not come for the full retreat come by the RE office to see what is needed to complete the first mini retreat. Students that did not come at all will have to complete a retreat at another church by March 1, 2007 plus come to the February retreat at St. Mary's. Parents and students it is your responsibility to call the area churches to find out when they will have their confirmation retreat and make arrangements for your child to attend. You will need a make-up confirmation form. Pick it up at the RE office before you attend the retreat. The second part of our retreat will be in February. Make sure you can attend.

Confirmation Students. We have the Living Nativity in December. You must participate in one of the days the full amount of time. Anyone that did not do the other projects may catch up by doing both Living Nativity Days.

December 3 5:00 pm Sunday Project/Activity class. Parents please make sure your child is at this class. All Confirmation students must attend. This is like a regular class. We will be preparing for the Living Nativity.

December 10 Living Nativity St. Mary's 9am-12 noon Participation mandatory

December 17 Living Nativity St. Mary' 9am-12 noon Participation mandatory

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

From the R.E. Staff

We would like to thank the Confirmation Students for making the Fall Festival a success. Also, thanks to the young adults for serving the coffee and food at the Sunday Morning Socials on December 12 in the hall. Awesome Accomplishments!!

December 13 last class for the year. K-6 will Practice for the Children's Christmas Mass. Following practice they will have a short Christmas Party.

January 10 Classes will begin.

Out of Cycle Students began their Classes November 15 th . If you have a child that is supposed to be in this class but has not received the Out of Cycle books and schedule please contact Fran Marek @ 936-894-2916 ASAP.

RE and Confirmation Parents and Students: We need a copy of your child's Baptism and First Communion Certificate. If you received a notice from the office please get the information to the RE Office. Your child will not be allowed back to class on January 10, 2007 without this information posted in the RE office records.

TEACHERS: SUNDAY DECEMBER 17 TH CHRISTMAS PARTY ATST. MARY'S HALL. 6:30 P.M.

Spouses invited. RSVP required by Dec. 10 th .

The High school and junior students did a great job in creating the living rosary Wednesday October 4th. It was impressive and a great success. We will put it on our project list for next year. Thanks for your participation. You are wonderful group of young adults with big hearts. Keep up the awesome work you do for the parish.
We love you!!!

Fall Festival November 1st

Confirmation Retreat November 3rd thru 5th;
All Confirmation are required to attend this Retreat.

The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston no longer requires students under the age of 16 to attend Virtus Training.

We are off to a good Start. Thanks again to all the Teachers, Aides, Office assistants and monitors. We could us a few more High School and Junior assistant teachers. It would be great to have two teachers and an aide in each classroom. If you think you can help please talk to Fran Marek, DRE.

Out of Cycle Students:

We will be starting our out of cycle Sacrament classes in November. If you have an older child that needs to be baptized and/or make First Communion, please come to the parish hall, Wednesday, November 8th at 7:15. We will have a meeting and register your child for this class. Any questions will be answered at this time.

Fall Festival:

November 1st there will be a fall festival for the Elementary classes provided by the High School Confirmation Classes. All students are asked to dress up like their favorite Saint. Parents this is a special day for your children, so please help them dress up and learn a little about their special saint. It is a fun night for all. All parents are invited to join us for the Festival. We will have it under the pavilion.

No Class November 22. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

R. E. Monthly News Buzzzzz

Hello Students. The R.E. Staff is looking forward to spending an AWESOME year with you. We have a new program with Great textbooks. The books are just great!! You will be amazed with all we have cooked just for you. Join us in the fun and excitement of learning about the MOST AWESOME SPIRIT in your life: JESUS! He is an amazing friend to have.

Everyone should be registered for their classes and ready to start on Wednesday, September 13th. Parents and students will meet in the hall for the Student/Parent meeting and to pick up your packets. Teachers will be taking them to the classroom. All parents and any students that are not registered will remain in the hall for an overview on what the year will consist of: Late registration will follow the parent/student meeting.

Parents, please volunteer to help even if it's once a month.

Dates to Remember

September: 6 Teacher's workshop and classroom preparation
9 am - 7 pm. Classrooms will be open for teachers to prepare their rooms for the students.
Teacher's workshop/meeting at 7 pm

September 13 Classes begin. Parents and students meet Parish Hall 7 pm

September 24 High School/Confirmation Youth Social 4-6 pm. Parish Hall. Look under Youth Social for Details

Bee Hive News

Bee Hive News will feature exceptional students and their monthly achievement. Look for your name.

Confirmation Buzz:

We are kicking off the New Year with plenty of opportunities for participation for our youth within the parish community.

We are very proud of our newest additions to the St. Mary's choir... Megan Fountain, Keslie Gonzales, Colleen Fuller, Joshua Welsh, and Justin Felderhoff.

Linda Armstrong will begin working with the youth on Sunday's beginning September 10th. They will sing with the choir the first and third Sundays at 9am and practice from 10:30-12 Noon. The second and fourth Sundays, they will sing at 10:30 mass and practice from 9-10:30 am.

A very special Thanks to Linda Armstrong for making it possible for the youth to participate in the Choir.

YOUTH! YOUTH! OUR YOUNG ADULTS WILL BE BUZZING ALL AROUND THIS YEAR. LOOK FOR THEM AND GIVE THEM A BIG HAND FOR JOBS WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Look for our Youth at the Fish Pond, Face painting, and Snow Cone Booths at the Bazaar.

The youth will be serving the after mass coffee on Sunday, September 10th. (Youth don't forget to bing your baked goods and come help serve.)

YOUTH SOCIAL: Fun! Fun! Fun! Sunday, September 24th from 4-6 pm, we will have our First Youth Social. Volleyball, Softball, and Refreshments-report to the Parish Hall in your casual attire. You will get to meet and get to know your Confirmation Classmates.

As you can see, we are counting on the youth to provide many services to our parish community. If you have any questions about the youth projects or would like to help on one of these projects, please

contact: Maureen Sykora - Phone: 936-448-2338 Email: maureensykora@aol.com

R.E. MONTHLY NEWS BUZZ

Gosh, how the summer has passed. Hope your summer was a great one. Now we have only a few weeks left and school will start. Parents, children, and teachers will be hurrying around getting ready for school. Here at the RE office, we been working hard getting ready for the new school year. My staff and I are working on organizing the new RE school year. We are planning an awesome RE Program along with a few new guidelines. Our team is looking forward to working with the students and parents.

All teachers, Aides and RE personal Meeting :

Wednesday July 12 at 6:30 pm in the Hall.

This is an important meeting, please make plans to attend.

Confirmation Students : Parent/Student meeting Wednesday August 30 at 6:30 in the Hall.

All RE Students: RE classes begin Wednesday September 12, 7 p.m. Please get registered Early to prevent having to wait to go to class. No student will be allowed in as class without registering before hand

I would like to say Thanks Michelle Wetuski for stepping in to take over the RE program last year. You were such a blessing in tackling such a big endeavor at a time of need. Thanks, Michelle!! You were my “Angel”!

It is great to be back as the DRE and I am looking forward in developing a great program for our Children. I have an awesome “Team” that will make this one of the best years ever. It is so exciting to be able to have such talent brought to this program. I am looking forward with working with this Wonderful group of volunteers.

I know there are many parents and parish members that would LOVE helping with the RE Program. We need you to step up, become a volunteer as a speaker, teacher, aide, monitor, office assistant, etc. Our children need to see parents and parish members helping with the program. This is a valuable teaching tool to our children. Fill out the Volunteer Card today and return it to the RE Office as soon as possible.

Parents, there will be changes in the program but you will welcome these changes. We know how important your children and their safety are to you. I thank you for being so willing to follow the rules thus making our job of teaching and keeping these precious children safe such a breeze. Thank You!

So get your children sign up early!! Don't forget to give us a copy of your child's Baptism and/or First Communion Certificate for our files (only if started RE in this Parish Community after 2004). We will be updating your child's file this summer. If a certificate is missing we will contact you. Please help us by getting your children registered for RE early. Registration Forms are found here in the Church News letter, in the back of both churches and in the church office. Drop the finished form in the Sunday collection basket or send it to the church office Attention: Fran Marek P.O. 388 Plantersville , TX . 77363

Thank you!

Fran Marek

CCE classes will begin the fall semester on August 24th. If parents have not yet registered their children, registration will be available after the Sunday masses at both parishes. Registration documents that are needed this year are copies of each child's birth certificate as well as copies of baptismal/First Communion certificates. In addition, CCE is still in need of teachers for 4th, 5th, 7th, and 10th grade classes. If you are interested in either teaching or being a parent volunteer, please contact St. Mary's office.