Are you currently a catechist in the CCE Program? RCIA? Sacramental preparation? Were you ever a catechist at your former parish??? Do you hear the call of the Holy Spirit to serve as a teacher, mentor, and witness of the faith? Catechesis is an indispensable stage in the rich, complex, and dynamic reality of evangelization (National Directory for Catechesis, USCCB, 2005, p. 41). Evangelizing is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity. She exists in order to evangelize. (On Evangelization in the Modern World, Pope Paul VI, 1975).

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW !!!! Join Cheryl Schratwieser and Sharon Skeans for catechetical training...open to all adult parishioners from St. Mary's and St. Joseph's.

Tuesday, August 11 AND Wednesday, August 12, 2009
6:30 -- 9:00 pm; St. Mary's Family Life Center
More details to follow in the July bulletin!

Wednesday Night C.C.E.

Every year we are asked by some why we don't move C.C.E. to Sundays. We want you to know that your pleas are not falling on deaf ears. It's just that when we mull it over, there are too many reasons why we shouldn't. Some of these are: Space Limitations (The ISP Class and some Adult Classes meet on Sundays and use the rooms already); Time Commitment (Families would spend a good 3 hours attending Mass and then C.C.E.); C.C.E. Volunteers who are also lectors, greeters, extraordinary ministers, etc., and children who are altar servers would have scheduling conflicts as would the Children's Choir; C.C.E. volunteers would be expected to give up every Sunday for nine months (no out-of-town for the weekend trips); those who usually attend Saturday Mass would have to change or give up time on both days; and last but not least, where would we park that many cars at once?

Confirmation Program

Our Confirmation Program is adjusting just a little bit to bring us in line with Archdiocesan Guidelines. The Guidelines require a 2-year class pre-requisite to an Immediate Sacramental Preparation class (ISP). The ISP class can be taken concurrent with the second pre-requisite class. Cardinal DiNardo has specified that Confirmandi should be in the 10th or 11th Grade when celebrating the Sacrament.

So we are moving the program down to include the students in the 8th Grade. Bear with us during this 'Transition Year' while we adjust accordingly. The pre-requisite classes will remain on Wednesday nights and the ISP class will remain once-a-month on Sundays, but move to a 10:30 a.m. to Noon time slot. Students in the ISP class only, will be required to attend the new Youth Class' Activity Nights on some Wednesdays.

The New Youth Class!

A new Youth Class will be starting up in the Fall on Wednesday nights. This class will be for youth who have already celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation and students who are in the ISP Class.

First Eucharist Program

Our First Eucharist (Communion) Program will also be adjusting to bring us in line with Archdiocesan Guidelines. To be eligible for this class, students must have prior completion of one year of C.C.E. Students will attend a 'regular' C.C.E. class on most Wednesdays and about once-a-month, they will attend the separate Sacramental Prep class instead. This class will include those who are in 2nd Grade through 5th Grade and have not celebrated the Sacrament.

Children Needing Sacraments

Children's Catechumenate Program & Out-of-Cycle Class:
This class is for children who: 1.) Have not been baptized and are in 3rd Grade or older, or 2.) Have not celebrated First Eucharist and are in the 6th Grade or older. Both of these classes are approximately once-a-month on Wednesday night and the participants will attend this class instead of their regular C.C.E. class on those nights. The Children's Catechumenate is a 2-year program and the Out-of-Cycle Class is 1 year.
The Children's Catechumenate is a 2-year program and the Out-of-Cycle Class is 1 year.

Friday Night at the Movies!

June 12th @ 7:00 p.m.

Come join us for a showing of "The Scarlet and The Black", starring Gregory Peck and Christopher Plummer. It's a movie based on the true story of Monsignor O'Flaherty, an Irish priest working at the Vatican during the German occupation. This is a great movie to let your teenagers come see when they tell you they want to go 'to the movies'.

Vacation Bible School
June 22nd -- 26th, 9:30 a.m. to Noon

Rome, Paul & The Underground Church, is the program
the children will be experiencing this summer. Sign up your Pre-School through 6th Grade students. (Registration Form in this bulletin.) We can also use some Adult and Confirmation Student volunteers. (Students who were in the 8th Grade can get a head-start by volunteering for service.)

Awards

Catechists-of-the-Year

Micki Kroeker & Wanda O'Brien

2008-2009 Outstanding Student

K: Jackson Giddens
1st: Logan Ramirez
2nd: Hannah Atkinson
3rd: Samantha Klawinsky
4th: Jose Miguel Cisneros
5th: Micki Olivieri
6th: Andrew Penshorn
7th: Ansley Maddox
8th: Maddie O'Brien
CI: Michael South
CII: Stephanie Fountain

2008-2009 Perfect Attendance

K: Tamra Mock
2nd: Hannah Atkinson
3rd: Tess O'Brien
6th: Kyle Beck
7th: Anthony Beck
8th: Maddie O'Brien
CII: Stephanie Fountain & Emma O'Brien

Students of the Month

Come join us in Rome!

Vacation Bible School
June 22nd -- 26th, 9:30 a.m. - Noon
Pre-K through 6th Grade Students

This year we're doing - Rome: Paul & The Underground Church

Volunteers needed! Contact the C.C.E. Office for information.
Registration Forms available in the C.C.E. Office or June Bulletin.

re@smsj.org or 936-894-2223

Movie Night
May 1st at 7:00 p.m. in the Hall

Friday Night at the Movies! Come join us for a classic, family film.

First Wednesdays
May 6th

Our youth will be meeting in the Hall at 6:00 p.m.

Virtus
May 16th at 9:00 a.m.

Virtus will be held at St. Mary's in the Hall. All C.C.E. and VBS volunteers need to attend Virtus if they haven't already.

Register online: www.virtus.org

C.C.E. Volunteer Party
May 17th at 3:00 p.m.

Volunteers and their families are invited to an end-of-the-year party in the Hall. Bring a side dish or dessert.

Vacation Bible School
June 22nd - 26th, 9:30 a.m. - noon

Registration forms will be in the June Bulletin. Volunteers are still needed.

Contact the C.C.E. office for information at:
Email: re@smsj.org
Phone: (936) 894-2223

Students of the Month - March

Congratulations to the following students who received the award for March!

K - Jackson Giddens
1st - Katie Beth Dowell
2nd - Courtney Wyrwich
3rd - Joseph LeBlanc
4th - Jason Goulait
5th - Eli Yarrito
6th - Trenton Moy
7th - Ty Smith
8th - Jonathan LaRose
C I - Cole Imhoff
C II - Chelsea Bailey

What's New?

Coming this Fall:

A new High School Youth Class on Wednesday nights with 'Spotlight' classes focusing on Teen Issues plus special interest nights for drama, arts & crafts, music & puppetry!

Adjustments to our Sacrament Programs as we conform to Archdiocesan Guidelines.

More information will be in the June Bulletin.

Living Stations of the Cross
Friday, April 4th @ 7:00 p.m.

Students need to arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. and meet in the Activity Room.

First Wednesdays
April 1st & May 6th

Come join the youth of our Parish in the Hall at 6:00 p.m.

First Eucharist Students
First Eucharist Retreat - Saturday, April 18th, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. in the FLC. Parents needed for practice at 11:30 in the Church.

Student Practice - Wednesday, April 22nd @ 7:00 p.m.

First Eucharist Mass - Sunday, April 26th @ 2:00 p.m.

CCE Closing Mass & Reception
Wednesday, April 29th

Student awards will be handed out. A reception will be held in the Hall after Mass.

CCE 2009-2010 Year Intention Slips Due
Wednesday, April 22nd

If your children will be attending our CCE Program this coming academic year of 2009-2010, please fill out the intention forms that were sent home with the students and return them to the CCE Office by April 22nd. This will pre-register your students and you will only need to fill out new forms at the beginning of the next year if there are any changes in your family's personal information.

Vacation Bible School
June 22nd - 26th

Volunteers Needed - call the CCE office if you can help. (936) 894-2223.

Students of the Month - February
Congratulations to the following students who received the award for February!

K - Emma Doyle
1st - Austin Penshorn
2nd - Dylan Weaver
3rd - Bailey Hayes
4th - Bailey Doyle
5th - Meghan Mock
6th - Andrew Penshorn
7th - Anthony Beck
8th - Rylan Moss
C I - Zach Giddens
C II - Georgina Wade

Spring Break

No class March 18th

First Wednesdays

The youth group will meet March 4th at 6:00 PM in the Hall.

Upcoming Catechetics Modules

March 7--10:00am to Noon: Human Development
1:00pm to 3:00pm: Role of the Family
Sessions to be at Christ Our Light-- Navasota

March 21--10:00am to Noon: Catechesis & Liturgy
1:00pm to 3:00pm: Cultural Perspectives
Sessions to be at Christ Our Light-- Navasota

Coming this Summer.....

Vacation Bible School
June 22-26
Mark your calendar!

Students of the Month - January

Congratulations to the following students who received the award for January!

K - Sydney Goulait
1st - Leah Moy
2nd - Jake Gilmore
3rd - Gabie Olivieri
4th - Michael Kurten
5th - Tristan Riker
6th - Chris Welsh
7th - Ryan Reissig
8th - Casey Walsh
C I - Mike South
C II - David South

February, 2009

Who Needs Catechist Formation?

Archdiocesan Policy requires that all Parish Catechists, including all who teach children or adults, be fully certified or actively in the process of obtaining certification to continue teaching in a parish program.

Therefore:

St. Mary's of Plantersville, Christ Our Light of Navasota and St. Stanislaus of Anderson , have come together to offer these Catechetic Modules in our area.

All Parishes have also agreed to waive registration fees and offer these Modules at no cost to our current catechists/aides and those who are interested in becoming a catechist/aide.

Jan. 24 - 10:00am to Noon: Getting Started as a Catechist
1:00pm to 3:00pm: Basic Lesson Planning
Sessions to be at St. Stanislaus - Anderson

Feb. 7 - 10:00am to Noon: Person of the Catechist
1:00pm to 3:00pm: Spirituality of the Catechist
Sessions to be at Christ Our Light - Navasota

Feb. 21 - 10:00am to Noon: Age Specific Lesson Planning
1:00pm to 3:00pm: Teaching Different Learning Styles
Sessions to be at St. Mary's - Plantersville

March 7 - 10:00am to Noon: Human Development
1:00pm to 3:00pm: Role of the Family
Sessions to be at Christ Our Light - Navasota

March 21 - 10:00am to Noon: Catechesis and Liturgy
1:00pm to 3:00pm: Cultural Perspectives
Sessions to be at Christ Our Light - Navasota

Students of the Month - December

Congratulations to the following students who received the award for December!

K - Autumn Atkinson
1st - Alex Ross
2nd - Hannah Atkinson
3rd - Tess O'Brien
4th - Josemiguel Cisneros
5th - Jake Presley
6th - Kyle Beck
7th - Casey Bailey
8th - Sarah Smith
C I - Kendall Kurten
C II - Paul Disser

Ash Wednesday Class

Students will receive ashes in classroom services.

Class
Regular classes will resume January 7th and ISPClasses will begin at noon on January 11th.

Volunteers Needed

We are in need of a volunteer to replace one of our 7th Grade Catechists, who will no longer be able to teach because of a change in work schedule. The Catechist who is still in this class is doing an excellent job, but could really use some 'back-up'! If you can help us out, or know of someone who can, call the church office (936-894-2223) and leave the information or stop by the C.C.E. Office on Wednesday night. We could also use a few folks to help the students on craft nights. These are not every week and so it would not be a weekly commitment.

Students of the Month - November

Congratulations to the following students who received the award for November!

K - Max O'Brien
1st - Logan Ramirez
2nd - Sofia Celaya
3rd - Ashley Penshorn
4th - Luke Moy
5th - Payten Day
6th -Jennifer Du
7th -Gracie Mock
8th - Maddie O'Brien
Level I - Megan Molina
Level II - Andrea Thibodaux

Wishes for a Happy
and
Blessed New Year!

Volunteers Needed

We are in need of a volunteer to replace one of our 7 th Grade Catechists, who will no longer be able to teach because of a change in work schedule. The Catechist who is still in this class is doing an excellent job, but could really use some 'back-up'! If you can help us out, or know of someone who can, call the church office (936-894-2223) and leave the information or stop by the C.C.E. Office on Wednesday night. We could also use a few folks to help the students on craft nights. These are not every week and so it would not be a weekly commitment.

Parking

Parents, when dropping off your students please do not park along the side of the drive . It obstructs the flow of traffic. Drop off your student and then go park in the lot somewhere (if you do not leave) until time to line back up to pick up your students. Please do not form the pick-up line before 7:15 p.m.

Holidays

There will be no C.C.E. Classes on December 24 th or December 31 st in observance of Christmas and New Year's Day. Classes will resume on January 7 th . Happy Holidays!

Students of the Month--October

Congratulations to the following students who received the award for October!

K--Lacy Chilek 6th--Andrew Penshorn
1st--Brittany Kimich 7th--Sarah Darling
2nd--Kevin Presley 8th--Julia Stelly
3rd--Jessica McFarland CI--Steven Klawinsky
4th--Amber Diehl CII--Reese Reissig
5th--Mickie Olivieri

St. Mary's/ St. Joseph 's C.C.E. Program
Presents:

"One Night in Bethlehem "

Wednesday, December 17th @ 7:30 PM
In the Hall

ALL ARE INVITED!

ISP Class Reminder
Sunday, November 2nd

The Confirmation ISP Class will meet Sunday,
November 2nd at 12:00 PM in Room 203. Saint reports are due.

Food Drive
November 5th, 12th & 19th

This month we are having a food drive. Students should bring non-perishable food items (canned goods, flour, sugar, etc.), paper goods (toilet paper, paper towels, etc.), diapers or formula to class.

First Wednesdays
In the Hall at 6:00 PM

All high school youth are invited to take part in food, fun and worship on November 5th and December 3rd.

Thanksgiving Holiday
November 26th

No Class. Happy Thanksgiving!

Volunteers

We could still use volunteers to be a part of our craft crew and prayer experiences. Anyone interested should call the office (936) 894-2223 or stop by on Wednesday night.

Confirmation

Keep these students, who are attending Intermediate Sacramental Preparation Classes, in your prayers:

Chelsea Bailey
Nicole Cravens
Stephanie Fountain
Maxwell Giddens
Baylee Imhoff
Ryan Kimich
Brian Lauer
Emma O'Brien
Reese Reissig
Jason Riker
David Russell
Ben Seale
David South
Jennetta Welsh

C.C.E. Begins

Our C.C.E. Year is off to a great start! Thanks to everyone for helping make our Open House a successful event. It was a great chance for our parents, who usually don't get the opportunity, to see their children's classrooms and personally meet their Catechists.

ISP Confirmation Class Reminder
Sunday, October 5th

Our next class is on Sunday, October 5th at 12:00 PM in Room 203 . Don't forget to read Chapter 1 before coming to class!

Festival of Saints
Sunday, October 26th - 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

For Preschool - 6th Grade. Come for an afternoon of fun, food and games. Wear a costume depicting your favorite saint for our costume contest.

Changes in Schedule

Due to Hurricane Ike, we need to make two schedule changes to make up for lost class time. Therefore, we will have class on October 29th and our calendar will be extended one week to include April 29th.

Volunteers

We have a really great bunch of Catechists this year, along with outstanding Aides, Monitors and Office Personnel. We would like to thank all of you for volunteering your time and putting forth the extra effort to make a difference in the faith formation of our parish's children. Please keep all of these good people in your prayers as they endeavor to aid our program:

Kindergarten : Diane Darling, Gina Wernig, Eric LaRose
1st Grade : Alana Presley, Karmen Dowell, Debra Penshorn
2nd Grade : Wanda O'Brien, Michelle LaRose, Lisa Atkinson
3rd Grade : Cindy Olivieri, Renee Hayes, Debbie Pietsch
4th Grade : Amy Goulait, Christine Doyle, Nancy Cisneros
5th Grade : Dolores Yarrito, Wanda Busse, Kyla Seale
6th Grade : Sunni Radford, Joseph LaRose, Brock Moss
7th Grade : Judy Pixley, Carla Gilmore, Dave Egeland
8th Grade : Micki Kroeker, Zina Ulicnik, Debbie Walkoviak
Confirmation I : Anthony Olivieri, Charlie Swarb
Confirmation II : Rebecca Biasotti, John Welsh
Out-of-Cycle : Connie Wetuski
Student Aide : Jennetta Welsh
Storyteller : Mildred Rosenberg
Craft Crew : Jennifer Wyrwich, Jeannette Raines
Monitor : Kay Lynn Diorio, Milissa Walla, Julie Pospisil, Chris Ulicnik, Sherrie Wisnieski
Office Aide/Monitor - Chris Disser
Office Aide - Maria Pena, Suzanne Walsh
Office Coordinator - Courtneay Reid
Administration Assistant - Megan Schratwieser

Open House/Parent Meeting
September 10th - In the Hall @ 7:00 PM

Come meet your children's Catechist and see their classrooms. You'll also have an opportunity to see the books they will be using.

Confirmation Orientation
September 10th - In the Hall @ 7:45 PM

All Level I & II students need to attend. If you miss this orientation, you must call and make an individual appointment for the student to be admitted.

Our Confirmation Level 3 class is changing its name to ISP (Immediate Sacramental Prep) and the first class is Sunday, September 7th @ 12:00PM in room 203. Parents are welcome to attend this first class.

First Night of Class
September 17th - 7:00 to 8:15 PM

First night of class for grades K - Level II.

Catechist Formation
September 3rd - In the FLC @ 7:00 PM

All Catechists are invited to attend this Mass, during which you will be commissioned as a Catechist with a special blessing.

Northern Catechist Day
September 27th - 8:30 AM to 3:15 PM

Prince of Peace Church
19222 Tomball Parkway
Houston , Texas

Gabriel Project Baby Shower
September 28th - In the Hall, after Mass

The Confirmation Students are hosting a baby shower to benefit the Gabriel Project. Please join us for this special occasion and bring baby items to donate.

Office Hours

Remember, our C.C.E. Office is staffed on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 - 4:00.

Attention!!! High School & Confirmation Students

First Wednesdays is a new program geared towards High School students this year. We will be praising God through music, games and discussion activities. Food will be provided as well!!!

Come join us before class time for fun and great company!!

First meeting is Wednesday, September 10th @ 6:00 PM in the Hall.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2008
July 21-25 ~ 9:00-11:30am
SonWorld Adventure Park

presents

A Thrilling Ride with Jesus
Children who have just completed Pre-K through
6th grade are invited to attend.
Volunteers are needed.

Call Michelle Mock at 894-2534 or the office at 894-2223.

==========================================

VBS Registration Form

Family Name _______________________________________

Child(ren)'s name(s) Last grade attended

______________________ __________________

______________________ __________________

______________________ __________________

______________________ __________________

Parents' names _____________________________________

Phone numbers _____________________________________

Emergency numbers in case parents' cannot be reached:

Name ___________________________ Number __________

Name ___________________________ Number __________

Does your child have allergies or medical conditions we should be aware of? _______________________________________

We are accepting resumes for applicants for a C.C.E. Administrative Assistant. Job hours will be Wednesdays and Fridays 9:30 - 4:30. Some volunteer time after-office hours may be requested occasionally. Duties will include clerical work and other assignments necessary for the smooth running of the C.C.E. program. Applicants should possess good computer skills and be familiar with MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Desktop Publisher, and should also be able to maintain a web page with HTML knowledge. The chosen applicant will need to receive VIRTUS training if they have not already received it. Please mail or fax resumes to the Church office during the first week in July to:

St. Mary’s/St. Joseph’s C.C.E. or Fax # 936-894-3613

FIRST COMMUNION

To enroll in the First Communion class students should have received the Sacrament of Baptism (copy of Certificate needed for enrollment) and have attended at least one year of C.C.E. prior to enrollment. The Archdiocesan guidelines state:

"Parents have a right and a duty to be intimately involved in preparing their child for First Communion. Parents may do this by their support and encouragement of the spiritual growth of their child through: ... providing opportunities for formal religious education/faith formation."

"The child should be participating in the parish religious education process or the Catholic school religious education formation which provides ongoing, systematic catechesis as set forth in the Diocesan Curriculum Guidelines..."

CONFIRMATION

Our Confirmation program requires two years of ongoing catechesis covering the pillars of faith (as per Archdiocesan Guidelines) prior to or in conjunction with the separate Immediate Sacramental Preparation classes. There are eight ISP classes (scheduled over the course of one year) once a month on Sunday afternoons. The students should have received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Communion prior to enrollment in Confirmation classes (copies of Certificates needed for enrollment).

OUT OF CYCLE

We have an Out of Cycle class for those students who need to get
caught up on their Sacraments.

Being sensitive to our parishioners' concerns about the rising gas prices and realizing that many are looking for ways to cut back on car trips and gas use, we are striving to do our part to help out in the following ways:

During registration we will have sign-up sheets for families who wish to find others to form carpools with. We will help match-up the families.

We have removed some of the class nights we originally had scheduled for next year. (Therefore, it will help our catechists if our families make a concerted effort to have the students arrive on time. This will help allow enough time to cover a full lesson each night and then we can also let classes out on time.) All grades will attend class from 7:00 -- 8:15 p.m.

And for those of you who will be driving your students to class -- don't drive all the way back home during class. Come join our happy team of volunteers! You can be a catechist, a catechist's aide, a monitor, a substitute catechist, or an office aide. We can find a spot for you!

Volunteer cards are available in the Hall on the round table near the doors. Fill the card out and place it in the marked box on the same table.

We are in need of Catechists in the following grades:

1 - Kindergarten Catechist
1 - 1st Grade Catechist
1 - 6th Grade Catechist
2 - 7th Grade Catechists
1 - 8th Grade Catechist
_______________________________________________________________________

Check out our bulletin board in the Hall for C.C.E. information, news and events. Keep watching for an updated C.C.E. link on the church website -- we're working on it!

C.C.E. Registration will be on Sunday, August 17th and Sunday, August 24th in the Hall after the masses. Our Open House and Parent Meeting will be on Wednesday, September 10th at 7:00 p.m. and our first class will be Wednesday, September 17th.

Beginning in August, our C.C.E. Office will be staffed on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00-4:00. If you need to speak with someone or fill out forms there will be someone in our office during this time to help you.
______________________________________________________________________

Confirmation Orientation will be Wednesday, September 10th at 7:45 p.m. in the Hall after the C.C.E. Parent Meeting. All students and at least one parent/guardian must attend. Only these students will be placed in a Confirmation class! If you miss this orientation, you must call and make an individual appointment for the student to be admitted.

"Ask, and you will receive. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you. For the one who asks, receives. The one who seeks, finds. The one who knocks, enters." Matthew 7:7

We are asking God for (and seeking amongst you ) Catechists/Aides for next year's CCE Program. Please email us at re@smsj.org for more information on volunteering or pick up a purple volunteer form in the Church Vestibule, fill it out, and place it in the marked box in the Hall!

If you would like for your child/children, who have not previously attended, to enroll in CCE next year, please stop by the Religious Education office or email for more information and forms.

Catechists/Aids Appreciation Party

June 8 th 4PM -? If you were a Catechist or an Aide please bring your family for fun, food, and games!

The following awards were given out to our CCE students this year:

PERFECT ATTENDANCE: Hannah Atkinson, Jessica McFarland, Tess O'Brien, Stephanie Fountain, and Emma O'Brien

OUTSTANDING STUDENT: Austin Penshorn, Hannah Atkinson, Calan Johnson, Dylan Weaver, Andrew Penshorn, Chris Welsh, Sarah Darling, Grace Mock, Holly Cravens, Eric Hijuelos, Meghan Molina, Brian Lauer, David Russell, Megan Fountain, and Dylan Wetuski.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE: Chelsea Bailey, Derek Cleghorn, Stephanie Fountain, Emma O'Brien, Reese Reissig, Maxwell Giddens, Emily Hibner, Jennetta Welsh, and Joseph LaRose.

Important Dates To Remember

CCE Registration August 17 th and 24 th after 9:00 and 10:30 masses in the Hall

Catechist Workshop August 20 @ 7:00 PM

Catechist Meeting August 27 th @ 7:00 PM

First day of CCE September 9 th

Confirmation Orientation September 7 th @ 12:30 PM or September 10 th @ 7:00 PM

FIRST COMMUNION

To enroll in the First Communion class students should have received the Sacrament of Baptism (copy of Certificate needed for enrollment) and have attended at least one year of C.C.E. prior to enrollment. The Archdiocesan guidelines state:

“Parents have a right and a duty to be intimately involved in preparing their child for First Communion. Parents may do this by their support and encouragement of the spiritual growth of their child through: … providing opportunities for formal religious education/faith formation.”

“The child should be participating in the parish religious education process or the Catholic school religious education formation which provides ongoing, systematic catechesis as set forth in the Diocesan Curriculum Guidelines…”

CONFIRMATION

Our Confirmation program requires two years of ongoing catechesis covering the pillars of faith (as per Archdiocesan Guidelines) prior to or in conjunction with the separate Immediate Sacramental Preparation classes. There are eight ISP classes (scheduled over the course of one year) once a month on Sunday afternoons. The students should have received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Communion prior to enrollment in Confirmation classes (copies of Certificates needed for enrollment).

OUT OF CYCLE

We have an Out of Cycle class for those students who need to get caught up on their Sacraments.

July 21-25 ~ 9:00-11:30am

SonWorld Adventure Park presents

A Thrilling Ride with Jesus

Children who have just completed Pre-K through 6th grade are invited to attend.

Volunteers are needed.
Call Michelle Mock at 894-2534
or the church office at 894-2223.

Look for more information and a
Registration form in the July bulletin.

Congratulations to those students who received the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation!

Holy Communion

Christopher Baldwin, Kaylie Chilek, Emily Donina, Bailey Doyle, Gianna Guzman, Bailey Hayes, Alex Hijuelos, Eric Hijuelos, Saylor Imhoff, Joseph LeBlanc, Maria

Levantino, Chelsie Marshburn, Jessica McFarland, Micah Mock, Tess O'Brien,

Gabriella Olivieri, Danielle Pena, Ashley Penshorn, Derek Pietsch, Travis Politakis, Madison Poole, Allyson Rooney, Rayna Valadez, Justin Vickers

Confirmation

Tyler Gurka, Joseph LaRose, Barrett Lauer, Jill Leiber, Brock Moss, Joshua Nieto, Hayden O'Brien, Landon Rabun, Joshua Welsh, Dylan Wetuski, Bryan Wheeler

******************

If you are new to St. Mary's and would like for your child/children to attend CCE please stop by the Religious Education office for more information and forms.

Also if you are interested in being a catechist for the next school year please email, call, or stop by the office and fill out one of our volunteer forms.

Have a safe summer; we look forward to seeing you all next year!

CCE APRIL NEWS BUZZZZ

Just a quick reminder that the Festival of Saints will be April 6 th from 3-5 PM.

  GRADES K-6TH
Come out for games, refreshments, and our Saint Costume Contest. We look forward to seeing you all there!!

CONFIRMATION:

Please remember that you should have all of their requirements completed (with exception of the children's festival work) and all of their forms and paperwork tuned in by Wednesday, April 2nd.

CCE SAVE THE DATES:

Confirmation-Saturday April 12 th @ 10:00 A.M.
St. Mary's in Plantersville

First Communion-Saturday April 12 th @ 3:00 P.M.
St. Mary's in Plantersville

LAST DAY OF CCE CLASSES IS WEDNESDAY APRIL 23rd. WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF OUR TEACHERS, AIDS, AND OFFICE AIDES WHO VOLUNTEERED THIS YEAR! THANK YOU!!

ALSO IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING A CATECHIST FOR THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR PLEASE EMAIL, CALL, OR STOP BY THE OFFICE AND FILL OUT ONE OF OUR VOLUNTEER FORMS.

MARCH CLASS SCHEDULE
03-05-08 - CLASS
03-12-08 - NO CLASS
03-19-08 - CLASS
03-26-08 - NO CLASS

CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL OF SAINTS

SUNDAY, APRIL 6TH 3-5 P.M.

GRADES K-6TH

Come out for games, refreshments, and our Saint Costume Contest. We look forward to seeing you all there!!

CONFIRMATION NEWS

Students should have all of their requirements completed (with exception of the children's festival work) and all of their forms and paperwork tuned in by Wednesday, April 2nd.

We will be having class on Wednesday February 6 th , Ash Wednesday. The students will receive ashes in classroom services. There will not be a parent video that night.

National Vocation Awareness week is January 13 th through January 18 th !! The nuns, seminarians, and priests will be stopping by each class on February 13 th to interact with the children and give them information about their particular ministry.

TO: All RE Parents (whether Catholic or non-Catholic)

St. Mary's/ St. Joseph 's RCIA Team ( Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults ) will hold "inquiry" sessions on selected Wednesday evenings in St. Mary's Family Life Center . If you have any questions about the Catholic faith, come join our informal discussions. Here's our schedule for the next few months:

Ash Wednesday, February 6; 6:45-8:00 p.m. (after 5:30 Mass and ashes); Topic: Why is the season of Lent so special to Catholics?

Wednesday, March 12; 6:00-7:15 p.m.; Topic: Catholics & Prayer, including the rosary.

If your child attends RE on Wednesday nights, you might as well join us to strengthen your faith in God!

Questions? More information? Contact Sharon Skeans, RCIA Director, skeans@consolidated.net .

Movie Time: Wednesday Nights at 7:10 pm in the Hall!! Parents and parish are all invited to attend. Check movie list to see what's showing. Movies for the month of February:

February 13 th : Stories of Faith

February 20 th : Jesus: The Complete Story - Part I

February 27 th : Jesus: The Complete Story - Part II

Welcome Back! CCE Classes will resume January 6th !

We will be having class on Wednesday February 9th , Ash Wednesday. The students will receive ashes in classroom services. There will not be a parent video that night.

Movie Time : Wednesday Nights at 7:10 pm in the Hall!! Parents and parish are all invited to attend. Check movie list to see what's showing.

Movies for the month of January:

January 9 th The Changing Sacraments Part 1 (Video shown in the Family Life Center )

January 16 th The Changing Sacraments Part 2

January 23 rd The Changing Sacraments Part 3

January 30 th What Is Faith

The parents that have attended these movies have found them informative and rated them highly. So if you are sitting in the car, please come in and check it out. Confirmation parents are asked by the Bishop to attend some of the recommended moves for Confirmation parents. Please rate movies by filling out the form available in the hall.

Confirmation Parents: There will be a mandatory meeting in the Hall for Confirmation Parents on January 9 th at 7:15 PM!

Confirmation Students have requirements of service that need to be done before they can be confirmed. In the bulletin we have put a reminder page of the service requirements.

"By fostering a culture of vocations, the Church is strengthened in its universal call to holiness." National Vocation Awareness week is January 13 th through January 18 th !!

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Movie Time : Wednesday Nights at 7:10 pm!! Parents and parish are all invited to attend. Check movie list to see what's showing.

Movies for the month of December:
Dec. 5th: Meaningful Conversations About Prayer -- Part 1
Dec. 12th: What Catholics Believe About Reconciliation

The parents that have attended these movies have rated them highly and informative. So if you are sitting in the car, please come in and check it out. Confirmation parents are asked by the Bishop to attend some of the recommended moves for Confirmation parents. Please rate movies by filling out the form available in the hall.

CCE Christmas Programs!
Sunday, December 16th
In the Hall after 10:30 Mass

Dec. 8: Communion class Reconciliation Retreat: 9-11:30 in the Family Life Room.
Dec. 15: Reconciliation for Communion class at St. Mary's Church with Father from 10-12 am.
Dec. 16: Christmas program by the children in the Hall after 10:30 mass. Parents please have your child in the hall by 11:45 am to get set up for program.
Dec. 19: Individual class Christmas parties for K-8. Parents please check with the teacher to see how you can help or what you can bring.

Our Pantry is low of food; we are asking all the children and their family to bring a bag of food to share with someone in need over the holidays. We will have 3 food drives a year (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter) for the CCE families to help others in need. Share with your children the blessings of helping someone in need.

Confirmation:
Thanks to Level 1 for the awesome Puppet Show you did for the younger children. Great Job!!

Dec. 16: The Confirmation Student will be doing a Christmas Performance in the hall for the parish. Program starts at 12:00 pm.
Dec. 19: Christmas party in the Hall for all Confirmation Levels. We need a parent to organize the refreshments. Please contact Fran or Cheryl at 936-894-2223. Fran's Cell 936-825-4779

Dec. 19 th is the last CCE class for the year. We will resume classes January 9, 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Everyone have a wonderful holiday. We will see you next year!

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.