GIFT Registration begins soon!

During the next few weeks, we are working on getting all the registration materials out to families for our GIFT program at St. Matthias. If you are new (or returning) to Faith Formation at St. Matthias, please email me at cff@stmatthiasparish.org to get on the mailing list for registration. If you have questions, you can call me at 650-366-9544. We are looking forward to beginning a new year of GIFT - topics will include those that families suggested during the evaluation process in June. 

All families who have members preparing for sacraments (Baptism, First Communion, Reconciliation, and/or Confirmation) are required to register and attend GIFT gatherings as these are our primary form of catechesis in our parish. 

June GIFT Follow-up Email

June GIFT Follow Up Email

Thank you for attending our June GIFT Gatherings: Evaluation Meetings. If you were not able to attend the GIFT sessions this month, please click the link here  to download the PowerPoint presentation from the event. We have begun a long-range planning process – this process began with our

PARISH CONVOCATION ON MAY 18^TH FROM 11:30-4:00 PM. The process will examine seven areas of parish life – everyone will be asked to participate in the areas that are of interest to them. Even if you are new to the parish, we want your input! Each month, we will focus on a different area of parish life during study groups. The study groups will be held on the 2^nd week of each month; on Sunday from 11:30-1:30 pm, Monday from 7-9pm, and Tuesday from 10-12 noon (you only need to attend one each month). Here are the topics for each month:

Prayer & Worship (June)

Justice & Charity (July)

Community Building (August)

Catechesis (Sept)

Stewardship (October)

Pastoral Care & Ministry to Families (Nov)

Evangelization (Dec)

Watch the Best Practices for Parishes bulletin boards and the weekly bulletin for more information!

If you have not already completed the survey, you still by clicking here. (survey is in google docs – you should not need to sign in to complete this, but please let me know if you have trouble with it). We used the results received to plan the evaluation meetings, but we’d still like to have your input!

At the evaluation meetings, we asked all present to rank a list of suggested topics for 2014-15. The results are attached.

Here are additional comments from the adult sessions:

·         Liked the topics from 2012-13 Orientations better than this years

·         Liked discussions about parenting and learning from one another

·         CRS video about the girl in Guatemala

·         Human side of priests/deacons

·         Loved when Fr. Craig teaches us

·         Don’t use video only – need to allow more time for discussions

·         Move the announcements to the adult part of the gatherings

The adults participated in a discussion about two additional ideas, here are some comments:

1)      We asked about the format of the gatherings, i.e. should we keep families groups together (and not do break-out groups)?

a.       Not every time

b.      Maybe have a shorter break out time (1/2 hour with kids, ½ hour without)

c.       Some like it the way it is, but maybe have kids stay sometimes, like Christmas and Easter

d.      Perhaps have a series of topics – like Sept/Oct would be the same, or Nov/Dec that way you could delve deeper into a topic

2)      Because our faith is relational, and we learn from one another, we’d like to help families put together small faith sharing groups so that they could gather together. The families would decide how this would work – you could decide on your meeting day & time, the format, what materials you wanted to use, etc. I could help families get started. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS IDEA, LET ME KNOW – AND I WILL GATHER US TOGETHER TO TALK MORE!

Here are some comments from the children’s evaluation sessions:

1)         What were some of the activities or topics you especially liked?

a.       Pizza

b.      Movies  - when Jesus multiplied food &  liked the one where Jesus healed the crippled man

c.       Arts & Crafts - Dove & wreath, camel – cycles of seasons

d.      Learned more about faith

e.      Once a month, getting more out of it

2)      What did you not like?

a.       Too long all together.

b.      Review of other years not very interesting. Learn most when participating in sacraments

c.       5-8^th group had some immature kids as they’re too young. Maybe have a 5-6^th grade and 7-8^th grade group done separately. 5^th graders confused, 8^th graders bored, learn better in smaller groups. Allow middle school students to be catechist helpers.

d.      3 – said they didn’t learn or remember much

3)      Are there any church topics you’d like to learn more about?

a.       Middle schoolers – Adam & Eve & Creation

4)      Are there any service projects/field trips you’d like to do?

a.       Tours of cathedrals, movie outings, library. If MS field trip, do on a MSYM night.

Other Resources:

Pinterest –

Summer Family Faith Ideas http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/

Vibrant Faith @ Home – www.vibrantfaithathome.org

This is a great resource – even has a iPhone app – which offers short 5-10 minute long activities that families can do at home to explore or teach faith topics.

Sabrina’s Blog – Do you children ever ask you faith related questions that you are just not sure how to answer? Or do really cool things related to their faith that you want to share with the community? If so, follow the blog http://faqsfaithandquestions.blogspot.com

Announcements:

·         Best Practices for Parishes – our Long Range Planning process is meeting this week – Monday June 9 from 7-9pm or Tuesday, June 10^th from 10-12 noon. This month is Prayer and Worship so we’ll be evaluating everything we do at Mass, Baptism, Confirmation, First Communion, funerals, weddings, and RCIA. If you have participated in any of these things, your input is especially welcome.

·         Mission Trip to Ecuador – thank you for your generous support and donations. The group will be blessed on Saturday, June 14^th at 5:00 pm, please come pray with us. You can follow daily updates at www.sabrinaspence.blogspot.com .

·         Melanie, our Music Director is retiring as of June 30^th. She will host two Youth Concerts – June 22^nd and June 29^th at 4pm. Please come and support her and the youth of the parish!

·         Please prayerfully consider serving the parish community as Catechist. Catechists are men and women who share their faith with young people. They lead breakout groups during GIFT. My plan is to have two teams of Catechists – one team covering all grade levels for Sunday and one team for Wednesday. That way, catechists could attend the adult session on the alternate day. It is a commitment, but only once a month. We will have a training for all catechists in the area on August 23^rd from 10-3pm at St. Charles. Additionally, I would be willing to work with you and would pair you with an experienced catechist. 

2nd year of GIFT (Generations in Faith Together) is over!

Last night was our last GIFT session of the catechetical year. We ended by having the adults and kids evaluate what worked and what didn't work, and give some suggestions for next year. We got some great feedback from all who attended. If you weren't able to attend, you can still give input, but completing the survey online (I'll post the link later today).

We talked about forming small family cluster groups for faith sharing. If your family is interested in participating in this, either as a host family or just a participant in someone else's group, let me know! 

Also, just a reminder that God doesn't take a vacation from us, so we shouldn't take a vacation from him! Go to church this summer - seek out Catholic parishes where you are vacationing and observe what they do the same or differently from us. That has been one of my greatest sources of inspiration, learning from others, picking up ideas and being inspired. 

God Bless,

Sabrina 

Families & Faith

http://wordonfire.org/WoF-Blog/WoF-Blog/May-2014/Families-and-Faith--How-Religion-is-Passed-Down-Ac.aspx

GIFT May Follow Up Email

May GIFT Follow Up Email

Thank you for attending our May GIFT Gatherings: Acting in Justice: Peace. If you were not able to attend the GIFT sessions this month, please click the link here  to download the PowerPoint presentation from the event. We are beginning a long-range planning process – this process will begin with our

PARISH CONVOCATION ON MAY 18^TH FROM 11:30-4:00 PM please mark this date on your calendars and plan to attend. We will be offering child care for those who need it – contact Liz at aff@stmatthiasparish.org to sign up. The process will examine seven areas of parish life – everyone will be asked to participate in the areas that are of interest to them. Even if you are new to the parish, we want your input! Watch the bulletin and parish bulletin boards for more information!

In order to plan for the June Evaluation gatherings (Sunday, June 1^st from 11:30-1:30 pm and Wednesday, June 4^th from 6-8 pm), we ask that you complete the survey found by clicking here. (survey is in google docs – you should not need to sign in to complete this, but please let me know if you have trouble with it).

At this month’s gatherings, the Catechists led the K-4^th grade children through the Faith in Action chapter for Solidarity of the Human Family in their books. Please work through the remaining Faith in Action pages. The website for the text is http://calltofaith.osv.com.

The 5-8^th graders talked about the Catholic Social Teaching of Solidarity. We begin the session with an activity called “The Human Knot” in which we stood in a circle, left hands grasped a person across from us, right hands grasped another person (so that we were all tangled up!) then tried to untangle ourselves – we had to work together to suggest ways to do this – all without letting go of hands! This illustrates our interconnectedness and how we depend on one another for everything in our lives. We continued by talking about bullying at our schools. Some schools seem to be doing a better job at anti-bullying campaigns than others. Some kids have not experienced bullying and don’t think it’s an issue at all, while others are quite troubled by it. Some feel that if they “tell” they will only make the situation worse. I shared a story about being bullied when I was in 6^th grade and how my mom was able to help diffuse the situation through her use of humor! Ask me about it – it’s quite a funny story!

Other Resources:

Pinterest –

May Family Faith Ideas http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/may-family-faith-ideas/

Mary Ideas  http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/mary/ (including our Living Rosary)

Vibrant Faith @ Home – www.vibrantfaithathome.org

This is a great resource – even has a iPhone app – which offers short 5-10 minute long activities that families can do at home to explore or teach faith topics.

Sabrina’s Blog – Do you children ever ask you faith related questions that you are just not sure how to answer? Or do really cool things related to their faith that you want to share with the community? If so, follow the blog http://faqsfaithandquestiosn.blogspot.com

Announcements:

·         Thank you for your donations to the CRS Rice Bowls! We collected $257.50 a very generous donation!

·         We are still collecting things that we’ll take with us to Ecuador. See the blue bin – collection box in the Hall for a list of what we are collecting.

·         A Living Rosary will be on Saturday, May 17^th at 11am in the Church.

·         High School Youth Ministry (HSYM) will meet Sunday, May 18^th  from 5-7pm downtown RWC. Email me for more information: cff@stmatthiasparish.org

·         Middle School Youth Ministry (MSYM) will meet Wednesday, May 14th from 6-8pm at St. Matthias for a potluck dinner followed by a scavenger hunt. We will be celebrating the Feast of St. Matthias! All 5-8^th graders are welcome to attend.

·         Parish Convocation will be on May 18^th from 11:30-4:00 pm. See above for more information.

Was Jesus a Pescaterian?

At last week's Holy Thursday Seder Supper - a parishioner asked me if Jesus was a vegetarian or a pescaterian (someone who only eats fish). She said that many vegetarian websites and blogs in their lists of "famous vegetarians" claim that Jesus fits this bill!

I immediately thought of all the stories in the Bible where Jesus is eating - most frequently there are stories involving Jesus eating fish (the loaves and fishes, eating on the beach, etc.), but no stories specifically about Jesus eating meat. However, he was a devout Jew and for 33 years, celebrated Passover each year. For sure, he would have eaten lamb at those meals. Because of his lifestyle as itinerant preacher, he often ate "out" - in other people's homes. He most certainly would not have refused meat at those meals. 

Not satisfied with my own thoughts about the subject, I did some searching this morning about the question. Here's what I came up with (by the way, I have met Jason Evert before and had lengthy conversations with him. He is a catholic apologist - someone who's trained to answer questions about the faith using scripture and church documents ​as sources for his answers). 

I think that the thought behind Jesus being a vegetarian (or pescaterian) may be us, in today's world imposing our values on Jesus' time. The Jews had no qualms about killing animals for food, because they didn't do it in excessive or cruel ways. Often animals we're raised by families for food and were killed "humanely"  following what we know of today as "kosher" rules. 

http://www.catholic.com/quickquestions/was-jesus-a-vegetarian-as-peta-claims#.U1FKRA2CS-s.gmail

​Jesus certainly would not look kindly on our modern day feed beef lots, chickens cramped into small cages, etc. ​so if he were alive today, he'd source his meat from a small farm or even raise his own animals for food. I think he his day, too, meat wasn't eaten as often as it is today, I think it was more of a special occasion thing, like Passover.

I would caution they when you see things about Jesus on "secular" websites - search also what the church says about the issue. Sometimes secular sources like to claim things about Jesus that we either have no evidence for, or just suits their claims (as an extreme example - some "Christians" claim that the bible opposes gay marriage. Well there's just no mention of gay marriage in the bible, because it didn't exist during biblical times!)

Hope this answers your question. 

April GIFT Follow Up

April GIFT Follow Up Email

Thank you for attending our April GIFT Gatherings: Living as a Disciple – and finding out about what your banana is!  If you were not able to attend the GIFT sessions this month, please click the link here  to download the PowerPoint presentation from the event. Fr. Craig showed a video in which Cardinal Sean O’Malley talked about being a disciple, sharing our talents and faith with others, and outreach to others. There is a movement drive by Pope Francis I to look outward and be missionaries, rather than staying within our parish walls and maintaining what we already do. Fr. Craig used this talk to highlight plans we have in the parish to begin a long-range planning process – this process will begin with our

PARISH CONVOCATION ON MAY 18^TH FROM 11:30-4:00 PM please mark this date on your calendars and plan to attend. We will be offering child care for those who need it. The process will examine seven areas of parish life – everyone will be asked to participate in the areas that are of interest to them. Even if you are new to the parish, we want your input! Watch the bulletin and parish bulletin boards for more information!

At this month’s gatherings, the Catechists led the K-4^th grade children through chapter 20 in their books. Please work through the remaining chapters in Unit 7 with them before the 1^st week of May, chapters 19 & 21. The website for the text is http://calltofaith.osv.com which is where you can download the home lessons for chapters 19 & 21.

The 5-8^th graders talked about how God calls us. Sometimes through prayer, sometimes through other people, and sometimes through our own feelings. I asked the kids pay attention to what happens in their daily lives – when someone gives them a complement, thank God for it. When someone acknowledges that they’ve done a good job – thank God for it. When they feel good after helping someone or doing something nice – thank God for it. Those feelings, blessings and the gratitude they feel are ways that we discern what our gifts are. Sometimes we don’t recognize our own gifts, but others do. I shared a story about how when I was younger, I never thought about being a teacher. In fact, I disliked babysitting and being around younger children. Now, however, I know that this is what God has called me to do!

All of the grade levels talked about Holy Week. This celebration of Jesus’ last days, culminating in the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.  If you are in town this week, I would encourage your families to attend the Holy Week celebrations. A few of the kids in attendance at GIFT seemed as if they have not ever attended these important celebrations – which are key to our faith lives and what we believe about Jesus. From the time Jesus entered Jerusalem to cheering crowds on Palm Sunday to the first time He celebrated the Eucharist with the disciples on Holy Thursday and washed their feet – modeling how important being of service to others is as Christian disciples. To honoring his time on the cross on Good Friday, praying with Him and recognizing the sorrow and anguish of his mother, Mary and the disciples to Easter Sunday morning when the women find the empty tomb and discover that Jesus had RISEN. These events are what our faith is based upon and are so important to obverse. So, here’s my challenge – even if you are travelling this week, attend the Holy Week celebrations in the nearest Catholic parish (use google to find one!) – come back to St. Matthias and let us know what you experienced. Pay attention to how the church is decorated, are there any cultural things that you notice, how is the congregation engaged, what’s the same or different about what we do here at St. Matthias? Finally, bring back a bulletin from the parish you visited! Happy Easter!

Other Resources:

Pinterest –

April Family Faith Ideas http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/april-family-faith-ideas/

Lent/Easter/Pentecost Ideas  http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/lent-easter-pentecost/

Vibrant Faith @ Home – www.vibrantfaithathome.org

This is a great resource – even has a iPhone app – which offers short 5-10 minute long activities that families can do at home to explore or teach faith topics.

Sabrina’s Blog – Do you children ever ask you faith related questions that you are just not sure how to answer? Or do really cool things related to their faith that you want to share with the community? If so, follow the blog http://faqsfaithandquestiosn.blogspot.com

Attached are the Taking Faith Home handouts for each week until we meet again on May 4^th & 7^th   for the May GIFT sessions: Acting in Justice - Peace

Announcements:

·         Our LENTEN SERVICE PROJECT, a coin collection for Catholic Relief Services (Rice Bowl) will be due at the May GIFT sessions. Please let me know if your family uses any of the resources that CRS provides!

·         Thank you to all who supported our Pasta Dinner – we raised $966 for the Mission Trip. After Easter we will have collection boxes set up for soccer uniforms and other items, please stay tuned for more information.

·         Also, please make a note on your calendar and celebrate Triduum with the parish community. These three “high Holy Days” in the Church year commemorate Jesus’ Last Supper, washing of the disciples’ feet (Holy Thursday), the crucifixion (Good Friday), and Resurrection (Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday). Holy Week is April 13-20^th this year.  Schedule is posted on the parish website and in the bulletin. Participation at these Holy Week services helps bring the message of our salvation to life! *****

·         High School Youth Ministry (HSYM) will meet Sunday, April 13^th from 5-7pm at St. Matthias for an Easter Party.

·         Middle School Youth Ministry (MSYM) will meet Wednesday, April 16^th from 6-8pm at St. Matthias for their Easter Party. All 5-8^th graders are welcome to attend.

·         We will hold a Confirmation Informational Meeting on April 30^th from 6-8pm, please RSVP if you are interested.

March GIFT Follow Up

March GIFT Follow Up Email

I’m sorry that this is so late! The Thursday after our last GIFT session, I left for Southern California to attend the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress in Anaheim. It’s an annual event filled with beautiful liturgies, music, exhibits, workshops and lots of inspiration. It’s a highlight of my year! A friend and I went together and on Sunday evening went to Disneyland. By the time I had returned to me hotel room, I was very sick. I’m pretty sure I got food poisoning which keep me home for all of last week! Yesterday was my first day back to the office, which is why I’m just getting this out to you now! Thank you for your prayers and patience.

Thank you for attending our March GIFT Gatherings: The Sacrament of Marriage! If you were not able to attend the GIFT sessions this month, please click the link here to download the PowerPoint presentation from the event. Fr. Craig showed a video in which Archbishop Salvador Cordelione shared his views of marriage. There was a discussion which followed where the participants shared their reactions to our Archbishops’ views.

At this month’s gatherings, the Catechists led the K-4^th grade children through chapter 14 in their books. Please work through the remaining chapters in Unit 5 with them before the 1^st week of April, chapters 13 & 15. The website for the text is http://calltofaith.osv.com which is where you can download the home lessons for chapters 13 & 15.

The 5-8^th graders talked about how we honor our family relationships and how the Holy Family provides us an example of a perfect family. We were sensitive to the fact that not all of us have a traditional family and made sure to affirm that that’s OK – families are based on mutual love and understanding and don’t have to follow a traditional model in order to be happy and healthy. We also talked a about what expectations our parents have for us and how we feel about those expectations – are they fair, realistic, etc. Is there anything missing in our family relationships that we need? Ask your sons or daughters about this and see what they say!

Other Resources:

Pinterest –

March Family Faith Ideas http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/march-family-faith-ideas/

Lent/Easter/Pentecost Ideas  http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/lent-easter-pentecost/

Vibrant Faith @ Home – www.vibrantfaithathome.org

This is a great resource – even has a iPhone app – which offers short 5-10 minute long activities that families can do at home to explore or teach faith topics.

Sabrina’s Blog – Do you children ever ask you faith related questions that you are just not sure how to answer? Or do really cool things related to their faith that you want to share with the community? If so, follow the blog http://faqsfaithandquestiosn.blogspot.com

Attached are the Taking Faith Home handouts for each week until we meet again on April 6^th or 9th  for the April GIFT sessions: Living as Disciple

Announcements:

·         Our LENTEN SERVICE PROJECT, a coin collection for Catholic Relief Services (Rice Bowl) will be due at the May GIFT sessions. Please let me know if your family uses any of the resources that CRS provides!

·         Our Mission Trip group is hosting a PASTA DINNER on Saturday, March 29^th from 6-8pm at St. Pius, Homer Crouse Hall. To sign up, click here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B044CAFA82CA46-pasta1

·         Also, please make a note on your calendar and celebrate Triduum with the parish community. These three “high Holy Days” in the Church year commemorate Jesus’ Last Supper, washing of the disciples’ feet (Holy Thursday), the crucifixion (Good Friday), and Resurrection (Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday). Holy Week is April 13-20^th this year.  Schedule is posted on the parish website and in the bulletin. Participation at these Holy Week services helps bring the message of our salvation to life! *****

Can children who have not received their First Communion get ashes?

This Wednesday, March 5th is Ash Wednesday. 

Yes, children can receive ashes. Ashes are a sign of repentance, they remind us that Jesus died for us and that because we are sinners need to repent for our sins in order to be united with Him in heaven. In the Middle Ages, sinners were marked publicly and were required to do public works of penance to make up for their sins. They wore "sack cloth and ashes" for a proscribed period of time as penance. Thank goodness we don't have to do that anymore! But we are still marked with ashes on that day. The ashes also remind us that we come from dust and to dust we will return.

But because ashes are a sign of our sinfulness, Fr. Craig responded that he typically doesn't give ashes to infants or toddlers since they have not had the occasion to sin greatly. However, in some cultures, having your baby receive ashes is very important, so exceptions are made. 

The day also marks the beginning of the season of Lent. 

Is Evolution Making a Monkey out of the Catholic Church?

Some High School Youth and I had a discussion about the Church's teachings on Evolution and science in the Church, in general. This video does a nice job in explaining the official teaching of the Church in regards to Creation (The Genesis story of Adam & Eve in the Bible) and Evolution.

February GIFT Follow-Up Email

February GIFT Follow Up Email

Thank you for attending our February GIFT Gatherings: The Ordained Ministries! If you were not able to attend the GIFT sessions this month, please click the link here to download the PowerPoint presentation from the event. Fr. Craig led a panel discussion which included himself, Deacons Rich & George and diaconate candidate David Rolandelli (on Sunday only). They shared their experiences of how they became involved in ministry, their purpose for being deacon or priest, and an explanation about the diaconate – that their ministry has three main responsibilities – liturgical, preaching and service. Following the presentations - there was a lively question and answer period!

As a preview for the March gatherings – Fr. Craig is putting together another panel discussion which will include married couples (the topic is Marriage!). He is asking that if anyone is interested in being part of this panel – to contact him for more information!

At this month’s gatherings, the Catechists led the K-4^th grade children through chapter 17 in their books. Please work through the remaining chapters in Unit 6 with them before the 1^st week of March, chapters 16 & 18. The website for the text is http://calltofaith.osv.com which is where you can download the home lessons for chapters 16 & 18.

The 5-8^th graders talked about the 7 sacraments, where they came from (Jesus) how we know about them (The Bible) and who can be ordained (men – to be Deacons and Priests). With the Sunday group, we also talked about the Hierarchy – why and how the Church is structured in this way. With the Wednesday group, we spent some time looking up and reading the scripture passages that have inspired our Catholic sacraments. The Sunday group wrote letters to Fr. Craig thanking him for his ministry to the parish.

Other Resources:

Pinterest –

February Family Faith Ideas http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/february-faith-ideas/

Vibrant Faith @ Home – www.vibrantfaithathome.org

This is a great resource – even has a iPhone app – which offers short 5-10 minute long activities that families can do at home to explore or teach faith topics.

Sabrina’s Blog – Do you children ever ask you faith related questions that you are just not sure how to answer? Or do really cool things related to their faith that you want to share with the community? If so, follow the blog http://faqsfaithandquestiosn.blogspot.com

Attached are the Taking Faith Home handouts for each week until we meet again on March 9th or 12th  for the March GIFT sessions: Celebrating the Sacraments: Marriage

Announcements:

• ·         Thank you to everyone who brought coins for the Working Boys’ Center and Casa Damien. We did the collection and will total your donations soon. The total collected will be divided evenly between the two organizations.
• ·         In March, we will begin our LENTEN SERVICE PROJECT, a coin collection for Catholic Relief Services (Rice Bowl).
• ·         Thank you to all who attended the Pancake Breakfast on Feb 1^st at St. Pius for the Mission Trip. We had set a fundraising goal of $1000 and we achieved our goal through your support! Thank you!!! Coming soon, we’ll host another fundraiser, a Pasta Dinner. Details will be announced soon!
• ·         High School Youth Ministry (HSYM) will meet on Sunday, February 9^th from 5-7pm. Meet at St. Matthias for lasagna dinner, ice cream sundaes, games and video and discussion based on A&E’s documentary, God or the Girl.
• ·         Middle School Youth Ministry (MSYM) will meet on Wednesday, February 12^th from 6-8pm at St. Matthias.
• ·         The remaining sessions of our YOUTH BIBLE STUDY will be offered based on the History Channel series, “The Bible” on Feb 16 & 23^rd from 11:30-1:30 pm in Room 5. All youth are welcome. Parents are also welcome to attend! Click here to sign up!
• ·         ****NOTE – The GIFT Gatherings for March are scheduled for the 2^nd week in March (not the 1^st). This is because ASH WEDNESDAY falls on Wednesday, March 5^th (the 1^st week of the month). Please come celebrate the beginning of LENT with the parish community at our Ash Wednesday Masses at 7:30 am or 7:30 pm.
• ·         Also, please make a note on your calendar and celebrate Triduum with the parish community. These three “high Holy Days” in the Church year commemorate Jesus’ Last Supper, washing of the disciples’ feet (Holy Thursday), the crucifixion (Good Friday), and Resurrection (Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday). Holy Week is April 13-20^th this year.  Participation at these Holy Week services helps bring the message of our salvation to life! *****

Do Your Kids Know Why You Think It's Important for Them to Attend Mass?

Recently I had a conversation with one of our catechists (she will remain nameless for anonymity sake) about her struggle with getting her kids to attend Mass regularly. She asked them, "Do you know why I think it's important that you attend Mass?" and was shocked that they were not able to answer. After all, since they were small children, she regularly has brought them to Mass, has served as a Eucharistic Minister, and both kids have served as Altar Servers. Recently, she has allowed them to choose which Mass to attend so that they are more empowered to make the decision on their own. She figured that their answers would be obvious and contain at least a kernel of some of these things - that they attend Mass together to learn more about Jesus, to pray for others during that one hour, to strengthen their own relationship with Jesus and be nourished through the Eucharist. But alas, they were not able to answer at all.

Sometimes, we go through life full of assumptions, especially when it comes to the religious practices and spiritual development of our children. I would like to propose now, that we begin thinking about this in a more intentional way. Share with your children what you "get out of Mass", why is it important for you to go? What spiritual benefits do you receive by being part of a community? What do you think about when you receive Jesus in communion? How does going to Church change your life? Share with your kids - evangelize them - if they see that going to mass, being part of a community, receiving Communion, etc. is important to you, it will be important for them too, as long as they understand why. Share with them what you heard in the Gospel or other readings, what you heard in the Homily and ask them to share as well. Challenge them to pay attention for certain things - ask them what color (in the vestments, decor) they will see when they come into church, see if they can pick out the theme of the readings. Invite them to more active participation - model singing and saying the prayers aloud for all to hear.

Going to Mass is the primary way we practice our Catholic faith. Let's practice well so that our faith can grow and be nurtured! Do ask them, "why is it important for us to attend Mass?" and see what they say!

January GIFT Follow Up

January GIFT Follow Up Email

Thank you for attending our January GIFT Gatherings: Christian Unity and the Work of the Holy Spirit! If you were not able to attend the GIFT sessions this month, please click the link here to download the PowerPoint presentation from the event. The PowerPoint includes a link to the YouTube video that Fr. Craig showed for the adult session – Vatican II: Inside the Council, Episode 6 Ecumenism. Also, Fr. Craig facilitated a discussion about the following situations, if you were not able to attend the session, consider using these situations and have a conversation with your spouse, or some friends.

·         #1; Your 16 year old daughter is dating a 17 year old boy whom you’ve met and like. However, he belongs to Peninsula Covenant church, and your daughter has gone a few times with him to the Sunday afternoon services. She says that are more interesting and fun than Mass. Ione day she comes home on Sunday and announces that she wants to join that church. What do you do about the situation?

·         #2; Your best friend from high school is getting married in June and has asked you to be the best man/maid of honor and you have agreed. At the wedding, which is in a non-Catholic church, the minister at one point says some prayers over a loaf of bread and some grape juice and starts passing it around. Do you share in this communion? Have you receive the Eucharist? Do you still need to go to Mass the next day? What do you do in this situation?

·         #3; You are married to a non-practicing Protestant whose church does not perform infant baptism. At the time of your wedding your spouse agreed that any church you would have would be baptized Catholic; but now that you first child has come along, he/she is resisting. Your spouse says that your child should decide on baptism on his/her own when he/she is old enough to make that decision. What do you do in this situation?

·         #4; Your sister is married to a Christian mas whose church believes in a very literal interpretation of the Bible, including the passage where it says that “wives should be subordinate to their husbands”. As a consequence, your sister cannot make any major decisions on her own without getting her husband’s permission. Also, at family gatherings he often takes every opportunity to criticize the Catholic Church. What do you do in this situation?

At this month’s gatherings, the Catechists led the K-4^th grade children through chapter 11 in their books. Please work through the remaining chapters in Unit 4 with them before the 1^st week of February, chapters 10 & 12. The website for the text is http://calltofaith.osv.com which is where you can download the home lessons for chapters 10 & 12.

The 5-8^th graders begin with a prayer activity & icebreaker. A beach ball with prayer ideas was tossed around. Each person shared their name and the prayer on the beach ball when it was tossed to them. We then shared a story about a girl named Carly who choose to miss the end of the year soccer party in order to go to 5:00 pm Mass which was being said for her aunt who had passed away. She was nervous about telling her friends about why she had to miss the party, and explaining her religious beliefs, but they accepted and supported her decision.

By virtue of our Baptism, we are all called to be evangelizers – those who spread the Good News (Gospel message) of Jesus.  We also learned that there are some steps you can follow that will help you talk about God to family and friends:    1) Pray to the Holy Spirit so that he will help guide you to say the right words at the right time, 2) Spend time figuring out what you know and believe about your Catholic faith, 3) Make mental notes about the questions you still have, 4) Don’t try to sell, but explain what you believe and why, 5) Ask questions of others to find answers

Finally, we talked about the marks of the Church – one, holy, catholic and apostolic. Those words we say in the Creed every time we are at Mass – and what they mean. One – refers to the fact that we have one Lord, on faith, on Baptism, one Body in Christ. Holy – meaning that God is her author, Christ her head, and the Holy Spirit her means to holiness, catholic – meaning universal, the Church was established and exists for all people regardless of where they are from, and finally apostolic – that the Church is built on the original foundation of the 12 Apostles and continues their work.

Other Resources:

Pinterest –

Pope Francis http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/pope-francis-i/ T

January Family Faith Ideas http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/january-family-faith-ideas/  

Vibrant Faith @ Home – www.vibrantfaithathome.org

Sabrina’s Blog – Do you children ever ask you faith related questions that you are just not sure how to answer? Or do really cool things related to their faith that you want to share with the community? If so, follow the blog http://faqsfaithandquestiosn.blogspot.com

Attached are the Taking Faith Home handouts for each week until we meet again on Feb 2nd or 5th  for the February GIFT sessions: Celebrating the Sacraments: Holy Orders

Also – there are several opportunities coming up for families to celebrate Advent & Christmas. Please put these on your calendars!

·         Continue collection coins for the Advent Service Project – Coin Collection for the Working Boys’ Center: A Family of Families and Casa Damien in Quito. Bring your coins to the February GIFT sessions. Here is a video about the Working Boys Center: Transforming Families. These are two of the places where our mission trip groups visit. We will be visiting again in summer 2014.

·         Mark your calendars for a fundraiser PANCAKE BREAKFAST for the Mission Trip on Saturday, Feb 1^st  from 8-11:00 am at St. Pius. More details to follow!

·         High School Youth Ministry (HSYM) will meet on Sunday, January 12^th from 5-7pm. Meet at Sancho’s at 5pm, then walk back to St. Matthias for a discussion.

·         Middle School Youth Ministry (MSYM) will meet on Wednesday, January 15^th from 6-8pm at St. Matthias.

·         MULTIFAITH DAY OF SERVICE will be on January 20^th. Go to http://tinyurl.com/mlkdayofservice2014 for more information.

·         FIRST RECONCILIATION  will be celebration January 18^th at 3:30 pm

·         YOUTH BIBLE STUDY will be offered based on the History Channel series, “The Bible” on Jan 19, 26, Feb 16 & 23^rd from 11:30-1:30 pm in Room 5. All youth are welcome. Parents are also welcome to attend!