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! *****