tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41766397529461566942024-03-12T16:21:46.772-07:00FAQ's (Faith And Questions)The Power of Kindnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02177858100147217139noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-78393929445814298182017-02-07T13:44:00.003-08:002017-02-07T13:44:58.971-08:00How to talk to your kids about our President from a faith perspective.<a href="https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/parish-diary/donald-trumps-gospel-not-gospel-jesus">https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/parish-diary/donald-trumps-gospel-not-gospel-jesus</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-84468617630172394442016-11-10T16:52:00.000-08:002016-11-10T16:52:07.402-08:00What Should We Tell the ChildrenThere is no doubt that this election was a surprise for our nation and was one of the ugliest and longest campaigns in my memory. Many are reeling from the results and are worried about what will happen under a Trump presidency.<br />
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As people of faith, we must do exactly that, keep the faith. We must remember that God loves us and provides for each and every one of us, no matter who our president is. We also must remember to pray for those in leadership roles, if we support them, but even if we don't particularly care for them or their opinions, positions or policies.<br />
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<span style="font-family: ProximaNovaCond-Extrabld, NotoKufiArabic-Bold, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 30px; font-weight: bold;">"Say that silence is dangerous, and teach them how to speak up when something is wrong."</span><br />
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At GIFT last night, one of the moms approached me after the gathering and asked why we hadn't addressed the election. She then shared that her two girls were full of the news because of protracted discussions that they had had at school (a Spanish immersion school, where a majority of the students come from immigrant families). There is a lot of fear and apprehension in our world as evidenced by the protests last night in a number of cities both on the east and west coasts.<br />
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That same mom shared the following article with me that I wanted to pass along. I think that if your sons/daughters are nervous about these election results or feeling unsettled in anyway, there are some good reminders.<br />
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<span style="font-family: ProximaNovaCond-Extrabld, NotoKufiArabic-Bold, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 30px; font-weight: bold;">"Tell them bigotry is not a democratic value, and that it will not be tolerated at your school."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: ProximaNovaCond-Extrabld, NotoKufiArabic-Bold, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 30px; font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1665557225"><br /></a></span>
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/what-should-we-tell-the-children_us_5822aa90e4b0334571e0a30b">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/what-should-we-tell-the-children_us_5822aa90e4b0334571e0a30b</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-6572500493905893262016-11-01T09:49:00.002-07:002016-11-01T09:49:46.714-07:00Holy Day of Obligation - All Saints Day<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
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Today is a Holy Day of Obligation - it's the Solemnity of All Saints. Today, we celebrate all saints - those who have died and reached heaven, including our relatives and the capital "S" saints - like Francis, Patrick, Mark, Luke, John and Saint Mother Teresa. But, we also celebrate the hope of our own sainthood - as we are all called to be saints. <a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/allsaints/" style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.catholic.org/saints/allsaints/</a></div>
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To celebrate, we'll have Mass today at 7:00 pm at St. Matthias.</div>
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We also have a table of the dead (<i>la ofrenda</i>) set up in the back of the Church and invite you to bring photos of your loved ones in remembrance of them. The table will remain in the Church for the entire month of November.</div>
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You also should have received an envelope in the mail with spaces for names. If you'd like special people to be remembered during the masses this month, write their names on the envelope and return it to the office (by mail, in the collection or drop it off). You may include a donation, however, it's not necessary.</div>
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Also, at Masses this weekend, Nov 5th and 6th, names of all those who have died over the past year will be called and there is an invitation for you to light a candle for them. These candles will be lit at all the Masses during the entire month of November. If you would like a name included, please email Liz <a href="mailto:liz@stmatthiasparish.org" style="color: #1155cc;">liz@stmatthiasparish.org</a> to make sure the name gets listed. </div>
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Hope to see you tonight at Mass!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-30663027752210435032016-09-29T14:34:00.001-07:002016-09-29T14:34:29.891-07:00Welcome to Another Year of Faith Formation at St. Matthias!Every once in a while, I receive a question like this one "Where can I find materials for a 2 year old to teach them about Jesus & God?" Today, a parishioner was looking for materials to teach her 2 year old grandson about Jesus and God, so she asked for guidance.<br />
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First of all, YES! I have to commend grandparents and parents for recognizing that faith is something that needs to be <i>taught, not just caught</i>. This is a well used expression in Church circles to explain what used to happen in Catholic families. Faith was something that permeated every aspect of family life prior to Vatican II and up through the 1960's or so. Church was the center of a families social life, spiritual life, and generally speaking, people knew what the Church taught and what was expected. Partially because things were very dualistic/black and white. - The merits of this can be debated, but that's a different blog post. In this world, faith was caught precisely because it was everywhere, people regularly talked about their faith and belief in God, Catholic statues and other sacramentals were visibly present in homes. In short, children caught the faith.<br />
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Now, as societal changes have occurred, people find community in other settings, we have come to realize that faith formation must be taught, intentionally. If we want our kids to learn the faith, we have to make an effort to teach them.<br />
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Starting with bible stories is a great place to begin. Kids' imaginations are captured by the epic stories of the Bible, particularly Noah, Moses, Abraham and Isaac and stories about Jesus' miracles and the Last Supper. Small children can be just as "into" bible heroes as they can superheroes.<br />
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Find a local Catholic book store. In our area, we have Pauline Books and Media <a href="http://pauline.org/Publishing/Contact-Us/ID/6/Redwood-City-California">http://pauline.org/Publishing/Contact-Us/ID/6/Redwood-City-California</a> where the Sisters are very knowledgeable and will spend time with you choosing the perfect book for your little one.<br />
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Loyola Press, a Jesuit Ministry <a href="http://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/family/catholic-kids">http://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/family/catholic-kids</a> also has wonderful resources for you to use with your children, many things online for free and others that you can order.<br />
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If you like to do activities, check out our St. Matthias Faith Formation Pinterest Board which is organized by month and topic <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/">https://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/. </a><br />
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I know that sometimes children ask questions that we parents, might not be prepared to answer. If this happens in your family, share the question with Kate and I am will try to give you a solid, theological answer - but also one which is based in real world experience.<br />
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Welcome to another year of faith formation at St. Matthias!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-44086192750276360242016-04-12T18:38:00.001-07:002016-04-12T18:38:12.083-07:00April GIFT Follow Up Email<div class="WordSection1">
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">April 2016 GIFT Follow Up Email<br />
Kingdom of God: Parables of Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thank you for attending our April
GIFT Gatherings: Kingdom of God: Parables of Jesus. If you were not able to
attend the GIFT Gatherings this week, please </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-4CAx9M-VnfMzQ3YLqjb6GwYK-r71pwfD5BuFl4IQZ8/edit?usp=sharing">click
the link here</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to download the
PowerPoint presentation from the event. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Please do Chapter’s 20 & 21 at
home. You can find easy to follow home lessons at </span><a href="http://calltofaith.osv.com/parish/for_families/pf_home_lessons/grade_k">http://calltofaith.osv.com/parish/for_families/pf_home_lessons/grade_k</a><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> navigate to your son/daughter’s grade level and choose
Chapter’s 20 & 21.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">During this session we focused on
reading and analyzing some of the parables of Jesus. We looked at the following
parables: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Parable of the Mustard Seed: Matt
13:31-32<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Parable of the Yeast: Matt 13:33<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Three Parables - Treasure, Pearls,
Net: Matt 13:44-52<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Parable of the Rich Fool: Luke
12:13-21<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Parable of the Lost Sheep: Luke
15:1-7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Parable of the Lost Coin: Luke
15:8-10 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then focused our discussions on the
following questions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Who is Jesus in this parable?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What does it teach us about the
qualities of God/Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What does this parable teach us about
the meaning of the kingdom of God?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What does it mean to us today?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The discussion was rich and provided
a deeper understanding of these stories which Jesus used to teach his
disciples, and us, about the kingdom of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Each year, we host our annual Safety
Faire for the Safe Environment requirement from the Archdiocese of San
Francisco. Preschool through 3<sup>rd</sup> graders are required to complete
the Talking About Touching curriculum. This was covered at the Safety Faire and
packets were handed out with lessons for parents to do at home. When the
lessons are completed, there is a completion form that you’ll need to send back
to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For those with 4-12<sup>th</sup>
grade children, they need to complete the online safety course appropriate for
their grade level. Those courses can be found at </span><a href="http://www.shieldthevulnerable.org/">www.shieldthevulnerable.org</a><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Here are the course titles per grade level:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4<sup>th</sup> grade Safety Smarts for Kids<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5<sup>th</sup> grade Block the Bully<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6<sup>th</sup> grade Be Safe, Stay Safe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7<sup>th</sup> grade Bullying – Not Cool<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8<sup>th</sup> grade Digital Citizenship<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9<sup>th</sup> grade Teen Safety<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10<sup>th</sup> grade Dating Abuse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">11<sup>th</sup> grade Cyber Safety<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">12<sup>th</sup> grade You’re Legal; Now What?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" />
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We kicked off a collection, CRS Rice
Bowl for Lent. Find more information about the Rice Bowl project, Catholic
Relief Services (CRS) and the work that they do by visiting </span><a href="http://www.crsricebowl.org/">http://www.crsricebowl.org/</a><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. We will collect your Rice Bowls at the May GIFT sessions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Upcoming Events: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>MSYM</b> & <b>HSYM</b> – Had to be cancelled this month.
My mother-in-law passed away unexpectedly in So. Cal. And my husband and I are
travelling to Los Angeles for the funeral.<span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Our<b> Catholicism DVD series </b>continues on Monday
nights from 7-8:30 pm until May 23<sup>rd</sup>. This series is a companion
piece to GIFT and designed for adults and older teens. It features prayer, journaling,
a spectacular documentary, reflection and discussion and is being led by Deacon
Rich. All are welcome to join us.<span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Pancake &
Bacon Fundraiser Breakfast</span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;"> for Mission Trip to Ecuador - April 16th -
9am-12 noon - $10 Adults, $8 Seniors, $6 Children<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Caring for our
Common Home: A Parish Response Workshop</span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;"> on April 23rd at St. Anne of the Sunset
9-12:30 pm see Liz for more information<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">First Communion</span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;"> - April 24th at
10:30 am with a reception to follow<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Confirmation
Information Meeting</span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;"> – for all 8<sup>th</sup> graders or those in
high school who have not yet been confirmed - May 25th at 7:00 pm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #e3cc5a; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Next GIFT Sessions: May
1 & 4th</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #e3cc5a; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other Resources:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Please join </span></b><a href="file:///C:/Users/Sabrina/Documents/CFF%202015-2016/GIFT/st-matthias-gift-families@googlegroups.com"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">st-matthias-gift-families@googlegroups.com</span></b></a><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> if you haven’t already. This is how I will communicate about
GIFT going forward. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pinterest – </span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Family Faith Ideas </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/">http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Sabrina’s
Blog</b> – 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 <a href="http://faqsfaithandquestions.blogspot.com/">http://faqsfaithandquestions.blogspot.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-84927590935809022472015-12-08T10:54:00.000-08:002015-12-08T10:54:00.437-08:00Here's a prayer for the Year of Mercy which begins today!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66C3VUcIteaNrgnpJBSwB7haNOlIUN2m8pt-p_YnAviAYLlHZ8IuGWQNChyphenhyphenHOB8nq0g7j17N-2W4PRX6epY0txRrv_T8U2u4_29GlbImIdaK_hrkGs-nTeR0ruxasOujik2hEcQQ5Tzw/s1600/Pope+Francis+Dove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66C3VUcIteaNrgnpJBSwB7haNOlIUN2m8pt-p_YnAviAYLlHZ8IuGWQNChyphenhyphenHOB8nq0g7j17N-2W4PRX6epY0txRrv_T8U2u4_29GlbImIdaK_hrkGs-nTeR0ruxasOujik2hEcQQ5Tzw/s1600/Pope+Francis+Dove.jpg" /></a></div>
<em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times, 'times new roman', serif;">Lord Jesus Christ,<br />you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father,<br />and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him.<br />Show us your face and we will be saved.<br />Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money;<br />the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things;<br />made Peter weep after his betrayal,<br />and assured Paradise to the repentant thief.<br />Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman:<br />“If you knew the gift of God!”<br />You are the visible face of the invisible Father,<br />of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy:<br />let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified.<br />You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness<br />in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error:<br />let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God.<br />Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing,<br />so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord,<br />and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor,<br />proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed,<br />and restore sight to the blind.<br />We ask this through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy,<br />you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.<br /><br />Amen.</span></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-9499327672096512162015-11-05T15:37:00.001-08:002015-11-05T15:37:24.791-08:00GIFT Follow Up Email<div class="WordSection1">
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">November GIFT Follow Up Email<br />
Trinity (<i>Professing our Faith: We Believe
in God, We Believe in Jesus Christ, We Believe in the Holy Spirit</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thank you for attending our November
GIFT Gatherings: Trinity. If you were not able to attend the GIFT Gatherings
this week, please </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XkI7KHchq1VnJgCthQLPua5ouKsi-08f6tf_f--BBcQ/edit?usp=sharing">click
the link here</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to download the
PowerPoint presentation from the event. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the classes, catechists led the Kindergarten
through 5<sup>th</sup> grade children through Chapter 1 in their books. Please
do Chapter’s 5 & 6 at home. You can find easy to follow home lessons at </span><a href="http://calltofaith.osv.com/parish/for_families/pf_home_lessons/grade_k">http://calltofaith.osv.com/parish/for_families/pf_home_lessons/grade_k</a><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> navigate to your son/daughter’s grade level and choose
Chapter’s 5 & 6.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At our October GIFT sessions, we
handed out the Kindergarten through 5<sup>th</sup> grade children’s books. We
had them available again at the November sessions for those who couldn’t make
it in October. There are still a few that have yet to be picked up. If you
would like to pick them up, let me know what would work best for you; 1) pick
them up from me in the Rectory during the week, or 2) pick them up at Mass
either Saturday or Sunday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We also hosted our annual Safety
Faire for the Safe Environment requirement from the Archdiocese of San
Francisco. Preschool through 3<sup>rd</sup> graders are required to complete
the Talking About Touching curriculum. This was covered at the Safety Faire and
packets were handed out with lessons for parents to do at home. When the
lessons are completed, there is a completion form that you’ll need to send back
to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For those with 4-12<sup>th</sup>
grade children, they need to complete the online safety course appropriate for
their grade level. Those courses can be found at <a href="http://www.shieldthevulnerable.org/">www.shieldthevulnerable.org</a>. Here
are the course titles per grade level:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4<sup>th</sup> grade Safety Smarts for Kids<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5<sup>th</sup> grade Block the Bully<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6<sup>th</sup> grade Be Safe, Stay Safe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7<sup>th</sup> grade Bullying – Not Cool<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8<sup>th</sup> grade Digital Citizenship<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9<sup>th</sup> grade Teen Safety<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10<sup>th</sup> grade Dating Abuse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">11<sup>th</sup> grade Cyber Safety<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">12<sup>th</sup> grade You’re Legal; Now What?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" />
</span></b>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Upcoming Events: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Middle School Youth Ministry</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (MSYM) (5-8th
Grades) – Nov 11<sup>th</sup> from 6-8pm.
All Middle School Youth are welcome to attend. Each MSYM meeting begins with
dinner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Middle School & High School Youth Ministry</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (MSYM/HSYM) – Nov 15<sup>th</sup> from 5-7pm. All High School
youth are invited to join us for dinner at Canyon Inn, then back to St.
Matthias for dessert and a Ping Pong Tournament.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Confirmation Level I Retreat</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> @ St. Matthias on Nov
14th from 10-4:30 pm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Confirmation Level II Meeting</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> – Sunday, Nov 22nd
from 3-5pm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Service Opportunity</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Giving Tree Set
up – Nov 28th<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pope Francis </span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">– Encyclical on the
Environment Study Group continues on Mondays from 7-8:30 pm and is repeated on
Tuesdays from 10-11:30 am in the Upper Room of Fr. Lacey Hall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other Resources:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pinterest – </span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Family Faith Ideas </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/">http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Sabrina’s
Blog</b> – 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 <a href="http://faqsfaithandquestions.blogspot.com/">http://faqsfaithandquestions.blogspot.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-55164251492378903542015-10-28T14:38:00.002-07:002015-10-28T14:38:24.183-07:00Halloween: A Holiday from Hell?<br />
Anyone who has questions about the origins or purpose of this holiday - which I love, by the way - should take a look at this article.<br />
<br />
I'm currently a Medieval Christianity class at CSUEB and was interested to find out that it was Pope Gregory IV (Gregory IV argued with Louis the Pious of the Carolingian's about his succession from St. Peter. ) who moved the feast day of All Hallows from May 13th to November 1st - after the harvest, so that Rome would be properly provisioned for the pilgrims who would flock to the city.<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_233402910"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.massexplained.com/a-holiday-from-hell/?utm_source=Halloween+2015&utm_campaign=Halloween+2015&utm_medium=email">http://www.massexplained.com/a-holiday-from-hell/?utm_source=Halloween+2015&utm_campaign=Halloween+2015&utm_medium=email</a><br />
<br />
Here's a video by Fr. James Martin which also explains the connection between All Hallows Eve, All Saints and Halloween.<br />
<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JJsokZ6Y2x8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JJsokZ6Y2x8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-10022076835612562112015-08-12T14:24:00.001-07:002015-08-12T14:24:29.576-07:00Age Groups Matter<a href="http://vibrantfaith.org/2015/08/age-groups-matter/">Age Groups Matter</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-22035334726021466832015-06-18T10:16:00.001-07:002015-06-18T10:16:43.978-07:00The Warriors Win!!!What a wonderful example of using an every day moment (OK, maybe not every day - The Warriors haven't won a championship in 40 years - but you know what I mean) as a teachable moment filled with God. For Andre Iguedala who was named MVP to praise God on national television and then share how the team starts each day at Chapel - then seeing your kids nod in agreement.<br />
<br />
Katherine shared the following story with me about this family moment - which I wanted to share with you all (with her permission, of course).<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: indigo; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: indigo; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Just had to share this story with you all.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: indigo; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: indigo; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So we just finished watching the Warriors become the NBA Champions (you may have too), then right afterwards we watched the awards ceremony. Andre Iguedala was the MVP and was interviewed first. When asked "what do you have to say"...his reply was, "God is Great...God is Great!". Then kinda left it hanging until it sunk in then went on. Later he was interviewed briefly again and said the team started everyday at Chapel together which made them stronger as a team. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: indigo; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: indigo; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: indigo; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I loved it that we were watching as a family and could see the kids all nodding in agreement. A brand new hero was saying this on TV in front of the whole world. It was an amazing God moment and wanted to share with you all. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: indigo; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: indigo; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: indigo; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Thinking of you all and keeping you all in my prayers for a relaxing, fun filled Summer!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: indigo; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: indigo; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lots of love,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: indigo; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: indigo; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Katherine</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-55302408831194734402015-06-11T15:50:00.001-07:002015-06-11T15:50:51.346-07:00June GIFT Follow Up<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Thank you for attending our June GIFT Gatherings: the Evaluation
Sessions. Before these sessions, I asked all families to complete the
Evaluation Form. If you have not done so yet, here is the link: </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UjE9N6tg63HOS5eo_Jgpli3ihpByjRY3VlUMIybSvXk/viewform?usp=send_form"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UjE9N6tg63HOS5eo_Jgpli3ihpByjRY3VlUMIybSvXk/viewform?usp=send_form</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">A month or so ago, a parishioner, Michael Aronson, gave the parish
a gift certificate for a week at The Legends Baseball Experience camp for a
week this summer. A couple families entered the drawing. THE WINNER IS THE <b>COREA</b> FAMILY! Congratulations! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Please get in touch with me to pick up the gift certificate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Upcoming Events:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Announcements:</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Our new Pastor is Fr. Bill Thornton. His first day here will be
July 1st. Please join us for 5:30 pm Mass that day to welcome him! If you are
not able to come to Mass on July 1<sup>st</sup>, the second weekend of July is
Welcome Weekend and we plan to welcome Fr. Bill in a special way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Fr. Craig’s last Mass here will be on June 28<sup>th</sup> at
10:30 am. Please come and wish him well into his retirement!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Finding Your Inner Jesus Youth Leadership Retreat - June 18-20th<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Class of 2015 Mass on June 20th at 5:00 pm following by ice cream
social.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;">We will be hosting Movie Nights this summer - July 12, 26th,
August 9, 23<sup>rd</sup> here is a link for more info. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Consider serving the parish community as a catechist! There will
be a training day on August 22nd. If you are interested, please talk with
Sabrina.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Looking
forward</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> – we will be hosting a series of workshops in September for
parents called, Live Catholic. These workshops will provide practical ways to
share faith with your children. We are offering this outside of GIFT to make it
more widely available to the parish community. The sessions will be Sept 2, 9,
16, 23<sup>rd</sup> from 7:8:30 pm. Please mark your calendars and more
information will follow!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> Family Faith Sharing Groups – </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">Stephanie Chen and I
will be hosting a meeting on Wednesday, June 17<sup>th</sup> at 7:00 pm in the
Mezzanine for all who are interesting in hosting, attending, or finding out
more about faith sharing groups. We are trying to get some groups started in
the parish and are working on their development. If you are interested, please
attend (if you can’t attend, but are interested, let me know </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14.5pt;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">Other Resources:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">·</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">Sabrina’s Blog</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> – 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 </span><a href="http://faqsfaithandquestions.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://faqsfaithandquestions.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-28156022665281857332015-05-07T12:20:00.000-07:002015-05-07T12:20:09.558-07:00May GIFT Follow Up Notes<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">May GIFT Follow Up Email</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">God’s Love for All People</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Thank you for attending our May GIFT Gatherings: God’s Love for
All People. If you were not able to attend the GIFT Gatherings this week, below
are the resources Fr. Craig used for his presentation: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">At this gathering, Fr. Craig led the adults and high school youth
through a discussion about the topic. Here are the videos he showed and
attached are two handouts he used:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Check out this
video on YouTube:<br />
<br />
Pluralism in Practice - Interreligious Dialogue <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzXdKx6PrmA&feature=youtube_gdata_player">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzXdKx6PrmA&feature=youtube_gdata_player</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Check
out this video on YouTube:</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Conversations
that Matter: Religion</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLO7Yuduk74&feature=youtube_gdata_player" target="_blank"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=vLO7Yuduk74&feature=youtube_<wbr></wbr>gdata_player</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Upcoming Events:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 8.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">Confirmation Level II Retreat</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> –
Vallombrosa May 9</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><sup><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">th</span></sup></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> from 10-4:30 pm</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">MSYM</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> – May 13</span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><sup><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">th</span></sup></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> from 6-8pm</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">HSYM</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> – May 17</span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><sup><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">th</span></sup></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> from 5-7pm</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">Fr. Craig’s 40th Anniversary of Ordination/Retirement Party</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> on May 17th at 10:30 am Mass with a reception to follow.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">Parish Convocation</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> – Stay
tuned for more information about our next steps</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">Confirmation Informational Meeting</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> – May 20</span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><sup><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">th</span></sup></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> from 6-8pm</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">Confirmation</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> – May 30</span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><sup><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">th</span></sup></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> at 5pm Mass</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">Catechists will be receiving their <b>Catechetical Certificates</b> on May 31</span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><sup><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">st</span></sup></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> at 10:30 am Mass</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">June 7 & 10<sup>th</sup>
- GIFT gatherings are Evaluation Meetings</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">. We’ll have a special session for the children – they will meet all
together. We will conduct an evaluation session with all the adults present.
Please <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UjE9N6tg63HOS5eo_Jgpli3ihpByjRY3VlUMIybSvXk/viewform?usp=send_form">click
here complete the evaluation form</a> so that we have some input to use at the
meetings. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">Family Faith Sharing Groups – </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">Stephanie Chen and I
will be hosting a meeting on Sunday, May 31<sup>st</sup> at 11:30 am in the
Mezzanine for all who are interesting in hosting, attending, or finding out
more about faith sharing groups. We are trying to get some groups started in
the parish and are working on their development. If you are interested, please
attend (if you can’t attend, but are interested, let me know </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14.5pt;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">Catechist Co-Op</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> – Thank you to all who helped in our
children’s sessions this year! If you are interested in thinking about
volunteering as a catechist, but would like more information about this, please
contact Sabrina. We offer training during the summer and can offer mentoring as
well.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">Other Resources:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">·</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">Pinterest – </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> Family Faith
Ideas </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">·</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">Sabrina’s Blog</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> – 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 </span><a href="http://faqsfaithandquestions.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://faqsfaithandquestions.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-58009543681124578552015-04-29T11:10:00.000-07:002015-04-29T11:11:31.432-07:00First Communion PreparationWe recently celebrated first Communion for our group of second/third graders in the parish. As part of the preparation for the group, we host a retreat day to talk with the parents and their children about the sacrament. One of the activities we conduct is a Church Tour.<br />
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We begin by asking the children and parents to look around the Church. They are instructed to draw or write down a list of all the "things that they think are important". They are free to move around the space, getting up close and personal with the objects they see.<br />
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After a few minutes, we re-convene with the group. I ask one person at a time to name/show one thing they drew. Inevitably, the altar, pews, stained glass windows and ambo are named; although not always with the correct terms. We then tour the space and look at each object and talk about what it's purpose is. The tabernacle, ambo, and sanctuary lamp are the most "unknown". I then ask a follow-up question, which of the objects named are important/necessary for Mass? We discuss how the piano and stained glass windows are not necessary, but serve to beautify the space with color and music.<br />
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Those things that are necessary, essential even, the altar, ambo, seating (for the people, but not necessarily pews), etc. are things that one will find in ALL Catholic Churches in one form or another.<br />
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Shortly after the retreat day, a family went on vacation to Taiwan. Here is a note I received from them...Beautiful - FAITH IN ACTION!<br />
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In Taiwan we went quaint little parish in the mountains and Hans saw that it had all the same important things as St. Matthias. We took a picture there (he looks this dour in every picture.) Later we went to a beautiful cathedral in Taipei for Easter Mass and Hans was able to point out all the same stuff. It was a nice chance to reinforce what we learned the week before at first communion class.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZhF8kQUFvm9J0D1-d3lL22vpBriPIOBJxWqIJT3WdEzhXjRU9bnm2-no6VE8chbTb-A7E5o3rsLIwanuwHVDiKgu8yFHL0iE7ONd3fJO5p9MoWDx0X5fDigERLsHZKxrjDObuyMtxY0/s1600/IMG_6660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZhF8kQUFvm9J0D1-d3lL22vpBriPIOBJxWqIJT3WdEzhXjRU9bnm2-no6VE8chbTb-A7E5o3rsLIwanuwHVDiKgu8yFHL0iE7ONd3fJO5p9MoWDx0X5fDigERLsHZKxrjDObuyMtxY0/s1600/IMG_6660.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAfRbS12mD9nxL8lPPeKcBs1A3Flc2GZPXp2_h20PG6P87Z5MmmuBsDPzGvjJNATsXyOn1UInPZbSSqaoix6mURthLqI0GxrrB0CnnyKROrovbxRW292H807fLbRKwrLMzZPFVHbCSz4/s1600/IMG_6656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAfRbS12mD9nxL8lPPeKcBs1A3Flc2GZPXp2_h20PG6P87Z5MmmuBsDPzGvjJNATsXyOn1UInPZbSSqaoix6mURthLqI0GxrrB0CnnyKROrovbxRW292H807fLbRKwrLMzZPFVHbCSz4/s1600/IMG_6656.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I attached another picture so you could see the tea farming area we were in at 6 to 7 thousand feet elevation. On a clear day you can look down and see the ocean. It's a small island.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-22508568361436748742015-03-24T11:11:00.001-07:002015-03-24T11:11:19.893-07:00Celebrating Easter for Busy Parents<div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: large;">
Hi Families;</div>
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We are about the enter the most sacred time in our Church calendar - Holy Week (which begins this weekend with Palm Sunday)! This time is even more important than Christmas because this is when we celebrate the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us, His death in the Crucifixion and new life in the Resurrection. Without Jesus having freely chosen to sacrifice his life for us, we would not have the faith that we hold so dear. He also gave us His body and blood in the Eucharist so that we can grow closer to him and become more like him in the world. </div>
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These things are often difficult to explain to young children. However, it's important that they understand these things early so that they can fully appreciate the faith that you are passing down to them. </div>
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Attached is a Handout that seeks to help you answer some of their difficult questions and which gives practical tips on how to make the Easter season (Easter doesn't end the evening of Easter Sunday, but continues through til Pentecost) more meaningful for you and your children.</div>
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Enjoy and celebrate. I hope to see you at Seder Supper (Holy Thursday), Good Friday services, and Easter Sunday!</div>
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Sabrina</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/#folders/0B8AedrJz7cjSNjAzMzQ4YTItNThhNi00NmY5LTlhZTMtMzY5YTkxNmEzYjZi">Celebrating Easter for Busy Parents</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-65680653781320482312014-08-02T16:12:00.001-07:002014-08-02T16:12:58.330-07:00GIFT 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 <a href="tel:650-366-9544" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">650-366-9544</a>. We are looking forward to beginning a new year of GIFT - topics will include those that families suggested during the evaluation process in June. <div><br></div><div>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. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-7824524987149267912014-06-09T14:30:00.000-07:002014-06-09T14:30:15.090-07:00June GIFT Follow-up Email<div class="WordSection1">
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">June GIFT Follow Up Email<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thank you for attending our June GIFT
Gatherings: Evaluation Meetings. If you were not able to attend the GIFT
sessions this month, please </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1OILyjHYAhQv0BJIPgb-YUpYZ3FSRtSmSCffJoO8JDHI/edit?usp=sharing">click
the link here</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to download the
PowerPoint presentation from the event. We have begun a long-range planning
process – this process began with our <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PARISH CONVOCATION ON MAY 18<sup>TH</sup>
FROM 11:30-4:00 PM.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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<sup>nd</sup> 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:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prayer & Worship (June)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Justice & Charity (July)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Community Building (August)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Catechesis (Sept)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stewardship (October)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pastoral Care & Ministry to
Families (Nov)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Evangelization (Dec)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Watch the Best Practices for Parishes bulletin boards and the weekly
bulletin for more information!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you have not already completed the survey, you still by </span></b><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pw77jy0B4squinaz6xAKaanJGld8axkGXBJC1X9bbmI/viewform?usp=send_form"><b>clicking here.</b></a><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>(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)</i>. We used the results received to plan
the evaluation meetings, but we’d still like to have your input!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the evaluation meetings, we asked
all present to rank a list of suggested topics for 2014-15. The results are attached.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here are additional comments from the
adult sessions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Liked the topics from 2012-13
Orientations better than this years<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Liked discussions about parenting and
learning from one another<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CRS video about the girl in Guatemala<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Human side of priests/deacons<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Loved when Fr. Craig teaches us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t use video only – need to allow
more time for discussions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Move the announcements to the adult
part of the gatherings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The adults participated in a
discussion about two additional ideas, here are some comments:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We asked about the <b>format
of the gatherings</b>, i.e. should we keep families groups together (and not do
break-out groups)?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not every time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">b.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maybe have a shorter break out time
(1/2 hour with kids, ½ hour without)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">c.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some like it the way it is, but maybe
have kids stay sometimes, like Christmas and Easter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">d.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because our faith is relational, and
we learn from one another, we’d like to help families put together <b>small faith sharing groups</b> 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. <b>IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS IDEA, LET ME KNOW – AND I WILL GATHER US
TOGETHER TO TALK MORE!<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here are some comments from the <b>children’s evaluation</b> sessions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->What were some of the activities or topics you
especially liked?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Pizza<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->b.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Movies - when
Jesus multiplied food & liked the
one where Jesus healed the crippled man<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->c.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Arts & Crafts - Dove & wreath, camel –
cycles of seasons<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->d.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Learned more about faith<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->e.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Once a month, getting more out of it<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->What did you not like?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Too long all together.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->b.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Review of other years not very interesting.
Learn most when participating in sacraments<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->c.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->5-8<sup>th</sup> group had some immature kids as
they’re too young. Maybe have a 5-6<sup>th</sup> grade and 7-8<sup>th</sup>
grade group done separately. 5<sup>th</sup> graders confused, 8<sup>th</sup>
graders bored, learn better in smaller groups. Allow middle school students to
be catechist helpers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->d.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->3 – said they didn’t learn or remember much<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Are there any church topics you’d like to learn
more about?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Middle schoolers – Adam & Eve & Creation<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Are there any service projects/field trips you’d
like to do?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Tours of cathedrals, movie outings, library. If
MS field trip, do on a MSYM night. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other Resources:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pinterest – <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Summer Family Faith Ideas <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/">http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/</a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Vibrant Faith @
Home</b> – <a href="http://www.vibrantfaithathome.org/">www.vibrantfaithathome.org</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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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. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Sabrina’s Blog</b>
– 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 <a href="http://faqsfaithandquestions.blogspot.com/">http://faqsfaithandquestions.blogspot.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Announcements: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Best Practices for Parishes – our Long
Range Planning process is meeting this week – Monday June 9 from 7-9pm or
Tuesday, June 10<sup>th</sup> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mission Trip to Ecuador – thank you
for your generous support and donations. The group will be blessed on Saturday,
June 14<sup>th</sup> at 5:00 pm, please come pray with us. You can follow daily
updates at www.sabrinaspence.blogspot.com .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Melanie, our Music Director is
retiring as of June 30<sup>th</sup>. She will host two Youth Concerts – June 22<sup>nd</sup>
and June 29<sup>th</sup> at 4pm. Please come and support her and the youth of
the parish!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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<sup>rd</sup> from 10-3pm
at St. Charles. Additionally, I would be willing to work with you and would
pair you with an experienced catechist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-79241277396209926222014-06-05T08:02:00.001-07:002014-08-02T16:06:21.969-07:002nd 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).<div><br></div><div>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! <br><div><br></div><div>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. </div></div><div><br></div><div>God Bless,</div><div>Sabrina </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-82179610131884318602014-05-15T11:45:00.001-07:002014-05-15T11:45:29.562-07:00Families & Faithhttp://wordonfire.org/WoF-Blog/WoF-Blog/May-2014/Families-and-Faith--How-Religion-is-Passed-Down-Ac.aspxUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-80710018062871177262014-05-08T16:27:00.001-07:002014-05-08T17:07:00.293-07:00GIFT May Follow Up Email<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">May GIFT Follow Up Email<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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 </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ZZ3IeazImawV1SVR0GP98IqjjljQGZnG8SCivg3gRmE/edit?usp=sharing">click
the link here</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to download the
PowerPoint presentation from the event. We are beginning a long-range planning
process – this process will begin with our <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PARISH CONVOCATION ON MAY 18<sup>TH</sup> FROM 11:30-4:00 PM</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 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 <a href="mailto:aff@stmatthiasparish.org">aff@stmatthiasparish.org</a> 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!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In order to plan for the June Evaluation gatherings (Sunday,
June 1<sup>st</sup> from 11:30-1:30 pm and Wednesday, June 4<sup>th</sup> from
6-8 pm), we ask that you complete the survey found by <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pw77jy0B4squinaz6xAKaanJGld8axkGXBJC1X9bbmI/viewform?usp=send_form">clicking
here.</a> <i>(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)</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At this month’s gatherings, the
Catechists led the K-4<sup>th</sup> 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 </span><a href="http://calltofaith.osv.com/">http://calltofaith.osv.com</a><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The 5-8<sup>th</sup> 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<sup>th</sup>
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!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other Resources:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pinterest – <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">May Family Faith Ideas </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/may-family-faith-ideas/">http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/may-family-faith-ideas/</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink">Mary Ideas <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/mary/">http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/mary/</a>
(including our Living Rosary)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Vibrant Faith @
Home</b> – <a href="http://www.vibrantfaithathome.org/">www.vibrantfaithathome.org</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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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. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Sabrina’s Blog</b>
– 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 <a href="http://faqsfaithandquestiosn.blogspot.com/">http://faqsfaithandquestiosn.blogspot.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Announcements: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thank you for your donations to the
CRS Rice Bowls! We collected $257.50 a very generous donation!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A Living Rosary will be on Saturday,
May 17<sup>th</sup> at 11am in the Church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">High School Youth Ministry (HSYM)
will meet Sunday, May 18<sup>th</sup> from 5-7pm downtown RWC. Email me for more
information: cff@stmatthiasparish.org<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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<sup>th</sup> graders are welcome to attend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Parish Convocation will be on May 18<sup>th</sup>
from 11:30-4:00 pm. See above for more information.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-80494932547733150852014-04-22T11:53:00.000-07:002014-04-22T11:53:54.452-07:00Was Jesus a Pescaterian?<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
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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!</div>
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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. </div>
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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). </div>
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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. </div>
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<a href="http://www.catholic.com/quickquestions/was-jesus-a-vegetarian-as-peta-claims#.U1FKRA2CS-s.gmail" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">http://www.catholic.com/<wbr></wbr>quickquestions/was-jesus-a-<wbr></wbr>vegetarian-as-peta-claims#.<wbr></wbr>U1FKRA2CS-s.gmail</a><br />
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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.</div>
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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!)</div>
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Hope this answers your question. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-30157182942342227832014-04-10T17:06:00.000-07:002014-04-10T17:07:31.070-07:00April GIFT Follow Up<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">April GIFT Follow Up Email<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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 </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1gvLmGviFC210iKTKJQZMGDv8uo2LLv8QylSHzSt-loQ/edit?usp=sharing">click
the link here</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 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 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PARISH CONVOCATION ON MAY 18<sup>TH</sup> FROM 11:30-4:00 PM</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 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!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At this month’s gatherings, the
Catechists led the K-4<sup>th</sup> grade children through chapter 20 in their
books. Please work through the remaining chapters in Unit 7 with them before
the 1<sup>st</sup> week of May, chapters 19 & 21. The website for the text
is </span><a href="http://calltofaith.osv.com/">http://calltofaith.osv.com</a><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> which is where you can download the home lessons for chapters 19
& 21. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The 5-8<sup>th</sup> 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! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other Resources:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pinterest – <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">April Family Faith Ideas </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/april-family-faith-ideas/">http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/april-family-faith-ideas/</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;">Lent/Easter/Pentecost Ideas <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/lent-easter-pentecost/">http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/lent-easter-pentecost/</a></span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Vibrant Faith @
Home</b> – <a href="http://www.vibrantfaithathome.org/">www.vibrantfaithathome.org</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Sabrina’s Blog</b>
– 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 <a href="http://faqsfaithandquestiosn.blogspot.com/">http://faqsfaithandquestiosn.blogspot.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Attached are the Taking Faith Home
handouts for each week until we meet again on <b>May 4<sup>th</sup> & 7<sup>th</sup> </b> for <b>the May GIFT sessions: Acting in Justice -
Peace<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Announcements: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our <b>LENTEN SERVICE PROJECT</b>, 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!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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<sup>th</sup>
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! *****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">High School Youth Ministry (HSYM)
will meet Sunday, April 13<sup>th</sup> from 5-7pm at St. Matthias for an
Easter Party.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Middle School Youth Ministry (MSYM)
will meet Wednesday, April 16<sup>th</sup> from 6-8pm at St. Matthias for their
Easter Party. All 5-8<sup>th</sup> graders are welcome to attend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We will hold a Confirmation Informational
Meeting on April 30<sup>th</sup> from 6-8pm, please RSVP if you are interested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-81130949970203055982014-03-25T12:06:00.000-07:002014-03-25T12:06:08.090-07:00March GIFT Follow Up<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March GIFT Follow Up Email<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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 </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1uGRYZvITQaryBFNa7hL4NKX2ApGPcHU7KzPYT3Y-qTQ/edit?usp=sharing">click
the link here</a><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At this month’s gatherings, the
Catechists led the K-4<sup>th</sup> grade children through chapter 14 in their
books. Please work through the remaining chapters in Unit 5 with them before
the 1<sup>st</sup> week of April, chapters 13 & 15. The website for the
text is </span><a href="http://calltofaith.osv.com/">http://calltofaith.osv.com</a><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> which is where you can download the home lessons for chapters 13
& 15. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The 5-8<sup>th</sup> 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!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other Resources:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pinterest – <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March Family Faith Ideas </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/march-family-faith-ideas/">http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/march-family-faith-ideas/</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;">Lent/Easter/Pentecost Ideas <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/lent-easter-pentecost/">http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/lent-easter-pentecost/</a></span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Vibrant Faith @
Home</b> – <a href="http://www.vibrantfaithathome.org/">www.vibrantfaithathome.org</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Sabrina’s Blog</b>
– 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 <a href="http://faqsfaithandquestiosn.blogspot.com/">http://faqsfaithandquestiosn.blogspot.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Attached are the Taking Faith Home
handouts for each week until we meet again on <b>April 6<sup>th</sup> or 9th</b> for <b>the
April GIFT sessions: Living as Disciple<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Announcements: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our <b>LENTEN SERVICE PROJECT</b>, 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!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our Mission Trip group is hosting a
PASTA DINNER on Saturday, March 29<sup>th</sup> from 6-8pm at St. Pius, Homer
Crouse Hall. To sign up, click here: <a href="http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B044CAFA82CA46-pasta1">http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B044CAFA82CA46-pasta1</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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<sup>th</sup>
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! *****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-21485137936347185142014-03-03T13:01:00.002-08:002014-03-03T13:01:55.129-08:00Can children who have not received their First Communion get ashes?<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">This Wednesday, March 5th is Ash Wednesday. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">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. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The day also marks the beginning of the season of Lent. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-5300151338325858912014-02-08T12:47:00.001-08:002014-02-08T12:47:09.387-08:00Is 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. <br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/eq-ZLC3ubO4" width="459"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176639752946156694.post-21989405326394936112014-02-06T15:59:00.001-08:002014-02-06T15:59:43.739-08:00February GIFT Follow-Up Email<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">February GIFT Follow Up Email<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thank you for attending our February
GIFT Gatherings: The Ordained Ministries! If you were not able to attend the
GIFT sessions this month, please </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MS_sZ-L_qmdvKr9OFeRPsu0_hNNvIQhyCGI7uoVDUug/edit?usp=sharing">click
the link here</a><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 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!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At this month’s gatherings, the
Catechists led the K-4<sup>th</sup> grade children through chapter 17 in their
books. Please work through the remaining chapters in Unit 6 with them before
the 1<sup>st</sup> week of March, chapters 16 & 18. The website for the
text is </span><a href="http://calltofaith.osv.com/">http://calltofaith.osv.com</a><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> which is where you can download the home lessons for chapters 16
& 18. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The 5-8<sup>th</sup> 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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other Resources:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pinterest – <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">February Family Faith Ideas </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/february-faith-ideas/">http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/february-faith-ideas/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Vibrant Faith @
Home</b> – <a href="http://www.vibrantfaithathome.org/">www.vibrantfaithathome.org</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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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. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Sabrina’s Blog</b>
– 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 <a href="http://faqsfaithandquestiosn.blogspot.com/">http://faqsfaithandquestiosn.blogspot.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Attached are the Taking Faith Home
handouts for each week until we meet again on <b>March 9th or 12th</b> for <b>the March GIFT sessions: Celebrating the
Sacraments: Marriage<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Announcements: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thank you</span></b><span style="color: #222222; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 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.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="color: #222222; text-indent: -0.25in;">In March, we will begin our <b>LENTEN SERVICE PROJECT</b>, a coin
collection for Catholic Relief Services (Rice Bowl).</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="color: #222222; text-indent: -0.25in;">Thank you to all who attended the
Pancake Breakfast on Feb 1<sup>st</sup> 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!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">High School Youth Ministry (HSYM)</span></b><span style="color: #222222; text-indent: -0.25in;"> will meet on Sunday, February 9<sup>th</sup> from 5-7pm. Meet
at St. Matthias for lasagna dinner, ice cream sundaes, games and video and
discussion based on A&E’s documentary, <i>God
or the Girl</i>.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Middle School Youth Ministry (MSYM) </span></b><span style="color: #222222; text-indent: -0.25in;">will meet on Wednesday, February 12<sup>th</sup> from 6-8pm at
St. Matthias.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="color: #222222; text-indent: -0.25in;">The remaining sessions of our <b>YOUTH BIBLE STUDY </b>will be offered based
on the History Channel series, “The Bible” on Feb 16 & 23<sup>rd</sup> from
11:30-1:30 pm in Room 5. All youth are welcome. Parents are also welcome to
attend! <a href="http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B044CAFA82CA46-youth">Click
here to sign up!</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">****NOTE</span></b><span style="color: #222222; text-indent: -0.25in;"> – The GIFT Gatherings for March are
scheduled for the 2<sup>nd</sup> week in March (not the 1<sup>st</sup>). This
is because ASH WEDNESDAY falls on Wednesday, March 5<sup>th</sup> (the 1<sup>st</sup>
week of the month). Please come celebrate the beginning of LENT with the parish
community at our <b>Ash Wednesday Masses</b>
at 7:30 am or 7:30 pm.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="color: #222222; text-indent: -0.25in;">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<sup>th</sup> this year. Participation at these Holy Week services
helps bring the message of our salvation to life! *****</span></li>
</ul>
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