October  10,  2011

Dear Parents,

You began a lifelong process of faith development when you brought your child to the Catholic Church to be baptized.  You made a commitment to teach your child about God and raise the child as a Catholic.  Your child is about to begin an important year in this faith journey.   Now we are asking that you spend the next few months helping your child to prepare for the next big step in the faith journey - RECEIVING FIRST EUCHARIST.

First Eucharist day will be much more meaningful if the family keeps the event front and center throughout the entire school year.  There will be many activities to participate in that will help you along the way.   One new activity this year is that ALL students preparing for First Eucharist will be required to complete a MASS WORKSHEET once a month during the school year.  Attached you will find information about the MASS WORKSHEET, where to get them and how to return them.    Mass worksheets are to be used for only Saturday evening and Sunday Masses. 

Since many people like to begin making family preparations in advance of First Eucharist,   I have decided to make a few changes in our process for selecting which Mass your child will attend for First Eucharist.   Please complete the enclosed form and return it by November 1.   If you do not return your form by this date you will be assigned to a Mass.  Be sure to select a first and second Mass choice and remember that the Mass assignments will be first come first served.  Our office will notify you as to which Mass you will be attending.  

Seating assignments will be given to you at the Parent/Child Evening in February.   Families who volunteered to take on additional roles for the Mass will be selected randomly and if they are chosen they will be informed at the Parent/Child Evening .

Please mark your calendar and reserve these dates so your child will be able to participate in some of the other significant preparation events listed below.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

February 13 - Parent/Child Evening - 6:30pm in church
March 2 & 3 - Enrollment Weekend - attend any Mass this weekend
March 24 & 25 - Bread Sharing Weekend - attend any Mass this weekend
April 21 - Saturday Morning Retreat - 9:00-11:30am

  Mass Choices - Select a first and second choice

April 29 ~~~~ 9:00 or 11:00am
May 5 ~~~~ 4:30pm

May God bless your family as you embark on this faith journey.  If I can be of any assistance to you please do not hesitate to call or email me at the Faith Development office (788-9033 or nschmoll@stjn.org)