StM Faith Formation Newsletter

Hi Families,

We have class this Sunday, October 6 - please see class time reminders below. Due to the way the calendar falls this year, we will be off next Sunday - October 13, but then in session for the remainder of the month.

The Church dedicates the month of October to Respect Life. You can find many events and ways to support this in our weekly bulletin and e-news. Tomorrow, October 4, is the Feast Day of St. Francis. He is best know for his love of nature in both the environment and animals. Families are invited to bring their pets on FRIDAY to the Marian Courtyard at 11:30 am or 5 pm for a special blessing of animals. They will be collecting donations of pet items at this event.

Please let us know if you have any questions. If you have particular questions about classes in Spanish, please contact Deacon Bert Chavez.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Many fall blessings,

The Faith Formation Team

Pre-School - Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW): during the 8:30 am Mass

Elementary-Middle Sacrament Prep for Baptism, First Communion, Reconciliation: 3:15 – 4:30 pm

Middle Grades 3-8 - Challenge and Conquest Program (CC): 3:15 pm – 4:45 pm

High School - Confirmation: 12:30 pm – 2 pm or 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

C.L.O.W. is off to a great start! There were 14 children at our first session - how exciting! We had some new and some returning children, so that is great. Every Sunday, there will be a registration/ sign-in table set up prior to Mass. Each registered child will need to be signed in by a parent and pick up a name tag. All non-registered families can register so they will be on the sign in list the following week.

As exciting as it is to see the number of children in C.L.O.W. rising, it means we will need more volunteers. Several of you have started the process for the SAFE ENVIRONMENT Training and I am extremely grateful and excited to have you as part of the team! For anyone who is interested in helping lead or assist, and needs the Safety Environment Training please reach out to me directly at mbash@stmcary.org

The C.L.O.W. calendar for the year is linked below. If you have your SE certification, there is a sign-up genius for you to sign up as a lead or assistant. Thank you in advance! CLOW PARENT SIGNUP

Required for First Holy Communion: Copy of Baptismal Certificate sent to Carolina Gallo.

**Please note that groups may use other locations--some moving to the fields, gym, or playground during class. We kindly ask you to arrive on time in case your child's class plans to move. We don't want them to miss out on any of the fun!

Class Time: 3:15 pm - 4:45 pm

Contact: Dara Hadley (dhadley@stmcary.org)

LOOKING AHEAD - OCT 6 WE ARE IN THE CONFERENCE CENTER-GALLERY!

Contact: Christina Dietzler (cdietzler@stmcary.org)

On Sunday, October 6th, teens will continue to discuss the Four Levels of Happiness as synthesized by Fr. Robert Spitzer, S. J. If you would like to read about the Four Levels of Happiness, you may do so at the following link: Fr. Spitzer's 4 Levels of Happiness (magiscenter.com) Reflection on the Four Levels of Happiness will serve as an introduction to the Beatitudes. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "the Beatitudes respond to the natural desire for happiness. This desire is of divine origin: God has placed it in the human heart in order to draw man to the One who alone can fulfill it" (CCC, #1738). Fr. Mike Schmitz speaks more on this topic in the Catechism in a Year Podcast Episode 233 found at the following link: Day 233: The Beatitudes — The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) (youtube.com)

This is a faith-based group that focuses on Catholic formation, socialization, and service, for high school-aged youth. Eligible youth will be in high school or of high school age. High School Youth Group encourages youth to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ in a supportive community and empowers them to be leaders in sharing the Gospel. Through weekly meetings, youth share in fellowship with each other, pray with Sacred Scripture and work together to plan special events that help them to explore how their unique gifts can be used in the loving service of Christ and their neighbor.

Our next Youth Group meeting will be held on Thursday, October 3rd from 6:30pm-8:30pm in the Parish Center. There will NOT be a Youth Group meeting on Thursday, September 26th.

Contact: Christina Dietzler (cdietzler@stmcary.org)

We thank our many volunteers who come every week to share their gifts and talents with the youth of the St. Michael parish community. We welcome ALL parents, grandparents, and other adult family members to join us in this very worthy service to the parish.

WE STILL NEED VOLUNTEERS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

• Door Monitors
• Confirmation Small Group Leaders (12:30 and 3 pm)
• Classroom Assistants
• Substitutes

Prerequisite: A desire to share your faith and to become Safe Environment Certified (Level C).

It is never too late to join our volunteer team, contact Joyce Blum if you are interested.

JOYCE BLUM: Director of Faith Formation

MEGAN BASH: Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) Coordinator

DARA HADLEY: Challenge and Conquest Coordinator (Grades 3-8)

CHRISTINA DIETZLER: High School-Youth Minister (Confirmation & Youth Group)

BILL BURNS: Associate Director of Adult Evangelization and Formation

CAROLINA GALLO: Administrative Coordinator

DEACON BERT CHAVEZ: Spanish Classes

WEEK 2: Sept 29, 2024

WEEK 1: Sept 22, 2024

OPEN HOUSE: Sept 15, 2024

August_2024 / Welcome Back

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Email: faithformation@stmcary.org
Website: https://www.stmichaelcary.org/#
Location: 804 High House Road, Cary, NC, USA
Phone: (919)468-6100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmichaelcary