Dear Religious Education Families,
How is it already FEBRUARY?! I am sending this out a little early, as our community is about to head into the annual Groundhog Day festivities. Knowing that we have SO MANY incredible parishioners and families pouring their hearts into this weekend's events I wanted to be sure to include resources below in case you or your family would like to participate in the festivities.
You'll recognize a LOT of our Parish families around town running and/or supporting the Chamber of Commerce's efforts to create fun family-focused experiences for all. I cannot wait to see their hard work pay off!
If you have a child preparing for the sacraments, you will see a strong focus towards those preparations during the month of February. Please keep our second graders in your prayers as they embark on their journey to receiving the First Reconciliation on Saturday, March 1st.
Confirmation students and First Communion students will also continue in their preparations as those sacraments are celebrated this spring!
I hope everyone is staying warm through the remainder of these chilly months. I'll keep praying for you all, and as Fr. Mike would say, I sure hope you're praying for me too.
Whitney Bargerstock
Religious Education Coordinator
Here are some important dates and updates to keep in mind:
- February 1st - Nothing to note, except that you made it through the chilliest month that felt like it was 500 days long!
- February 2nd - The Presentation of the Lord - 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
- February 2nd - Groundhog Day! NO CLASS Here is a link to the Chambers 2025 Groundhog Day Events! And a LINK to watch the events live from home if you're not braving the weather this morning
- February 9th - CLASS
- February 9th - First Reconciliation Retreat (During normal scheduled classes)
- February 11th - National Shut-in Day - Visit a family or friend who is homebound on this day!
- February 14th - Valentines Day! Did you know...? In 1969, the Church dropped the feast of St. Valentine from the observed holidays due to the mystery of its actual origins! Check out this article on some interesting ways to observe this holiday deeply rooted in our Catholic faith!
- February 16th - CLASS - 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
- February 17th - SECOND Family GLOW in the DARK DODGEBALL! Back by popular demand...! We are holding a second one from 5:00 - 7:00 in the Gymnasium. Join us for glow in the dark dodgeball for families. Kids may bring a friend. Optional Monetary donation to VBS fund at entrance.
- February 17th - National Random Acts of Kindness Day
- February 23rd - CLASS - 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
- March 1st - First Reconciliation 10:00 AM
- March 2nd - CLASS
I will continue to share any additional information and helpful resources through our Facebook Group and Remind App as I come across them.
This section will house resources and supports for you as you work through the chapters at home, and as we work to prepare your son or daughter for the exciting events to come. Specific information, chapter work schedules, and registration for retreats will be sent out over the upcoming week to our families in both First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion preparation.
Upcoming Dates:
- February 9th - Reconciliation Retreat - This will take place during the normal class period, and 2nd grade families should plan to attend with your child. Please RSVP if you have not already done so.
- March 1st - First Reconciliation - Second grade families are invited to join us in celebrating the Sacrament of First Reconciliation at 10:00 am.
- April 13th - First Holy Communion Retreat - This will take place during the normal class period, and 3rd grade families should plan to attend with your child.
- April 27th - Confirmation - This will take place at SSCD this year. Service begins at 1:00.
- May 3rd - First Holy Communion - Third grade families are invited to join us in celebrating the Sacrament of First Holy Communion at 10:00 am.
Volunteers Needed
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Know someone interested in attending? Please share this link with them! You can also direct all interested families to the Church Office for hard copy registration forms.
Possible ways to help:
*Set up and Tear down of events
*Working a station (sensory bins, play dough, or telling the story)
*Extra hands to assist navigation to and from parking lot and/or directions to access the restrooms.
Continuation of the upcoming classes:
February 9th 11:00 - 12:00
March 16th 11:00 - 12:00
April 13th 12:00 - 1:00 (Inclusive story of the resurrection and egg hunt for all students.)
![The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) [All Episodes]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BW0gXbEVYgA/hqdefault.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEXCOADEI4CSFryq4qpAwkIARUAAIhCGAE=&rs=AOn4CLDzgSx-jQ0c0FuBeqye5XNDW56FeA&days_since_epoch=19962)
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff. Here are the diocese expectations for working with students:
- Volunteering for Parties: Parents are welcome to attend and participate in holiday parties if they would like. We simply must have volunteer Criminal Background and Child Abuse clearances on file prior to attending the party.
- Guest Speakers: Throughout the school year I have scheduled several speakers and opportunities for our students to learn more about their faith and the organizations that support our local parish. You are welcome to attend any of these sessions, but clearances must be on file.
- Field Trips: Our goal is to provide a day trip fieldtrip to all of our students in Religious Education programs this spring. In order to attend and chaperone clearances must be provided.
- Community Activities: To participate in any activities sponsored AFTER class times on the weekends, no clearances are required. Only class-related activities require Volunteer Clearances, as part of the diocese Child Protection initiatives.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school safe and healthy!