For Our Parents:
The summer is quickly drawing to a close – this brings us closer to the beginning of a new school year for our parish children in local school districts. It also means that we will resume our parish Religious Education sessions here at St. Monica’s and again collaborate to offer a quality program of classes and faith theme sessions for our parish youth.

I have been asked by Fr. Charles to work with you to coordinate and help execute this endeavor. As many of you know, I began my years here at St. Monica’s as a volunteer catechist for the second grade when I first arrived here in 1985 – I can go on and on about where my “yes” has ultimately led, but those that have known me – and those that I have come to know – can attest to my dedication not only to my parish, but to my fervent desire to share my faith in Jesus Christ and my experience of parish ministry with all. I am ready to accept this responsibility and feel comforted to know that we have many excellent volunteers such as you to also walk this walk and enjoy a fruitful year of faith sharing. We treasure our parish children and wish to provide them with an enjoyable and positive experience in the coming year.

We are blessed to have Mary Vernacchio who will again oversee and organize the scheduling fundamentals necessary for a successful year – though as in any program, there will be challenges, I know that we will work together to achieve a balanced program for your children.

Just as each new school year brings about another year of learning and growing, so, too, our Religious Education year will strive to bring your children closer to God as we join to share in the celebration of the Eucharist each week and continue to experience community through our praying and learning together. We will grow in knowledge of the liturgical year and come to value the presence of God in all that we see and do. We will turn our eyes and ears to see and listen to the words of scripture more attentively. We will come to understand that knowledge of Jesus Christ and a relationship with Him are the cornerstones to a more productive and peaceful world. And lastly, we will become heralds of this good news to all, for as St. Augustine said, “God is an infinite circle whose centre is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere.”

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have at this time.
Carol Bezak
Pastoral Associate

Calendar:
Wednesday, September 8th -1st Grade Parent Meeting - 7pm to 8:30pm in the rectory meeting room - books
distribute "Scripture" program presented by Mr. Tom Brown All first grade parents must attend

Tuesday September 14th ”Welcome Back" catechists - rectory meeting room 6:30pm - books to be
distributed - all catechists are asked to be present

Saturday, September 18th - Religious Education Classes - 9am to 11:30pm

Sunday, September 19th - 2nd Grade Rite of Acceptance - 10am Liturgy
Liturgy of the Word for Children begins Catechetical Sunday

Saturday, September 25th - Religious Education Classes - 9am to 11:30pm

Sunday, September 26th - 1st. Gr. Parents - "Mass Workshop" Part I - 6:30pm to 8:30pm - church hall
- Spkr: Fr. Charles

For Our Children: Here's something to do the next time you feel BORED. Try praising God using the letters of the alphabet. Each letter can start a word of praise! GOOD LUCK!!