Dear Parents:
As you may be aware, due to COVID-19, our religious education program needed to change. This coincided with Ms. Soltys' need to take a break and combat her cancer and accompanying neuropathy. I was asked to come on board and create a contact-free program based on criteria from our pastor, Fr. Anthony.
These are the criteria:
1. Parents are the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith.
By using books, online lesson plans and online assessments that are provided for them, parents are asked to teach their children at home.
2. Service.
Students are expected to participate in community outreach by completing age-appropriate service projects.
This year, we are sending home Rosary kits to each family. We ask that, as a family, you create the Rosary and pray the Rosary, for people/intentions in our community. In the Sunday bulletin, there are a number of people listed for whom you might pray; also, we could pray for our own families, first responders, medical personnel, people who are experiencing natural disasters, etc. Prayer is a great service to give to others.
3. Mass Attendance.
The first precept of the Church: Attend Mass on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
As a Catholic, you are required to attend Mass on a weekly basis. Today, you have no excuse for missing Mass. Mass is live-streamed every week and even happens in the parking lot! I realize that these conditions are not ideal, but we need to make concerted efforts to attend Mass.
4. Monthly Meeting Requirements.
Under normal circumstances, students and one parent would attend monthly sessions which would focus on a certain theme or teaching.
This year, circumstances prevent gatherings; however, some of these themes will be presented in your family packets.
Additional Information:
Grades K, 1, 3, 4, 5 will be using Loyola Press "Christ Our Life" Series.
Grades 2 and 8 will be using the Loyola Press Sacrament series.
Grades 6 and 7 will be using "The Catholic Children's Bible" and "Activity Book" from St. Mary's Press.
Sacramental Programs have specific requirements that are delineated on the website and in the respective Sacrament's Handbook (also online).
You can reach me via email at MCullinan@sthelenaedison.org
Please make sure I have your updated email addresses. I find it a more efficient way to reach people.
All information is online at the St. Helena website under Religious Education. Some grades have not yet been updated. Please be patient. As soon as family packets are distributed, the site will be done in order for you to begin and proceed at your child/children's pace. All work/assessments must be done by Wednesday, April 21, 2021.
We will have distribution of Family packets on Wednesday, October 7th from 6:30-8:00PM at the rear of the school by the doors to the gym. One member from the family is asked to stop by and receive your packet. Please wear your mask and maintain social distancing. Admittance to the gym will not be permitted.
I appreciate your patience and perseverance during this time.
Be safe, stay healthy, be blessed!
Mary Kay Cullinan