April 19, 2010

Dear Parents,

We are once again on the heels of another Catechetical Year. I thank each of you personally for being part of our program last year and welcome those who are new to us this September.

I am excited to be working with you, your son or daughter as we share faith together and build on the foundation that was begun at their Baptism. We as a staff have received your comments and evaluations at the end of last year, have pondered over them, and tried to implement many of your requests. Hopefully you will be pleased at the end of this catechetical year.

On September 15, 2010 at 7:00 PM we will begin our year with a Family Orientation Evening. At that meeting you will have the opportunity to pick up your child’s text; we will review that text and calendar for the year with you; and answer any questions you may have. If you have a child in Visionaries Grade 6-8 you will be able to pick up your child’s text and schedule for the year.

On Sunday, September 19, 2010 we will celebrate Catechetical Sunday. The theme for this year is Matrimony, Sacrament of Enduring Love. On this day we will also commission all of our catechists for the coming year. In this commissioning we also include our parents who are the primary educators of your children.

Parents please mark the following important dates on your calendar now:

• September 20, 2010: Visionaries (Grade 6-8) Program begins
• October 5, 2010: Parent meeting for Eucharist and Reconciliation
• September 25-26, 2010: Confirmation Retreat for Grade 8 candidates ONLY
• September 15, 2010: Parent Orientation meeting for 2010-2011program

These are the dates the Family Program will meet for 2010-2011:

• October 11 or 12, 2010
• November 8 or 9, 2010
• December 13 or 14, 2010
• December Family Christmas/Advent Evening – date to be determined
• December 15, 2010 First Reconciliation Celebration
• January 11 or 12, 2011
• February 7 or 8, 2011
• March 14 or 15, 2011
• April 11 or 12, 2011

These are the dates that Visionaries (Grade 6-8) will meet for 2010-2011:

• September 20 and 27, 2010
• October 4, 18 and 25, 2010
• November 1, 15, 22 and 29, 2010
• December 6 and 20, 2010
• January 3, 24 and 31, 2011
• February 21 and 28, 2011
• March 7, 21 and 28, 2011
• April 4 and 18, 2011

Parents please note that a more detailed calendar will be given at the beginning of the year in September. These dates are provided to help you in planning for the coming year. Also note that First Eucharist will be celebrated in May and the Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated at the end of February. Dates have not been determined as yet.

Together we can build on the foundation that was laid for us by Jesus as he walked the face of the earth and changed the lives of people forever.

Please note the policy that was set: Half of the total program fee is to be paid by September 15, 2010. Paying ½ of the total Religious Education fee assures a space in the program and activates the registration. All fees are due February 15^th of the current catechetical year. All fees must be paid by the due date, (Parish Policy 2005).

If you have any questions, please call the office 1-586-264-2777 to talk to Peggy Montgomery, the Religious Formation secretary or myself, any Monday or Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM until the program begins.