Happy Thanksgiving

On behalf of our Parish and Catechist’s
Happy Thanksgiving!

We are so grateful for the families in our Parish School of Religion and the sacrifices you make to ensure that your children our brought up in the faith. Thank you for allowing us to partner with you in this faith formation. We ask that Jesus to help us to be like Him in our thoughts, words and actions; so that we may be His voice to others.

As a reminder there will be no class on December 1st – please enjoy this time with your family and give thanks for the many blessings God has given us. Class will resume on December 8th. To prepare for the Advent season; Grades 4, 6, and 8 will have reconciliation on the 8th. Grades 3, 5, and 7 on the 15th.

A Word From Father Gerry

SOLEMN CLOSING of EUCHARISTIC DEVOTIONS and BENEDICTION

Sunday, November 17, 2013

4:00 pm

The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed at the end of

the 11:30 am Mass until Solemn Closing and Benediction at

4:00 pm on Sunday.

Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament deepens our

awareness of this gift of Eucharistic faith, which, in turn
helps us to live the faith we profess. These devotions highlight
the significance of our Eucharistic faith. Those who
desire to root their families and themselves in the traditions
of our faith will want to participate in these beautiful devotions.
Weather permitting, we will process outside the
church to symbolize our willingness to carry our love of
Christ into the world.

Fr. Michael Hennigan will give the homily. He was
ordained last June and is parochial vicar at St. Catherine in
Ft. Thomas.

Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament is a great opportunity
for personal or family prayer and to join with parishioners
in an expression of faith in the presence of our
Lord Jesus in the Eucharist.

Please offer a little time in prayer to strengthen
your love for Jesus in the Eucharist and/or attend the Solemn
Closing of our Eucharistic Devotions at 4pm on Sunday.
You won’t be sorry.

November 10, 2013

Parents and Students.

The Diocese of Covington has chosen the inner cities to be the mission territory and assistance project to reflect "Stewardship as a Way of Life."
In conjunction with this mission, our PSR program partner with the diocese on this service project.

Below is a list of needed supplies to be collected on November 24th, in keeping with an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving for what we have. You can bring donated items to the fifth grade class of Mike Dischar who will organize them.

Ideally the student him/herself will use personal resources or somehow earn the money to collect donated items. If this is not possible perhaps they could accompany a parent to a store to assist with choosing what to donate. This is not intended to be an expensive endeavor. If everyone gives a little it adds up to a lot.

Thank you in advance,

Mike Dischar
5th Grade PSR Instructor

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paper Products:

paper towels
paper plates
napkins


Cleaning supplies:

glass cleaner
furniture polish
toilet/bathroom cleaners
floor cleaners

Plastic gloves for handling food

November Schedule

November 3 Class
November 10 Class
November 17 Class
November 24 Class
December 1 No Class – Thanksgiving Break (1st Week of Advent)

Parish Religious Education Week

Date: Sunday, November 3, 2013 to Saturday, November 9, 2013

As the hub of lifelong faith formation, the parish – both the people and the place – weaves together essential strands within the fabric of effective Catholic education. Beginning November 3-9, 2013, NCEA will highlight the vital role of parish in an annual Parish Religious Education Week celebration.

http://www.ncea.org/events/parish-religious-education-week

Encountering Christ Every Day

In four weeks, we’ll begin a celebration of
Parish Religious Education Week,
when we highlight how our parish faith formation programs
help adults, youth, and children encounter Christ every day
and the value they add to our community.

Stay tuned for more information to come.

October Schedule

October 6                    No Class – Fall Break (CCS* Fall Break Oct 7-11))

October 13                  Class

October 17                  Confirmation Parent Meeting

                                   7:00 p.m. Church  
 

October 20                  Class, Mission Sunday

                                  Confirmation Commitment Mass

9:30 a.m. Mass

October 27                  Class, Safe Environment K-5

October 29                  First Reconciliation Parent Meeting

7:00 p.m. Church

November 3                Class, Safe Environment 6-8

Encountering Christ Every Day

In November, we will join in a national celebration of

Parish Religious Education Week.

The celebration highlights how parish faith formation programs help adults, youth, and children encounter Christ every day and grow in our Catholic faith. 

Stay tuned for more information to come as we get closer to November.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!

Sunday October 27, 2013

12:30 - 2:30 PM

Saint's Alive
"Partying with the Saints"

Hosted by our Parish School of Religion

This is open to the Parish, dress like your favorite saint(adults and children), 

prizes, games, and trick or treating.

More information to come.

If you are interested in seeing how you can help
please contact Kari Fischer @ 859-250-4305 or email saintjosephpsr@gmail.com

IT'S NOT TOO LATE - Our Parish School of Religion for grades K - 8 is already in session; however, we are still accepting students.

Thank you to all the families that joined our Opening Mass today. If you haven't joined the program, it’s not too late.  Classes officially started on September 8th for our Kindergartener through 8th grader's.  In addition we have welcomed students from Covington Latin, Notre Dame, and Ochermann as they prep for confirmation in their home parish. 

 

Our theme this year is “We are the Voice of Jesus”.  So as we come to Know, Listen, and Follow Jesus by being His voice; as parent(s)/guardian(s) you are reminded that you are the primary educators of your child(ren) and that your home is the first church. On the day of your child's Baptism, you accepted the role of being your child's first teacher, a very difficult job in itself.  But please remember you are not alone.  You are being supported by the priests, catechists, and the entire parish community.

May we allow the grace of the Holy Spirit to be effective in us as we build the kingdom of God and become a true Disciple of Christ.   I look forward to another year full of many blessings.

If you would like more information or to register a new student call (859) 240-8207 or email saintjosephpsr@gmail.com

Opening Mass

PLEASE JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE OUR

OpeningMass

  Parish School of Religion

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2013 AT 9:30AM

ST. JOSEPH CHURCH │4011 ALEXANDRIA PIKE│COLD SPRING, KY

Please arrive in the Library no later than 9:15am.

Our students will sit with their class on St. Joseph side in the front pews. 

Parents are encouraged to sit behind the marked pews.

Please join our parish afterwards for FELLOWSHIP SUNDAY

in Kelley Hall after mass for coffee, donuts and fellowship.

It's not too late to register!

Thank you to all the families that joined us during our Open House/Registration on August 25th. If you didn’t make it, it’s not too late. Classes start September 8th.

Our theme this year is "We are the Voice of Jesus”. Each of us are called to know, listen and follow Jesus. It seems pretty simple, but in todays world it isn't an easy task and that is why we partner with the families in our parish in teaching the faith to our youth. This starts at home and is reinforced by our faith we live everyday of our lives – not just on Sunday.

May we allow the grace of the Holy Spirit to be effective in us as we build the kingdom of God and become a the Voice of Jesus. I look forward to another year full of many blessings.

Classes Start September 8th and are held Sunday mornings from 9:30 am – 11 am.
Kindergarten - 8th Grade

If you would like more information or to register a new student call (859) 240-8207 or E-Mail saintjosephpsr@gmail.com

New Beginnings Announcement

A new session of New Beginnings, a support group for divorced and separated persons, sponsored by the Diocese of Covington and hosted by the Department of Catechesis and Formation, will begin September 12, 2013. Meetings will be held on Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. through November 7, and will provide the opportunity for healing and growth. In this faith-based group, participants will find new understanding of themselves and their relationships and gain courage to discover new life. Registration is required. Call 859-392-1500, ext. 1527 (as of September 3).

September 2013 Adult Faith Formation and Religion Teacher Certification/Maintenance Courses

Parents and Teachers in the School of Grace and Virtue
The Department of Catechesis and Formation of the Diocese of Covington is hosting the course “Parents and Teachers in the School of Grace and Virtue” on September 9, 16, 23, & 30 from 6:00 to 8:45 p.m. at St. Patrick Church in Taylor Mill, KY. Join Fr. Jeff VonLehmen for a supportive and practical, hands-on course to aide parents and teachers in dealing with everything from internet challenges, bullying, addictions, anger, envy, hostility, and peer pressure, to secularism, relativism, and the forces of the culture of death. Based on Father Edward Flanagan’s Boy’s Town Model, the course affirms parents as the primary educators of their children and equips parents and teachers alike with skills to build up children and adolescents with the “spiritual muscles” necessary to mature in Christ, in virtue, and in good character. The course is open to all interested adults and qualifies as maintenance for religion teachers who have reached the Advanced Level of certification. The cost for the course is only $25. Enrollment is limited to sixteen persons. Mothers and fathers are encouraged to attend together, if possible. Several registration methods are available: online at www.religiouseducation.covingtondiocese.org, by email to catechesis@covdio.org, by phone to 859-392-1500 ext.1533 (as of September 3), or via USPS mail by downloading a registration form from the website above and mailing form and payment to the Department of Catechesis and Formation, 1125 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 41011-3115 (as of September 3).

Vatican Council II
The Department of Catechesis and Formation is hosting the course “Vatican Council II” with Monsignor William Cleves on September 10, 17, 24, & October 1 from 6:00 to 8:45 p.m. at Holy Spirit Parish in Newport, KY. Discover the meaning, history, and important concepts contained in the documents of Vatican II. A great follow-up for those who attend the September 7th Conference on Vatican II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church or a “second chance” for those who are unable to attend. The course is open to all interested adults and qualifies as maintenance for religion teachers who have reached the Advanced Level of certification. The cost for the course is only $25. Several registration methods are available: online at www.religiouseducation.covingtondiocese.org, by email to catechesis@covdio.org, by phone to 859-392-1500 ext.1533 (as of September 3), or via USPS mail by downloading a registration form from the website above and mailing form and payment to the Department of Catechesis and Formation, 1125 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 41011-3115 (as of September 3).

Basic Beliefs
The Department of Catechesis and Formation of the Diocese of Covington is hosting the course “Basic Beliefs” with Rev. Michael Barth on September 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at St. Timothy Church in Union, KY. Learn more about the basic tenets of the Catholic faith, particularly through study of the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. The course is one of the requirements for religion teacher certification, but is open to all interested adults. The cost for the course is only $25. Participants should bring a brown bag lunch. Several registration methods are available: online at www.religiouseducation.covingtondiocese.org, by email to catechesis@covdio.org, by phone to 859-392-1500 ext.1533 (as of September 3), or via USPS mail by downloading a registration form from the website above and mailing form and payment to the Department of Catechesis and Formation, 1125 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 41011-3115 (as of September 3).

VIRTUS: (Protecting God's Children) SESSION

A session to satisfy the requirement to volunteer/work at any parish or school in the diocese will be held in  

Kelley Hall on WEDNESDAY, August 28, 6:30 - 10:00 PM. 

Register online at : www.VIRTUS.Org. 

Select "registration" on the left and follow the prompts. 

For more information contact Assistant Principal, Mrs. Cly Denna Hehman at 

chehman@stjoeschool.net or call 859-927-2283.

WHY SHOULD YOUR CHILD ATTEND PSR?

• Do you have a child attending a public or non-catholic private school between Kindergarten and 8th grade? 

• Does your child plan on receiving a sacrament next year? 

• Does your child attend Covington Latin or Villa and is of age to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation? 

• Do you want your children to continue the faith traditions that have been passed onto you by our Catholic family

 ** If you answered yes to any of these questions then your child needs to attend PSR! ** 

PSR OPEN HOUSE/Registration 

August 25, 2013 

9:00AM – 11:00AM 

Library 

If you would like more information or to register a new student ahead of time 

call (859) 240-8207 or E-Mail saintjosephpsr@gmail.com 

Classes start September 8th, and are held Sunday mornings from 9:30 am – 11 am. 

Kindergarten - 8th Grade

PSR SCHEDULE 2013-2014

August 17           Catechist Day of Reflection

August 25           PSR Open House (9AM - 11AM Library)  

September 1       No Class – Labor Day

September 8       First day of Class (New Parent Orientation – Library)

September 15     PSR OPENING MASS – All grades meet in the Library at 9:15am

September 22     Class

September 29     Class

October 6           No Class – Fall Break (CCS* Fall Break Oct 7-11))

October 13        Class

October 20         Class, Mission Sunday

October 27         Class, Safe Environment K-5

November 3       Class, Safe Environment 6-8

November 10     Class

November 17     Class

November 24     Class

December 1       No Class – Thanksgiving Break (1st Week of Advent)

December 8       Class, Reconciliation (2nd Week of Advent)

December 15     Class, Reconciliation (3^rd Week of Advent)

December 22     No Class, Christmas Break (4^th Week of Advent)   

December 29     No Class, Christmas Break

January 5           Class

January 12         Class

January 19         PSR MASS – All grades meet in the Library at 9:15am  

January 26         Class

February 2         Class (ACRE Assessments Grade 5 & 8) 

February 9         Class

February 16       Class

February 23       Class

March 2            Class

March 9            Class(1st Sunday of Lent)

March 16          Class, Reconciliation (2^nd Sunday of Lent)

March 23         Class, Reconciliation (3^rd Sunday of Lent)

March 30          No Class – Spring Break (CCS Spring Break March 31^st-April 4^th)

April 6              Class

April 13            Stations of the Cross (All PSR Family members are invited)

April 20            No Class – Easter Sunday

April 27           Class

May 4              Class, Registration for 2014-2015 School Year

May 11            Class

May 18           9:30 a.m. Mass (ministries) PSR Closing (MH) 

Catechist Needed for the 2013-2014 School Year

"God doesn't call the qualified...God qualifies the called."

Our Parish School of Religion offers parishioners the opportunity to serve as catechists for K through 8th grades. Currently we are in need of catechist for Kindergarten and 6th grade, along with substitute teachers or aides.

If you are willing to give this kind of stewardship of time and talent, but want to know more about what is involved, please contact Steven Fischer at 859-240-8207 or email saintjosephpsr@gmail.com


Our upcoming schedule is as follows:

August 17         Catechist Day of Reflection
August 25         PSR Open House (Library)
September 1     No Class - Labor Day
September 8   First Day of Class (New Parent Orientation - Library)
September 15   PSR OPENING MASS - 9:30AM

Week of First Communion

Dear First Communion Parents,

This is a very special week in your child’s life.  The time is close for receiving Jesus for the first time.  Practice will be on this Thursday evening.  On Friday we have prepared a special “retreat” so we can focus on the meaning of the Eucharist.

On Thursday, May 9^th, there will be practice at 7:00 p.m. for all.  Please sit in the assigned seat according to the attached seating chart.  Each household needs to have one parent from each set at the practice.  The students will then be called to the back of Church to process in.  Everyone will remain seated as the children process to their seats.  Then the teachers will direct the practice.

Friday, May 10^th is Retreat Day.  Students come to their classrooms as usual. Students may come out of uniform.  PSR students are to be in Kelley Hall by 8:20 a.m. PSR dismissal will be at 3:00 p.m. (Parents please come to Kelley Hall.)  Regular school dismissal will be at 3:10.  PSR children need $2.00 for lunch and 40 cents for a drink if lunch is packed. 

On Saturday, May 11^th, the students are asked to be in Kelley Hall or their classrooms 30 minutes before the 11:00 Mass.  Students who have a reading part should get the part from the teacher and take it to Mass.  (Please practice at home to read slowly and clearly.) Also, any jackets, etc. should be taken to Church by the parents.

There is no limited seating for family members, but, Church will be crowded!  Siblings will need to sit behind First Communicants with other relatives.

Regarding video taping and photos:  NO VIDEO CAMERAS OR FLASHES ARE ALLOWED.  This is to avoid distraction for the children.  We also ask that no pictures be taken during the ceremony.  There will be an opportunity to take pictures at the end of Mass once the official photographer has finished with the class pictures.

We will explain everything on Thursday evening.  There will be programs to follow for the Mass on Saturday.

We are looking forward to this special occasion!  Thank you for your cooperation!

May Schedule

May 5              Class

May 9              First Communion Practice               7:00 p.m. Church

May 10            First Communion Retreat 

                                 

May 11            First Communion                              11:00 a.m. Church

May 12            Class,

                       Registration for 2013-2014 School Year sent home with students     

May 13            May Crowning            7:00 p.m.                                         

                       (2nd and 8th Grade) All PSR Families are invited!

May 19            9:30 a.m. Mass (ministries) PSR Closing (Memorial Hall) 

Feast of St. Joseph the Worker

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Today, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Joseph the Worker.

Since this is the patron saint of our parish and school, I want to wish you a Happy Feast Day.

We find our dignity in our work, in raising a family, in participating in the life of the Father’s creation. Joseph the Worker was able to help participate in the deepest mystery of creation.

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=471

First Communion Meeting and Enrollment Ceremony

ST. JOSEPH CHURCH & SCHOOL

4011 ALEXANDRIA PIKE

COLD SPRING, KY 41076

April 9, 2013

Dear Parents of Second Graders,

First Communion preparation time is here. This is a special time for you and your child.

On Tuesday, April 16th a combined First Communion Meeting and Enrollment Ceremony will be held in Church at 7:00 PM.

Parents and children attend together. On your way into church please pick up your packet of information from the tables located in the entrance.

During the meeting there will be an Enrollment prayer service for parents and children.

Father Reinersman will speak about First Communion and the teachers will explain the

packet of information. Patterns for First Communion symbols to be displayed on banners

will be given at this time.

May this time of preparation be a blessed and spiritually fruitful time for you and your

child.

Sincerely,

Ann MacKenzie

Donna Reinhart

Linda Goetz

Melissa Holzmacher

Steven Fischer

April Schedule

April 7      No Class – Spring Break (CCS Spring Break April 1-5) April 14    Class
April 16    First Communion Meeting 7:00 p.m. Church
April 21    Class
April 28    Class

Reconciliation Update

The season of Lent reminds us to look in our hearts and see if we have been truly faithful in our relationship with God and with others.

Jesus said “If your brother sins against you seven times a day and seven times a day turns back to you saying, “I am sorry, forgive him.” God forgives us again and again. God asks us in turn to forgive one another. On March 10th and 17th our students will be able to reflect on their lives and on their need for reconciliation with God and with others.  This will be our last reconciliation service for the school year.  As parents I encourage you if you have not already done so, to take part in the sacrament as well during lent.  See the bulletin for times of reconciliation for our parish or another parish in the area.

            March 10th - Grades 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th

            March 17th - Grades 5th, 7th and 8th

March Schedule

March 3                       Class (3^rd Sunday of Lent)
March 10                     Class, Reconciliation (4^th Sunday of Lent)
March 17                     Class, Reconciliation (5^th Sunday of Lent)

March 24                     Stations of the Cross (All PSR Family members are invited)    

March 31                     No Class – Easter Sunday
April 7                          No Class – Spring Break (CCS Spring Break April 1-5)

Perfect for Lent!

Perfect for Lent!

Praise and Worship all for the Glory of God!

WHY I CAME HOME TO MAMMA!

Dr. Ray Guarendi

We are blessed to have this wildly popular Catholic author, national speaker and radio host, share his story.

Dr. Ray, an Italian psychologist, Catholic turned Evangelical, will witness of his journey back to "Mother Church". If you've heard him before, you've experienced his excellent counsel and hilarious humor. Now experience how Truth, Logic and Living God’s Will compelled him back to the Church.
His experience includes school districts, Head Start programs, mental health centers, substance abuse programs, inpatient psychiatric centers, juvenile courts, and a private practice. Dr. Guarendi has been a regular guest on national radio and television, including
Oprah, Joan Rivers, Scott Ross Prime Time, 700 Club, Gordon Elliot, and CBS This Morning. He's appeared on regional radio and television shows in over 40 states and Canada.

SUNDAY, March 17

th @ 7:00 PM

St. Catherine of Siena, Ft. Thomas, KY in church

1803 N. Ft. Thomas Avenue
(exit 4 from I-471 {go left if coming S on I-471, right if coming N on I-471}, onto Memorial Parkway, go 1.2 miles and L at light onto Clover Ridge, St. Catherine’s on L when street ends into N. Ft. Thomas Ave.)

No tickets needed, a free-will offering will be taken. Please, no saved seating, doors open at 6:00 PM

Call 859-441-3438 or 859-441-1069 for more information

February Schedule

February 3      Class

February 5      Confirmation Rehearsal  7:00 p.m. Church

February 6      Confirmation Retreat and Confirmation

Retreat during day – Ceremony 7:00 p.m. Church

February 10    Class
February 17    Class (1st Sunday of Lent)
February 24    Class (2^nd Sunday of Lent)

PSR MASS

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Next Sunday we will attend 9:30 am mass as a class like we did at our PSR Opening. 

We ask that you meet in the Kelley Hall at 9:10am so we can take attendance and then be in the church by 9:20am.  The students will sit with their class towards the front of church.  Parents may sit anywhere and if you happen to be running late your child is more than welcome to find their way up to their class.  Or they may sit with you.

This is just another way showing that we belong to a community of believers as we continue this year of faith.

Disciple of Christ,
Steven M. Fischer, CRE

P.S. Confirmation Parents please come to the library after mass.