Volunteers for Ministries

In our newsletters it was mentioned to go online and register to be a

LECTOR or EXTRAORDINARY EUCHARISTIC MINISTER.

This is correct however please make sure that you reach out to

Fr. Gerry

441-1604 ext 2275

or

Fr. Josh

441-1604 ext 2277

if you feel called to serve the parish in this capacity.

They will have the most up to date information and

will be able to answer any questions you may have or

direct you to those that are the Point of Contacts for these ministries.

Thank your for all that you do to support not only our PSR program,

but also your stewardship towards the Parish.

Most importantly the faith that you have and share with your family on a daily basis!

PSR SCHEDULE

August 28th.....................Class
September 4th..........NO CLASS - LABOR DAY
September 11th...............Class
September 18th...............Class
September 25th...............Class

Open House/Registration

Well the Open House/Registration was a success! It was good to see all the returning families and those that our joining us for the first time. Please shoot me an email at stjoepsr@hotmail.com with any comments that you may have. If you didn't get a chance to stop by it is not too late to register. Classes start next Sunday, August 21st at 9:30Am. Remember that PSR does not replace church, and your family should be attending mass together at one of the other mass times.

Mass Schedule

Saturday 5:00PM
Sunday: 8:00Am, 11:30AM and 7:00PM

Also if you didn't notice I've changed the website address in regards to PSR information. I hope to have the link from the Parish website bring you directly to it, but in the meantime visit: https://sites.google.com/site/stjosephpsr/ This link is up and running from the blog. This blog will be a way for you to actually see what is going on in the program; however it doesn't have the capability to put documents such as the handbook and other important information about the program. I am always looking at ways to improve the program and with today's day and age pretty much everyone is going on line to what is going on.

We are so blessed to be part of your child's faith formation and know that we are here to support you. Please make sure that you keep up with your child's class and ask them what they learned today. It's not just class, we are building roots here. If the roots are strong then we may grow in faith. So with that said PSR classes are not enough! The faith needs to be reinforced with our actions. Being involved in the church, the community, and making sure that we put God first above all things is how we build those strong roots within our families and church. As parents we have a responsibility to be an example not only in what we say, but what we do. Our pray life is what forms us, and we want our children to know that no matter what God will always be there for us.

So thank you for chosing us to support you in your child's faith formation. Please pray for our catechists, the students, families, and for me as we work together to be "Rooted in Christ!".

Disciple of Christ,
Steven M. Fischer
CRE

ATTENTION ALL WOMEN:
There will be a women's weekend on September 17th and 18th here at the parish. This is a way to renew your relationship with Christ - to build those roots. If you would like more information you can talk to any of the Catechist's. All of the women have been on the retreat and Linda Goetz, Amy Racke, and Kari Fischer will giving this upcoming weekend. There are also brochures in the back of church! So pray about it and listen to God's call - I know he wants you there!

Ministers are needed for our Seasonal Celebrations

With our Seasonal Celebrations, where PSR does the ministries during mass, we will need parent volunteers as Lectors or Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. This is an opportunity not only to serve the Church but a way for you to become closer to God as an active participant in the Liturgy. So if you are part of this ministry please make sure you sign up as a volunteer, if you are not look below for information on the next Diocesan Training Session that is required.

Those who have been called forth to be Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Lectors in the Church have an important task in the sharing and spreading of the Gospel. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the ordinary ministers (bishops, priests, and deacons) in the distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful, both at mass and to the sick and homebound, when there is a lack of ordinary ministers. Lectors proclaim the Word of God, which allows the faith to be understood and incorporated into the very life of the faithful.

Bishop Foys: September 8, 2010

So what are you waiting for? I have been blessed to be part of this ministry since I was 18 years old. Being able to proclaim the word and to distribute the sacrament is such an honor. As a parent I want my children to see how involved they can be in the Church. There is something for everyone, it's only up to us to decide how we can best serve. The question is are you being called?

Will you listen to Eli as Samuel did in scripture and say -
"Speak Lord, Your servant is listening."

To register for the diocesan training session, here’s what you do:

1) Go to the diocesan website covingtondiocese.org

2) Click on link ‘All Diocesan Offices’

3) Click on link ‘Worship and Liturgy Office’

4) Click on link ‘Education Sessions for Liturgical Ministers’

The password is - (contact Fr. Gerry or Fr. Josh for more info on how to volunteer in this ministry - they will give you the password)

Fill out the form and click submit.

Training sessions will close once they are filled, so the sooner you sign up, the better.

Currently there is a two hour session available on
August 22nd at 7 P.M. at St. Paul Church, Florence,
hosted by the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy.

For more information about this ministry and to view the norms please visit:
Office of Worship

"Rooted in Christ, We Grow in Faith!" 2011-2012 School Year

Dear PSR parents/guardians,

Welcome to a new school year for our Parish School of Religion.  We are so blessed to have such a wonderful parish and catechists that not only teach the faith but live the faith. 

It is the mission of St. Joseph Parish School of Religion to inspire students;

           To embrace the Gospel message of Jesus Christ

           To be and to do their best

           To be lifelong learners

           To live their Catholic faith

We seek to fulfill this mission by being rooted in Christ, who leads us to oneness with God. In order for this program to serve its mission, it is essential that the administration, catechists and parents all partner together for the sake of the children and their families.

Our theme this year is “Rooted in Christ, We Grow in Faith.”  Over the summer Pope Benedict XVI addressed the Croation Youth and I quote;

Dear young people: if you are rooted in Christ, you will fully become the person you are meant to be. I began with an incisive expression of Saint Paul: "Rooted and built up in Christ, and established in the faith" (Col 2:7). As you grow in friendship with the Lord through his word, the Eucharist and life in the Church, you will be able, with the help of your priests, to testify to the complete joy of having encountered the One who always stands at your side and enables you to live in confidence and hope. The Lord Jesus is not a Teacher who deceives his disciples: he tells us clearly that walking by his side calls for commitment and personal sacrifice, but it is worth the effort!

So as we are rooted in Christ and grow in our Catholic faith 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.

"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Colossians 2; 6-7

Our PSR Program offers instructions to students in grades 1- 8 who are members of St. Joseph Parish.  We offer an eight-year course of study in which all Catholic children attending public and non-catholic private schools are expected to participate.  Our program offers the opportunity for students to prepare for the reception of the three sacraments, Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation.  Our aim is to provide a loving and caring Christian atmosphere in which students can grow in sound Christ like attitudes and values.

We hope this blog will help you understand more about our program, and give you some insight into the wonderful experiences your children will have when they come to class on Sunday mornings.

If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail us at stjoepsr@hotmail.com

PSR SCHEDULE 2011-2012

PSR SCHEDULE

2011-2012

August 14                  PSR Open House (Activity Center)

August 21                  Class

August 28                  Class

September 4               No Class – Labor Day

September 11             Class

September 18             Class

September 25             Class

October 2                  Class

October 9                  No Class – Fall Break (CCS* Fall Break Oct 10-14)

October 16                Class

October 23                Class, Mission Sunday

October 30                Class

November 6              Class

November 13            Class

November 20            Class

November 27            No Class – Thanksgiving Break (1st Week of Advent)

December 4              Class, Reconciliation (2nd Week of Advent)

December 11            Class, Reconciliation (3rd Week of Advent)

December 18            Class (4th Week of Advent)

December 25            No Class, Christmas Break

January 1                 No Class, Christmas Break

January 8                  Ministries 9:30 Mass,                                 
                                Christmas Brunch Potluck (Memorial Hall)

January 15                Class

January 22                Class

January 29                Class

February 5                Class

February 12              Class

February 19              Class

February 26              Class (1st Week of Lent)

March 4                   Class (2^nd Week of Lent)

March 11                 Class, Reconciliation (3^rd Week of Lent)

March 18                 Class, Reconciliation (4^th Week of Lent)

March 25                 Class (5^th Week of Lent)

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

April 1                      No Class – Spring Break (CCS Spring Break April 2-6)

April 8                      No Class – Easter Sunday

April 15                    Class

April 22                    Class
April 29                    Class

May 6                      Class

May 13                    No Class- Mother's Day

May 20                    9:30 a.m. Mass (ministries) PSR Closing

Lent Week 6

Scriptures: Lk 19:28-40, Is 50:4-7, Phil 2:6-11, Lk 22:14-23

This is the last week of Lent.  This week begins with Palm Sunday and ends with Easter.  This week is Holy Week.  The Triduum begins on Holy Thursday, continue with Good Friday, the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday and then we celebrate on Easter morning.  Wow, that's a lot of stuff going on.  We are taking the last week of Lent to focus on Almsgiving.  This time, we;re talking about treasure.  Treasure is anything we own.

This week we challenge your family to do some Spring cleaning.  Do you have clothes, boots, coats, and things you have out grown?  Why not box them up for St. Vincent De Paul or Good Will?  Kids, do you have games and toys that you no longer play with?  Why not bring them to a shelter or foster home?

Those ideas were easy..they were getting rid of things not in use.  Now, what about giving up somthing you are attached to?

As a family this week, come up with one item that you could try to live without in your house.  Give that away to an elderly person or someone who could use it.  Almsgiving isn't always giving from our wealth.  Sometimes it's giving where it hurts us a bit.  If we don't ever feel it, we won't be able to count the cost.

This week we enter into Jesus' suffering and death...his Passion.  Jesus gave up so much for us.  he suffered humiliation, embarrassment, ridicule and pain.  Most of all he suffered a terrible death on the cross.  This was a gift to you and me.  He died so that we might be able to share in the resurrection one day.  Jesus loves us and wants us to know what it means to love without measure.  Take the challenge this week!

April Schedule

April 3     Class, 4th Week of Lent

April 10   Class, 5th Week of Lent

April 12   First Communion Meeting
                7:00 p.m. Church

April 17   Class, Stations of the Cross (All PSR Family members are invited)

April 24   No Class – Easter Sunday

Second Week of Lent

Family Prayer

Scripture readings: Genesis 12, 1-4; Psalm 33, 4-5, 18-19, 20, 22; 2Timothy 1, 8-10; Matthew 17, 1-9

This week we are focusing in on prayer again.  We encourage you to take time to pray alone this week and maybe make an effort to get up a little early or turn off the T.V. to find some time.

Prayer and time spent with God is when we hear God speak to us. if we are always asking for this or telling God things, God doesn't get a chance to answer us or tell us things we need to know.


Prayer is a discipline too.  Often times we don't feel like praying or we are tired or hungry.  but if we make prayer a part of our routing, we get into the habit and it has the potential to change us and make us grow into better people.


Please pray this prayer as a family this week and for your quiet time prayer alone.

Dear Jesus,

I welcome you into my home and into my heart.  Please make me into the person you want me to be.  You are my God and my savior.  May your love and forgiveness fill me with joy and peace.  I pray for my friends and family and ask you to be the center of all of our lives.  I pray this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

First Week of Lent

During Lent, Catholic Christians around the world focus on three very important things: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving.  We try to do these three things during Lent because they make us more aware of our faith, more thoughtful of others around us and they certainly have the power to make a big difference in the world.

For this week, Prayer will be our important activity.
There are many ways to pray; like in church with the parish community at luturgy, at home, in nature, when we are thankful, when we are in need, and as part of our daily routine.

This week, our parish families will be praying this prayer.  Please use this as a your table prayer,  it can be used whenever two or more are gathered around the table.  Blessings on your family this first week of Lent!

Scripture readings; Deuteronomy 26: 4-10, Romans 10: 8-13, Luke 4: 1-13

Dear Jesus, we pray for each of us gathered.  Help us to make this Lent a time to make a difference around us.  teach us to be more thoughtful, loving, patient and kind,  Help us to be the first to forgive and say I'm sorry.  help us find more time in our busy lives for prayer and quiet time.  Bless our family and make us grow strong in our love for each other, our church and our world.  Bless us in our work and play this week.  We pray in the words Jesus gave us, Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,  Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses aw we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  Amen.

We Prepare for Lent

Lent offers us and our children an opportunity to renew our baptismal promise to follow Jesus.  We can look at our lives to determine if we are following Jesus faithfully or if we have developed habits that take us away from our Christian commitment. Grades 6th, 7th, and 8th participated in a service today that focused on renewing their baptismal promises in order to follow Jesus more closely.  Afterwards the had an examination of conscience as they prepared to receive the sacrament of reconciliation.

Fr. Josh shared a story about him and his buddy they were on a farm and were four-wheeling.  The path that they typically rode on had some rather large sticks in the way.  Which of course can be dangerous and not something that you would want to attempt to ride over.  So they cleared what was in the path to make a straight way for them.  Just like we need to do in our daily lives.  There are things that are in the way and reconciliation allows us to push those aside and make our path to Christ straight.

George, our 8th grade catechist, picked up a bible because he was reminded of scripture as Fr. Josh talked to the children and he went to Mark 1:3 "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths."  This is when John proclaimed the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin.  Take time this Lenten season to prepare yourself for the Lord.  Jesus has called us to come and follow him.  Help us remember during this coming season of Lent that you are with us always!

March Schedule

March 6th       Class

March 13th     Class, Reconcilation for grade 6th- 8th
                       1st Week of Lent

March 20th    Class, Reconciliation for grades 2nd-5th
                      2nd Week of Lent

March 27th    No Class - Spring Break (CCS Spring Break March 28-April1) 
                      3rd Week of Lent

February Schedule

February 6                  Class

February 8                 Confirmation Rehearsal

                                    7:00 p.m. Church

February 9                 Confirmation Retreat and Confirmation

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

February 13                Class
                                   **NCEA ACRE Assessment for 5th and 8th Grade

February 20                Class

February 27                Class

DECEMBER 5, 2010

IHN MISSION

The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Northern Kentucky is a non-profit cooperative endeavor between the religious community, volunteers and social service agencies committed to providing cost effective living and comprehensive services for homeless children and their families during temporary homelessness enabling them to regain their independence.

What Makes IHN Unique?

• IHN is the only agency in Northern Kentucky where every guest family stays together regardless of the children’s age.
• Without IHN, families are forced to split up with older boys going to foster care, dads going to one agency and moms and little ones going to another.
• The IHN program is 98% volunteer driven—allowing your contributions to go directly to the help of the guest families.

Service Statistics ~ 2009
Number of Families Served………………………….….29
Number of People Served…………………………..….104
Number of Children Under 18 Served……………..68
Average Length of Stay…………………..………41 Days
Average Cost to Provide Service…….…$49.41/Day
Shelter Units (24 hr. periods per person)….4,261
Meals Served……………………………………………..12,619
Success as Measured By:
Permanent Housing Attained…………..……..48%
Maintained or Increased Income……….…..69%
Number of Host Churches………………………………..10
Number of Support Churches…………………………..45
Number of Volunteers………………….…...Over 1,000

Here at our parish we are blessed to be a HOST parish and our PSR program loves to serve.  So we assist with setup/take down since this occurs during our PSR session.  On December 5th the Eighth graders helped set up and prepare for the families arrivals.  Our Second graders prepared their fruit basket as usual.  This was a busy day because many of the grades were receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation as well.

Our Reconciliation Service  was titled "GIVE US ADVENT HEARTS."

 

Advent is a time of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Jesus. It is a time for Christians to reflect upon what they can share with others in return for all the gifts God has given them, especially the gift of Jesus.  Our culture offers a different message, however. It says: think about all the things you want, make lists, and make demands.  There is no place for the babe born in Bethlehem in this scenario.  There is only place for our greedy selves.

We have to make a special effort with our children during Advent to direct them away from selfish receiving to unselfish giving.  Most of them need very little, but many in our world are in great need, This service directs children to reflect on the needs of others, and it suggest that they can best prepare for Jesus' birthday by reaching out to those in need.  For those waiting to receive the sacrament they made Christmas cards for the families. 

After the prayer service Mrs. Bailey was so thankful and we had enough to place on each bed and all through out the convent.  So no matter where these families were they knew that the love of Christ filled this parish.

Doors leading to dining area where the families eat.

Cards in the dining area.

Kitchen - more cards for the families to read!

A card placed on each bed - what a surprise!

PSR JANUARY SCHEDULE

January 2     Ministries 9:30 Mass - No Class
January 9     Class - Progress Reports sent home
January 13 First Reconciliation Celebration*
                    7:00 p.m. Memorial Hall
January 16   Class
January 23   Class
January 30   Class

*for more information check out the 2nd Grade-Linda Goetz tab

Celebration of Nations Prayer Service - October 24, 2010

Procession: 
CRY THE GOSPEL
(click on the link above in a new window by right clicking to listen to the song as you browse the blog)

Each classroom is led by a student carrying the class candle followed by the poster for their grade.

The poster's above represent the theme that was covered for each grade.

Class candles by the globe - it's up to us to keep the light burning!  Jesus is the light of the world!

Call to Prayer

Welcome, everyone, to our Celebration of Nations prayer service.

During the lesson all of us learned more about being a part of God's family.  Jesus invited us to celebrate our part of God's family.  Jesus invited each of us to celebrate our connection to our brothers and sisters throughout the world.

We learned that through our baptism each of us is called to be a missionary.

We watched and listened to stories about people throughout the world; people just like us who want to live in peace and have opportunities to go to school, receive health care and make the world a better place.

Today we are going to celebrate the family of God; a family that includes brothers and sisters from every nation.

Readings:

(click on each link below to get the reading)

First Reading - Romans 12:5-6, 15-16, 19

Responsorial Psalm - PSALM #100

Response: Come into his presence with songs of joy!

Gospel - Matthew 24:34-40

 Student Sharing

After hearing the word of God each grade participated in sharing what they learned during their lesson.

(visit the tab for each grade on the blog to review the topics that were covered)

 

 

Litany

We gather today to share our faith in God and our belief that all people are part of God's family.

Teach us to love, Lord, and be willing to serve our brothers and sisters. 

 

We thank you God for calling us to be your witnesses in the world today.  We ask that you give us hearts filled with love and the courage to speak your word and do your work right where we are.  We ask this in the name of your son, Jesus.....

AMEN

 Conclusion

Today we came together to celebrate the beauty and diversity of God's family.  We came together to celebrate the work that missionaries do throughout the world and to accept that we, too, are missionaries.  As missionaries we are called to:

• Share what we have with one another.
• Work to eliminate the poverty in our own community.
• Welcome all people because they are part of God's family.
• Take care of creation because it is God's gift to us.
• Respect people whose faith and cultures are different from our own.
• Follow Jesus' teachings to love one another each and every day.

Let us go forth now to love God and create a better world.

Recessional

Go Make a Difference
(click on the link above in a new window by right clicking and listen to the song.)

NOW GO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!

Mission Sunday - October 24th

Journey With Jesus

Program Overview

The primary goal of mission education is to foster a missionary dimension in the lives of students as well as to broaden their worldviews so that they grow to understand how all humanity is connected and recognize the face of Jesus in all whom they are called to see as brothers and sisters.  Journey With Jesus seeks to provide tools for catechists to bring students to an understanding of the universality of the Church and Jesus' call to "bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives and the blind new sight. to set the downtrodden free." (Luke 4:18)

The decision to develop the program around the concept of themes rather than countries was motivated by the realities of globalization and its impact on all levels of society throughout the world as well as the input from missionaries who shared their concerns about the need to connect causes and effects on the global stage.  missionaries challenged us to look not only on the poverty and deprivation which millions of people face, but to look at the root causes.  They challenge us to ask the question, "Is there a connection between the over-consumption of some and the poverty of many?"

Journey With Jesus introduces a new them at each grade level, provides students with an understanding of how that reality impacts people globally and gives specific examples of how missionaries are working with people to create a world that reflects God's kingdom on earth.

THEMES

Grade One - Families Around the World

Grade Two - Building Communities of Peace

Grade Three - Respect for All God's People

Grade Four - Care for Creation

Grade Five - Respect for Different Faith Traditions

Grade Six - Standing on the Side of the Poor

Grade Seven - Beyond Borders; Migrants, Immigrant and Refugees

Grade Eight - Culture; Gift and Blessing

The primary goals of Journey With Jesus are to:

• Give students a deeper understanding of their baptismal call to mission
• Develop global awareness and a sense of the interconnectedness of all creation
• Encourage students to reflect and become active participants in creating God's kingdom on earth

Where will we go....?

Important Dates in PSR Program

October 14th - First Reconciliation Parent Meeting
                        Parents only!!!!
                        7:00 PM Memorial Hall


October 24th - Mission Sunday


October 28th - Confirmation Parent Meeting
                        7:00 PM Memorial Hall

October 31st - Confirmation Commitment Mass
                        9:30 AM Mass

First Service Projects of the Year

This past Sunday, September 19th, our second graders started their service project for the year: collecting fruit and putting together a welcome basket for families that will be staying with through the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN). The students and their teacher, Mrs. Goetz asked for donations of fresh fruit to fill the basket and then took some time to add the fruit to the basket and walk it over to the Convent where the families would be arriving that afternoon. This a wonderful opportunity for our students to be a part of this wonderful service that our Parish is a part of, and for them to give back some of the blessings that have been given with others. Below are some pictures of our second graders and their hard work! We will host for IHN again in about 3 months and we look forward to all of your help in this wonderful project!

The finished product and some happy kids!!!

Working cooperatively to make the basket.

Going to the Convent to deliver the basket and learn about what IHN does for needy families.

While our 2nd graders were working hard on their fruit baskets the 7th graders were hard at work too! Mr. Bradtmueller took his class over to the Convent to help with the set up required before the families arrive. They worked hard moving mattresses and getting a tour of what the Parish does while our families are here for a week. It was a great opportunity for these students to realize how lucky and blessed they are and to pay it forward in a special way.

Moving in cots.

Working cooperatively to get the cots up the stairs!

Smiling kids are feel good about giving back to others!