Formed Meeting - 24APR16

Parents/Guardians:

Next Sunday, April 24th, we will have our fourth session of Symbolon 'Formed' Meeting during PSR (9:40AM - 11AM) in the Library.

Session 4: The Story of Salvation

The story of salvation began with Creation itself—and a decision made then that affects all of us to this present day. How did the events of an ancient past set into motion God's rescue-operation to save us from an eternal death? 

First Communion Meeting 20APR16

April 17, 2016

Dear Parents of Second Graders,

First Communion preparation time is here. This is a special time for you and your child. On Wednesday, April 20th 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
Jana Hagedorn
Linda Goetz
Melissa Holzmacher
Steven Fischer

Session Three: The Bible - God's Love Letter to Humanity

This Sunday, January 24th, we will have our third session of Symbolon 'Formed' Meeting during PSR (9:40AM - 11AM) in the Library.

Session 3: The Bible

Is the Bible more than just a collection of ancient writings, more than simply an important historical document to be appreciated but ultimately dismissed? Is it possible that God reveals His truth to us through "Sacred Scripture"? If so, what does that really mean for our faith? 

Thank you for your continued support not only in this program, but in the faith of your children.  Your example of what it means to be a Catholic and how we live our faith in our daily lives is more powerful than anything that can be taught through a text book.

We hope to see you there, Coffee and muffins will be provided and we will meet in the Library.  Please email saintjosephpsr@gmail.com, so that we have an accurate count for supplies and food.

DUE TO WEATHER - PSR IS CANCELLED for SUNDAY JAN 10th

JANUARY SCHEDULE

JAN 3rd     NO CLASS - CHRISTMAS BREAK (UPDATE)

JAN 10th   CLASS RESUMES/PROGRESS REPORT sent home

JAN  14th  FIRST RECONCILIATION 7PM CHURCH

JAN 17th   9:30AM PSR MASS (students will sit with their class in the front of church, St. Joseph Side)

JAN 24th   CLASS

JAN 31st   CLASS/ ACRE ASSESSMENT 5th & 8th Grade

God Bless Our Family

Today and Every day, let this quiet, tender moment of Our Lord's own family touch our hearts and change our lives.

God, bless our family.  Make it like the family of your Son.  May our moments of sorrow give way to seasons of joy.  May the memory of harsh words fade before the warmth of a loving touch.  May there never be pain that a kind embrace cannot lessen.  May the tears of sorrow always be replaced by the music of laughter.  May resentment be banished from our home and forgiveness reign in our hearts.  Today and every day.

Let the only living thing that is stronger than the love that binds our family together be your love, O God, which makes all creation one.  Let it be, God, until that day when your gentle guidance brings each of us to our eternal home and your loving arms. AMEN.

DECEMBER SCHEDULE

December 6                Class, Reconciliation (Convent) (2nd Week of Advent)

Tuesday, December 8^th – Immaculate Conception (HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION)

December 13              Class, Reconciliation (Convent) (3^rd Week of Advent)

December 20              Class, (4^th Week of Advent) 

            Thursday, December 25^th – Christmas (HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION)

December 27              No Class, Christmas Break

            Friday, January 1^st – Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION)

Happy Halloween

NOVEMBER SCHEDULE

November 1                Class

November 8                Class, Safe Environment

Tuesday, November 10          First Reconciliation Parent Meeting

7:00 p.m. Church 

November 15              Class

                                             Closing of 40 Hours

                                             4pm Church (3^rd and 8^th Grade participate – all are welcome)

November 22              Class

November 29              No Class – Thanksgiving Break (1st Week of Advent)

OCTOBER SCHEDULE

October 4                    No Class – Fall Break (CCS* Fall Break Oct 5-9)

October 11                  Class

Thursday, October 15  Confirmation Parent Meeting

                                     7:00 p.m. Church

October 18                  Class, Mission Sunday

                                         Confirmation Commitment Mass 

                                         11:30 a.m. Mass 

October 25                  Class – Saint’s Alive 9:30 – 12 MH

            Sunday, November 1^st – All Saints Day (HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION)

Reminder: NEW PARENT ORIENTATION - AUGUST 30th

NEW PARENT ORIENTATION 

will be held this Sunday, August 30th 

from 9:40AM - 10:40AM

in the LIBRARY.

ALL NEW FAMILIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.

“Parents are the first and foremost catechists of their children.  They catechize informally but powerfully by example and instruction.  They communicate values and attitudes by showing love for Christ and His Church and for each other, by reverently receiving the Eucharist and living in its spirit, and by fostering justice and love in all their relationships.  Their active involvement in the parish, their readiness to seek opportunities to serve others and their practice of frequent and spontaneous prayer, all make meaningful their professions of belief.  Parents nurture faith in their children by showing them the richness and beauty of lived faith.”

‘SHARING THE LIGHT OF FAITH’

NATIONAL CATECHETICAL DIRECTORY

for Catholics of the U.S.

SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE

September 6         No Class – Labor Day

September 13       Class

                           2nd and 5th Grade - Bibles (CONVENT)

September 20       PSR OPENING MASS – please arrive at 9:15am in Church, seats will be reserved

September 27       Class
                           Scapular - Grade 3 (CLASSROOM)

It's not too late to register!

We had a great first day of class on August 16th. If you didn’t make it, it’s not too late.  We are still accepting registrations for K through 8.

Our theme this year is “Be An Instrument of God’s Mercy”.  What came to mind is Casting Crowns – Jesus, Friend of Sinners lyrics. “Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers. Let our hearts be led by mercy. Help us reach with open hearts and open doors.  Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, Break our hearts for what breaks yours.” It’s going to be another exciting year growing in the faith and we look forward to partnering with you in this journey.

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! **

Classes Started August 16th

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

Thank you for your prayers, we have filled our catechist positions.

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

The question isn’t “Are you being called?”

You are.

The question is “To what are you being called?”

Because you are being called to something.

And, just maybe, this August, you’re being called to make sure the flame of faith that shines in you is passed on to the next generation. 

Around this time of year, in parishes around the country, Parish Leaders and catechists are making their annual plea for volunteers to teach in religious education programs. The larger the parish, the more likely they are to be short-handed.

Your children–and all the children of our parish–deserve a solid, authentic education in the truths of the faith. Our mission is to inspire students to embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to be and to do their best, to be lifelong learners and to live their Catholic faith.

And you know what? You–the person who cares enough to read this far –may be the person to do that. You don’t need to be comfortable speaking in public (few people are) or a tiny Aquinas. You just need to a) learn all you can about your faith, b) accept it, and c) teach it faithfully.

See, that call that goes out each year for a gray mass of general “volunteers” is all wrong. It says, “We need anyone with a pulse.”

No. We need you. You specifically. Your talent, your fidelity, your skills.

Many programs are just beginning now. Even those that have already begun are likely to need extra people. Quiet your mind, think, breathe, pray, and listen to the Spirit working you. He may just be calling you to catechetical ministry.

Currently we are in need of catechist for Kindergarten and 5th grade, along with substitute teachers or aides. Our Parish School of Religion (PSR) is a program designed for the children of our parish who attend schools without formal religious catholic education as part of their curriculum. We follow the Campbell County school schedule and meet every Sunday from 9:30-11am.

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 16        First Day of Class
August 23        Class
August 30        Class (New Parent Orientation)
September 6     No Class - Labor Day
September 13   Class
September 20   PSR OPENING MASS - 9:30AM

It's not too late to register!

Thank you to all the families that joined us during our Open House/Registration on August 9th. If you didn’t make it, it’s not too late.  Classes start August 16^th.  

Our theme this year is “Be An Instrument of God’s Mercy”.  What came to mind is Casting Crowns – Jesus, Friend of Sinners lyrics. “Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers. Let our hearts be led by mercy. Help us reach with open hearts and open doors.  Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, Break our hearts for what breaks yours.” It’s going to be another exciting year growing in the faith and we look forward to partnering with you in this journey.

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! ** 

Classes Start August 16^th

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

We are still in need of a Catechist for Kindergarten and 5th grade, if you are feeling called to this ministry please reach out!

Open House/Registration August 9th, 2015 (Library 9:30-11AM)

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 do their best

·         To be lifelong learners

·         To live their Catholic faith

We seek to fulfill this mission by living our faith and letting our hearts be led by God’s mercy. In order for this program to serve its mission, it is essential that the administration, catechists and parents all partner together and be role models for the sake of the children and their families.

Our theme this year is “Be An Instrument of God’s Mercy”. Our Pope, back on April 11th of this year said ‘This is a time for the Church to rediscover the meaning of the mission entrusted to her by the Lord on the day of Easter; to be a sign and an instrument of the Father’s Mercy. It is a year in which to be touched by the Lord Jesus and to be transformed by his mercy, so that we may become witnesses to mercy.’ Pope Francis proclaimed the Jubilee and informed us that the Holy Year of Mercy opens on December 2015 so it is only appropriate for our theme to be around mercy this year.

Music of course is an instrument to many hearts and what came to mind is Casting Crowns – Jesus, Friend of Sinners lyrics. “Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers. Let our hearts be led by mercy. Help us reach with open hearts and open doors.  Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, Break our hearts for what breaks Yours.” It’s going to be another exciting year growing in the faith and we look forward to partnering with you in this journey.

Our PSR Program offers instructions to students in grades K- 8 who are members of St. Joseph Parish.  We offer a nine-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.

Make sure you follow us on our blog.  This 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. 

The Religious Education Fee is:

Make checks payable to St. Joseph Church (memo – include child’s name)

One Child                       $50.00 (includes $2.00 diocesan fee)

            Two Children                   $100.00 (includes diocesan fee)

            Three or more                 $50.00 each child – 1 free (includes diocesan fee) 

Note: There is an additional $10 Sacramental fee per child that is in the 2^nd or 8^th Grade

Again, I am looking forward to another great year!  If you have any suggestions or comments for the program I am always looking for feedback.

Steven M. Fischer 
Coordinator of Religious Education 
St. Joseph Parish School of Religion
(859) 240-8207 cell
E-Mail: saintjosephpsr@gmail.com 
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13

Pope Francis calls for a Holy Year emphasizing God’s Mercy

Pope Francis stood in front of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on April 11 and handed copies of a document to Vatican officials proclaiming the 2015-2016 a Holy Year of Mercy. Mercy is what makes God perfect and all-powerful, Pope Francis said in his document called “The Face of Mercy.” “If God limited himself to only justice, he would cease to be God, and would instead be like human beings who ask merely that the law be respected.” The year will begin on December 8, 2015.

In his homily for evening prayer in St. Peter’s Basilica on Divine Mercy Sunday, the pope said he proclaimed the Year of Mercy because “it is the favorable time to heal wounds. It’s a time not to be weary of meeting all those who are waiting to see and touch with their hands the signs of the closeness of God, a time to offer everyone the way of forgiveness and reconciliation.”

The boundless mercy and forgiveness of God have been constant themes of Pope Francis’ preaching. The Old Testament stories show how God repeatedly offered mercy to his unfaithful people and the New Testament stories of Jesus’ compassion, healing and mercy demonstrate, “the mercy of God is not an abstract idea, but a concrete reality through which he reveals his love,” just like mothers and fathers love their children.

The Pope urged all Catholics to spend more time practicing what traditionally have been called the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The corporal works are: feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, visiting the imprisoned, giving drink to the thirsty and burying the dead. The spiritual works are: converting sinners, instructing the ignorant, advising the doubtful, comforting the sorrowful, bearing wrongs patiently, forgiving injuries and praying for the living and dead.

Recognizing that they have been treated with mercy by God, he said, “Christians are obliged to treat others with mercy. In fact, the Gospel says that Christians will be judged by the mercy they show others.”

“This is a time for the church to rediscover the meaning of the mission entrusted to her by the Lord on Easter: to be a sign and an instrument of the Father’s mercy. Consequently, the Holy Year must keep alive the desire to know how to welcome the many signs of the tenderness that God offers to the whole world and, above all, to those who suffer, who are alone and abandoned, without hope of being pardoned or feeling the Father’s love.”

The Pope said that the Year of Mercy is also a way to keep the Second Vatican Council alive. “The walls that too long had made the church a kind of fortress were torn down and the time had come to proclaim the Gospel in a new way.” The council recognized “a responsibility to be a living sign of the Father’s love in the world.”

The life and action of the church “are authentic and credible only when she becomes a convincing herald of mercy” that “knows no bounds and extends to everyone without exception.” Preaching mercy is different from ignoring sin or withholding correction. Instead, mercy invites repentance and conversion and ensures the sinner that once God forgives a sin, he forgets it.

“At times we might find it to forgive,” he said. “Yet pardon is the instrument placed into our fragile hands to attain peace of heart. To let go of anger, wrath, violence and revenge are necessary conditions to living joyfully.”

The date the Pope chose to open the year, December 8, 2015 is the feast of the Immaculate Conception and the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council.

Posted on Fri, April 24, 2015 by The Lafourche Gazett

http://www.tlgnewspaper.com/pope-francis-calls-for-a-holy-year-emphasizing-gods-mercy

PSR OPEN HOUSE/Registration

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 9, 2015

9:30AM – 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 August 16th, and are held Sunday mornings from 9:30 am – 11 am.

Kindergarten - 8th Grade

We are still in need of a Catechist for Kindergarten and 5th grade, if you are feeling called to this ministry please reach out!