Saint Helen Fest last weekend was incredible! Our spirits were not dampened by the “pre-game” rain at all. Many thanks to all who made it possible: staff and volunteers alike. A special thank you to Ellen Murphy, who led the committee, and our generous sponsors. All truly made this such a successful community/parish event.
This week we begin our OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) for people who are exploring their Catholic faith and/or are interested in becoming a Catholic. This program is for anyone who would like to be Baptized and/or receive the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil in 2024. If you would like to learn more, contact me as soon as possible as the program will begin this week on September 19th.
This week also begins all our catechetical programs for our young parishioners. In addition to our Religious Education programs beginning this week, we also have the following programs that will begin soon:
Kids Corner is a worship experience for our parishioners ages 2 through 5 years old during the 10:00 Sunday Mass. We use music, cartoons, and fellowship to provide a meaningful religious and spiritual experience. The children are broken down into different age groups. Parents drop off their children at 9:45 in the Monsignor Meaney Parish Center and pick them up after the 10:00 Mass. This starts next weekend on Sunday, September 24th.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is a Liturgy of the Word designed for children in grades 1-4. Also, during the 10:00 Mass, the children will be dismissed after the Opening Prayer of Mass, gather in the Chapel, and hear readings and a message at an age-appropriate message. This will also start on Sunday, September 24th.
GAIM (Gospel Alive in Me) Time is a similar Liturgy of the Word for grades 5-8 and will occur two times per month beginning in October. There will also be a gathering of this age group for a GAIM Social once a month, following GAIM Time.
Finally on Friday, September 22nd at 6:00 in the Gym, we have a Welcome Back Kick-Off for our newly formed Elementary Families Together (EFT) (Grades 1-4). While this is a social gathering, we ask each family to bring one loaf of bread as we will be making sandwiches for the needy.
Please see our website for additional information or reach out to our Reception Desk and we can direct you to the resource with the information for your young children.
God Bless you all,
Msgr. Tom
