Dear Religious Education Parents,
Welcome to the St. Norbert Religious Education Program. We hope the time the children spend in class will help them know the love of Christ.
Catechesis links our human experience to the revealed word of God, helping people make meaning out of their lives. When children experience God’s loving presence at home they form a basis for answering the important question of life. The task of parents and catechists is to relate the message of Christ in a way children can understand. Sharing your faith is easier if you know why you do it and are secure in your own knowledge. Toward this goal, we are conducting a series of presentations and discussions during the Monday, 4:30 class sessions this fall in Grace Hall; babysitting will be provided.
Oct. 19 : “Why Do We Do That? ” Fr. Bill Vollmer will consider questions children ask their parents, such as "Why does the priest wear green most of the year? What does the use of incense mean? Why do we make the Sign of the Cross?" The Church uses symbols and rituals to express profound truths. Come and deepen your knowledge of our Catholic faith and be ready for your children's inquiries.
Nov. 16 : “Remember Who You Are ” with Fr. Bob Heinz. Life can come at us fast and, at times, hard. In those times we can forget who we are and that we are the beloved of God. Join him as he looks to the Gospel for guidance in our lives.
Nov. 22: “Spiritual but not Religious? The Gen. X and Millennial Generations and Our Search for Faith ” with Justin Huyck, Director of Liturgy and Faith Formation at Our Lady of the Brook Parish. Those of us born in the 1960's and later tend to see faith in different ways than our parents; church leaders do not always "get us". But with our faith experiences, from church to stadium rock to MTV and You Tube, we have much to offer the Church and hand on to our children.
Our Grade level Sunday masses at 9:30 were very well attended last year. The children brought gifts for the needy and participated in the opening procession. It was great to see the 'peer' groups gathering as a community. This year's mass schedule is as follows:
Sept. 27- 4th grade - Books; Oct. 25 - 3rd grade - Hats & mittens; Nov. 8 - 2nd grade - El Nino Rey; Jan. 24 - 5th grade - Baby items; Feb. 28 - 1st grade - Food items; March 21 - 7th & 8th grades - items for Habitat for Humanity; April 26 - 6th grade - items for Nursing Homes; May 16 - 2nd grade - None.
Most importantly, take your children to church and talk to them about your faith in God; these actions will have the greatest impact in leading your children to a life of faith.
Sincerely,
Judy Klein
Directory of Religious Education
Fall, 2009
Dear Parents,
Faith formation is a life long process. Sometimes this is misunderstood because we have connected the Religious Education process to coincide with the academic year. We never really graduate from Religious Ed/Faith formation like we do in an academic career. We are never quite finished with our formation because our God is never quite finished with us. I know that in my own life I have learned more about God since my ordination than I did before it. Faith formation is acknowledging, tending to and learning about our relationship with God. Like any relationship, if we take it for granted it will begin to fade and eventually will fail us.
My desire for both you and your children is to help you strengthen your relationship with God. I have this desire because of what it says in the gospel of John, “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.” God’s desire for us is to know His joy and to know it completely. It is a joy that this world cannot give us. It is a joy that is so fulfilling and life giving that it transcends this life and we know it is from God.
I pray our efforts this year will strengthen you and your children’s relationship with God and in doing so deepen the joy of knowing God and God’s love for you.
In Christ,
Fr. Bob Heinz, Pastor
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