Parents Are the Primary Religious Educators of Their Children

March Newsletter

“Parents are the primary religious educators of their children.”

The home is where a child first experiences the Catholic Faith. The Religious Education Program aims to work in partnership with parents to assist the family in living their vocation as educators of their children. In a world that increasingly requires a deep and committed faith in our homes, our goal this coming year is to find deep and meaningful ways to help your family grow in that faith. We will be sharing with you as we work in this direction. We ask that you prayerfully consider how God is calling you to bring Faith not only to your children but to those you meet. Be an active part, attend Mass faithfully, pray daily and seek to do the will of God.

Registration

Registration for 2017/2018 Religious Education School year has begun. If you have not picked up your form please stop in the CCD office before, during or after classes on Wednesdays to get your form. They may also be picked up during the day Monday thru Thursday, call the office at 575-8132 to arrange to get your form. Completed registration forms must be turned in by March 29 to guarantee your students a place in the program. Payment may be made in full or part at registration with the balance due at the beginning of class. You must be a registered member of OLV parish. Please don’t wait to sign up, spots fill quickly.

Volunteers Needed

If you are interested in becoming part of the Religious Education Ministry we have a place for you. We need those who would like to teach, aide in a classroom, work in the office, or help with “security” in the halls. All supplies and training are provided. Just give us a call or indicate on your registrations form.

Parent Survey

Please watch for our parent survey coming out soon. Your opinions, concerns and suggestions are very much appreciated and needed. As we work to help families share their faith with their students we are always looking for ways to better help you! Please feel free at any time to contact the office or stop by and see us!

FISH FRY

OLV Youth Ministry is hosting a Fish Fry on Wednesday March 3, 10, 24 or April 7. Menu : Fish, Shrimp, Coleslaw, Green Beans, Hush Puppies & Garlic Bread for $9. Dine in or Drive beginning at 4:45 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering to help please come to the cafeteria at 4 p.m.

POST CONFIRMATION PROGRAM THIS FALL – Watch for details.

Lent 2017

Make Lent more meaningful for your family by attending Lenten Services here at OLV:

Solemn Vespers (Evening Prayer) – Every Sunday 4:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Adoration: Tuesday March 7, 21 and April 11: 7:00 -8:00 p.m.

Stations of the Cross – Every Friday 6:00 p.m.

All of these special times will be counted as “Spiritual Exercise Hours” for Confirmation

SPRING 2017 CALENDAR

March

8 – Regular Class

Deadline for all Confirmation Requirements
Registration

15 – No Class Spring Break

22 – Regular Class

Registration

23 – Safe Environment 6-8:00 p.m.

29 – Regular Class

1st Communion Parent’s Class 6:30 – 7:30 (Library)

Registration Closes

April

3- Parish Penance Service

5 – Last Regular Class

6- Safe Environment 9:00-11:00 a.m. or 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

19 – First Communion Practice 6:15 p.m.

22 – First Communion – Pruett/Mitchell Classes 5:30 p.m.

23 – First Communion – Ortega 9:00 a.m.

Frair/ Cheramie Classes – 11:30 a.m.

26 – Confirmation Practice – 6:30 p.m.

30 - Confirmation – 2:00 p.m. in the Cathedral

Classes for 2017/2018 Begin August 30

Register by March 29 to assure your family a place in this program.

WHAT WILL I DO FOR LENT?

THREE PILLARS OF LENTEN OBSERVANCE

The three traditional pillars of Lenten observance are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The Church asks us to surrender ourselves to prayer and to the reading of Scripture, to fasting and to giving alms. The fasting that all observe together on Fridays is but a sign of the daily Lenten discipline of individuals and households: fasting for certain periods of time, fasting from certain foods, but also fasting from other things and activities. Likewise, the giving of alms is an effort to share this world equally – not only through the distribution of money, but through the sharing of our time and talents.

THE RULE OF FASTING AND ABSTINENCE

Catholics between the ages of 18 & 59 (inclusive) are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. In addition, all Catholics 14 years old and older must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent.

Fasting means partaking of only one full meal. Some food (not equaling another full meal) is permitted at breakfast and around midday or in the evening—depending on when a person chooses to eat the main or full meal.

Abstinence forbids the use of meat, but not of eggs or milk products. Abstinence does not include meat juices and liquid foods made from meat. Foods such as chicken broth, consommé, soups cooked or flavored with meat, meat gravies or sauces, as well as seasonings or condiments made from animal fat are not forbidden. It is permissible to use butter, lard and bacon drippings.

“Denying material food, which nourishes our body, nurtures an interior disposition to listen to Christ and be fed by His saving word. Through fasting and praying, we allow Him to come and satisfy the deepest hunger that we experience in the depths of our being: the hunger and thirst for God.” – Pope Benedict XVI, Message for Lent 2009.

FASTING/ABSTINENCE (Which of these will I choose?)

____I will not eat meat on Fridays in Lent.

____I will not eat meat on Wednesdays in Lent.

____I will give up ______.

____I will give up using the internet on Sundays, or these specific sites: ______.

ALMSGIVING (Which of these will I choose?)

____I will give up a specific expensive habit: ______and use the money saved for:

____a donation to a charity (Lenten Rice Bowl, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Food Bank of the Golden Crescent, etc.).

____a donation for my Easter offering.

____a donation to ______.

____I will volunteer my time at a local charity: ______.

____I will make the time to welcome people coming to our church for Mass.

____I will volunteer my time and talents to my parish during Lent by ______.

____I will set Sundays apart from the rest of the week by spending quality time with my family.

PRAYER / SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT (Which of these will I choose?)

____I will attend Mass on Ash Wednesday, March 1 (6 AM, 8 AM, 12:05 PM, & 5:30 PM).

____I will make the Stations of the Cross as a personal devotion at least once each week (Fridays, 6 PM).

____I will read and reflect on the Sunday readings before coming to Mass.

____I will come to Mass _____ minutes early to prepare my soul for Mass.

____I will attend Sunday Vespers (Evening Prayer) at 4 PM.

____I will attend Eucharistic Adoration (Tuesdays- March 7,21, & April 11; 7:00-8:00 PM)

____I will attend Mass during the week (6 AM Monday-Friday; 8 AM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; 5:30 PM Wednesday

and Friday).

____I will make my confession during Lent.

____I will attend the Credible Witness Classes, Disciples on the Journey, and/or Young Adult Lenten Faith Sharing.

____I will read a spiritual book for Lent.

____I will take time out of my schedule for “quiet time” ___ minutes each day, or ___ minutes each week.

____I will read the Holy Week Gospels a little every day, with devotion and meditation.

____I will attend the Chrism Mass (Tuesday, April 11, 10 AM).

____I will attend the services during Holy Week:

_____Holy Thursday 6:30 PM; _____Good Friday 1 PM, 7 PM; ____Easter Vigil Mass 8 PM

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