I hope you are well!

I try not to bury you under too many emails, but I wanted to wish you all a very happy and safe Thanksgiving. 

We're about 1/3 of the way through our Religious Education year! Thank you so much for your diligence about attendance, make up work, and communication. We have learned so much already this year. Below are some bits of news that might be of interest to you!

1. The Steubenville Youth Conference, open to all current 8th through 12th graders is getting more affordable! Some of ministries have very kindly donated money to help defray costs. We have fundraising beginning in February for those who would like to go. Registration closes December 15.

2. Vacation Bible School is scheduled to return this summer!! Date to be determined. HOWEVER, we cannot do it without your help. We need a small army of volunteers. Right now, we're looking for a co-director to help our chair. Please contact me ASAP if you're interested.

3. As you may be aware the Obligation to attend Mass on Monday December 9, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, has been reinstated. The USCCB’s Office of Divine Worship, has been receiving a variety of questions and concerns and have issued a clarification regarding what Mass is to be said when, and what obligation is satisfied. Please note that Evening Masses after 4PM on Sunday, December 8th would use the Mass of the Second Sunday of Advent and yet may fulfill the Obligation for Monday if a member of the faithful has already attended an Anticipated Mass or another Sunday Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent. Therefore, if you attend the 5pm Religious Education Mass you MAY count it towards the obligation if you already attended a Sunday Mass.

4. Did your 6th through 8th grader go to PAX in November and love it? Did they miss it and want to hang out with other Catholic middle school students? Save the date!

5. As we enter into Advent, our region is offering several Penance Services. Please check your bulletin for details.

6. To help your family prepare for Christmas, consider subscribing to a weekly Advent email!

7. A little calendar reminder:

8. We also send out weekly activities to help prepare your family for Mass. You can click the button below to join!