St. Raymond
Catholic
Parish Handbook
1
Dear Friends,
It is a great joy to write this letter in our newest
and latest revised parish handbook!
I am inspired by the generosity of time, talent
and treasure that I have witnessed since I was
assigned to serve the St. Raymond Community
as pastor. This handbook is an attempt to
describe some of the ways we try to follow the
example of Jesus by what we say and do.
One day, each of us hopes the Lord will
welcome us into God’s Kingdom. We are
assured of that hope when we follow Jesus’
example of washing feet, of clothing the naked,
of feeding that hungry, of comforting the sick,
lonely or imprisoned
and of embracing the
sinner. We are a faith community committed to
praying for one another as well as praying for
the needs of the whole world.
I hope this guide will encourage you in the
activities you are already involved in by assuring
you that we do this together and do not ever
have to do it alone. I hope that if you have not
yet connected with any activity or ministry in the
parish that this handbook will help to make that
commitment. I promise you that we will all be
enriched and better off as a parish when you
2
say yes to the choices presented here. I also
promise that you will receive more than you give
out again and again.
Please know that the entire Pastoral Staff is
here to assist you. If you have questions about
something in this booklet, please give a call. If
you have suggestions for something you do not
find here, but believe would help us demonstrate
god’s love by what we say and do, please call
one of the staff.
For whatever reason, God has brought us
together. When we experience each other in
love, we have a foretaste of the Kingdom in our
midst. May each of you find hospitality and love
here. May each of us help the other on the way
to the joy of God’s Kingdom.
Fr. Robert J. McCann & The Entire Staff of
St. Raymond
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St. Raymond Catholic Church
11555 Shannon Avenue
Dublin, CA 94568
925-828-2460
fax 925-828-8610
Website
St. Raymond Elementary School
11557 Shannon Ave.
Dublin, CA 94568
925-828-4064 / 925-828-4052
ST. RAYMOND PARISH VISION STATEMENT
SAINT RAYMOND’S EMBRACES WHAT IT IS TO BE A
CATHOLIC COMMUNITY. OUR RICH FAITH HERITAGE
GUIDES US AS A WELCOMING COMMUNITY OF
DISCIPLES LIVING THE GOSPEL MESSAGE OF JESUS
CHRIST, WHO IS THE SOURCE OF ALL WE ARE AND
DO. NOURISHED BY LITURGY AND PERSONAL
PRAYER, AS LIVED IN SERVICE TO GOD’S PEOPLE,
WE ARE OPEN TO ALL, MAKING IT A PLACE OF
WORSHIP FOR MANY FACES BUT ONE FAMILY.
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ST. RAYMOND PARISH MISSION STATEMENT
In the Spirit of the second Vatican Council, we are called upon as the people of
Saint Raymond Catholic Community to Grow in our commitment to the Lord
Jesus Christ and to each other through our worship, service and community
efforts. We will strive to accomplish this mission by following the ten essentials
of Parish Life. We do this by:
providing for the spiritual and physical needs of our members as they are
made known to us;
providing quality faith formation for all ages through a comprehensive
catechetical program that is sensitive to and nurtures the individual’s faith
journey within our community;
welcoming all people with loving openness and hospitality; and
responding to the diversity of our members by providing avenues of
expression specific to the needs.
The
SIGN and SOURCE of our unity is the celebration of the Eucharist and all
the sacraments as well as the vitality of our liturgical life. Continuing to enliven
our faith through the Holy Spirit is central to our mission of giving ever clearer
witness to the kingdom of God.
We encourage all parishioners to become involved in carrying out our mission
as God's people. We invite each parishioner to pray for God's guidance and to
seek a place in the exciting reality of God's work among us and through us to
our community and world.
WE, THE COMMUNITY OF ST. RAYMOND PARISH, ARE COMMITTED TO:
deepening our spiritual life through ongoing education, enhanced liturgical
celebrations, and an expanded sense of community;
inviting to fuller participation in our community those marginalized people
whose needs we have not traditionally met;
providing avenues of outreach into our local and neighboring communities by
developing awareness of others' needs as well as an awareness of our call to apply
Gospel values in meeting those needs;
continuing to accommodate our parish growth by assessing and
implementing facility upgrades to all areas of our parish plant to meet
requirements of programs, both existing and planned.
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MASS SCHEDULE:
Weekdays: 8:30 a.m.
Monday – Saturday
Saturday: 5:00 p.m.
(Youth/Young Adult)
7:00 p.m.
(Spanish)
Sunday:
7:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
12:00 p.m.
Holy Days: as announced (check bulletin for times)
SACRAMENT
OF RECONCILIATION:
Saturday:
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
PARISH OFFICE HOURS:
828-2460
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE HOURS: 365-0014
Monday 8-4:30
Tuesday-Wednesday 9-5:30
Thursday 10-7:30
Friday 8-12
ST. RAYMOND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
828-4064
Monday – Friday
7:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
365-0013
Office Hours Vary Please Call
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PASTORAL STAFF:
Rev. Robert J. McCann, Pastor
365-0017
Rev. Terence O‘Malley, Parochial Vicar
365-0018
Diana Bitz, Pastoral Associate
365-0015
Deacon Joe Sicat
Robbie Cakebread, Music Director
365-0037
Colleen Kenney, Director Youth & Young Adult Ministries
365-0033
Lynne Kennedy Mullen, Principal St. Raymond School
Maggie Ringle, Director of Religious Education
365-0012
PARISH STAFF:
Virginia Courey, Parish Administrative Assistant
828-2460
Christina Chavez Religious Education
Administrative Assistant
365-0014
Sandy Cramer, School Secretary
365-0023
Margaret Snyder, School Administrative Assistant
365-0021
Karin Wyatt, Parish Bookkeeper
365-0016
Jennifer Mosel,
Wedding Coordinator,
365-0015
Bill Hodges & Jose Rivera, Facility Maintenance
365-0050
PASTORAL COUNCIL PRESIDENT: Tom McClean
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SACRAMENTS
A
S
:
For individual anointing call the parish office 828-2460. You may
also see one of the priests after the morning masses to receive the
sacrament.
If there is a medical emergency call the office number anytime.
Anyone facing a serious illness or surgery may celebrate this
Sacrament.
After hours if you have an emergency and you require a priest,
call 828-2460 and then press 7.
B
:
Newborn to Grade 2:
contact the Parish Office, 828-2460
Grade 3-5
contact the faith formation office 365-0014
Middle School & High School:
contact the Youth & Young Adult Ministries office, 365-0013
Adults:
contact the Pastoral Associate, Diana Bitz, 365-0015
C
High School: (refer to the Youth and Young Adult section)
contact the Youth & Young Adult Ministries office, 365-
Adults:
(refer to the Adult Spirituality & Faith Formation section)
contact the Pastoral Associate, 365-0015
F
E
Grade 2 to Grade 5: (refer to the Faith Formation section)
contact the Faith Formation office, 365-0014
Middle School & High School:
(refer to the Youth and Young Adult section)
contact the Youth & Young Adult Ministries office,
Adults:
(refer to the Adult Spirituality & Faith Formation section)
contact the Pastoral Associate, 365-0015
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M
Registered parishioners—preparation takes 12 months prior to the
wedding. Call the parish office 828-2460 to start the process.
Your wedding day is, without a doubt, one of the most important days
of your life. We join you in celebrating your happiness and want to
assist you in making your wedding day a joyous experience. So that
the day of you wedding proceeds smoothly, a wedding coordinator
will assist the couple in organizing the details of the ceremony and
managing the rehearsal.
While the wedding is one day, the marriage is a lifetime. In order to
provide a solid foundation of a healthy marriage, a year of preparation
is required. The couple will meet with the priest and attend an
Engaged Encounter. Both provide the couple with an opportunity to
explore various aspects of married life such as God-in marriage,
children, interpersonal relationships, and finances. This intense
preparation will set the couple on the path to a lasting relationship.
R
Saturdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and by appointment.
E
H
Homebound ministries enables elderly and ill parishioners to receive
communion on a weekly basis. Contact the parish office 828-2460.
………………………………………………………………………
F
Contact the parish office 828-2460.
M
I
Contact the parish office 828-2460.
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MINISTRIES
AND ORGANIZATIONS
ST. RAYMOND LIVES
THE GOSPEL
THROUGH...
Liturgy:
Altar Server
Environment
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
Linen Ministry
Lector
Pew Maintenance
Projectionist
Sacristan
Hospitality (Usher/greeter)
Music Ministry:
Children’s Choir
English Choir
Filipino Family Choir
Spanish Choir
Youth & Young Adult Choir
Adult Faith Formation:
Pre-Baptismal Catechesis
RCIA
Returning Catholics
Scripture Studies
Adult Spirituality
Cursillo Community
Ignation Exercises
M.A.T.S.—Men Awakening to Spirituality
MOM’S –Ministry of Mother’s Sharing
Small Faith Communities
WINGS—Women in God’s Spirit
Spanish Charismatic Prayer Group
English Charismatic Prayer Group
Seasonal Parish Events
Lenten Soup Nights
Parish Seder
Lent and Advent evenings of reflection
Friday night prayer during Lent
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School:
St. Raymond School Consultative Board
Faith Formation (Religious Education):
Nursery (co-op)
Sunday School (co-op)
E
:
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Faith Formation
Sacramental Preparation:
Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist
Vacation Bible Camp
Youth & Young Adult Ministries:
M
S
—JUMP:
Faith Formation Sessions
Sacramental Preparation
Baptism, First Reconciliation, First
Eucharist
JUMP Saturdays
H
S
—IGNITE:
Faith Formation Sessions
Sacramental Preparation
Confirmation
Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist
Social Events
Service Projects
Retreats
Liturgy
Y
A
:
Faith Sharing
Social Activities
Service Opportunities
Retreats
Y
A
S
N
:
Faith Sharing
Social Activities
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Evangelization / Outreach
Gabriel Project
Job Link
Kairos Prison Ministry (Spanish and English)
Ministry to the Homebound
Prayer Chain
St. Vincent DePaul
Social Justice
Parish Committees:
Diverse Cultures
Facility Maintenance Committee
Finance Committee
Parish Festival
Pastoral Council
Stewardship Committee
Welcoming Committee
Condolence Committee
Liturgy Committee
Peace and Justice
Hispanic Leadership
Parish Organizations:
Catholic Daughters
CYO
Knights of Columbus
Women’s Guild
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Parish Organizations
Catholic Daughters of the Americas
Catholic Daughters of America has
grown and developed into the largest
organization of Catholic women in the
Americas. Under the patronage of the
Blessed Mother, its members are united by their faith in Jesus Christ and their
devotion to the Church and Holy See. The purpose of the organization is to
participate in the religious, charitable and educational apostolates of the church.
Catholic Daughters of America engages in creative and spiritual programs which
provide its members with the opportunity to develop their special God-given
talents in a meaningful way to positively influence the welfare of the church and
all peoples throughout the world.
CYO—Christian Youth Organization
CYO encourages Christian values
through dedication of teamwork and
sportsmanship. St. Raymond youth participate in a variety of sports.
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic men’s fraternal
organization. Its purpose is to provide spiritual support and development to its
members and to aid the parish and the community through various works of
charity and fundraising activities.
Women’s Guild
The Women’s Guild is one of the oldest organization in our parish! Its goal is to
provide spiritual, charitable, social and educational opportunities for all women.
while giving back as much as possible to the parish and the community. For
those who are ill or may be in need, the guild has a prayer chain. The guild also
provides a Round Robin of Food for those who have suffered the death of an
immediate family member, and Joyful Meals provides meals on a short term
basis for families in need of help during times of illness. The Guild’s fund raising
efforts enable them to make contributions to the St. Raymond Building Fund,
Faith Formation program, Children’s Bell Choir, high school scholarships, Hope
Hospice, our sister parish and more.
Monthly meetings are intended to be a
social as well as educational opportunity providing interesting and informative
speakers.
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Liturgy
Celebrating the liturgy involves more than the “saying of the right words.”
The celebration of the liturgy defines who we are and our relationship
with God. As liturgical ministers, we are drawn to serve the parish
community as we explore our own spirituality.
There are many ministries: Liturgy Committee, Environment, Lector,
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Sacristan, Altar Server,
Minister of Hospitality (ushers and greeters) Linen Ministry, Projection
Ministry and Pew Cleaning. Each one of these ministries has a
coordinator that does the scheduling, training and recruiting of volunteers
from our parish. Over 300 members of our parish participate in these
ministries that celebrate our community.
Altar Server
Altar Servers are young people from grades five through twelve who have
received the Sacrament of First Communion. They assist the priest in the
celebration of Sunday Mass and participate fully in the liturgy through prayer,
song and action. Girls and boys are both welcome to serve as Altar Servers.
Liturgical Environment
The Environment committee is responsible for beautifying our worship space
with banners, floral arrangements, lighting and other appropriate ornamentations
during the different liturgical seasons of the Church year (Ordinary Time, Advent,
Christmas, Lent, Easter). Our committee creates a prayerful and inspirational
environment that enhances our liturgical worship and that is representative of the
various cultures and talents of the St. Raymond Parish community., We are al-
ways seeking volunteers of all ages who wish to participate. Artistic experience is
not necessary, but a willingness and desire to enhance the quality of our worship
is always required.
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
The sharing of the Body and Blood of Christ is the source of our collective
spiritual life. In this ministry you, with the priest, serve your sisters and brothers
by sharing with them the mystery that makes us one. Extraordinary Ministers
must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Linen Ministry
Volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that liturgical linens are crisp and clean for our
celebrations. This ministry is important as there are guidelines to follow and a
specific schedule to adhere to so that linens are ready for use at any time.
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Lector
As a lector, you are called to proclaim the Word of God. The liturgical celebration
becomes the continuing, complete, and effective presentation of God’s word.
Since as a storyteller you are called to speak the words of salvation, you must
have a willingness to study and practice the weekly scripture. Lectors must have
received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Ministers of Hospitality (ushers/greeters)
Visitors to our parish often comment about how warm and welcoming we are!
The Ministers of Hospitality are a key part of that welcome as they greet
parishioners prior to the start of Mass. During the liturgy, they set an example of
reverence, maintain order, coordinate the preparation of gifts and take up the
collection.
Pew Maintenance
To help keep our church beautiful, once
every three months on a Saturday
morning, a crew of hardy volunteers wipe down the fabric on the pews. Every six
months, they wax the woodwork. In addition, the volunteers look for any items
that may need repair.
Projectionist
To assist parishioners and visitors to fully participate in our liturgical celebration, the
songs and some prayers are displayed on screens. The Projectionist operates a
laptop computer and works with the music director to coordinate the timing of the
display. The presentation is already prepared and a printout is provided. Volunteers
will serve at the Mass they attend.
Sacristan
The Sacristan oversees the “behind the scenes” preparation for the liturgy by
preparing the hosts and wine, setting out linens, setting up for special liturgies
and preparing for baptisms. They stay in the sanctuary during Mass to respond
to any additional needs. Following the Mass, the Sacristan returns everything to
its proper place. In addition, the Sacristan does what is necessary to keep the
sanctuary and sacristy clean and orderly.
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Music Ministry
The role of music within the context of the liturgy is an ancient
one. We echo the worship of our foremothers and forefathers
in faith, the Jews, who worshipped using many instruments
and much singing in their liturgies, most especially with the
Psalms. The only way to approach God was with the sound of
the sung human voice, a view which our Church maintains.
St. Augustine said that when we sing, we pray twice.
Ministry through Music is something that we take very seri-
ously here at St. Raymond.
We spend many hours preparing
for our liturgies to ensure that we bring the best we have to
offer to our God by learning how to make music as well as we
possibly can including learning healthy singing techniques, as
well as reading music and studying the fundamental aspects
of music. We also spend time studying Scripture and under-
standing more fully the functions of music within the liturgy to
bring about a prayerful experience for all and, most impor-
tantly, a worship experience that inspires the participation of
both assembly and choir.
And we manage to do all of this while building meaningful
relationships with each other and having a whole lot of fun
doing it: we laugh together; we cry together; we bear each
other’s pain together; all while we sing together of the good-
ness of our God’s love. No previous experience require ex-
cept for a love of making music, vocal or instrumental.
Music Ministry is one choir with opportunities for the
children from Kindergarten through eighth grade to sing
at the 9:00 Mass on Sunday; for your youth or young
adult to sing at the 5:00 Mass on Saturday; for adults to
sing at the Spanish Mass at the 7:00 Mass on Saturday;
with the Filipino Community on the third Sunday of the
month at the Noon Mass; or at the 7:30 and 10:30 Masses,
which are in English.
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St. Raymond School
School
The school as an extension of the parish, offers a quality education in a Catholic
environment. Classes are offered for children in grades K-8. The school is
committed to the cognitive, emotional and spiritual growth of each student.
Children receive the benefit of education programs whose objective is to foster
faith development, as well as academic and social skills. Our philosophy
adheres to the Catholic tradition involving parents in the educational process,
providing our students with sound academic and spiritual preparation. Parents
are encouraged to become involved in the various ministries the parish offers.
School Consultative Board
The Consultative Board is composed of elected members from the parish and
school community. They aid and advise the administration of the school in areas
such as finance, public relations, long range planning and policy. They also are
a liaison between the school and parish and the community at large.
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Adult Spirituality & Faith Formation
RCIA — Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Each person is led by God on his or her own spiritual journey. As individuals
make this journey, some seek a way to learn more about the Catholic Church
and to explore the idea of becoming Catholic. The Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults (RCIA) is for adults who are either unbaptized, baptized in a Christian
faith, or baptized in the Catholic Faith and need to receive the Sacraments of
Eucharist and/or Confirmation.
RCIA is a process based on theological principles that initiates adults into the
Catholic Christian faith. Participants meet on a weekly basis to pray, reflect on
scripture, ask questions, and share stories. Together with the volunteers that
serve as sponsors and Team Members, the adults grow in their individual
relationship with the Lord Jesus and learn how to live out the Christian faith as
Catholics.
Returning Catholics
Inactive or Returning Catholics: consider this an invitation to take another look
at the Catholic Church. The “Returning
Catholics” program, sponsored by the
Catholic Community of Pleasanton, St. Michael’s Parish of Livermore and St.
Raymond Parish of Dublin, provides discussion of important issues in today’s
Church, education on current belief and practice, opportunities to tell your story,
ask questions, and renew your faith
in a supportive and non-judgmental
environment. Some of the topics include:
Vatican II, the Bible, annulments,
conscience formation and Church authority, changes in the Mass, and many
more.
W.I.N.G.S. — Women in God’s Spirit
W.I.N.G.S. is a faith enhancement group that encourages spiritual growth
through prayer, scripture study, catechesis, life sharing and community. WINGS
welcomes women of all ages from the Christian community who want to grow in
their relationship with God and each other.
M.A.T.S.—Men’s Awakening to Spirituality
MATS offers guest speakers, small group discussion, prayer and meditation.
Their goal is to awaken men spiritually by welcoming them on a journey of faith,
fellowship, love, and development of a personal relationship with our Lord, Jesus
Christ.
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M.O.M.S. — Ministry of Mothers Sharing
Ministry of Mothers Sharing is a seven-week journey that leads a group of
women through an experience of peer ministry, self-discovery, mutual support,
and prayer. Participants use a personal journal to read and record their personal
reflections. Each two-hour session deals with issues that are common concerns
in today’s world.
Small Faith Communities
This is an opportunity to share faith with others in an intimate setting in
someone’s home. Prayer, scripture, meditation, and sharing are the focus of
these groups.
Ignation Exercises
“The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius” is a journey through prayer and
contemplation that offers a personal encounter with God that frees us to be more
ourselves. It is an opportunity to become closer to God by opening up your mind
and spirit to the Lord. It is accomplished through scripture, meditation and prayer
based on the focus of the church year.
Cursillo
The movement of Cursillo in Christianity is a powerful instrument of renewal in
the church. Its aim is to concentrate closely on the person and teachings of
Jesus Christ. The Cursillo gives those who attend it a living understanding of
basic Christian truths and the desire to serve Christ. What’s more, it provides a
means to continue the Christian formation which is just begun in the three-day
exercises. The Cursillo movement community spirit is continued after the three
days through the “ultreya” or reunions of the community, which are available on a
regular basis. Reunions of smaller groups are also available.
Scripture Studies
focusing on the Sunday Mass readings to aid you in your reflection upon the
Word proclaimed Sunday after Sunday.
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Faith Formation
Faith Formation 1st
5th Grade
—
Faith Formation is offered three different days a week for the convenience of the
parents.
The curriculum used in our Faith Formation Program is called Faith First. The
publisher is RCL. Highlights of the program include; The Creed, Liturgy and
Sacraments, Christian Morality, Prayer, and Liturgical year Celebrations. The
curriculum is enhanced by music, arts and crafts, and storytelling.
We not only teach the children love and compassion for others, we show them
through examples. The children are involved with adopting families in need
during the Christmas Season and help provide food for families through the
Holiday Food Basket Drives. They spend quality family time together during the
Parish Family Advent Celebrations. They become involved in the Liturgy during
the Christmas Eve Celebration by reenacting the birth of Jesus. They grow in
their understanding of the Stations of the Cross during the Parish Lenten Soup
days. All of this is above and beyond the weekly teachings of the Bible-based
Faith Formation Program offered here.
The program is successful because of
parent involvement and their level of commitment to their children. Their Christian
lives truly are examples for their children.
Sacramental Preparation
Our second grade students from the parish school and faith formation program
prepare to receive First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
Parents are also educated on the two sacraments through workshops.
Students culminate the year with a one-day retreat centered around the
celebration of the Eucharist.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Children
3rd- 5th Grade
Students who have not received First Eucharist and/or First Reconciliation
prepare for these sacraments. This preparation includes weekly faith formation
classes and a one day retreat centered around the celebration of the Eucharist.
They then receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
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Baptism
Children from birth through the second grade may receive the Sacrament of
infant baptism. St. Raymond Parish requires baptismal catechesis for all parents
wishing to baptize their children. Parents attend classes that emphasize Baptism
Rites and Rituals, the meaning of Baptism, symbols and their importance, the
history of the Sacrament, and how Baptism is celebrated at St. Raymond.
Nursery (Sunday, 9:00 a.m.)
Nursery services are offered at the 9:00 Mass on Sunday. It is open to all
children six months to three years old. It is run as a co-op with parents taking an
active role in covering the needed supervision. This program is offered year
round.
Sunday School (9:00 & 10:30 a.m.)
This is a program offered to children ages three to five years during the 9:00 a.m.
and 10:30 a.m. Masses. We hope to develop the children’s knowledge of God’s
existence. It is run as a co-op. Parents are trained as teachers and assistants.
The program is enhanced with music, lectionary-based Bible stories, arts and
crafts.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (9:00 a.m.)
CLW is offered to students in 1
-5
grade during the 9:00 Mass. The students
are sent out at the beginning of the Mass to a classroom where they can hear
and discuss the Sunday readings at their level. They learn how the readings
affect their lives today. They return to Mass for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Vacation Bible Camp
VBC is offered to children four years old through the 6th grade. It is a one-week
opportunity for the high school and middle school students to become camp
counselors. They guide the children on an adventure to build their faith and
belief in the Lord’s love for them. Lessons are provided through music, arts and
crafts, games, and stories. Each child receives a camp t-shirt, music CD, and
new lifetime friends.
L.I.F.T.—Life Inspiring F
