Assumption Window Saint Mary of the Assumption

 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Parish Rectory:117 Valley Road, Katonah NY 10536, (914) 232-3356
St. Mary's Religious Education: 99 Valley Road, Katonah NY 10536, (914) 232-4648
Youth Ministry: (914) 232-4648  
Center for Life: (914) 232-1168
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NEWS

Welcome to our new website. We hope you find it helpful.

Please watch your mail for our "welcome back" letter, parent handbook and 2012-2013 calendar that will be mailed on August 20, 2012. If your street or email address has changed, please let us know by calling the Religious Ed Office at 232-4648 or emailing Susan Gmuer, Coordinator at susanw1118@yahoo.com. 

We at St. Mary of the Assumption parish look upon religious education as a total parish experience involving not just the child, but also parents, families, catechists, and clergy that form our parish community of faith. Our program reflects an integrated learning experience composed of catechesis, prayer, sacramental preparation, biblical studies, liturgy, community building and other dimensions of a vibrant Church life. Through the light of faith we hope to develop in those entrusted to our care a deeper relationship with God.

This year's Catechetical Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday, September 16, 2012. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful time to reflect on the role that we, as parents, play as the first and foremost teachers of our children in their faith. By virtue of our own baptism, we must always be a witness to the Gospel as we hand on the Catholic faith to our children.

Regular and consistent CCD class attendance is necessary for instruction to be effective and therefore, every effort should be made to avoid absences. Students should arrive on time with their textbook, pencil and Bible (grades 6-8) and be prepared to participate to the best of their ability. If your child does need to miss a class, we do ask that you call the CCD Office to report the absence and to obtain any missed work.

The Sunday Eucharist: The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on Sunday and other Holy Days of Obligation. The celebration of the Lord's Day and his Eucharist is at the heart of the Church's life. "Sunday is the day on which the paschal mystery is celebrated in light of the apostolic tradition and is to be observed as the foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church." Sunday worship (Mass) fulfills the moral command of the Old Covenant, taking up its rhythm and spirit in the weekly celebration of the Creator and Redeemer of his people. (Catechism of the Catholic Church).

HOW TO MAKE MASS MORE MEANINGFUL TO YOUR CHILDREN:

Families that are involved in their church feel more of a connection than those whose participation is limited to simply attending Mass each weekend. Why not encourage your children to become altar servers, junior lectors, members of the Children's Choir, junior ushers, greeters, etc.

Also, parents who want to raise church-going children can help make the Mass more meaningful for their kids. Talk about the Mass with your children before you go, help them to participate during the Mass (we now have Picture Missals in the pews for younger children to use during Mass), encourage them to sing, discuss the homily after Mass and perhaps have a special breakfast at home or out after the Mass. Make Mass a standing commitment each week just like school, sports, errands, etc. The world is a busy and stressful place and children (just like adults) need to learn to relax, meditate and contemplate.

Children are quick to notice their peers at Mass and this also helps them to feel that they are not the "only ones" who go to Mass.  Perhaps allow them to make a play date after Mass. Also, always keep in mind that we are a community and as such, there may be someone in Church who is struggling and who really needs our smile or handshake at the sign of peace or a short conversation after Mass. Encourage your children to greet others during the sign of peace.

Most important of all, always remember that attending Mass is not something to take lightly - it is The Third Commandment of God. The Church commands us to keep Sunday as the Lord's Day because on Sunday Christ rose from the dead and on Sunday the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles.

We have weekly Masses on Saturday at 5:15 pm, Sundays at 7:30, 8:45, 10:00 and 11:30 am. The Family Mass is the 10:00 Mass.

Sincerely in Christ Jesus, Susan Gmuer CRE







 
DATES TO REMEMBER

Save the Date: The Sacrament of Confirmation will be held at St. Mary's on Thursday, April 25th at 5:00 pm in the St. Mary's School Gym.  The Sacrament of First Holy Communion will be celebrated on Saturday, May 11th and Saturday, May 18, 2013.

Our 2012-2013 religious education classes start the week of Monday, September 10, 2012. Afternoon classes are held from 4:30  to 5:45 pm and evening classes are held from 6:30-7:45 pm.

There will be no CCD classes on Monday, September 17th, Tuesday, September 18th and Wednesday, September 26th because public schools are closed.

Our First Grade Parent Meeting will be held Wed. Sept. 19th, Thurs. Sept. 20th, Mon. Sept. 24th and Tues. Sept. 25th during class time in the St. Mary's School Cafeteria. Please make every effort to attend.

Our Eighth Grade Confirmation Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 10th from 7:00-8:00 pm in the St. Mary's School gym. The meeting should be attended by at least one parent and your 8th grade student. CCD classes will be not be held that evening.

Save the Date: Our first grade level Mass will be Sunday, October 14th at 10:00 am. Members of our fifth grade class are invited to attend and participate in the Mass. Fifth grade families will receive an email with more details. The other Grade Level Masses are as follows: November 4th (Fourth Grade); December 9th (Third Grade); January 13th (Sixth Grade); February 3rd (Seventh Grade) and March 3rd (First Grade).

Our Second Grade Parent Meeting will be held Monday, November 5, 2012. More information to follow.

Our Annual Nativity Play will be held on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 7:00 pm.

Save the Date: Our Confirmation Retreats will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2012 and Saturday, January 12, 2012. Our First Communion Retreat will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2013.

More dates to follow .....

 


  
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