Friday greetings everyone,
Happy June! Isn’t it funny how predictable the “June gloom” is? That morning fog was right on time yesterday when the calendar said June! I hope everyone has had a blessed week. Throughout the summer I may not send an update each week but I will continue to send them at least twice each month to keep you posted on activities and the upcoming ministry year.
First Communion Certificate Presentation Sunday: THIS WEEKEND tomorrow-Saturday, June 3rd and Sunday, June 4th all First Communicants from the Religious Education classes and our parish school will be presented their certificate. This is their opportunity to thank all of their prayer partners and be seen by the parish as our newest members receiving the body and blood of Christ in the sacrament of Eucharist. We encourage all of the boys and girls to wear their special outfit they wore to First Communion Mass (not required). (5:00pm Saturday 6/3, 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am or 6:00pm Sunday 6/4). If you have a last minute change, feel free to come to whichever Mass works best for your family & we will figure it out on the spot. 😉
Religious Education Office CLOSED: I will be on vacation from June 5th through the 12th. When I return to the office on June 13th I will send an email with office hours for that week. Thank you.
Relay for Life Cancer Fundraising support: Teens in our parish have a team participating in the Santa Maria relay for life which will be held in late June. On Sunday, June 11th in the Parish Hall from 1:00-8:00pm the teens will be selling luminaria bags to raise funds for their team goal. The bags can be bought and decorated that day to remember a loved one who has had cancer or is currently battling cancer. There will also be a bake sale in the hall during the luminaria sale as well as music and celebrating hope and courage. The bags are $10 each and all proceeds go to American Cancer Society.
Registration for Religious Education classes & Junior High group: The early registration time ended last week on May 25th for the 2017-2018 classes which begin after Labor day. We now accept debit/credit cards as a form of payment in addition to cash or check. Forms are available here: http://sldm.org/forms-for-religious-education-2017-2018/ or there are printed forms available in my office and the church office/rectory. If you have questions, contact kelly@sldm.org
Once you complete the forms you can return them in one of 3 ways:
- Drop off to my office during one of the registration days throughout the summer (Days and hours vary each week)
- Drop off to the church office (rectory) Monday through Friday between 8:30am to 5:30pm. They will place the forms and payment in my mail box.
- Mail the forms and check to the church: St. Louis de Montfort Church Attn: Kelly McLoughlin 5075 Harp Rd. Santa Maria, CA 93455
Year 1 Communion students moving to year 2 Communion: All children who were in year 1 Communion this year and didn’t miss more than 4 classes are now moving to year 2. All students re-register for classes each year. This means parents need to complete the registration forms for year 2. Year 2 Communion class has a slightly higher registration fee than the other classes due to additional expenses during the sacrament year. The fee for the year is $80.00.
ALL encouraged to return in the fall: Our faith growth is a lifelong process. We encourage you to register your child(ren) for classes again in the fall to continue to grow in their faith and have us support you in your role as the primary teacher of the faith to your child(ren). We offer classes from Kindergarten through 6th grade on Wednesdays and Thursdays as well as 7th & 8th on Thursdays. There is also a High school group on Sunday evenings and Confirmation process available as early as 9th grade. Ask questions any time!
Junior High Group: ALL encouraged to join us in the fall: For those entering 7th and 8th grade our Junior High group gathers for fun, faith, friendship & food on Thursdays from 6:00-7:15pm in Lou’s Grotto. The first gathering will be Thursday, September 7th. There is a registration form and the cost for the entire school year is only $30.00. For more information contact: kelly@slmd.org
High School Group & Confirmation: For those entering 9th grade this fall you are invited to get involved with St. Louis de Montfort High school group. We gather on Sunday evenings after the 6:00pm Mass. Please join us the first Sunday after you begin High School. You are welcome any week and friends are always welcome as well. No registration required.
Preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation (two year process) available as early as 9th grade. Registration for Confirmation will happen during a parent/teen meeting on either Monday, August 21st or Wednesday, August 23rd from 6-7pm. We hope all of the incoming 9th graders who are Catholic will join the process to receive the amazing gift of the sacrament of Confirmation. Ask questions any time by contacting: kelly@sldm.org (Director of Religious Education 5-18 year olds) or Luis orosnabad@sldm.org (Youth Minister & Confirmation Coordinator)
Thought for the week: “Loving and forgiving are you, O Lord. Slow to anger, rich in kindness, Loving and forgiving are You.” –song based on Psalm 145:8This psalm has special meaning to me. I had it written into my daughter Mauri’s 8th grade yearbook ad. She graduated from 8th grade last night at St. Louis de Montfort school. I am proud of her as well as my older daughter. A few years ago when the girls were arguing about something this song popped into my head. I recited it to the girls and from then on it became a motto for our family, whether we liked it or not during the heat of upsetness or impatience, to remember to be patient with each other, slow to anger, rich in kindness and above all loving and forgiving.
Many blessings,
Kelly
Kelly McLoughlin
Director of Religious Education
Junior High Ministry
St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church