The Gatekeeper
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, All Levels
October 18, 2012 - All Levels, Issue 03 |
|
|
|
Family Service
| Several service opportunities are in need of new volunteers right now. Visit Family Service Opportunities on St. Teresa's web site for information. Or click a link below to review specific needs for:
Oct. 20th Saturday Food Pantry!
Post-9AM-Mass Refreshments
Children's Liturgy of the Word 9AM
|
|
|
| Dear CGS Parent, | 
This newsletter is combined for all three levels and covers various upcoming events. Please review each article below so you are aware of the variety of events and calls to action.
One of the most important ways we grow in relationship with God is through the celebration of mass. So, at least once a year, we seek to organize opportunities for CGS families (children with parents) to come together to celebrate mass. We have several special masses coming up and encourage families to make a strong effort to join. Be sure to read the articles below for details and to become aware of opportunities for children's involvement.
- We invite CGS families to join as an intimate community during the 5th catechesis session for mass on Tuesday, November 13th or Thursday, November 15th, starting at 5:15PM in the church. Mass will be followed by a pizza dinner in the Parish Center.
- We invite families to come to 9AM mass on Sunday, October 28th to celebrate a special children's mass. Children in our sacrament preparation programs and those in CGS will participate more noticeably in the mass that day through readings, intentions, preparation of the gifts, and singing.
- It is short notice, but St. Teresa's SPRED (special needs) community has scheduled a SPRED mass at noon on this Sunday, October 21st. All are welcome, and because of the movement and simplification in certain parts of this mass, it can be particularly appealing to children.
Level I and III children will receive various presentations over the next few sessions that help them connect more fully with the mass. If you want to learn more specifics, ask your child what they worked on or feel free to stop in the Atrium and talk to your catechist. Level II children will continue to reflect and work on the topic of prayer. Those who plan to celebrate First Communion this year will create a prayer board to use in the October 28th children's mass. Peace, Lina Hilko, Editor |
|
|
|
|
CGS Masses Nov. 13 & 15
| |
We have traditionally sought to hold a more intimate mass of thanksgiving for the small CGS week-day (Tuesday and Thursday) communities every year. (Our Sunday groups miss out on this aspect but are typically enriched by regularly celebrating mass at St. Teresa before
or after coming over to the Atrium.)
On Tuesday, November 13th and Thursday, November 15th, Atrium will begin for children at the regular time (4:30PM) in the usual place. Parents are invited to join us at 5:15 in the church for mass. Please bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Food Pantry at this mass of thanksgiving. After mass, enjoy pizza in the Parish Center.
Sunday families are welcome to come to mass on Tuesday or Thursday that week, as we are always happy to receive children and families on weekdays instead of Sunday from time to time. Of course, regular Sunday Atrium will still be held (even though it doesn't include a mass) on Sunday, November 11th, 10:30AM to noon.
|
Children's Mass Oct. 28
| |
St. Teresa, as a whole community, wants to incorporate more masses in which children are more directly involved. Join at 9AM on Sunday, October 28th, for such a children's mass.
Call for Volunteers
First Communion Preparation Children - Children who will prepare to receive First Communion in Spring 2013 are asked to play an important role in the Preparation of the Gifts on October 28th. You should have received an e-mail from Kate Lynch about this and are asked to RSVP to Kate Lynch (kolynchdre@gmail.com) if you can attend that mass. If you think your child will be in the First Communion preparation program this year but didn't get an e-mail form Kate Lynch just recently, please e-mail her ASAP. It may be that you are not signed up for the sacramental prep program.
Level III Children - Level III children will read the intentions on October 28th. If your child would like to read an intention, please e-mail Kate Lynch (kolynchdre@gmail.com) to let her know.
Singing - Rita has been working with Sunday's Level I and II children to teach a song that will be sung on October 28th.
|
Follow Him on the Way!
| |
The Gospel for the children's mass on October 28th is of a healing miracle performed by Jesus. In Mark 10:46-52, we can read of Jesus' restoring sight to Bartimaeus. The final excerpt says:
Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?"
The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see."
Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you."
Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
Can you imagine the joy of Bartimaeus who for the first time sees light, sees all the wonders of creation? And what is Bartimaeus' response? It says, "he received his sight and followed him on the way." So, Bartimaeus' response is to follow Jesus.
Do we ever experience something similar to what happened to Bartimaeus when the Word of God is broken open to us in the mass? A joy-filled, "aha" moment? I see! How does that sight transform us? What is our response?
|
|
Please contact Lina Hilko, editor ( LHilko@aol.com ), or Kate Lynch, Director of Religious Education ( kolynchdre@gmail.com), with your comments or questions about this e-newsletter. |
|
|
|
|
