St. Andrew Church Religious Education Program: Spring, 2010
Rev.Jerome A. Mercure, Pastor (244-7734)
Dianne Bilodeau, Coordinator (244-5275)
Last Fall at the annual retreat/meeting with Bishop Matano and all the priests of the Diocese, in his address to his priests, the Bishop stated that his primary role is being “a teacher of the faith.” He, on a number of occasions, has prompted parish priests to be involved in catechesis. The pastor shares in the Bishop’s role as primary instructors in religion; by overseeing the religious education program, even teaching classes, and heading up the adult education (R.C.I.A.) programs. However, he did say, as the Church has taught in the Second Vatican Council documents, that parents are “the first educators of their children in faith”, making the family the “domestic Church”.
While perhaps a bit idealistic or daunting, the truth is brought home that it takes a combined effort to teach, especially teaching faith. I feel fortunate that St. Andrew Parish has a long tradition of having an excellent coordinator, teachers, and parents who wish to fulfill their responsibilities of educating children in the faith of Jesus.
Bishop Matano also emphasized an important theme of his pastorship; the Holy Eucharist. Attendance at Mass by parents and children is the one truly essential goal and also indicator of a successful religious education program. We pray for a renewed commitment to work for a good religious education program and especially to celebrate the Mass faithfully. Thankful for your faith, and the desire to share that faith for the good of your children, we look forward to your children’s return to the classroom in the Fall.
Peace and Love of Jesus!
Father JerryThank you to our Teaching Staff
As we end another year of religious education classes at St. Andrew Parish, special thanks go out to the following teachers, and classroom aides who have given of their time to teach religious education to our youth during the past year:
• 1 - Sile Voyer, Charlotte Strasser• 2 - Maggie Grow, Carmel Kelley, Grace Callan (high school student/aide)
• 3 - Brenda Caforia, numerous parent volunteers, Alec Badeau (high school student/aide)
• 4 - Sherri Hermanowski, Denise Russo
• 5 - Diane LaRock, Amanda Badeau
• 6 - Gena Callan, Gina Bordeaux
• 7 & 8 - Jim and Diana Whitney, Sandy LaFlamme, Aide, and Michael Chadwick-Smith (high school student/aide)
• 9 - Mark Young, Patty Kirpan (year 1 of a two-year Confirmation program)
• 10 - Kevin Nadzam, Linda Chadwick (year 2 of a two-year Confirmation program)
• Assistant Coordinator: Deborah McBride
Substitute Teachers: Fran Raymond and Joanna Bisceglio
Special thanks also to the many other parent volunteers who have helped out in the classrooms in so many ways. We could not have done it without you!
Children's Masses: We believe that involving children in these special masses encourages them to take on a more active role whenever they attend Mass. We are grateful to our Pastor, Father Jerry and the various musicians who have participated in our Children’s Masses, for their willingness to work with us on these special liturgical celebrations.
Confirmation - The following Students from St. Andrew and Our Lady of the Snows/St. Patrick Parishes were confirmed at St. Augustine Church on Friday, April 9th: Brielle Bisceglio, Dominic Caforia, Zachary Crowne, James Hermanowski, Collin Hoffman, Anna Hofmann, Milagro Kirpan, Christopher LaRock, Tyler LaRock, Kaitlin Longchamp, Mitchell Ramsey, Hannah Woodruff, Nicholas Wright, and Jared Young.
First Communion - The following Students made their First Communion at St. Andrew Church on Sunday, May 3rd: Reuben Callan, Jacob Cantwell, Margaret Cosgrove, Zachary Fisher, Rose Gingras, Brendan Horsman, Brooke Raymond, Diana Reno, and Sylvan Williams.
Special thanks to all the parents and the teachers who have helped prepare these students for this important milestone in their lives.
Other Items of Interest:
Altar Servers:Students in grade 4 and up are welcome to train to become altar servers. If you want to learn more about becoming an Altar Server, please call Jeanne Penoyar at 253-3956.
Safe Environment Program
The safety of your children is always uppermost in your mind. We have taken many additional steps in recent years to do our part to ensure that your children will be in a safe place when they are participating in our program at St. Andrew Parish. Our staff and volunteers have received the required background checks and are receiving ongoing training. We have implemented a program to help your children recognize the steps they can take to keep themselves safe. Lesson plans have been prepared for different age groups among the students. Additional detailed information on this program will be provided to all parents who register their students in our program. Please feel free to call the Rectory (244-7734) if you have any questions.
Registration for Classes
Parents are required to fill out a new registration form each year to register their children for religious education class. If you are new to our program and would like to register your child for Fall classes, please call the rectory and we will include you on our mailing list. Classes for Grades 1 through 10 will be held on Sundays from 10 to 11 AM in St. Leo’s Hall commencing in mid-September.
One Last Item: We are always looking for ways to improve our program and welcome your input. And, if you are interested in joining our staff, either as a teacher or classroom aide, please let us know.