Blog

When I think about all the gifts God has provided for humanity, it seems that He knew we would keep asking for more. So the good Father that He is did exactly that. Not only did He send His pristine Son, Jesus Christ, but also provided pathways to grow even closer to Jesus through the sacraments. With Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Communion, and Confirmation we are allowed the privilege of being disciples of Christ. The more sacraments we receive, the more in-line we grow with the desires of our Lord and the more we can share His light with our brothers and sisters. Jesus spent time preparing His apostles before He sent them into the world to proclaim the Good News. Therefore, we must also prepare our hearts and minds in order to make the most of these sacraments.

This preparation is exactly what Parish School of Religion (PSR) offers – in both Spanish and English; but learning about the faith isn’t only relegated to sacramental years. It is vital that the children come back even if they aren’t receiving a sacrament. The Holy Spirit has equipped us with some very caring and passionate  teachers that help supply the children with a greater understanding of the sacraments they are about to receive, or have already received. We utilize the Bible, textbooks, prayers, crafts, adoration, videos, celebrations, and participation in Mass to promote the joy of our faith; plus we have snacks!

However, education in PSR is only one part of the process. In order for seeds of faith to grow and bear good fruit in our children, the teaching must begin within our homes and continue within the community and church! One exciting new chapter being offered this year aims to catechize the family as a whole. We are asking parents of our children receiving the sacraments to attend bi-weekly sessions where they will be challenged to learn alongside their children. By providing these classes for parents, we as a parish can better support parents in their role as teachers of the faith. Imagine the fruits we can bear with all families teaching the beauty of God’s love for His people in the domestic church at home!

I encourage all children from public school and homeschool to register for PSR on August 31st from 10:15 to 11:15 am in the basement of St. Patrick. We will have all relevant information at this meeting. Come help us grow the future of our parish community!

Alysson Miller, PSR Coordinator

Summer vacation is nearly over and the new school year has begun or soon will. 

The new school year ushers in the excitement of a new grade, new teachers, and a reunion with classmates. The new year has the excitement of a first time preschool or kindergartener, the new classes and new courses for many students, and for some, a final senior school year and graduation. How quickly, it seems, time flies!

The beginning of the school year also begins and continues our faith formation and preparation for the sacraments. How grateful we are to have the Church with religious education and faith formation for our families, children and youth of all ages, never-too-old adult bible studies, and sacramental formation for adults (OCIA).    

Our families are the Domestic Church where we have the privilege of teaching and practicing our Catholic faith. The Church helps us in many ways to walk with Jesus and stay on course in our spiritual growth and faith formation. Our Confirmation program helps develop and assist families with elementary through high school religious education, faith formation and preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation.    

Confirmation is sessions that will begin in September. Preparation for Confirmation includes 7th and 8th grade students from public, home school, and Sacred Heart School families in Pettis County. High school students who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation may register and attend, as well. 

Confirmation Registration and Orientation for 7th, 8th, and high school grades is scheduled Sunday, August 31, from 2:00-3:00 pm at the St Patrick Church. The following topics will be discussed with required enrollment informational forms available: Registration and contact information; Sponsor requirements; Patron Saints; Baptismal Certificate; and Mass, Holy Day and Spiritual Growth Obligations.  

Please bear in mind, Sacraments are gifts of God himself! It is the gift of the Holy Spirit! One cannot earn gifts that God chooses to give, and often these gifts are so important God even nourishes us with preparation before receiving.      

Kent Korthas, Confirmation Coordinator