We introduced Mass Reflections to your student on Tuesday, January 14. Because receiving God’s Grace by attending weekly mass is integral to your student’s formation, we are having them pay special attention to what is said during the reading of Scripture. Every week your students need to attend mass and are required to turn in a Mass Reflection. There will be a basket at the East Entrance (Back of the Church) for them to turn in the previous week’s reflection, and another basket to pick up the one for the upcoming week. Please do not turn them in early. Please write legibly.
Your student can look up the readings after Mass at: https://bible.usccb.org/readings/calendar All of this is to encourage your student to listen carefully to the words from Sacred Scripture, and to help them understand the importance of going to Mass. This should not take more than 30 minutes of time in their week. AND…if your student will not be attending Mass at St. Mary’s, they are asked to download the new sheet from our website. It is my hope they will take special notice of any differences they notice at the church they are visiting, or take a picture of the Sanctuary or anything they find interesting. (I always do this, as I’m kind of a “church nerd”, if you will. I love driving out Highway 10 through the countryside to the beautiful churches in that area.)
We will be reviewing your student's progress each month with this exercise.“The Confirmation candidates need the community’s prayers, witness and support throughout the preparation process. In offering catechesis to the parents and sponsors, the Church shows its love for and eagerness to support them as well as their children.”
– National Catechetical Directory #117
**The St. Paul and Minneapolis Archdiocese requires all Confirmation preparation to take place in the home parish, where the teen will be celebrating the sacrament. Sponsors are required to come to two meetings during the second year of preparation, as well as an outreach project with their candidate.
For 1st AND 2nd Year Confirmation, please send the required Baptismal Certificate for Confirmation. If you were NOT baptized at St. Mary's, a copy of your student's baptismal certificate is REQUIRED by the first class. If you have questions, please reach out to Bette Wolf.
We ask that at least one parent or guardian be VIRTUS trained, so as to assist in the classroom or special events with our students. Please click HERE to start your training, today! Thank you in advance for your commitment to our children!
“We are frequently tempted to think that holiness is only for those who can withdraw from ordinary affairs to spend much time in prayer. That is not the case. We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love...”
Pope Francis