A SACRED SPACE

My fellow parishioners, are you missing attending Sunday Mass in church and long to pray with others? For me, going to church is like coming home.  It is a welcoming place where I can find comfort in trying times and celebrate joyous times.  It’s where I can sacramentally receive the Body of Christ and take time to quietly reflect and talk to God. Unfortunately, the pandemic we are living through has made attending church impossible.  But, all is not lost!
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The Christian family is the first place of education and prayer.”  The family is the ‘domestic church’.  Our families are meant to be “little churches”, places where we practice our faith, pray together, take meals as a family and forgive and celebrate together.  
At this moment in time, the “Domestic Church” is more vital than ever.  As we spend long days and nights in our homes trying to establish new routines of learning, working from home and stressing over the days ahead, we can easily put God on the back burner.  A visual way to remind us of God’s presence in our home is to set aside “sacred place”.  This is a long time but, often forgotten Catholic tradition.  A place to remind you that God is always with you, in your home and in your life.  It can be a table with a crucifix, a bible, the Blessed Mother, rosary beads, etc. You can have it anywhere in your home, your kitchen, dining room, bed room.  Having one on your child’s bedroom night stand is a wonderful way to remind your child God is watching over and of course, to say their prayers.
While we may not be able to gather around the table of the altar and receive Holy Communion, let us gather around the table of our homes and invite Our Lord to enter His Domestic Church.
May the Holy Spirit, who knows no social distancing, draw all our families closer together so that our hearts may overflow with joy on that happy day when we can all join together around the altar of the Lord.  Till then, be safe, stay well and know you are loved.
Blessings,
Amelia Johnson, DRE

Dear Students
All your teachers and I hope you are all staying safe and well during this difficult time. We understand how hard it is for you all to stay indoors, away from school and friends. We miss seeing you on Wednesday evenings and hope we can come together again soon. Till then, we pray you try very hard to listen to your parents, being kind and patient with your family members, doing your best with your online classes.  Now is the time for you to put into practice all you have been taught about how Jesus wants you to behave. When you’re feeling frustrated or sad, pickup your CCD Workbook and read a chapter or review a pray. Remember, Jesus is always with you!
Sending you all our love and prayers, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Corbin, Mrs. Clark, Sr. Frances, Ms. Cardinale, Mrs. Piscetelli, Mrs. Scarcella, Mrs. Coscione, Ms. Kijowski, Sr. Carmela, Sr. Nicolina
 
Dear Parents,
These are trying and stressful times for all of us. We are living in a world of uncertainty, not knowing when things will return to “normal”.  Unfortunately, this also includes when we will be able to return to religious education classes. I wish I had an answer for you but, I do not.  It would be helpful if you would include in your daily home learning routine, a time for religious education.  Have the children read the chapters and answer the questions.  All the prayers can be found in the back of their books. To aide you in what they should be learning, I have contacted the teachers and they have given me a helpful list of what each grade level was studying. You can find this information below.
Praying you and your family stay well and safe,
Amelia Johnson, DRE
 
First Grade – Mrs. Corbin
Read the chapters and answer the questions. Practice your prayers.
Prayers to know for First Grade:
Sign of the Cross
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory to the Father (Doxology)
 
Second Grade – Mrs. Clark
Read the chapters and answer the questions. Practice your prayers so when we come back to class you will be ready for First Penance and First Holy Communion!
Prayers to be taught: (Check your child’s backpack for the handouts sent home).
Act of Contrition
Form for Confession
Prayers to be reviewed:
Sign of the Cross
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory to the Father (Doxology)
 
 
Third Grade – Sr. Frances, Ms. Cardinale
Read the chapters and answer the questions. Review Ten Commandments as Rules God gave us to follow. Read about the Sacraments and what they mean.
 Prayers to be reviewed:
Sign of the Cross
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory to the Father (Doxology)
Act of Contrition
Form for Confession
 
Fourth Grade – Mrs. Piscetelli
Review the Seven Sacraments, why we have them and what they do for us. Review the Ten Commandments.
To be reviewed:
Sign of the Cross
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory to the Father (Doxology)
Act of Contrition
Form for Confession
 
Fifth Grade – Mrs. Scarcella
Read the Chapters and answer questions. Pay attention to the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy and the Beatitudes.
To be reviewed:
Sign of the Cross
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory to the Father (Doxology)
Act of Contrition
Form for Confession
Seven Sacraments
 
Sixth Grade – Mrs. Coscione
Read the Chapters and answer questions. Study the handout “Sixth Grade Review Questions”. You were given a midterm test on the questions before our last class. Go over the Seasons’ of the Church, Ten Commandments and Nicene Creed.
To be reviewed:
Sign of the Cross
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory to the Father (Doxology)
Act of Contrition
Form for Confession
Seven Sacraments
Corporal & Spiritual Works of Mercy
Beatitudes

Seventh Grade – Ms. Kijowski
Read over the test review pages for next year. Watch the movie, “Miracles from Heaven”, Tuesday April 21^st at 8PM on Lifetime, Channel 45.
In preparation for Confirmation next year, start thinking about the Confirmation Name you will take, the Saint you will choose for your Saint Report and who you will choose as your Confirmation Sponsor.
 
Eighth Grade – Sr. Carmela
Our eighth graders have already received the Sacrament of Confirmation and we give a big “thank you” to Sr. Carmela for all her love and hard work she has given her class.

Sacramental Class – Sr. Nicolina
Read your books, Reconciliation and Eurcharist and answer the questions. Practice your prayers.
To be reviewed:
Sign of the Cross
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory to the Father (Doxology)
Act of Contrition
Form for Confession
Seven Sacraments