September 2024
 

As the new Religious Education year begins, I want to remind parents that you are the primary teachers of the faith to your children.  Children learn so much more by watching their parents practice their faith, by regular reception of the sacraments and attending Mass, than by what they hear.  As a parish community we are here to help support parents in this job of passing on our faith to the youngest members of the church. 

The parish website www.stmarystpatrick.org and Flocknotes will be the places to go for updates and information on Religious Education and parish life. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at the office: 815-248-2490, [email protected] or text/call my cell phone 815-543-5627.

If you haven’t returned your RE registration form, please do so ASAP. We need to have this on-hand in order for your child(ren) to attend class.  If you are not sure if you returned it, just call the office. Classroom materials will not be ordered until registration forms have been received in the office.

Students in grades 5-12^th, is God calling you to serve at his altar? Nothing is more important than celebrating Mass together and the role of an altar server is of vital importance. If you are called to be a part of this ministry, contact the office by September 15^th so materials can be sent. Training will take place on Sunday, September 29^th from 9-10:15am. 

September Magnifikid weekly Mass  missalettes are on the porch for students in grades KN-5th. Please pick them up to help reduce the cost to mail them. Thank you. This will be the last issue for the 5th grade students. In November they will receive a yearly Sunday Missal along with the 6-8th grade students.

Monday, September 2^nd – Labor Day

• Parish office will be closed today.

Wednesday, September 4^th 

• That Man is You will begin their second year today. If you were unable to join last year, no worries join Deacon Mike and men of the parish at 6am this morning at St. Mary Church Hall. The theme this year is The Vision of Man Fully Alive. The morning begins at 6am with greeting & coffee followed by a presentation, small group discussion, and concluding at 7:10am. The fall session runs for thirteen weeks and is open to men of all ages and need not be Catholic. Any questions, call Deacon Mike at 630-269-7508.

Sunday, September 8^th 

• Religious Education Family Classes begin today from 9:00-10:15am. Families will meet in St. Mary Church Hall and start the year with a Potluck Brunch. Each family is asked to bring something to share (breakfast/egg casserole, fruit, muffins, donuts, yogurt, bacon or sausage, etc.) Tableware and drinks will be provided.

Monday, September 9^th

• Women at the Well is an opportunity to meet other women, share your wisdom, seek advice and grow together in our faith – all in a fun and relaxed social setting. They meet monthly on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm, St. Mary Church Hall. This evening we will kick off the year with a game night! Bring a sister, mother, daughter or friend…and a game you have at home you like. Games will also be provided.

Tuesday, September 10^th 

• St. Anne’s CCW will meet at 10am in the St. Mary Church Hall for their monthly meeting. All women of the parish are encouraged to attend as they are all members. St. Anne’s acts as the hostesses for parish functions provide meals for funerals, organize the Christmas & spring banquets, and provide support to the parish and charities.

Thursday, September 12^th 

• The parish St. Vincent de Paul Society is always looking for men and women who would like to make a difference in their neighbors’ lives and those who need our help. They meet today at 10am, St. Mary Church Hall monthly on the 2^nd & 4^th Thursdays. 

Sunday, September 15^th – Catechetical Sunday

• Jesus & Java (or Juice) for students in grades 7-12^th, 9:00-10:15am at the Parish Center. We will have breakfast and talk about all things Catholic, current world news, local news, and how to stand strong in our faith despite living in a secular world.
• Parent & Student Reconciliation Class for students in second grade preparing to receive the Sacrament in December. We will meet from 9-10:15am, St. Mary Church Hall.
• Annual Pie and Dessert Auction/Social will be held at 11:30am, St. Mary Church Hall. We will auction off pies, desserts, sweet rolls, and more to support the Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford. We will also serve pie/dessert and ice cream for those who may not want to bid in the auction, but want to come and socialize, support the cause, and enjoy the exciting bidding. Worried about what to do if you win a few desserts but don’t really want to eat them all? Here are some options: donate it to a family, bring it to hospital/nursing home staff, slice a piece or two and visit with a elderly neighbor/friend. Please call Renae Pinter 608-630-6139 with any questions or to donate a baked good for the auction/social so we have a variety of items.

Wednesday, September 18^th 

Saturday, September 21^st 

• The Hike for Life annual fundraiser for the Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford. Participants may register at friendsofthepcc.org. The hike takes place at First Free church in Rockford. Registration begins at 8:45am and students will be leaving from St. Mary’s at 8:00am. Call Renae Pinter 608-630-6139 with any questions.

Sunday, September 22^nd 

• Religious Education Family Classes will be held today from 9:00-10:15am with peer breakout sessions. Parents think about the following questions prior to class: When you were new in your faith, what did you think about fasting and abstaining? Was it something you were exposed to when you were a child? How has your own journey as a parent helped you understand the link between love and sacrifice?
• Parent & Student Reconciliation Class for students in second grade preparing to receive the Sacrament. Students will meet during the R.E. peer breakout sessions.
• Confirmation Class on Sessions 12 & 13 will be held from 12-2 p.m. at St. Mary Church Hall. A Potluck Lunch will be held from 11:30-12pm please sign up using the following link: Confirmation Class September Sign-up or by using the link on the Confirmation Class webpage. 

Wednesday, September 25^th 

• She Shall be Called Woman – join other women of the parish for nine weeks on a transformative journey designed to meet the deepest longings of the feminine heart. SHE is a sanctuary for women seeking to be truly seen, known, and loved as they grow in their relationship with the Lord. Volunteer positions have been filled and the meetings will be held at 6:00pm at St. Mary Church Hall. Call the office if you have any questions or to sign up. This program is open to women of all ages and need not be Catholic.

Sunday, September 29^th 

• The Youth Group is going on a Scavenger Hunt for nonperishable food items to support St. Vincent de Paul and the local food pantry. Students should meet at St. Mary Church at 2pm.
• New Altar Server training 9-10:15am St. Mary Church.

Monday, September 30^th

• Do you have questions about the Catholic Church? Do you have friends or family that have questions and need answers? All are invited to the Catholic Q & A from 6-7:30pm at the Solutions Bank Community Room (1005 Cameron Drive, Durand). Sandwiches, snacks and dessert will be served. No cost, No obligation, and No expectations….just bring your questions and you’ll receive thoughtful answers.

Sunday, October 6^th

• Religious Education Family Classes will be held today from 9:00-10:15am with peer breakout sessions. Parents think about the following questions prior to class: Did your parents tithe? What “lessons” about money did you inherit from them? What emotional struggles do you face as you tithe? What sort of things keep you from tithing or make it really difficult?

OCIA – Order of Christian Initiation

Have you or someone you know been baptized Catholic but haven’t received Holy Communion or Confirmation? Are you, a family member or friend interested in learning more about the Catholic Church and possibly becoming Catholic? Do you have questions, misunderstandings or hurts that you need to discuss with others? Then the OCIA program is for you! Please give the office a call at 815-248-2490, join Deacon Mike and discover if God is calling you to be a full member of the Catholic Church. By attending the meetings, you are not committed to entering into the Church.

Religious Medals

Religious Medals are one way your Girl Scout or Boy Scout can learn more about their Catholic faith.  Anyone interested in earning a Religious Medal should contact Terry Cravens at 248-2490, by September 30^th.