Relgious Education
For any new parishioners who are interested in our Afterschool Religious Education Program, see registration forms in this bulletin. Also, please see our "Want Ad."Our classes for grades 1-8 are on Mondays from 4:15-5:30 PM and 6:15-7:30 PM (Grades 7-8 meet at the later session only). Classes will start the first week in October, and we are taking registrations now.. If you have any questions, please call our Office at (586) 772 1282.
Catechists and aides from last year who are returning: THANK YOU! and we will be contacting you soon, but if you would be so kind and call us-we will be delighted to hear Good News of your return. Parents of registered students, you will receive a mailing in mid September, but call us if you have any questions.
We are still in need of many generous parishioners, from high school age to grandparents, to share their faith as catechists, classroom aides, substitute teachers, hall and door guards, parking lot help, and office help. We have talented Section Heads to work with our catechists; we have generous, wonderful people returning-come join them; and we have the parish praying for us.Maybe this is the yearYOU are being called to help----all of us have talents that are needed--don't foolyourself into thinking that your talent isn't big enough. God has given all of us talents--recognizing and using them is God's wish for us.
This week's readings teach us about the wordhumility. We are not to be falsely proud, we are to be truly humble.Some people think that being humble means denying they have special talents and gifts----that pride in our gifts is wrong. The word humility comes from the word humus, meaning earth. Humble people have their "feet on the ground." They face reality. They know that their gifts and talents are real, and they take care to develop them and use them to help others. Humble people know that all their special gifts and talents (and all of us have different kinds) come from God. Humble people realize that all the gifts they have been given, they are to share and use them to make God's world a brighter place. They also accept their limitations gracefully, and try to do their best anyway. Do you know anyone in your life whom you consider "humble"? What makes you think so?
In the gospel, we hear another parable about a banquet. Have you noticed how often Jesus talks about parties and dinners? He wants us to be prepared for that great feast that is the fullness of God's reign. In today's gospel, Jesus prepares us with some good advice about ways to be a guest and ways to be a host. As God's guests in this world, we should act humbly and remember that we are always in the presence of Someone greater than we are. As hosts of God's people, we should offer hospitality to those who cannot reward us. In the custom of his time and place, Jesus exaggerates to make a point. We do not have to leave out our friends and families. But neither should we leave out the poor and disabled. A good discussion question this week would be "Jesus tells his host that he should invite people who can't repay him. What can we do for someone in need who can't do anything for us?"
Family Prayer for the Start of a New Year
The catechetical program works best when education takes place at home as well as in the classroom. At the beginning of the year, it is important to remember that you are on a spiritual path together with your children. You can participate more substantially in your children's faith formation and in the parish community by being aware of what your children are learning and by praying together as a family.
O God, we long to know you and to love you, but the busyness of life often gets in the way. Help us to recognize the ordinary, daily ways that our family can learn about you and grow closer to you. We know that you are with us, leading us and guiding us on our way. Amen.
Have a Grace-filled week,
Mrs C the DRE
Religious Education
