Well, here we are one week down and getting everything in order. I always feel like this first week is like that long car trip you take with your kids where they ask that never ending question---"Are we there yet?" And you say, "No, almost, I'll let you know when we are." Because this week I would catch myself asking that question. "Am I there yet?" "Is everything set?" And still today after answering more than a dozen emails, I have to tell myself---"Almost there." So, please be patient if things are still a little undone. After this week I think we will smoothly be on our way. One thing that has come up several times is the issue of attending Weekly Mass. It is the one thing we are asking families to do besides the attendance of the 8 Sacramental Prep Classes between Jan.-April. As Father mentioned today during GROW--- at St. Rose things are done with intention. We are asking this because it is the expectation and if it wasn't the intention we wouldn't ask. But, that being said, life is still happening. We have Moms expecting new babies, parents who work occasionally on weekends etc. And for some, this weekly attendance is all new and something that they need to juggle among these things and may be struggling. So, my thought is that maybe we can think outside the box and work as a community to help. Because maybe some do not have the support of grandparents or other family members etc. to help out getting a child to mass. So, if you might be willing to be that support for a family who is struggling getting their child to mass each week you can email me, and I will connect you to that struggling family and you can work out how you could help. (And if you are that family struggling reach out too if you haven't already.) The bottom line is we are a community and no child, through no fault of their own, should be missing Weekly Mass when there can be a helping hand given. Other than that, the first week has gone pretty well. People found the white sign-in book at the Welcome Desk and did it. I was really happy to meet many of you at the kickoff for GROW today. It's always wonderful to place a face to a name...and my granddaughter began walking on her own this week. Praise God for these blessings.
I have also had some families ask about some extra supports that they might use at home with their child. The first thing I would like to recommend is Formed. It is a great Catholic Resource with all kinds of things available for you and your family to watch and learn from. It is free, our parish has a subscription. You simply need the code. Which I apologize I do not have at this moment. (But I will get it and give to you within the next 24 hours) Ascension is another Catholic site you can explore as a resource. That is where the videos of Father Mike which you have enjoyed come from. There is another program option I want to offer to you and your family. That option is Superbook. It is produced by CBN. I used it as a teacher. It is not a Catholic site. However, I have not found a better site for children 5-12 years of age that brings the basic bible stories to life with really rich artistry and technology. It makes it so easy to understand and remember because they are quite entertaining. (Of course, I would recommend discussing or reading the story before they watch to give them background.) The episodes are free. You can catch them on YouTube or go to their website: https://us-en.superbook.cbn.com and sign up for a parent subscription. They are usually about 40 minutes in length. I have attached the Episode of Moses here for you to preview. I also have attached Father Mike 's video from my August Blog about mass. Have a great week and may you find some blessings in it along the way.
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