Catholic Schools Week
Thank you to all who made Catholic Schools Week such a success. Wow, there were so many people at our school’s Open House. It just goes to show you that sometimes good news travels just as fast as bad news. A key component of Catholic Schools Week is our Science Fair. Every year I am amazed at the time and effort our students put into their projects. Remember every single class in our school is working at least one year above their grade level in Reading and Math. Some classes are two years ahead. If you want to help promote St. Paul School, we have a few lawn signs left over. I will leave them in the hallway by the back sacristy door. Please take one and let the world know that you support Catholic Education and our school.
The Epistle Online
Many years ago, some very talented parishioners began a quarterly newsletter, which was mailed out to the entire Church mailing list of almost 4,000 households. With the cost of postage and printing, we are now happy to provide you with this online edition of "The Epistle." With this online version we can include the best photos and videos from the Internet. Please let us know what you think and help us get the word out by forwarding it around to your friends and families. If you would like to participate in The Epistle Online Editorial Board, please email Fr. Robert. For now, the Epistle will only come out once a Month. We don’t want to fill your inboxes . This week, two emails went out covering the same event. Please forgive us for that oversight.
OK you wedding people
Fr. Peter worked like a mad man setting up your Marriage Readiness Inventories, or FOCCUS as it is called. He set them up for everyone who is getting married this year, but only a few of you have started them. Giving you the benefit of the doubt, hmm.... we might not have your current email address. If you are scheduled to be married in St. Paul Church and have not received an email and login information for your FOCCUS Inventory, please call the office ASAP. We have to get them done. They are a key component of the pre-cana preparation required by the Archdiocese. As we have told you, the FOCCUS is done on line. Gentlemen, don’t be asking your beautiful bride, “ What did you put for number 7?” If you have to cheat on your marriage readiness inventory, we are in big trouble.
Last Call
The places are filling up for our Parent’s Night Out event sponsored by our Family Life Committee. The Committee is an incredible group of generous people. Yes, this event is for your children, but more importantly, it is for you and your marriage. We want to give you a chance to spend good quality time together. To help our young families communicate we even have a new email address. Should you want to know anything about our family life activities simply email [email protected]and it will be directed to those involved. The committee is always willing to accept new members. For more information, you can send an email to the above email address. The Family Life Committee also has a web page. It can be found at Stpaulkensington.org then follow the menus ministries - family life. Parents, have a night out on us. You deserve it.
PS. I want to thank all of the many young families who bring their children to Church on Sunday. I know it is a challenge, but every time you bring them you give them a gift and the whole parish a gift. Thanks.
You talked we listened
Last year I was worried about how we would bless everyone’s throats in a timely manner between Masses, so I gave a general throat blessing at the end of Mass.. Needless to say, that was a dud. People wanted those candles around their neck individually. One lady said to me, “Father Robert, what are you going to do on Ash Wednesday, throw the ashes over the whole church and go back to the friary?” You talked and we listened. This year, instead of greeting you outside, everyone will be individually blessed between the Sunday Masses.
Online Giving Update
Our online giving is a huge hit. Who would have thought it? I guess more people pay their bills online than I thought. People are actually emailing us and thanking us for initiating it. Each week we hope to offer little online giving helpful hints. Don’t hesitate to call the office if you have any questions or problems. As always thank you for your generous support.
Qui tacet consentit (That’s Latin for He who remains silent consents.)
Our Pro-Life group is forming. Our Catholic Church has been prophetic in the defense of life. I am happy that there are those in the parish who want to begin this type of ministry here at St. Paul. For more information, email [email protected]or drop a note with your phone number in the collection basket.
Mark your calendars
The Parish Mission is February 29th, with guest speaker, Sean Forrest. Your kids in the 10th grade loved him for their Confirmation Retreat and so will you.