St. Lawrence O’Toole Religious Education for 2008–09 ended on May 19^th. We thank Fr. McKeon, our Priests and Deacons who taught the Church lesson each week. We thank all of our Catechists who volunteered their time to share their faith.

Our Lenten Family Catechesis took place on Feb. 27^th. Our theme was Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Participants were able to learn about these topics at each station. At the Prayer Station, they learned about various forms of prayer. Watch future bulletins for some of the prayers that participants wrote. At the Fasting Station, participants learned about why we abstain from meat on the Fridays in Lent and each made a meatless Lenten cookbook. At the Almsgiving Station, participants learned about the history of almsgiving and made their own Almsgiving box. The evening began with a fish fry from the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Daughters provided the dessert. We gratefully acknowledge their help and the dedication of the Family Catechesis team as well as the Catechists who facilitated each station.

Our Religious Education students collected over $600 through the Lenten Coin Holders for the Holy Childhood Association. We received a heartfelt thank you letter from them. These donations help support their missions around the world.

Our eighth graders and RCIT students received Confirmation on April 23^rd and April 24^th, with Bishop Dominick Lagonegro confirming 105 students in 3 ceremonies. Our second graders and sacramental classes made their First Penance in January. On May 2^nd and May 9^th, 90 students received First Communion in 4 different ceremonies.

Registration for 2009–2010 is currently taking place. New families can register in the Religious Education Office located on the second floor of St. Lawrence School. Please refer to the bulletin for the prerequisites to register in our program.

Watch for a summer activities calendar in next week’s bulletin with some great ideas to keep the faith alive with your children over the summer. Remember to include attending Sunday Mass in your summer vacation plans. Have a happy, safe and blessed summer!