Our Religious Education Program was off to a wonderful start. In the summer, after much preparation, our Catechists and classes were in place. Our Program has 77 Catechists and 18 High School Aides. Before classes began, our Catechists attended a Workshop, which included Mass and breakfast. We have over 650 students that attend one of our five weekly sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Classes are 90 minutes in length and begin in Church with a lesson taught by one of our Priests or Deacons before students proceed to the school classrooms. We have already held meetings for Confirmation, First Penance and First Communion.

Our newest staff member is Mrs. Pam Crozier, who was hired as Assistant Coordinator for the Religious Education Program.

Our Family Catechesis for 2009–10 was held on October 11^th, and the theme was Mary — Our Lady of the Rosary. The afternoon began in the Cafeteria with lunch provided by our Knights of Columbus. We sincerely thank the Knights and appreciate all that they do. After lunch, we all gathered in the Parish Hall to learn about the Mysteries of the Rosary from our Deacons. They also took part in an exchange of ideas moderated by our Fr. McKeon. Everyone then assembled their own Rosaries and took part in the Living Rosary, reciting the prayers — from the youngest participant to our seniors. The Catechesis ended with Fr. Alfredo blessing the new Rosaries. We thank the Family Catechesis Team, our Catechists and all the parishioners that attended. The next Family Catechesis will take place in the New Year. We will post the date and further information in the bulletins as the date draws near.

The Confirmation Retreat for our 8th graders took place on November 3^rd. After receiving an Examination of Conscience from Fr. McKeon, the students went to Penance. Everyone had lunch together in the Cafeteria. After lunch, as we did with the Family Catechesis, our 8^th graders assembled their own Rosaries and everyone took part in the Living Rosary. The Retreat ended when Fr. McKeon blessed the new Rosaries. On November 24^th, Fr. McKeon taught a special class in Church to our 8^th graders — Cherishing Human Life. We invited their parents as well. Our 8^th graders are working on their Confirmation packets. Confirmation will take place in May.

Throughout November, our students participated in the Thanksgiving Food Drive to support the local Food Pantry.

Our second graders are preparing to receive their First Penance in January. First Communion will take place in May. As our first semester ends this month, we wish all of our Catechists, Aides, students and parents as well as all the parishioners a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.