Dear Parishioners,

The annual sacramental life for our young people is always important, relevant, and necessary for the continued active life of a parish. I’m referring to the sacraments of initiation after baptism; First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. In our parish, children at the age of reason (7years of age) decide if confession, holy communion, and confirmation is for them during their second-grade year and eighth grade year.

As the school year begins, so do these sacramental preparation programs in our second grade and eighth grade. The catechesis for these sacraments takes place in our IHM Grade School and our IHM PSR by their teachers. In addition to that catechesis, THERE IS A VERY IMPORTANT CATECHETICAL ELEMENT for the preparation of these sacraments where parents play an important role in the formation and readiness for their children who will receive these sacraments. Parent/Guardian meetings will be scheduled for this purpose this year.

Please welcome, Stephanie Jacobs, Master Catechist, who will be the coordinator for our children preparing for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist and lead these necessary parent/guardian meetings.

I will be the Coordinator for our Confirmandi in the eighth grade and lead those parent/guardian meetings.

Parents of our young people in these grades should have received the registration forms to be returned no later than September 27. Faithfully returning these forms is essential and most helpful. Julie Bowling, Parish Office Secretary, and I will be most grateful if you oblige this RSVP deadline.

Many blessings,
Father Jim