 Fr.
Tom's Tomes September 18, 2005
What a wonderful outpouring of generosity from the people of St. Columban last weekend for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Parishioners and friends of the parish donated almost $6000 to help those who were affected by the hurricane. This collection is being forwarded to Catholic Charities to help with the victims who are displaced to our Diocese. Any money not used to help those who are coming to our Diocese will be forwarded to Catholic Charities USA to be used only for the affected areas of Hurricane Katrina. Catholic Charities is an organization to help people for the long term. They are present in most of the Dioceses of our country to help people for the long term. The news reports now indicate it could be up to five years before some people will be able to return to where they once lived. Catholic Charities will be there for them. Thanks to all who are helping with the Fall Festival this weekend. This is a great undertaking to assist the parish in meeting the financial needs of the ministries of the parish. Everyone who has helped in some way from the organizing committee, to those who donated items for the flea market, to the many people who have purchased tickets, to those who help to set up, to staff the different booths, to the clean up people all have been very good about giving of your time and talent. Parishioners who give continue to help the mission of our parish and to share in the future of St. Columban and its missions. I want to thank all the parishioners who have taken turns providing meals for me. This helps me out a lot since I do not have to take time to do cooking. With being new as well as attempting to be the interim principal I have many time obligations and having meals provided frees up some of my time to do other things. I want to thank all who have helped out in some way. Parents who have children preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion will notice a change in the way things will be handled this year. In the Sacrament of Baptism parents are recognized as the teachers of their children in the ways of faith. It is the responsibility of each parent to pass along the gift of faith to their children. This year parents will be very active in the preparation of their children for both First Reconciliation and First Communion. I have been accustomed to parents preparing their children for these sacraments. At the end of October there will be a meeting for parents who have children preparing for First Reconciliation. There will be books we send home with the parents to use with their children. Bishop Hogan School and the CCD programs will reinforce the parent’s responsibility of being the primary teacher of the ways of faith to the children but will not be the primary responsibility for teaching the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist At this time I am planning on having the first parent meeting on Monday evening, October 24, 2005. Please keep this date open for the meeting. God bless you and have a good week. |