August Newsletter
Hi Annunciation Families! Whether we are ready or not it's time to be thinking about faith formation. I know it's so difficult since we still don't really know what is happening in the schools, but rest assured we have our programs all set and are ready to go! To recap:
- For all faith formation families, we have monthly speakers that will be recorded and shared for families to watch together. This year's topics will include; the Mass, the Creed, Baptism & Confirmation, Vocation & Holy Orders, Sacrament of the Sick, the 10 Commandments, Eucharistic Adoration, and Mary.
- We will have an online community on the BAND app where we will post our videos, start discussion threads, answer questions, play some games, share resources, and more!
- All students in Grades 1-10 will have two options:
- Students in Grades 1-10 may choose a 100% online program with nothing to pick up or turn in.
- Students in Grades 1-8 may choose a textbook and workbook, as an alternative to our online program, with the completed workbook due at the end of the year to show they completed the course.
- Students in Grades 9 & 10 may choose our YDisciple mentorship program instead of the online program. They will meet roughly twice per month with their mentor (either in-person or via Zoom/Google).
- Watch out for "Flat Francis." Just like Flat Stanley has done in the past, I hear Flat Francis could be making the rounds this year.
Special Request of High School Parents
Since teens have an option this year between online and YDisciple, we need to know how many students are planning on participating in YDisciple so we have time to finalize our groups and prepare the materials and train the mentors before our programs start. We cannot ASSUME if they participated in YDisciple last year they will do so again and it is not possible to pull groups together at the last minute. We need to know now. If you are a parent of a 9th or 10th-grade student PLEASE register now. Thank you for your help!!
A few more words on Confirmation... due to Covid-19, there will need to be some accommodations from what was communicated, a year ago, in the red folder.
For example, we understand that it may be difficult to complete the service hours to the parish or the community. We will accept more hours in the other categories to make up the 24 in total - we will be understanding if you have tried your very best.
Another accommodation will be that our curriculum will be switching to an online curriculum (based on parental feedback). Instead of meeting in person we will be using Called to Mercy, an online Confirmation program from St. Mary's Press, and incorporating shorter Zoom check-ins throughout the prep process. We will go over the necessary modifications at the September parent meeting.
Our backup Confirmation Retreat, scheduled to be held at Christ the King Seminary, has also been canceled. I believe all 11th-grade students made their retreat last year. If this is not the case, please contact us ASAP.
Also, Confirmation has been scheduled for November 8th at the 5:00 PM Mass. Please mark your calendars.
More program details and our program calendar will be posted in our September newsletter. If you have any questions, we are always available by email. Stay safe and enjoy the rest of the summer!
Peace,
Melissa Weisenburg
Director of Family Faith Formation
annunciationre@gmail.com