October was a busy month in the Religious Education Program, we hope you were able to take part in some of our events. If you missed out, don't fret, we are planning some great things for November.
We began our Confirmation Preparation Program with a parent and candidate meeting and had our first class that focused on the Holy Spirit and the Sacrament of Confirmation. On Sunday, October 27, we celebrated the Rite of Welcoming for our 41 Confirmation Candidates. Fr. Trinidad celebrated the Mass that officially welcomes the candidates into preparation for the Sacrament. Each candidate also received a Bible that they will use to help them to listen to God's meesage in their lives. Please pray for them as they continue on their journey of faith.
We also began our First Penance Program with a Parent Meeting that included Fr. Trinidad enriching us all about the beautiful Sacrament of Penance. Through the forgiveness of God given through the sacrament, we are freed of the things that hold us back from finding true joy in our lives. This reconciliation with God allows us to start our relationship with Him anew. The Sacrament of Penance, which is sometimes seen in a negative way, is actually a sacrament of joy and healing. We pray for and encourage all those who have been a way from the Sacrament of Penance to come back and allow yourself to receive God's abundant mercy, love and forgiveness. On Sunday, October 27, Bishop McDonnell and Fr. Trinidad fielded questions from our 8th Grade students. Bishop McDonnell spoke about the role of a bishop and about his time as chaplain in the army and how he was chosen to be a bishop by the Holy Father. They then answered some deep questions about God's love, the creation of our world, sin, prayer, and Mary. It was great to see the students engaged in learning more about our faith.
And last but not least, in our first of many family events, we decorated pumpkins that were distributed to the residents of two of the senior centers in Nutley. Over 70 children helped to decorate 125 pumpkins, while enjoying some donuts and apple cider. A special thank you goes out to all of the children and parents who made this a great day and to our Confirmation candidates, who made sure everyone had enough supplies (and donuts!)
The pumpkins were delivered the next day and the residents were very grateful to receive the beautifully decorated pumpkins from our students. |
| A "Thank You" from our seniors who received a pumpkin decorated by our students. |
