Valley Catholic Community

COMBINED NEWS

HIGH SCHOOL FAITH FORMATION CLASS DATES: March 14th and 28th – 12:30 PM at St. John Bosco in the Youth Room. All High School students from both parishes are cordially invited.

VIRTUS Training for HS students took place last Sunday. Only 10 attended. The bi-monthly classes, TAUGHT BY OUR OWN TWO PRIESTS no less, draw 15 to 20, out of a pool of over 200 High School students. And yet when we asked for feedback from parents as to how to improve the program, and how to increase attendance, we received one response. We don't have the answer…

LENTEN PENANCE SERVICE – for all Good Shepherd/St. John Bosco children/Faith Formation students will be held on March 20th at NOON at St. John Bosco.

CONFIRMATION STUDENTS AND PARENTS - A REMINDER THAT THE CONFIRMATION RETREAT IS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 20th at Good Shepherd from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including attendance at the 4:00 P. Mass. A separate e-mail/hard copy will be sent shortly with more details.

BISHOP'S YOUTH AWARD – young people in grades 8 and 12 that are active in their church community are encouraged to apply for the 2010 Bishop's Youth Award. Some examples of activities or services that help you qualify for this award are: serving as lectors, altar servers, Faith Formation aides, participation in Food or Clothing drives, parish youth work, etc. The students can be recommended by their pastor or the principal of their Catholic schools. Details of the process to follow will be listed in the packets on the table outside the Faith Formation office or by contacting Bob Rock at 788-1997, ext 204, or by submitting an email contact form that you can access by clicking here or clicking on the “Contact Faith Formation” link in the sidebar at the left side of this page.

FIRST COMMUNION RETREAT: This year's retreat will be held Saturday, April 17th from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM at St. John Bosco. We are in need of some adult volunteers to oversee the day (registration, snack, etc.). Please consider helping us prepare the 2nd graders from St. John Bosco/Good Shepherd to receive their First Communion. If interested, please contact Carrie Grandzol by submitting an email contact form that you can access by clicking here or clicking on the “Contact Faith Formation” link in the sidebar at the left side of this page..

ST. JOHN BOSCO SITE

OPERATION RICE BOWL: For 35 years Catholic Relief Services’ Operation Rice Bowl has offered Catholics in the United States a way to connect with our brothers and sisters overseas. This Lenten season, Catholic Relief Services invites Catholics to pray with their families and faith communities; fast in solidarity with those who hunger; learn about our global community and the challenges of poverty overseas; and give sacrificial contributions to those in need. CRS believes that through solidarity we can transform the world. St. John Bosco children have received or will receive their rice bowls this weekend in Faith Formation classes.  All money is due back to the Faith Formation Office no later than Sunday, March 21st.

CHANGE FOR A CHANGE IN HAITI PROGRAM: The children in our Faith Formation Program raised over $330 to be donated to the Hands Together Haiti program during the change drive at St. John Bosco. What a wonderful example of giving. Great job!

FIRST GRADE FAITH FORMATION SERVICE PROJECT: The children in Mrs. Younger's First Grade class will be collecting food for the Valley Food Pantry all this month. Donations can be dropped off at the Faith Formation Office or the rear of the church. Thank you for helping the children in their service efforts!

A SINCERE THANK YOU to the grades 3-5 parents that sent their children last Sunday for the Teaching Touching Safety program, and to PAM CEOL for another job well-done. We had 68 students in attendance, out of a possible 111, and for total grades K through 8th, 240 out of 420 children received the training on how to protect themselves. For those parents that elected not to send their child, we will be happy to send you a copy of what was discussed, and hopefully you can cover the material one-on-one with your son or daughter. Please consider this option, as there is some valuable information in the lessons. Contact the Faith Formation office at 788-1997, ext 204 or contact Bob Rock by submitting an email contact form that you can access by clicking here or clicking on the “Contact Faith Formation” link in the sidebar at the left side of this page to request copies.

GOOD SHEPHERD SITE