June 25, 2009

Dear Parents,

When you brought your children to the waters of Baptism, you made a

promise to raise them in the Catholic faith. You are the first, but not the

only, catechists of your children. The Catholic School or Parish Religious

Education Program, also play a crucial role in handing on the faith. The

parish community is a vital agent in the transmission of faith. Here the

Word is broken and the Sacraments celebrated. You are the “Keepers of

the Promise”. Join us for Mass and bring your children to the parish for

formation in values, customs, prayer and introduction of principal symbols

and images of the Church of God.

National Conference of Catechetical Leadership

1. We offer a variety of times that you may choose; however, if none of

these times fit your family schedule, we offer a home program, However,

children preparing for sacraments must be present for sessions. Parents

will be asked to attend 4 sessions with your children this year. Please

note that the 9 AM session fills up quickly. Space is limited;register early.

2. As your child grows and enters our programs, it is necessary that he/she

attend Mass. Nothing we talk about in our sessions makes sense, unless

they are coming to church. If you must choose, attend Mass.

3. Remember CYO? It is now called Youth Ministry for grades 9-12. It is

alive and well at St. Maximilian’s under the leadership of Belinda Ledue

and Justine Freeman. Includes Sunday night parish gatherings, diocesan

retreats, workshops, social events, leadership training, catechesis, social

justice and peace projects and special Masses. FMI, call office 883-1742.

All are invited to attend.

4. Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Children leave Mass after the opening

prayer to hear the Sunday readings in words they can understand. A

team of people is necessary to cover our Mass schedule. For children

ages 3-8. Training and materials are available.

5. Do you have older children in need of sacramental preparation for Baptism
and/or Confirmation and Eucharist? Schedule and time TBA. Call 883-1742 FMI.

6. SPRED – Special Religious Education for Children and Adults with

disabilities. Adults and children will meet Thursdays (2x a month)

3:30-4:30 PM. (Separate rooms).

7. If you wish to be a catechist (K-8) please call office (883-1742). All

volunteers must fill out background check form and participate in a

“Protecting God’s Children Training”. (If you have already done this. You

will not have to repeat it).

8. Southern Maine Diocesan Event - Junior High Gathering at St.

Maximilian Kolbe (Gr. 6, 7, 8) Friday, January 29^th.5:30PM-10:00PM.

We expect all our students to participate. This is an important part of our program.

Catechists and parents are invited to attend this day!

9. Cancellations for weather: If school is cancelled or released early due

to inclement weather, all children’s activities will be cancelled. Local

radio & TV stations will be notified. Please do not call the rectory.

10. Catechist Ministry Day: Join Bishop Malone Saturday, September 19 for an important

Day of enrichment , inspiration, and training as we begin another year of Faith

Formation. This is a southern Maine event held here at St. Maximilian Kolbe, sponsored

By the Diocese of Portland. 8:30AM-3PM. Includes lunch.

For Catechists:

If you wish to be effective and have an enjoyable experience sharing your

faith with children, every effort must be made to take part in these

activities.

Saturday,, Sept. 19^th - 8:45AM-3PM - Catechist Ministry Day. A day to inspire

you and, a choice of workshops, gives you a “hands-on”.

Resources to enrich your sessions.Bishop Richard Malone will be the

Keynote speaker and will commission catechists.

Lunch is included.$20 donation.

The Abbey & Ave Maria Bookstores will be here to serve you.

Thursday, Sept. 24 - Begin the year right! Catechist meeting (K-8)

6;30 PM – prayer followed by wine and cheese.

Manuals will be given out.Bring your questions.

Sunday, January 3rd, Epiphany - 6 PM - Small Hall

Annual Christmas Party – Our annual Christmas Celebration,

Our gift to you! Join the fun for a special meal and our

Famous Yankee Swap.

Look for other adult education opportunities that will be offered throughout the year.

To enrich your prayer life and knowledge of your faith.

Youth Ministry Leaders - Belinda Ledue & Justine Freeman 883-8555

Sacramental Celebrations:

Second Grade Confirmation & Eucharist

Dates: Saturday, May 1 – 10AM or 2PM

Reconciliation - Parent/Child Workshop Tuesday, October 27- 6:00-7:15 PM

Tues. Nov.17 - 6:30PM - Family Reconciliation Celebration( confession)

Tween Confirmation - If you have missed Confirmation

and are beyond the 2^nd grade, please call office at 883-1742.

Pick Your Time - 2009-20

Family Name _________________ Tel. # _________ E-Mail _______________

We will do our best to accommodate you.

(You will get the schedule you choose, unless you hear from us.)

Sundays - K-6 - 9:00 – 10:15 AM

Child’s Name ___________________ Grade ___________

“ ___________________ Grade ___________

Wednesdays - K-6 and Gr. 7 & 8 Faithways - 6:00 – 7:15 PM

Child’s Name ___________________ Grade ___________

“ ___________________ Grade ___________

Thursdays – K-6 - 3:30-4:45 PM

Child’s Name ___________________ Grade ___________

“ ___________________ Grade ___________

Don’t Miss Out!

Sign Up Today!

ALTAR SERVERS SIGN-UP 2006-2007

If you are entering fourth grade, you are invited to become an altar server.

Training is available.

Name: ______________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________

E-Mail ___________________________ Tel. # _____________

Which Mass do you prefer?___________Saturday 4:30 PM

___________ Sunday 7:30 AM

___________ Sunday 10:30 AM

Elaine Hollywood, coordinator

Faith Formation Office 883-1742

CHILDREN’S CHOIR SIGN-UP

Come sing your praises to our Lord!

We will sing at the 4:30 Mass 2x a month.

Our music is joyful and we need your voice to enrich our Liturgical Celebrations.

Name: _______________________________________

Address: _____________________________________

E-Mail: ___________________ Tel. # ______________

We practice on Mondays from 4:15-5:30 PM

Mrs. Martina Ousback, Director

883-0663

Forms to be returned to Catechetics Office.

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP

Rick & Leanne Perron, Directors - 883-8730

For teens and adults who wish to sing or play an instrument at the

Sat. 4:30 Liturgy (2x month)

We practice on Fridays at 6:15-7:30 PM.

Name: ___________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________

E-Mail: _______________________Tel. # ______________

Parent Volunteer Sheet is on Computer under “Parent Volunteer Sheet”