August 19, 2011
To the Saint Noel Family,
GIFT (Generations In Faith Together) provides all members of our community with an opportunity to come together regularly, making Jesus, the ultimate teacher, present to us in each other. Growing in faith is a life-long process, and so adults young and old, teens, and children are invited to GIFT. We learn together, as well as from one another. We grow in our relationship with God, as well as with one another. We enjoy a good meal, as well as food for thought.
GIFT begins its eighth season this fall, but with a new twist. GIFT continues to be the primary opportunity of faith formation for the entire parish, however, Bishop Lennon has mandated that all parishes of our diocese offer a weekly format of religious formation for children who do not attend Catholic day school. Therefore, our monthly GIFT sessions no longer suffice as the only means of children's faith formation. We are implementing a new weekly program for grades 1-5 which will be called CALLL (Children Actively Living, Learning, Loving). CALLL, along with the current PEACE program for middle school, will include the GIFT sessions. Because these programs will place new demands on our parish resources, our GIFT sessions this year have been reduced from eight to four.
Included in this mailing you will find a booklet detailing the topic, objectives, format and dinner menu for each of the four GIFT sessions. Each session addresses a relevant topic derived from the National Catholic Catechetical Directory composed by the U.S. Catholic Bishops. Each session is designed to give us knowledge directed toward developing and celebrating a deeper relationship with Jesus. Fellowship, prayer, and service are also important components of each session. We are very excited about the topics offered this year.
Registration information is enclosed. However, if you are a family with children and have already completed a registration form, you do not need to register again. All others may just take these simple steps: First, take a few moments to read about each session in the booklet. Next, complete the enclosed yellow registration form. Sign up for all four sessions and receive a price break, or just sign up for the sessions you are available to attend. Circle the date of the session you want to attend and write the number of people of each age group you are registering. Then, mark the enclosed GIFT reminder magnet with your session choices and hang it in a prominent place. Finally, return your registration form with payment to the GIFT box in the Narthex or the parish office. (Our Endowment Committee has set aside funds to assist anyone who may need help with payment at this time.) Each registered household will receive a special gift at the first GIFT session.
As you know, GIFT is a huge undertaking and could not happen without the help of many people. Please consider helping in whatever way you are able. Fill out the enclosed green volunteer form and drop it off in the GIFT box.
Join hundreds of others for GIFT this season as we journey in memories and faith together.
Sincerely,
Fr. George
Pastor
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