Hello Parents,
We are approaching the 50th day of the Easter Season, and the great feast of Pentecost (Greek for 50th day). This Sunday’s feast and the readings we share provide a rich number of ways to worship at home. Pentecost was a Jewish harvest feast celebrating the 50 days after Passover. The Jewish people also celebrated the giving of the law to Moses on this day. Christians mark Pentecost as the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in the upper room. After receiving the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit they went out and preached the Good News of Jesus Christ to everyone - even those who spoke different languages. For your sacred space this weekend consider adding the symbols of Pentecost Wind- a mighty wind was heard by the apostles (Acts 2:2) Perhaps a fan of some kind Flames - flames appeared and rested upon the heads of the apostles (Acts 2:3) Cut out the Flames with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit on them and place them on your table. Or write them on pieces of paper. During the week, select one gift a day and see how it can be lived out in your home. Dove - after Jesus’ baptism, “the Spirit of God descended like a dove” (Matthew 3:16) Any image will do! Red- the liturgical color of the season representing the love of the Holy Spirit a red cloth or red heart Birthday candles - you may celebrate the ‘birthday of the church’ in any way your family does. God Sends the Holy Spirit is a video for the younger set. Pentecost Booklet might be a fun activity as well You may notice the Sequence of Pentecost in the liturgy on Sunday (okay, maybe you won’t, but I am a church nerd so bear with me). Sequences began as extensions of the alleluia, the final ‘a’ sung extendedly and gradually words were added. These poems were always sung and I recall hearing it as Veni Sancte Spiritus as a child. In case you would like a listen I found the English Come Holy Spirit beautifully sung by Krisha Blackwell. The words are particularly comforting this year: Come O Holy Spirit Come Heal our wounds, our strength renew On our dryness pour your dew. Wash the stains of guilt away. Bend the stubborn heart and will, Melt the frozen, warm the chill Guide the steps that go astray On your faithful, who adore And confess you evermore.... Give them your salvation Lord Give them joys that never end. Amen. Alleluia! In Christ’s love, Patti Williams Welcome to SRE! SRE stands for School of Religious Education, where children grades 1-8 receive their faith formation in their parish setting, as a support to the formation happening in the home. If you are the parent of a student attending American Martyrs School, your child receives their formation as part of their school day. However, you are still a Family in Faith! Please explore the sacrament information, Jr High and resources on this website. Faith Formation for Children Faith Formation is available for all children from preschool through High School Confirmation. Registration All registrations received after September 5th are considered late registrations and will be processed but may affect placement by first day of class. For Returning families, Re-registration of existing students can be done through the Parent Portal link New siblings must be entered through the online application New to American Martyrs SRE? New Registrations (including new siblings): New Student Application LITURGY OF THE WORD FOR CHILDREN Who: Children of grades 1–6 are invited What: Children come to 9:30am mass with parents and then are brought to the St Kateri Room for the first part of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Word. Children then return to their parents after the sign of peace. When: The First Sunday of the month, September to June Where: Children meet in the St Kateri Room, then brought to church to join their parents. ELEMENTARY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES Who: Children in Grades 1-6 (includes First Communion Preparation - see below). What: Religious Education and Faith Formation for appropriate grade levels. When: SUNDAY SESSIONS: After the 9:30am Mass, approximately 10:45am start-11:45am dismissal These are dependent on parent s committing to attending the 9:30am Mass with their child, class will be following the Mass. TUESDAY or WEDNESDAY SESSIONS: 3:45-4:45pm once a week beginning on either Sept 24 2019(Tuesday) or Sept 25 2019(Wednesday). Parents are required to attend a Parent Orientation on one of the following dates: Aug 25 7:30-9pm or August 28th 7:30-9pm or at September 4th 9:30-11am Where: American Martyrs School Campus JUNIOR HIGH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES Who: Students in grades 7&8 What: Religious Education and Faith Formation for junior high When: TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY SESSIONS: 7:15-8:30pm - once a week beginning November 5 (Tuesday) or 6 (Wednesday) SUNDAY SESSIONS FOLLOW NORMAL SUNDAY SCHEDULE, 10:45AM-11:45AM begins September 22nd FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION Preparation for First Communion is a two-year process. Children may enter the program as early as first grade or any time after that. Preparation classes are offered as follows: SUNDAY SESSIONS: 10:45-11:45am Depend on parent participation and we are currently seeking adults who would prefer to lead a class on Sunday. Parent orientation required. TUESDAY or WEDNESDAY SESSIONS: 3:45-4:45pm – once a week. Parent orientation is required. SACRAMENTAL CLASSES ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS Who: Sacramental classes for older children (grades 3-6) and teens (grades 7-12) who have not received the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) is a two year process. An entrance interview with the Director of Faith Formation will be scheduled for students and parents after enrollment. What: For children in grades 3-8: Enroll in SRE at Grade Level for first year, then join Special Sacrament Class with other older children in grades 4-8 for the second year, during this year First Penance and First Holy Communion are received. When: Tuesday or Wednesday or Sunday for Year One, with grade level. For second year, the class will meet at a time determined by the Director of Religious Education Where: American Martyrs School Campus Questions? Call the Faith Enrichment Center 310-546-4734 or email pwilliams@americanmartyrs.org
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SRE
American Martyrs Catholic Church
School of Religious Education 1701 Laurel Avenue Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Office 310-546-4734 Fax 424-327-9705 Patti Williams, Director of Religious Education Office Hours: August 15-June 15 Monday-Friday 8am-12noon |
