Hello Families,
I pray this letter finds you and your family healthy. These are certainly some uncertain times we are living in, along with the stress of homeschooling and professionals, it is at times overwhelming. Please know that we at St John the Baptist remember our community of faith in our daily prayers as well as in our daily mass. We are here if you need help or just someone to speak with.
Obviously, these times have hampered our well laid plans for the children and their faith formation for the second half of the year. Our Level 2 students were able to receive their Sacrament of 1st Reconciliation one week before we went into quarantine. Our C2 (Confirmation) Students were not able to receive their Sacrament of Confirmation on April 23rd, and our 1st Communion Students were not able to receive their Sacrament on May 3rd. We are saddened by this, but we do understand and support the decisions that are being passed down to us.
Fr Mark and I have discussed what the future holds for the students who were not able to participate in their Sacrament this year.
Confirmations- This decision will be given to us by the Bishop/Diocese. Once he informs us as to the dates or the process, we will notify all those preparing for Confirmation. I am missing most of the Sponsor forms for the children as well as some of the Sacramental Record forms. Once Confirmation is scheduled the process could move very quickly. The sooner the forms are submitted the easier of a process it would be. Forms are attached to this email.
1st Communion- This decision is currently still in process. Under the current restrictions, we would need to split the Communion Class into two separate celebrations as well as limiting the guests to the household members of the 1st Communicant only. We are aware and are taking into consideration the fact that many families have purchased clothing for the children. Knowing how quickly they grow we are trying our best to move forward as quickly as possible with a plan that will meet the needs of all.
Our program year officially ended on May 3rd. I would like to say thank you for being patient as we worked through the final weeks electronically. If you were not able to engage in the classroom please do not worry, I know that this has been a challenging process and I am certain that we will improve as time moves forward. If you have not submitted your fees for this year, please contact me for the final balance or to make arrangements.
Looking forward to next program year, we are scheduled to begin classes on September 13th at 9:00am with our parent and student orientation. I do ask that you pre-register your child so that I can assure I have enough books and supplies on hand. Registration form is included in this mailing as well as available on our website www.stjohnbap.org under the Faith Formation Tab. Email submission is just fine.
We do continue to stream Sunday Mass from St John the Baptist each week at 10:00am on our Website, You Tube Channel as well as on our Facebook page. All social media links are available on our Website home page. If you can not make it at 10:00am it is okay, you can view our mass at your convenience at the same locations. Resuming in person mass will begin on Pentecost Sunday at 10:00am by reservation only. Please call the rectory to reserve your spot. Our church is limited to 100 persons in attendance based on Social distancing norms.
Vacation Bible School- Unfortunately because we are still in a limited gathering state, we are unable to host a Vacation Bible School this year.
Mercy Week- Typically held in early July. Because we do not know what the near future holds, I am unable to schedule and plan a Mercy Week this year.
I pray that your family remains safe and healthy over these summer months. Please reach out to the Parish Office if you have any questions. I will be in touch with all the families who have children are awaiting a date for their Sacraments.
I pray we all stay safe and are prepared for the what the future holds.
Jesus, I trust in You
Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for us
Mrs. Sandona
Director of Religious Education
St John the Baptist/St Adalbert
1849 Lincoln Ave
Whiting IN 46394
219-659-0023 ext. 106