GIFT Begins This Wednesday!

The textbooks have arrived... the catechists have their materials... it must be time for a new year of GIFT to begin!

I'm looking forward to kicking off the year this Wednesday! I'll see you all on Wednesday, 5:00, in the school gym!

Fall Festival & Catechetical Sunday...

St. Joe's parish is a hoppin' place this weekend!

Fall Festival Activities start up at 4:00 today with the Liturgy with the Lima Polka Choir. The KCs will be serving a pork dinner from 4:30-7:30; there will be entertainment in the "big tent" after the mass with the Lima Polka Choir immediately after mass, followed by Ranger Rudy and the Swingin' Wingtips from 7:00-10:00 PM.

There will be cake walking, chalk drawing, scarecrow building, veggie racing, movie watching, bingo playing and MUCH MORE, so come down and check it out tonight and tomorrow!

At the 10:15 Mass on Sunday, we will call forward all catechists and teachers of the faith for a blessing at the mass as we celebrate Catechetical Sunday. If you see a catechist or a teacher or a mentor out and about this weekend (and all year), please thank them for the wonderful work they do in forming our youth in faith.

I'll see you at the Festival!

Safe Environment Information for Parents and Catechists

As we gear up for a new year of Religious Education classes at St. Joe's, we again focus on ensuring a safe environment for all students and volunteers.

Parents and catechists, please use the following links to read the Green Book, and the Red Book which address Diocesan policies and guidelines in regards to providing a safe environment in which students and volunteers can Grow In Faith Together.

Students will watch a short 15 minute video on safety during the GIFT year. I haven't set the exact date, but more information about the video will be sent home in advance of the date it is shown.

Want to know more? Click on this link to view the complete Diocesan Safe Environment policies and forms.

2009-2010 GIFT Calendar

If you've misplaced your GIFT calendar... or maybe just want to quickly check on a date or a time... this is the place to go! Click on the calendar to view it in a larger window, or even save or print a copy.

GIFT: A Look Back...

I promised a look back, and this slideshow delivers! Watch St. Joe's youth as they grow in faith (and in height!) from 2005 to the present :)

GIFT Catechist Meeting

All GIFT Catechists,

Please stop by Charles Hall (the Church basement) at 6:00 PM on Monday, September 21st &
...Sign or fill out your Safe Environment forms...
...Pick up your teacher's manuals and planning materials...
...find out about a GREAT source for lesson & activity ideas...
...Just say "hello!"

I'll see you there :)

A Look Back: Little Church 2009

As Mary Zweber and I prep for a new year of Little Church - and continue to finalize the calendar for the 2009-2010 year - here is a fun look back at some highlights from last year :)

Fun & Faith at Action City in Eau Claire

Thank you to all of the St. Joe's youth who attended the 2nd Annual Eau Claire Deanery Rally at Action City! And a GIANT thank you goes out to the parents who provided transportation and even stayed for the event. St. Joe's was very well represented on Friday!

The pizza and soda were delicious and refreshing... the band "rocked the house," and Pat Brueggen shared an excellent message. And of course, the go-karts, maze, mini-golf, bumper cars, rock-climbing wall, laser tag and other games were a BLAST!

If you weren't able to be there this year, don't worry! We'll see you there next year!

Watch the Catholic Times for an article on the event, and keep checking the blog for some pictures from the event :)

Check Out the NEW Confirmation Site

The NEW St. Joe's Confirmation blog is up and running. Check it out at St. Joe's Confirmation, or use the link under "My Blog List" on the left side of this page to get to the site.

As we start a new Religious Education year, watch both blogs next week for some "blast from the past" slideshows highlighting the last 6 years of Little Church, Kid's Club, GIFT and Confirmation!