No RE on October 7, 8, and 9

We will not have Religious Education classes on October 7, 8, or 9 due to the Columbus Day holiday.  Classes will resume on October 14, 15, and 16.

Parent Handbook (2012-2013)

Just in case you missed the Parent Orientation, below is the updated parent handbook for this 2012-2013 RE year:

Catechists Needed: is God calling you?

Each year, Fr. Pat makes a plea for catechists during August and September. And each year through the generosity of parishioners young and old, God provides catechists who hear and answer the call to hand on our Catholic faith to children who seek to know God and the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Christ is our teacher

During the plea, I stand in the narthex ready to talk to anyone interested in learning more about being a catechist. Sometimes parishioners approach me after Mass and say, “I don’t know why I’m saying yes, but I feel like this is the year I need to come forward.” Their subtle hesitation is found in many of us who hesitate from further involvement with children and youth: “I don’t know what to say;” “I’m too young/old;” “You wouldn’t believe my schedule;” “I’m afraid.” These concerns are valid and we can only decide the right time to say yes to God through honest, prayerful discernment with ourselves and our families.

But over 2500 years ago, the prophet Jeremiah had a similar response to God’s call: “I do not know how to speak. I am too young!” (Jer 1:6). Reading into Jeremiah’s deeper hesitancy, God answers: “To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you.” (Jer 1:7f). These powerful words are meant not merely to pacify Jeremiah into saying yes to God, but to reassure Jeremiah of God’s presence and guidance on what would be a rocky road ahead – imminent death at speaking God’s word to powerful people.

Although catechists do not face the same circumstances, their work can be prophetic to a generation in need of people to energize and criticize; to inspire and teach; to lead them to encounter Christ, the ultimate aim of all catechists.

RE Registrations -- in the mail!

Registration packets for Religious Education classes at St. Mark starting in September of 2012 were mailed out to all families with children registered at the end of April 2012.  You should receive them in the mail soon.

If you're a new family, you can pick up registration materials at the information desk in the narthex after all weekend Masses or by visiting the RE/parish office.

Thank you for your patience!

"Spring Forward" on Sunday!

Add an hour Saturday night.

Remember to change your clocks Saturday night before you go to bed -- or wake up at 2AM and change them Sunday morning.  "Spring forward" by adding an hour to your time.  Don't be late to Mass and Religious Education classes!

Image Credit: Jörg Weingrill on Flickr

Reminder: No RE President's Day Weekend

Lincoln's Birthday is Feb 12

We will not have Religious Education classes at St. Mark on February 19, 20, or 21.  Classes will resume February 26, 27, and 28.

Enjoy your three-day weekend!

Image Credit: USDAgov on flickr

St. Mark Parish Council & Staff Retreat

This weekend the St. Mark Parish Council and Staff will be on retreat.  Please pray for us -- and if you have any prayer requests you can leave a comment below and I'll make sure to pray for them this weekend.

Due to the retreat (and Fairfax County Public School's four day weekend) there will be no RE classes January 29, 30, and 31.  Classes resume February 5, 6, and 7.

Car Conversation: Good Post-RE Questions

After RE classes have ended, you have a perfect opportunity to talk to your children about RE.  Following up will reinforce what they learned because it gives them an opportunity to articulate their faith in terms they know and use.  We'll take a look below at how to rephrase two common questions, and give you two more good questions to ask your child.

Rephrase Common Questions

• "How was class today?"  This question has a very limited answer range and doesn't invite children to give a good response.  Instead, try asking for something concrete: "What was your favorite part of class?"  They'll have an opportunity to pause and replay class in their mind before giving you an answer.  Give them time to respond, and make sure to ask all your kids.
• Potential follow up: "Why was it your favorite part?"
• "What did you learn about?"  Many children will answer this question with "God" or "Jesus" or something along those lines.  There answer isn't wrong, but probably isn't want you hoped for.  Try asking: "Tell me about what you learned?"  This question invites a much more thought out response.  Instead of answering a question, they can tell a story.
• Potential follow up: "Tell me more!"

Columbus Day

A reminder: no RE classes on Monday or Tuesday because of the Columbus Day holiday.  Enjoy the extra time with your family!