fruit of the spirit newsletter · ers. actions have included improving our first aid capabilities,...
TRANSCRIPT
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER
Volume 1: Issue 11 February 2020
Editors Corner
7 Pillars of Social Justice in Catholic Teachings
This is a continuation from December
Newsletter where you read about the ori-
gins of the 7 Pillars.
The First Pillar is Life and Dignity of the
Human Person.
As we were all made in the image of
God we are called to protect life in all stag-
es. We tend to focus on abortion which is
certainly one of the most grievous acts hu-
mans can do. But according to Pope Fran-
cis, also included is allowing people to die
on boats in the Strait of Sicily or on the job
from unsafe work conditions. There are
many scenarios that fit this Pillar. This
principle can be applied to our every day
life.
One might ask themselves:
• Am I modeling and teaching my chil-
dren and others to speak of people re-
spectfully? Name calling and mocking
others is not what Jesus models to us. So
vital in this age when even our highest
leaders act unchristian every day.
• Something that is sacred means it is de-
serving of our awe and respect. Do I
treat the homeless women with awe and
respect. Or do I think she needs to “pull
herself up by her bootstraps” or get a
job. Do I think “how can I help her”.
Message from Monsignor
I have written about the General Interces-
sions at Mass before but I would like to add some
clarification to a particular part of the liturgy.
In the General Instruction of the Roman Missal
it states that “in the Prayer of the Faithful, the peo-
ple respond in a certain way to the Word of God
which they have welcomed in faith and, exercis-
ing the office of their Baptismal priesthood, offer
prayers to God for the salvation of all.” There is a
pattern for these prayers. “As a rule, the series of
intentions is to be: for the needs of the Church; for
public authorities and the salvation of the whole
world; for those burdened by any kind of difficul-
ty; and for the local community.”
If you are adding an intention to those already
prayed for I would ask that you try to be loud
enough for the whole congregation to hear so that
they might pray with you. Again, as the Instruc-
tion states I would ask that when mak-
ing additional intentions we strive to be succinct
so as not to prolong this part of the Celebration.
Msg Al
Editors Corner
7 Pillars of Social Justice in Catholic Teachings
This is a continuation from December
Newsletter where you read about the origins
of the 7 Pillars.
The First Pillar is Life and Dignity of the
Human Person.
As we were all made in the image of
God we are called to protect life in all stages.
We tend to focus on abortion which is cer-
tainly one of the most grievous acts humans
can do. But according to Pope Francis, also
included is allowing people to die on boats in
the Strait of Sicily or on the job from unsafe
work conditions. There are many scenarios
that fit this Pillar. This principle can be ap-
plied to our every day life.
One might ask themselves:
• Am I modeling and teaching my children
and others to speak of people respectful-
ly? Name calling and mocking others is
not what Jesus models to us. So vital in
this age when even our highest leaders act
unchristian every day.
• Something that is sacred means it is de-
serving of our awe and respect. Do I treat
the homeless women with awe and re-
spect? Or do I think she needs to “pull
herself up by her bootstraps” or get a job.
Do I think “how can I help her?”
2
• Do I treat the morbidly obese with politeness and good humor or do I judge
them for supposed lack of self control and let my disdain show.
• Do I make ethnic slurs such as calling someone with even the smallest amount
of American Indian heritage “Pocahontas”. Do I ever call people a name based
on there height or weight? Do I ever mock a person with disabilities?
• Do I speak in a shaming manner of people who disagree with me?
If Jesus followed me for a day what would He see or hear?
Things for all of us to think about.
All opinions belong to the editor alone.
Information and facts from our Catechism or Bishops’ conference.
Pam O’Connell
UPDATE on TOWN HALL actions!
Holy Spirit has had two Town Hall Meetings in the last 18 months, and you might be
wondering if anything came of it. The answer is YES! Here is a summary of what parishioners
asked for, and the current status:
• Columbarium Project: The columbarium is close to being finished. We have been
waiting on the cross. It was shipped from China and is presently in south Georgia waiting
shipment. It will be here and be erected on Monday January 27th if the weather permits.
Hopefully the landscaping and electrical will be completed by March 31.
● Building Feasibility: We’ve been working with an architect and developing preliminary
drawings and budgets for a multi- purpose educational and parish function facility. The
facility will include a full kitchen to support these activities. We are also working with the
diocese to evaluate the finances for the project.
● Security: For the past several months, several parishioners (Bill Ford, Steve DeRight,
Larry Harrison, Dave Laudone, Greg Smith, and Mark Speck) have been meeting to
3
review Holy Spirit’s readiness to respond to a
variety of emergency situations from medical
emergencies, inclement weather, to active shoot-
ers. Actions have included improving our first
aid capabilities, site evaluations by local sheriff
and fire departments, and developing site-
specific response plans to a wide range of possi-
ble events. Though still in its infancy, there will
be more changes including some presentations
on active-shooter response and CPR and first aid
training. Keep an eye on the bulletin and parish
app for updates.
● Newcomers/Welcome
committee: Newcomers
are welcomed at mass.
Several new families
have been featured in the
newsletter. More is developing in this area.
● Communication: Despite all efforts, this is an
area that still needs to be improved!
Currently the parish uses emails for urgent mes-
sages, the bulletin for weekly announcements,
and the website for ongoing, updated infor-
mation. MyParishApp and Facebook are used to
compliment these, and to send reminders.
The bi-monthly newsletter gives more in-depth
information. If you have information to be
shared, whether personal or for your group,
PLEASE LET US KNOW!
Bulletin and email: Libby.
Website: Helen Barbeauld.
App and facebook: Kathy Landry.
Newsletter: Pam O’Connell.
• More kids activities: Currently our youth
have CCD/CYO, Little Flowers/Blue Knights,
Altar Servers, and a youth choir that per-
forms quarterly.
• More prayer and Adoration: We have month-
ly First Friday mass and adoration; several
new Challenge small groups were started
this past fall; the Knights of Columbus pro-
vided materials for Family Consecration and
the Novena for Life; there will be a Lenten
program of Soup and Speakers following the
Stations of the Cross starting February 28;
annual Men’s Retreat in January and Wom-
en’s Retreat in August in Loreto, KY; and of
course our VBS for spiritual growth for both
kids and adults.
● Ministries Fair: For those who didn’t know all
that we have to offer or who to contact, a Minis-
try Fair was held last February and 28 ministries
were present to tell what they do and how to get
involved.
● Bereavement Committee: We continue to offer
a meal after the funeral here at the Parish
Hall. Plans for a support group have not materi-
alized as yet.
● Seniors: our Spirited Seniors have formed and
meet every Friday for movies, games, and first
Friday adoration followed by lunch. All seniors
are welcome!
● Parish wide/Family activities: We had a Well-
ness Fair in September, and a Blood Drive in Jan-
uary. A bonfire was scheduled but cancelled due
to the burn ban. There have been potluck sup-
pers after the 5:30 mass.
4
● Parish Historian: A committee met and archived all the loose photographs that were in boxes in
the attic. A Parish Historian has been named: Kris DeGeere.
● More community involvement: the Lenten soup and speaker program will feature community
leaders to increase awareness of local needs.
● 20th Anniversary: ✔ Mass (Bishop Stika presided) and reception in September were reported in
the East Tennessee Catholic.
● Increased Diversity: no action reported. Research shows that the first step should be to pray for
God’s direction. What kind of diversity do we seek? Ethnic? Cultural? Socioeconomic? Wanting to
be diverse just so we can say we are diverse is contrary to God’s plan. Getting to know our neighbor
and inviting him out of love to worship with us is a better approach.
KL
Media Corner
Did you know???
That the parish has recently updated their website making it easier to find out what’s happen-
ing?
That the parish app has links to the church website? holyspiritsoddydaisy.com
That you can get the bulletin 4 ways: pick up at weekend mass, delivered to your own email, or
view it on the app or the website?
That our parish has a Facebook page? Holy Spirit Catholic Church Soddy Daisy
That the newsletter is emailed to parishioners on or about the 15th of even-numbered months?
That we want to hear from you? Are you getting the information you need? Is there something
we could do better?
Let me know at [email protected]
5
Spotlight On Deacon Michael
Okay friends, time to buckle up and strap in, ‘cause this one is gonna be quite a
ride. Published author? Check. World-wide work experience? Check 39 years Deacon
experience? Double check. Yes, dear readers, we are talking about Deacon Michael Ku-
charzak and his lovely bride Andrea. Married to the girl across the street after dating
for 7 years in Milwaukee/ Andrea said “yes”57 years back, resulting in 4 successful chil-
dren and 3 grandchildren.
These government assisted guys moved around a lot before putting down roots
with us. Michael handled growing responsibilities in government housing starting in
Milwaukee, then Cleveland, Iowa City, Davenport ( stopped to be ordained there); some
contract work for USAID in Armenia (yikes) and Kazahkstan (double yikes) and as CEO
for seven housing authorities stateside. Just to mention just the important places. Along
the way, Michael got a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin and further studies in ger-
ontology at the U. of Iowa. Andrea complied her studies as a medical assistant and
working on her associate degree and getting lots of hands -on packing and shipping ex-
perience for domestic and those wild foreign spots, and finally to Chattanooga as Di-
rector of the City's Housing Authority for 3 years. At this point they decided to retire
and enjoy life.
That didn't happen: they opened their third consulting business, (two were in
Cleveland,) working for local governments in the South including the recovery efforts
after hurricane Katrina. It is easy to understand moving here, and even staying here,
but what are the reasons they chose to stay with Holy Spirit Catholic Church? They
tried many of area Catholic churches, but never felt a “fit” until coming up our hill and
seeing the new church being built with and without people in it. While Deacon Mi-
chael attended to deacon duties, Andrea got involved in many of our outreach minis-
tries, notably the food bank program, visiting ill parishioners, Ladies of Charity
and interacting with the younger crowd. Who wouldn’t want to learn from a couple
with 2 published books, international travel experience, and fabulously talented chil-
dren and grandchildren?
Both Michael and Andrea have helped pioneer and maintain the active spirituali-
ty vision of our Parish, and currently do so from an active but retired stance. That
stance includes a lot of reading, hobbies, sewing, gardening, interacting with friends,
and living a spiritual life. By the way, going back to Michael writing books, when your
cub reporter was working, there was barely time to read a book, let along write and
publish two of them. jd
6
Ministry of the Month
Our Ministry this month will be CCD with the additional benefit of mentioning all spiritual educa-
tion here at HSCC. And why? Our DRE, Helen Barbeauld is responsible for all of it, CCD, RCIA, VBS,
and CYO. (With the major exception of Msgr Al’s continuing efforts to enlighten us with his homilies and
classes .)
What??? Too much alphabet soup?? Read on to decipher those alphabet nightmares.
Let’s start with our DRE, or in words, Director of Religious Education, Helen Barbeauld. She has toiled in
this role for 14 years (Yikes! That’s almost forever.) That’s a heavy load for anyone, but Helen manages
all that with a smile. She has lots of help, but she handles all these alphabet programs, so the buck stops
at her desk.
So, back to Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. (Give yourselves extra points if you knew what
that acronym means.) CCD is the religious education program for kids pre-K or 4 years old up to 5th Grad-
ers. Believe it or now, there are currently 82 children enrolled in CCD this year! Imagine 82 kids and their
teachers in our parish hall all at one time. Remember that Helen has a lot of help? How about 12 teachers
counting those involved in the CYO program for the middle and high school crowd? Most of the teachers
have been supporting these programs for years and years. The super star here includes Cheryl Cambron,
who has been teaching since year 1. Many others come back over and over again because they feel they
are making a difference.
The CCD program includes the 2nd graders learning about the sacraments of First Confession and
First Communion. These 2nd graders received their First Penance in early December, and are now on to
studying the requirements for receiving their First Communion. The program that their teachers use is
from Dynamic Catholic, and called “Blessed.” There are 6 sessions for Penance and another 6 sessions for
Eucharist, which are each covered in their 1 hour classes. That’s a lot to learn in a short amount of time,
but what excitement there will be on May 3 at the 10:30 Mass this year when 18 2nd Graders receive the
Eucharist for the first time.
7
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is introducing 2 couples to the teachings of our Catholic
faith. Helen is teaching these 4 inquirers our doctrines using the “Catholic Catechism for Adults” pub-
lished by the USCCB or US Conference of Catholic Bishops. They are looking forward to the Vigil
Mass, when they will be received into the Catholic faith.
VBS or Vacation Bible School will be back in 2020 with a whole new program of fun, games, les-
sons, and learning. This year’s theme has to do with Moses and those rebellious Israelites lost in the
Desert. Watch for much more information yet to come.
Last but not least CYO, Catholic Youth Organization is headed up by Lisa Moore. If you are a loyal
newsletter reader, you may remember 2 previous articles about this worthwhile program for middle
and high schoolers. Your newsletter staff personally believes that this program currently servicing the
involvement of over 40 kids is a testament to the great experience for our HSCC youth during their re-
ligious education. Maybe due to a great manager? Could be? Definitely yes.
CD
St. Joseph’s Table
St. Joseph’s table is an Italian tradition, started in the Middle Ages after the people prayed to St.
Joseph for his intercession, and the severe famine in Italy was ended. In thanksgiving, the people filled
tables with food to share with the less fortunate. The tradition continues today, and we will be hosting
our first here at Holy Spirit on March 19th (St. Joseph’s feast day!). You will see tables laden with tradi-
tional meatless foods: pasta Milanese, vegetables including fava beans, fruit, fancy breads and cookies.
There will be images of St. Joseph and the Holy Family.
Families may place memorials of their loved ones who have passed on. The Table is open for viewing
in the afternoon, and in the evening the table is blessed, children dressed as the Holy Family put on a
short pageant, and then the food is shared with all who come. There is never any charge, and while
donations are accepted, any money goes to the needy. Everyone who attends is given a goody bag
with a prayer card, a lucky bean, and a couple of cookies. You can google St. Joseph’s Table or search
YouTube and be amazed. Come help make ours like that!
Ok, we can start small! Call Kathy and Ernie Landry for more information: 423.991.8303 or
email at [email protected].
Yummy!!!!!
8
Deacon Michael and Andrea
Children’s Christmas Mass 2019
Christmas Children’s
Our cross came!!
Our Purpose: to foster communication and connectedness in a close, inviting spiritual community at HSCC.
Editor: Pam O’Connell [email protected] Contributing Writers: Jon Dunning, Cecy Dunning, Gail
Campbell, Msg Al, Kathy Landry Big thanks to Translation: Roxana and Gerardo Oseguera
Clarification from Dec. 2019 article on Shannon
Lorenzo-Rivera. Shannon helped her husband
in many ways but was not the author of 10
books. Credit for that goes to husband Lewis.
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER
Volume 1: Issue 11 February 2020
Editors Corner
7 Pillars of Social Justice in Catholic Teachings
This is a continuation from December
Newsletter where you read about the ori-
gins of the 7 Pillars.
The First Pillar is Life and Dignity of the
Human Person.
As we were all made in the image of
God we are called to protect life in all stag-
es. We tend to focus on abortion which is
certainly one of the most grievous acts hu-
mans can do. But according to Pope Fran-
cis, also included is allowing people to die
on boats in the Strait of Sicily or on the job
from unsafe work conditions. There are
many scenarios that fit this Pillar. This
principle can be applied to our every day
life.
One might ask themselves:
• Am I modeling and teaching my chil-
dren and others to speak of people re-
spectfully? Name calling and mocking
others is not what Jesus models to us. So
vital in this age when even our highest
leaders act unchristian every day.
• Something that is sacred means it is de-
serving of our awe and respect. Do I
treat the homeless women with awe and
respect. Or do I think she needs to “pull
herself up by her bootstraps” or get a
job. Do I think “how can I help her”.
Message from Monsignor
I have written about the General Interces-
sions at Mass before but I would like to add some
clarification to a particular part of the liturgy.
In the General Instruction of the Roman Missal
it states that “in the Prayer of the Faithful, the peo-
ple respond in a certain way to the Word of God
which they have welcomed in faith and, exercis-
ing the office of their Baptismal priesthood, offer
prayers to God for the salvation of all.” There is a
pattern for these prayers. “As a rule, the series of
intentions is to be: for the needs of the Church; for
public authorities and the salvation of the whole
world; for those burdened by any kind of difficul-
ty; and for the local community.”
If you are adding an intention to those already
prayed for I would ask that you try to be loud
enough for the whole congregation to hear so that
they might pray with you. Again, as the Instruc-
tion states I would ask that when mak-
ing additional intentions we strive to be succinct
so as not to prolong this part of the Celebration.
Msg Al
Editors Corner
7 Pillars of Social Justice in Catholic Teachings
This is a continuation from December
Newsletter where you read about the origins
of the 7 Pillars.
The First Pillar is Life and Dignity of the
Human Person.
As we were all made in the image of
God we are called to protect life in all stages.
We tend to focus on abortion which is cer-
tainly one of the most grievous acts humans
can do. But according to Pope Francis, also
included is allowing people to die on boats in
the Strait of Sicily or on the job from unsafe
work conditions. There are many scenarios
that fit this Pillar. This principle can be ap-
plied to our every day life.
One might ask themselves:
• Am I modeling and teaching my children
and others to speak of people respectful-
ly? Name calling and mocking others is
not what Jesus models to us. So vital in
this age when even our highest leaders act
unchristian every day.
• Something that is sacred means it is de-
serving of our awe and respect. Do I treat
the homeless women with awe and re-
spect? Or do I think she needs to “pull
herself up by her bootstraps” or get a job.
Do I think “how can I help her?”
2
• Do I treat the morbidly obese with politeness and good humor or do I judge
them for supposed lack of self control and let my disdain show.
• Do I make ethnic slurs such as calling someone with even the smallest amount
of American Indian heritage “Pocahontas”. Do I ever call people a name based
on there height or weight? Do I ever mock a person with disabilities?
• Do I speak in a shaming manner of people who disagree with me?
If Jesus followed me for a day what would He see or hear?
Things for all of us to think about.
All opinions belong to the editor alone.
Information and facts from our Catechism or Bishops’ conference.
Pam O’Connell
UPDATE on TOWN HALL actions!
Holy Spirit has had two Town Hall Meetings in the last 18 months, and you might be
wondering if anything came of it. The answer is YES! Here is a summary of what parishioners
asked for, and the current status:
• Columbarium Project: The columbarium is close to being finished. We have been
waiting on the cross. It was shipped from China and is presently in south Georgia waiting
shipment. It will be here and be erected on Monday January 27th if the weather permits.
Hopefully the landscaping and electrical will be completed by March 31.
● Building Feasibility: We’ve been working with an architect and developing preliminary
drawings and budgets for a multi- purpose educational and parish function facility. The
facility will include a full kitchen to support these activities. We are also working with the
diocese to evaluate the finances for the project.
● Security: For the past several months, several parishioners (Bill Ford, Steve DeRight,
Larry Harrison, Dave Laudone, Greg Smith, and Mark Speck) have been meeting to
3
review Holy Spirit’s readiness to respond to a
variety of emergency situations from medical
emergencies, inclement weather, to active shoot-
ers. Actions have included improving our first
aid capabilities, site evaluations by local sheriff
and fire departments, and developing site-
specific response plans to a wide range of possi-
ble events. Though still in its infancy, there will
be more changes including some presentations
on active-shooter response and CPR and first aid
training. Keep an eye on the bulletin and parish
app for updates.
● Newcomers/Welcome
committee: Newcomers
are welcomed at mass.
Several new families
have been featured in the
newsletter. More is developing in this area.
● Communication: Despite all efforts, this is an
area that still needs to be improved!
Currently the parish uses emails for urgent mes-
sages, the bulletin for weekly announcements,
and the website for ongoing, updated infor-
mation. MyParishApp and Facebook are used to
compliment these, and to send reminders.
The bi-monthly newsletter gives more in-depth
information. If you have information to be
shared, whether personal or for your group,
PLEASE LET US KNOW!
Bulletin and email: Libby.
Website: Helen Barbeauld.
App and facebook: Kathy Landry.
Newsletter: Pam O’Connell.
• More kids activities: Currently our youth
have CCD/CYO, Little Flowers/Blue Knights,
Altar Servers, and a youth choir that per-
forms quarterly.
• More prayer and Adoration: We have month-
ly First Friday mass and adoration; several
new Challenge small groups were started
this past fall; the Knights of Columbus pro-
vided materials for Family Consecration and
the Novena for Life; there will be a Lenten
program of Soup and Speakers following the
Stations of the Cross starting February 28;
annual Men’s Retreat in January and Wom-
en’s Retreat in August in Loreto, KY; and of
course our VBS for spiritual growth for both
kids and adults.
● Ministries Fair: For those who didn’t know all
that we have to offer or who to contact, a Minis-
try Fair was held last February and 28 ministries
were present to tell what they do and how to get
involved.
● Bereavement Committee: We continue to offer
a meal after the funeral here at the Parish
Hall. Plans for a support group have not materi-
alized as yet.
● Seniors: our Spirited Seniors have formed and
meet every Friday for movies, games, and first
Friday adoration followed by lunch. All seniors
are welcome!
● Parish wide/Family activities: We had a Well-
ness Fair in September, and a Blood Drive in Jan-
uary. A bonfire was scheduled but cancelled due
to the burn ban. There have been potluck sup-
pers after the 5:30 mass.
4
● Parish Historian: A committee met and archived all the loose photographs that were in boxes in
the attic. A Parish Historian has been named: Kris DeGeere.
● More community involvement: the Lenten soup and speaker program will feature community
leaders to increase awareness of local needs.
● 20th Anniversary: ✔ Mass (Bishop Stika presided) and reception in September were reported in
the East Tennessee Catholic.
● Increased Diversity: no action reported. Research shows that the first step should be to pray for
God’s direction. What kind of diversity do we seek? Ethnic? Cultural? Socioeconomic? Wanting to
be diverse just so we can say we are diverse is contrary to God’s plan. Getting to know our neighbor
and inviting him out of love to worship with us is a better approach.
KL
Media Corner
Did you know???
That the parish has recently updated their website making it easier to find out what’s happen-
ing?
That the parish app has links to the church website? holyspiritsoddydaisy.com
That you can get the bulletin 4 ways: pick up at weekend mass, delivered to your own email, or
view it on the app or the website?
That our parish has a Facebook page? Holy Spirit Catholic Church Soddy Daisy
That the newsletter is emailed to parishioners on or about the 15th of even-numbered months?
That we want to hear from you? Are you getting the information you need? Is there something
we could do better?
Let me know at [email protected]
5
Spotlight On Deacon Michael
Okay friends, time to buckle up and strap in, ‘cause this one is gonna be quite a
ride. Published author? Check. World-wide work experience? Check 39 years Deacon
experience? Double check. Yes, dear readers, we are talking about Deacon Michael Ku-
charzak and his lovely bride Andrea. Married to the girl across the street after dating
for 7 years in Milwaukee/ Andrea said “yes”57 years back, resulting in 4 successful chil-
dren and 3 grandchildren.
These government assisted guys moved around a lot before putting down roots
with us. Michael handled growing responsibilities in government housing starting in
Milwaukee, then Cleveland, Iowa City, Davenport ( stopped to be ordained there); some
contract work for USAID in Armenia (yikes) and Kazahkstan (double yikes) and as CEO
for seven housing authorities stateside. Just to mention just the important places. Along
the way, Michael got a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin and further studies in ger-
ontology at the U. of Iowa. Andrea complied her studies as a medical assistant and
working on her associate degree and getting lots of hands -on packing and shipping ex-
perience for domestic and those wild foreign spots, and finally to Chattanooga as Di-
rector of the City's Housing Authority for 3 years. At this point they decided to retire
and enjoy life.
That didn't happen: they opened their third consulting business, (two were in
Cleveland,) working for local governments in the South including the recovery efforts
after hurricane Katrina. It is easy to understand moving here, and even staying here,
but what are the reasons they chose to stay with Holy Spirit Catholic Church? They
tried many of area Catholic churches, but never felt a “fit” until coming up our hill and
seeing the new church being built with and without people in it. While Deacon Mi-
chael attended to deacon duties, Andrea got involved in many of our outreach minis-
tries, notably the food bank program, visiting ill parishioners, Ladies of Charity
and interacting with the younger crowd. Who wouldn’t want to learn from a couple
with 2 published books, international travel experience, and fabulously talented chil-
dren and grandchildren?
Both Michael and Andrea have helped pioneer and maintain the active spirituali-
ty vision of our Parish, and currently do so from an active but retired stance. That
stance includes a lot of reading, hobbies, sewing, gardening, interacting with friends,
and living a spiritual life. By the way, going back to Michael writing books, when your
cub reporter was working, there was barely time to read a book, let along write and
publish two of them. jd
6
Ministry of the Month
Our Ministry this month will be CCD with the additional benefit of mentioning all spiritual educa-
tion here at HSCC. And why? Our DRE, Helen Barbeauld is responsible for all of it, CCD, RCIA, VBS,
and CYO. (With the major exception of Msgr Al’s continuing efforts to enlighten us with his homilies and
classes .)
What??? Too much alphabet soup?? Read on to decipher those alphabet nightmares.
Let’s start with our DRE, or in words, Director of Religious Education, Helen Barbeauld. She has toiled in
this role for 14 years (Yikes! That’s almost forever.) That’s a heavy load for anyone, but Helen manages
all that with a smile. She has lots of help, but she handles all these alphabet programs, so the buck stops
at her desk.
So, back to Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. (Give yourselves extra points if you knew what
that acronym means.) CCD is the religious education program for kids pre-K or 4 years old up to 5th Grad-
ers. Believe it or now, there are currently 82 children enrolled in CCD this year! Imagine 82 kids and their
teachers in our parish hall all at one time. Remember that Helen has a lot of help? How about 12 teachers
counting those involved in the CYO program for the middle and high school crowd? Most of the teachers
have been supporting these programs for years and years. The super star here includes Cheryl Cambron,
who has been teaching since year 1. Many others come back over and over again because they feel they
are making a difference.
The CCD program includes the 2nd graders learning about the sacraments of First Confession and
First Communion. These 2nd graders received their First Penance in early December, and are now on to
studying the requirements for receiving their First Communion. The program that their teachers use is
from Dynamic Catholic, and called “Blessed.” There are 6 sessions for Penance and another 6 sessions for
Eucharist, which are each covered in their 1 hour classes. That’s a lot to learn in a short amount of time,
but what excitement there will be on May 3 at the 10:30 Mass this year when 18 2nd Graders receive the
Eucharist for the first time.
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RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is introducing 2 couples to the teachings of our Catholic
faith. Helen is teaching these 4 inquirers our doctrines using the “Catholic Catechism for Adults” pub-
lished by the USCCB or US Conference of Catholic Bishops. They are looking forward to the Vigil
Mass, when they will be received into the Catholic faith.
VBS or Vacation Bible School will be back in 2020 with a whole new program of fun, games, les-
sons, and learning. This year’s theme has to do with Moses and those rebellious Israelites lost in the
Desert. Watch for much more information yet to come.
Last but not least CYO, Catholic Youth Organization is headed up by Lisa Moore. If you are a loyal
newsletter reader, you may remember 2 previous articles about this worthwhile program for middle
and high schoolers. Your newsletter staff personally believes that this program currently servicing the
involvement of over 40 kids is a testament to the great experience for our HSCC youth during their re-
ligious education. Maybe due to a great manager? Could be? Definitely yes.
CD
St. Joseph’s Table
St. Joseph’s table is an Italian tradition, started in the Middle Ages after the people prayed to St.
Joseph for his intercession, and the severe famine in Italy was ended. In thanksgiving, the people filled
tables with food to share with the less fortunate. The tradition continues today, and we will be hosting
our first here at Holy Spirit on March 19th (St. Joseph’s feast day!). You will see tables laden with tradi-
tional meatless foods: pasta Milanese, vegetables including fava beans, fruit, fancy breads and cookies.
There will be images of St. Joseph and the Holy Family.
Families may place memorials of their loved ones who have passed on. The Table is open for viewing
in the afternoon, and in the evening the table is blessed, children dressed as the Holy Family put on a
short pageant, and then the food is shared with all who come. There is never any charge, and while
donations are accepted, any money goes to the needy. Everyone who attends is given a goody bag
with a prayer card, a lucky bean, and a couple of cookies. You can google St. Joseph’s Table or search
YouTube and be amazed. Come help make ours like that!
Ok, we can start small! Call Kathy and Ernie Landry for more information: 423.991.8303 or
email at [email protected].
Yummy!!!!!
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Deacon Michael and Andrea
Children’s Christmas Mass 2019
Christmas Children’s
Our cross came!!
Our Purpose: to foster communication and connectedness in a close, inviting spiritual community at HSCC.
Editor: Pam O’Connell [email protected] Contributing Writers: Jon Dunning, Cecy Dunning, Gail
Campbell, Msg Al, Kathy Landry Big thanks to Translation: Roxana and Gerardo Oseguera
Clarification from Dec. 2019 article on Shannon
Lorenzo-Rivera. Shannon helped her husband
in many ways but was not the author of 10
books. Credit for that goes to husband Lewis.