ELEMENTARY NEW'S January 1, 2012

 Happy New Year! Boy the years just fly. As I look back on the year I realize and thank God for my many blessings. Health, Home, Job, Food, and most importantly a family. I am very blessed to have a family that I know will always be there and support me. I challenge you this New Year to spend time with your family and enjoy them. Kids grow up way too fast. 

We have been very busy in the elementary program this past year as well. Here is a run down of what we have been working on in each grade.

K- In December we talked about the true meaning of Christmas. We read the Nativity and talked about ways to prepare for the coming  of Jesus. We had a birthday cake for Jesus' birthday and celebrated together. It has been a real blast in kindergarten. 

1st- Marlene's class had the opportunity to act out the Nativity and present it to the other first graders. We have been so busy preparing for the coming of the Lord. Also keeping us busy has been our prayers. We are trying so hard to memorize them and understand each line. We will be starting to learn the Prayer of Sorrow after Christmas.

2nd- Our second graders have received another Sacrament. They have made their 1st Reconciliation in November. The children have worked so hard to prepare themselves and were truly ready for this Sacrament. Be sure to congratulate them and let them know you are proud.

3rd- Changes? We are learning the Apostles Creed and talking about the Mass changes. This has been a struggle but we know that with time it will come easy. We also had the opportunity to go to confession before Christmas. Your children should be working on Chapter 13 due after Christmas.

4th- The Ten Commandments have been our focus thus far. Over 1/2 of the fourth graders know all 10 Commandments by heart. I am hoping that by the end of the year all of the fourth graders will know the commandments.

5th- The 7 Sacraments, Do you know them? Most of the fifth graders know the Sacrament. The confusion comes in when we talk about the Sacraments of Initiation. I tell the students to remember that Initiation means "Welcoming" What sacraments are we welcomed into something? Baptism-We are welcomed into the church, Holy Communion-We are welcoming Jesus into our hearts, Confirmation- We welcome the Holy Spirit and as adults are welcome to the church. As all sacraments we are "welcoming" in this may just be a little plug to help your fifth grader memorize the sacraments.

6th- We have been busy working in our Bibles. This has been very interesting for the students. Many have not been exposed to the bible, so this has been a fun journey for them. We also have spent the first half of the year reviewing the Sacraments, Commandments and prayers that they have already learned in the previous years. Sixth graders did a awesome job going to Confession. They were very reverent and  prayerful. Thanks sixth grader.

As I end this letter I just pray that you have a safe and blessed New Year! God Bless! Mark
 
Make a Free Website with Yola.