Peace.

 As we begin a new school year let me begin by welcoming you once again as partners in the formation of these our children.  I trust that the Summer was a restful, peaceful and enjoyable one for all in your family.

 This new year brings with it many changes and challenges, but I am sure that as we continue to be a family here we will rise to the occasion as we always have and excel.  I would like this to be a year that is characterized by this spirit of excellence.  This means that we must set the bar as reasonably high as possible for our children, as well as ourselves, so that we will be able to see the growth that is expected in all of us.

 Where the Sunday School is concerned, I must make it clear that our relationship with the Lord cannot be seen as a matter of convenience and must not be treated as such.  If our children are to learn this lesson, then we as parents, godparents and adults must see this as a value in our own lives and so pass this on by example.  There is no other way to do this.

 Consequently, I ask that as persons responsible for the lives of these little ones, that we help them to be faithful to the tasks at hand.  Firstly, we must remember that attendance at Mass is a priority.  Secondly, attendance at Sunday School must also be seen as such.  The weekly Mass attendance cards shall be used to help to track attendance at Mass as well as the school roster.  For those children in the First Communion and Confirmation classes, those other aspects which are essential obligations must be observed, namely, days of prayer, retreats and the corporal works of mercy.  To not be attentive to these things does place your child at risk of being deferred in receiving their First Holy Communion as well as to be confirmed.  This is a principle that is being held, not only by me as pastor, but it is a principle that is being held by all pastors and parish communities in the Archdiocese of Kingston. 

 For too long we have treated Church and the formation of our children as things of convenience and I need us to see that this has not been helping our children and certainly has not helped the Church.

 As we begin this new year, let us do the best, not only for the children who depend on us, but certainly in doing these things we would have helped ourselves to grow in faith. 

I look forward to a wonderful and prayerful year and assure you of my greatest support in this area of our parish stewardship.

 Msgr. Mike