NEWS

A. CATECHETICAL MINISTRY NEWS

'Sharing Faith is integral to being a Christian.
When we share those stories with each other
we process our experiences in a new way.
We start to see our connection with God and with others.
But one thing I see missing is the language
we need to speak about the spiritual.
Ritual and Scripture can provide that language.'
(Kathleen Casey: Catechist's Connection. August/September 2004)

Two years ago I used the above quotation and I believe it is as valid today as it was then. We need to give our young people the values, the tools and the language they need to live as Catholic Christians in our world today. Our secular society especially the media permeates their world with secular values and language. One way to acquire the language, tools and values they need as Catholics is to actively participate in Sunday Liturgy and in Religious Education. One of the programs offered here at St. Lawrence is 'Share the Joy'. What is 'Share the Joy'? For many years we called this program C.C.D. Today this program has a variety of names depending on the practice of the local church. 'Share the Joy', is a Religious Education program for the children in our parish Grades K-6 who are attending public and non-Catholic private schools where there is no Religious Education offered. The goal of this program is to ensure that the younger members of our community are given the opportunity to grow in their knowledge and love of God, participate in sacramental preparation, become familiar with our Catholic traditions, actively participate in Sunday Liturgy, acquire the tools they need for the formation of their consciences. How can they pray if we do not give them the words? While we recognize that there are many forms of prayer we believe that children need to learn and pray the traditional prayers that have stood the test of time in our Catholic tradition. They are given the opportunity to participate in other forms of prayer such as Liturgical prayer, prayers of petition and prayers of thanksgiving to name a few. Classes are offered on most Sundays after the 10:00 a.m. Liturgy and conclude at 11:55 a.m. All classes open with a prayer. The Catechist presents the religious material in a variety of age appropriate activities, which empowers the children to understand and participate in the class at their level. The children usually receive a written summary of the lesson intended for use as a family. If you have any questions please call me at 296-0208 or email me at (khanley@saintlawrence.org) - Sr. Kathleen Hanley RSM

B. ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

A 12-hour Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament started here at Saint Lawrence last summer from 9am to 9pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament follows the 8:30am Mass. We end the 12-hour Adoration with Solemn Benediction and Blessing at 8:45pm. We are happy to inform you that many parishioners have signed up. We have formed a core group of people to assist in this most beautiful offering to God. Please call Sarah Clayton at (408) 296-4170 if you would like to be part of this team. Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration is the adoration of Jesus Christ present in the Holy Eucharist. In the many Churches that have this adoration, the Eucharist is displayed in a special holder called a monstrance, and people come to pray and worship Jesus continually throughout the day and often the night. Christ's great love for us was shown when He was crucified on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and give us eternal life. He loves us without limit, and offers Himself to us in the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. Can we not give Jesus a few minutes of love and adoration in return? In the words of John Paul II, Dominicae Cenae, 3: "The Church and the world have a great need for Eucharistic worship. Jesus awaits us in this sacrament of love. Let us not refuse the time to go to meet Him in adoration, in contemplation full of faith, and open to making amends for the serious offenses and crimes of the world. Let our adoration never cease".

C. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Knights of Columbus Present their 'Annual Pasta Dinner'
When: Saturday, October 21, 2006
Where: St. Lawrence the Martyr Community Center
1971 St. Lawrence Dr. Santa Clara, CA
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Price: Adults $10.00, Children (12 & under) $5.00
Enjoy a delicious dinner with pasta, salad, garlic bread and dessert. Coffee and tea are included. Live music will be provided by the Bee's Knees Tables for 6 and 8 are available All proceeds support our charitable works For more information and for tickets, please contact either: Fred Clegg @ 408-748-1266 or Guy Ferry @ 408-739-7317

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