Mass is our highest form of prayer.  It is one of the precepts of our Church that we go to mass every Sunday.  In 5^th and 6^th grade we are discussing the parts of mass and what each part means.  It is important for us to understand why we do all the things we do at mass.  Why are they important?  Mass is more than just something we have to do on Saturday evenings or Sunday mornings.  At mass, we actually can hear God talking to us through the voice of the lector as well as the priest and deacon.  What do those words mean for us?  How should our lives be changed by them?  It is also important to understand what happens during the consecration.  The Holy Spirit really is present with us.  He really does change the bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus.  We can see it happen, but only through the wide open eyes of faith.  When we are truly open to the presence of God at mass and are open to his word and actions, we are then ready to truly receive God into our heart, mind, and soul.  The 5^th and 6^th graders are continuing their journey into understanding mass and all that goes with it.

The 7^th and 8^th graders are also working on the same concept.  We are discussing the Rosary.  We are talking about how the Rosary is a prayer, a form of meditation that allows us to be open to the voice of God.  The Rosary tells us the story of the important events in the lives of Mary and Jesus.  We also know that Mary wants us to know about her son so that we can be closer to him.  Mary, as our heavenly mother, wants us to be closer to Jesus because she knows that it is through him that we can all get to heaven.  We will also discuss that many people believe that praying the Rosary also helps men and women receive the call of vocations.  The Rosary is a powerful prayer.  A prayer I have come to love the more I do it.

 The 8^th grade is getting ready to formally begin their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Below you will find all of the importance dates for students to know.  If you have any questions along the way, please to no hesitate to call me or send me an e-mail tdassing@dowlingcatholic.org

Thank you,

Mr. D

Important Dates for Confirmation Families: 

Wednesday, October 21^st                   Parents Meeting (6:30-6:45 Parish Hall)

Sunday, November 8^th                         Confirmation Enrollment at 8:00 a.m. mass followed by Session 1

Sunday, December, 6th                       Confirmation Session II following 8:00 a.m. mass

Sunday, January 3^rd                             Confirmation Session III following 8:00 a.m. mass

Friday-Saturday, February 11-12      Confirmation Retreat at St. Thomas Moore Center at Panora, Iowa,

Sunday,March 7th                                Confirmation Session IV (last session) following 8:00 a.m. mass

Wednesday, March 31                         Confirmation Portfolios due

Wednesday, April 14                            Confirmation Rehearsal 6:45-7:45 (Church)

Sunday, April 18^th                                  Confirmation (12:00 noon)