As we are in the midst of the Easter season, a time to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and to rejoice in the new life He brings to all, please note that this coming week, we will be having our last Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for this catechetical year.  Throughout this Parish Year of the Eucharistic Revival, we have started some of our classes with Adoration to help our students develop a love and devotion for Jesus truly present in the Eucharist.  

Next class: Tuesday, April 16; and Wednesday, April 17, and Saturday, April 20, students need to go directly to the church, NOT THE SCHOOL, when they arrive.  

Complete details regarding the procedures that will apply for this week have been sent via email to the parents.

• Please make sure your child arrives on time.  *Students who do not arrive by the time the adoration starts and the doors of the church are closed will be considered absent for this class.* 

Most especially as we will be in the church in the presence of the Lord, all students need to be dressed appropriately (following the program dress code).

They should also bring their books and supplies as usual for regular class after the Adoration.

Again, students need to be at the church this week by the regular time for the start of their Religious Education class.

Thank you, and God bless you. 

We are excited that soon, our candidates will be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit as they are confirmed and become “adults” in the faith!  

As we approach the day of the celebration, an email was sent to all parents informing them of the guidelines and procedures that will be in place for the Confirmation Mass.  Please review them carefully.  All of our families and sponsors are to follow and abide by these guidelines and procedures.  

If you did not receive the email, please contact the Religious Education office.

Should there be any changes to these guidelines, you will be informed via email.  

This is a reminder that next week, we have the rehearsal for the celebration of Confirmation.

Thursday, April 11th, 2024

• We will have the rehearsal for the Confirmation Mass at 5:30 pm.

• Both your child and their sponsor need to arrive no later than 5:15 pm so that the rehearsal may start promptly at 5:30 pm. 

• They need to come to the patio area outside the Chapel, where they will sign in prior to proceeding into the church.

• Rehearsal will run until approximately 7:00 pm.

• Please be here to pick up your child at 7:00 pm outside the Chapel.

• Gowns will be distributed to the candidates at the end of the rehearsal.

• *Sponsors need to have gone to Reconciliation (confession) prior to the rehearsal.  See below for more details.

**Please remind your child’s sponsor that he/she MUST attend the rehearsal with your child.**

ATTENDANCE AT THE REHEARSAL IS REQUIRED FOR BOTH CANDIDATE AND SPONSOR.

Please remember the dress code of the program (for both candidate and sponsor): 

NO crocs, flip flops, tank tops, sleeveless shirts/dresses, gym shorts, leggings, ripped jeans, or “short” shorts/skirts (must come down to the knee). 

Please remember that we will be in the church, and all candidates and sponsors are to dress modestly.

**TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY CLASSES:  Please remember that there is no class on Tuesday, April 11th and Wednesday, April 12th.  Instead, please come for the rehearsal on Thursday.  (The rehearsal will count as a class day in terms of attendance.)

SPONSOR PREPARATION

Information was sent to all sponsors with regards to the immediate preparation prior to the Confirmation.  Of utmost importance, please remind your child's sponsor that they need to go to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) prior to the rehearsal.  A copy of the email that was sent to all sponsors last week was included in the reminder email sent to the parents.  If the sponsor did not receive the information below, please forward to them.  We thank you for your support and assistance.

---

Thank you, and God bless you. 

According to our calendar, please remember that there will be NO CLASSES on Tuesday, March 26th;  Wednesday, March 27th;  and Saturday, March 30th for the celebration of Holy Week in the Church.
 
Classes will resume the following week.

• Tuesday,        April 2nd; 

• Wednesday,   April 3rd;     and

• Saturday,     April 6th

This Sunday, March 24th, the Catholic Church celebrates Palm Sunday and enters into the celebration Holy Week, as we remember the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Triduum. 

This week, your child was given a pamphlet with the schedule of the Holy Week Masses and Services here at St. Kevin, to be shared with you.  The schedule is also available on the church's website, www.stkevinchurch.org.

We invite and encourage you to join us in celebrating our faith at these important celebrations of the Easter Triduum.

Thank you, God bless you, and Happy Easter!

Please remember that we are having our next Religious Education Mass this coming Sunday:

When:       Sunday, March 10, 2024

Time:             11:15 am

Location:       Church

As we continue in this season of Lent, this Sunday is known as Laetare Sunday ("rejoice"), which sets a tone of joyful anticipation of the celebration of the Easter Mystery.  We are also approaching the celebration of Holy Week, in which we recall and celebrate the events of the Paschal Mystery of Christ: his Passion, Death, and Resurrection.  As a Religious Education community, let us all come together, students, parents, and catechists alike, in prayer through our celebration of the Eucharist as we prepare to celebrate the events of our salvation.

Once again, our Music Ministry choir will be singing and leading us in giving praise to God.  Students from our fourth, fifth, and sixth grade faith formation classes will be participating in the various roles of the Mass. 

CLICK HERE to download the guide with the prayers, songs, readings, and Mass parts so that you and your child(ren) may follow during the Mass.

We look forward to seeing all of you and your families at our Mass this Sunday!

Thank you, and God bless you. 

REMINDER:

As Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend, we remind you to set your clocks forward one hour ON Saturday night so that you and your family arrive on time for Mass.

We hope that the Confirmation retreat this past weekend was fruitful for all of our candidates as they approach the celebration of their Confirmation.
 
A couple of weeks ago, we did the evaluations for the material in the "Confirmation – Things to Know" packet.  As mentioned previously, the evaluations are to ensure that our candidates have learned and know some basic prayers and essential concepts in preparation for their Confirmation.  As our candidates are confirmed, each candidate must have a basic foundation of knowledge of our Catholic faith so that they will be able to continue the mission of Christ as they spread their faith and build up the Kingdom of God.
 
This is to inform you that this week (Tuesday, March 5; Wednesday, March 6; Saturday, March 9), we will be returning the evaluations to our candidates and providing an opportunity for them to fix and complete anything they got wrong or did not know previously on the evaluation.
 
Please make sure that your child reviews all of the concepts and items in the “Confirmation – Things to Know" packet in preparation for this week’s class.  Again, all of our candidates need to have a good foundation of knowledge of important concepts of our faith as they prepare to celebrate their Confirmation.

• If your child was absent, they will complete the evaluation this week in class.  Completion of the evaluation is part of the requirements in preparation for Confirmation.

If your candidate needs another copy of the “Confirmation – Things to Know” packet, it is available on our website, www.stkevinrep.org, in the “CONFIRMATION” tab page.

Thank you, and God bless you.

As mentioned during the Welcome Orientation, in this Parish Year of the Eucharistic Revival, we will be starting some of our classes throughout the year with the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  This is to help our students to develop a love and devotion for our Lord Jesus Christ truly present in the Eucharist.  Next class, we will be having our next Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for this year at the beginning of class.

Next class: Saturday, February 24; Tuesday, February 27; and Wednesday, February 28, students need to go directly to the church, NOT THE SCHOOL, when they arrive.  

Complete details regarding the procedures that will apply for this week have been sent via email to the parents.

• Please make sure your child arrives on time.  *Students who do not arrive by the time the adoration starts and the doors of the church are closed will be considered absent for this class.* 

Most especially as we will be in the church in the presence of the Lord, all students need to be dressed appropriately (following the program dress code).

They should also bring their books and supplies as usual for regular class after the Adoration.

Again, students need to be at the church this week by the regular time for the start of their Religious Education class.

Thank you, and God bless you. 

An email was sent to the parents of those candidates who are pending any "direct" community service hours for Confirmation.

For your reference, you may CLICK HERE to see how many hours each candidate has completed based on our records (current as of February 10, 2024)

Should a candidate have any pending hours, the candidate must complete the additional “direct” service hours and submit all the required paperwork NO LATER THAN Wednesday, February 28th, 2024.  The candidate must submit:

• the “Service Report Form” found in the “Confirmation Service Hours Packet” – filled out completely and signed by the organization, and

• a signed letter from the organization on their official letterhead/stationery. 

Please refer to the Confirmation Service Hours Packet for more information, which can be found on our website, www.stkevinrep.org, in the “Confirmation Community Service” page.

As stated in the packet, “ONLY ORIGINALS will be accepted.  Reports sent by email or fax will NOT be accepted.”  Candidates are asked to submit their paperwork as soon as possible.  If we are closed, the paperwork can be left in the Religious Education mailbox at the Parish Office. 

*Candidates who fail to complete and submit the additional “direct” service hours by February 28th may not be allowed to attend the Confirmation Retreat taking place on Saturday, March 2nd, which would delay the Confirmation of the candidate.

Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.

This is to inform you that, as mentioned previously and noted on the list of important dates for Confirmation as well as the Confirmation calendar, your son/daughter MUST ATTEND the Confirmation Retreat taking place next week as part of the preparation for Confirmation.

When:           Saturday, March 2nd, 2024

Time:             9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Location:       Parish Hall / Church

Last class, a letter was sent home with all candidates containing the guidelines of utmost importance for the retreat.  The guidelines were also sent via email to the parents.

Please refer to the email for complete guidelines and information for the Confirmation retreat.

Candidates will have the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  They are strongly encouraged to use the “Reconciliation Book” they received in class to help prepare themselves for the sacrament.

We look forward to a very fruitful retreat for all of our candidates!

--

PLEASE NOTE:

*Candidates with any pending service hours who do not complete and submit them by February 28th, 2024 will NOT be allowed to attend the Confirmation Retreat taking place on Saturday, March 2nd, which would delay the Confirmation of the candidate.

This is to inform you that next class (Saturday, February 17th, Tuesday, February 20th and Wednesday, February 21st), we will be doing the evaluations for the material in the "Confirmation – Things to Know" packet.  We distributed this packet back in September and again in January for your child to review and learn some basic prayers and concepts in preparation for their Confirmation.

The evaluation will have a written portion and an oral portion.  We will be asking them to complete and identify the concepts and items in the packet.  They will also need to pray some of the prayers orally, and they will be expected to know them entirely. 

Each candidate should have been learning the material over the past several months.  Please make sure that your candidate reviews all the prayers and concepts in the packet so that they are ready for the evaluation next class.  Again, as they are confirmed, each candidate must have a basic foundation of knowledge of our Catholic faith so that they will be able to continue the mission of Christ as they spread their faith and build up the Kingdom of God.

If your candidate needs another copy of the “Confirmation – Things to Know” packet, it is available on our website, www.stkevinrep.org, in the “CONFIRMATION” tab page.

Thank you, and God bless you. 

Please note that, as stated on our calendars, there will be NO CLASSES on Tuesday, February 13th and Wednesday, February 14th for the celebration of Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lenten season.

Classes resume on:

• Saturday, February 17th

• Tuesday,  February 20th

• Wednesday,  February 21st

On Wednesday, we celebrate Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten Season.  Lent is a 40-day season in which we are given the opportunity to reflect and to prepare ourselves for our Lord’s Resurrection in Easter through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.  This week, at the end of class, each student was given a Lenten Calendar to be shared with you and your families in our preparation during the season of Lent.

Please watch this video on our website, as we prepare to enter into the season of Lent.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO ON OUR WEBSITE

Our schedule of Masses for Ash Wednesday can be found below and is also posted on our website.

We also invite you to browse through our “LENT” page on our website, which contains more information on this season as well as some resources you can use with your families in celebrating the “Great 40 Days” of the Lenten season.

May our Lord Jesus Christ accompany us on our Lenten journey.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASH WEDNESDAY MASS SCHEDULE

St. Kevin Catholic Church

Wednesday, February 14th

7:30 am       English

12:00 pm     Spanish

6:00 pm       English

7:30 pm       Spanish 

Please remember that we are having our next Religious Education Mass this coming Sunday:

When:       Sunday, February 11, 2024

Time:             11:15 am

Location:       Church

Let us all, children, families, and catechists, come together to pray and to celebrate the great sacrament of our faith, united as one family, one community.  Our Music Ministry choir will be singing and leading us in giving praise to God.  Students from our second and third grade faith formation classes will be participating in the various roles of the Mass. 

We look forward to seeing you and your families at our Mass this Sunday!

Thank you, and God bless you. 

This is a reminder that your candidate’s Confirmation Service Hours are due in two (2) weeks.  Each candidate for Confirmation is required to complete 20 (twenty) “direct” community service hours as they prepare to become “adults” in the faith in following and living the example and teachings of Christ.

All community service hours must be completed and submitted to us by Wednesday, February 7th.  Please remember that each candidate must complete the “Service Report Form” found in the “Confirmation Community Service Packet” and have it signed by the organization in order to document their service hours.  In addition, a signed letter from the organization on their official stationery must be included with the report form.  As stated in the community service packet, “ONLY ORIGINALS will be accepted.  Reports sent by email or fax will NOT be accepted.”

The “Confirmation Community Service Packet,” including all the information regarding the hours and the Service Report Form, can be found on our website, www.stkevinrep.org, in the “Confirmation Community Service” page under the CONFIRMATION tab. 

We also remind you that, as stated in the guidelines on the packet, “failure to complete the required service hours and submit the corresponding documents by this date will lead to a delay in the candidate’s celebration of Confirmation.”

For your reference, you may CLICK HERE to see how many hours your candidate has completed based on our records (current as of January 24, 2024).

Thank you, and God bless you.

According to our calendar, please remember that there will be NO CLASS this Saturday, February 3rd. 

St. Kevin School is having their Confirmation ceremony on this day.

Classes will resume the following week, Saturday, February 10th.

Thank you, and God bless you. 

In December, before the Christmas break, your child received a form with information regarding choosing a Confirmation name for the Confirmation Mass.

Choosing a Confirmation name is a customary practice for the candidate preparing for Confirmation.  The candidate chooses a saint whose model, example, or way of life makes an impact on the candidate, and is one that he/she would like to emulate his/her life on.  In other words, the candidate chooses a patron saint for him/herself as he/she continues on their journey of faith.  Although the Confirmation name is stated by the bishop only during the actual Confirmation, the candidate is encouraged to continually pray to the saint they have chosen to guide them throughout their journey of faith.

Even if your candidate will be keeping his/her Baptismal name, he/she still needs to complete and submit the Confirmation Name Form as they reflect on why they would like to keep the saint they were named after as their Confirmation Name.

IF your child has not turned in the Confirmation Name form, it is due by next class: 

• Tuesday, January 23   (Tuesday class),

• Wednesday, January 24   (Wednesday classes),

• Saturday, January 27   (Saturday class). 

*Please remember that Wikipedia is NOT an acceptable source of information to complete the Confirmation Name form.

Next class will be dedicated to the Confirmation Saint Name Presentations.  Each candidate will be presenting and sharing their chosen saints in class.  Therefore, the Confirmation Name Form must be completed by the above date so that they are able to complete the required presentation.

Each candidate will submit the Confirmation Name Form to his/her Catechist directly in class.  The form will not be accepted via email.  If your candidate needs another copy of the form, it is available on our website, www.stkevinrep.org, in the “CONFIRMATION” tab page.

Thank you, and God bless you. 

As we resume classes this week, we would like to remind you that the service hours for your child’s Confirmation are due in a few weeks.  As mentioned at our Confirmation meetings earlier this year, each candidate for Confirmation is required to complete 20 (twenty) “direct” community service hours as they prepare to become “adults” in the faith in following and living the example and teachings of Christ.

All community service hours must be completed and all paperwork submitted by Wednesday, February 7th.  Each candidate must complete the “Service Report Form” found in the “Confirmation Community Service Packet” and have it signed by the organization in order to document their service hours.  In addition, a signed letter from the organization on their official stationery must be attached with the report form.  As stated in the community service packet, “ONLY ORIGINALS will be accepted.  Reports sent by email or fax will NOT be accepted.”

The “Confirmation Community Service Packet,” including all the information regarding the hours and the Service Report Form, can be found on our website, www.stkevinrep.org, in the “Confirmation Community Service” page under the CONFIRMATION tab.

For your reference, you may CLICK HERE to see how many hours your candidate has completed based on our records (current as of January 8, 2024).  Click on your candidate's catechist on the bottom, and find their name on the corresponding sheet.

• PLEASE NOTE:  The spreadsheet does NOT include the two hours completed at the Parish Festival.  As mentioned at registration and at the Confirmation meeting, the two hours completed at the Parish Festival are in addition to the 20 "direct" hours that each candidate is required to complete.  The Parish Festival hours are NOT considered "direct" service toward people in need and, therefore, are NOT included towards the 20 "direct" hours requirement.

• Each candidate needs to have a total of 20 “direct” hours by Wednesday, February 7th.

• Candidates who did NOT complete their two (2) hours at the Parish Festival were informed that they need to complete an additional four (4) direct service hours, for a total of 24 "direct" hours.

Thank you, and God bless you. 

As we informed our Confirmation classes this week, we will be evaluating the Confirmation candidates next class on their “Basic Prayers” as part of the preparation for Confirmation.  These prayers include the Sign of the Cross, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Glory Be, the Act of Contrition, and the Apostles’ Creed. 

• (If you need a copy of the handout with the prayers, it is available in the "Things to Know" handout on the “Confirmation Page” of our website.)

We will be making sure that each candidate has learned their basic prayers.  We will be asking them to pray these prayers with us individually to ensure that they have learned them.  As part of their preparation for Confirmation, it is imperative that they know all of their basic prayers, which they will continue to use beyond their Confirmation as they proceed on their journey of faith.

As previously stated, we need your assistance in ensuring that your candidate has learned all of the Basic Prayers by going over and praying them together.  The best way for them to learn these prayers is to pray them every day, and what could be better than to pray together as a family daily!

Thank you, and God bless you. 

We hope you and your families had a wonderful Christmas and a blessed start to the new year.

As we begin the second half of our catechetical year, we would like to remind you of a few important things regarding the program:

ATTENDANCE

Please remember that if it is the first or second year of preparation for a sacrament, we allow a maximum of five (5) absences for the year, regardless of the reason, in terms of counting the year towards sacramental preparation.  There are no excused or unexcused absences.  The office may send a courtesy email to the parents to inform them of the number of absences their child has up to that point. 

DRESS CODE

All students are expected to dress modestly, in attire appropriate for class and church.   Students may NOT wear “short” shorts or “short” skirts (must be knee-length), tank tops, sleeveless attire, gym shorts, sweat pants, leggings, ripped jeans, flip-flops, crocs, or large/distracting hair pieces (large bows, animal ears, etc.).

BOOKS / SUPPLIES / BAGS

Every student needs to bring their book(s) to class every week, along with a pencil or pen, and any other supplies requested by their catechist.  Also, only drawstring or canvas bags can be used to carry supplies.  Any other forms or types of bags, including regular school book bags, are NOT allowed.

DROP-OFF AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

We remind you of the drop-off and dismissal procedures as explained during the Welcome Orientation and sent to you previously via email.  Please refer to the email sent to all families with complete details and information.  

IMPORTANT NOTE:

We would especially like to emphasize the importance of abiding by the dismissal procedures and understanding that they are in place for the safety and security of all of our students in the program.  We strive for the safety of all concerned, including our students, parents, catechists, and staff who are all part of our parish community, and it is expected that all essential guidelines and procedures be followed in furtherance of our efforts.

COVID-19 GUIDELINES

The Archdiocese of Miami (ADOM) Covid Policy remains in effect.  All students, families, and catechists are to abide by these guidelines to mitigate risk and promote the safety and well-being of all.

Should your child be sick or display symptoms of illness (i.e. fever, runny nose, cough, congestion, excessive sneezing), they should not come to class and remain at home for the safety and well-being of everyone in the program.  Please send an email to the Religious Education Office.

We thank you for your support and cooperation.  We look forward to a great second half of this catechetical year! 

This is a reminder that there will be NO CLASSES from December 18th until January 7th, 2024.  We will be on Christmas Break for three weeks.

Classes will resume:

• Tuesday,     January 9th   

• Wednesday,   January 10th    

• Saturday,    January 13th

*Our schedule of Masses for Christmas and New Year’s can be found below, as well as on our website, www.stkevinrep.org.*

Let us remember amidst all the excitement and preparation during these days that the real reason for Christmas is JESUS.  It is a season to reflect, remember, and celebrate this greatest gift that God has given to each and every one of us.  May we welcome Christ into our hearts and allow Him to guide us on our journey of faith.

Please also find below a special Christmas message from our pastor, Father Jesús Saldaña, to all of our families in the parish.

We wish you and your family a wonderful and holy Christmas.  May the season lead you and your families to be drawn closer to our Jesus Christ, the Emmanuel, God-with-us.  May the New Year of 2024 be filled with abundant blessings and graces from our Lord above. 

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR ALL THE SEASONS!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM OUR PASTOR:

Dear brothers and sisters:

Peace and Good Will to all.

From July 17th to July 21st, 2024, the National Eucharistic Congress will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana.  What a great opportunity to be able to meditate on “The Mystery of Faith” within the framework of the intrinsic relationship between the Mystery of Christmas and the Eucharist!  The word “Bethlehem” in Hebrew means “House of Bread,” which is very appropriate with the birth of the Son of God, the “Bread of Life” (John 6:48).  Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist are the Sacraments of Initiation in the Christian life.  Specifically, the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of this life, from what Jesus said and did to the action of the Church, the Real Presence of Christ awaiting the banquet of the end of time.

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we have seen his glory.”  Let us rekindle our commitment to Christ by frequently participating in the celebration of the Eucharist and changing the way we celebrate Christmas.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Blessings.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S MASS SCHEDULE

St. Kevin Catholic Church

Sunday, December 24th  (Christmas Eve)

6:00 pm  English      (Christmas Vigil Mass)

12:00 am:  Midnight  Mass  –  Bilingual

Monday, December 25th (Christmas Day)

(HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION)

8:00 am      English

9:30 am  Spanish

11:15 am     English

1:00 pm      Spanish

7:00 pm      Spanish

Remember, NO confessions on Christmas Day.

Sunday, December 31st

8:00 am      English

9:30 am      Spanish

11:15 am     English

1:00 pm      Spanish

7:00 pm      Spanish

Monday, January 1st, 2024  (Mary, Mother of God)   

(NOT a holy day of obligation this year)

7:30 am      English

7:30 pm    Spanish

As this is our last week of classes before the Christmas break, candidates are reminded of the Confirmation Service Requirements in preparation for Confirmation.  As mentioned previously, each candidate for Confirmation is required to complete 20 (twenty) “direct” community service hours as they prepare to become “adults” in the faith in following and living the example and teachings of Christ.

Many of our candidates may wish to take the opportunity during the upcoming Christmas break to complete some or all of their pending hours. As we enter into the Christmas season, there are plenty of opportunities out there for our candidates to complete their service hours. Please remember that the twenty (20) Confirmation "direct" service hours are due by February 7, 2024.  It is strongly recommend that if candidates have not yet done any service hours thus far, that they begin doing so during the three weeks of Christmas break from our religious education classes, and NOT wait until the last minute.

An email has been sent to all parents with additional information, including a list of "pre-approved" organizations that candidates may consider to complete their hours.

Thank you, and God bless you.

We are excited to announce that this Saturday, December 16th, we will be having our annual Christmas Presentation at the church.  The presentation is being put together by some of the students in our Religious Education program.  Our Music Ministry choir will also be leading us in singing Christmas songs during the presentation. 

Everyone is invited to watch the presentation, which will be held at the church.  The church doors by the gift shop (facing Bird Road) will open at 10:00 am.  The front section of the church will be reserved for the students.

STUDENTS IN THE SATURDAY CLASSES WILL BE WATCHING THE PRESENTATION IN THE CHURCH AS PART OF THEIR REGULAR CLASS. 

The procedures we will be following for the Saturday class on December 16th have been emailed to the parents.

We look forward to you joining us as we prepare to celebrate the reason for Christmas, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Thank you, and God bless you. 

This past week in class, candidates received a form with information regarding choosing a Confirmation name for the Confirmation Mass.

Choosing a Confirmation name is a customary practice for the candidate preparing for Confirmation.  The candidate chooses a saint whose model, example, or way of life makes an impact on the candidate, and is one that he/she would like to emulate his/her life on.  In other words, the candidate chooses a patron saint for him/herself as he/she continues on their journey of faith.  Although the Confirmation name is stated by the bishop only during the actual Confirmation, the candidate is encouraged to continually pray to the saint they have chosen to guide them throughout their journey of faith.

Candidates are reminded to take some time to reflect and to choose a saint whom they would like to adopt as their patron and guide. Once a saint is chosen, the candidate needs to complete the Confirmation Name Form given to them this past week.  The form is also available on our website, www.stkevinrep.org, on the “CONFIRMATION” tab page.

We distributed the Confirmation Name Form early so that our candidates have ample time to think and reflect on the saint they would like to choose for their Confirmation name.  It is strongly recommended that candidates not wait until the last minute and take some time now or during the Christmas break to complete the form prior to its due date in January.

The Confirmation Name form is due by Tuesday, January 23 (Tuesday class), Wednesday, January 24 (Wednesday classes), and Saturday, January 27 (Saturday class).  Each candidate is to submit the form to his/her catechist directly in class.  The form may not be sent or submitted via email.  Candidates are welcome to submit the form earlier should they wish to do so.

Thank you, and God bless you.

Dear Candidates:

As you know, our annual St. Kevin Parish Festival will be taking place this Sunday, December 3rd.  Remember that, as part of the requirements for this year, you must complete two (2) volunteer hours at the Parish Festival.  You were informed at the Sponsor Meeting, as well as in class by your catechist, of your assigned two-hour shift for the festival.

At the Confirmation meeting in October, you completed the form to sign-up for the shift for the Parish Festival hours, which included writing an email to receive all pertinent information.

An email has been sent out to all candidates (and copy sent to the parents) with complete details and information regarding the procedures for the Parish Festival Hours, including your assigned time shift.

As mentioned in the email, the hours will NOT be counted if you do not follow the outlined procedure.

If you did not receive the email, please contact the Religious Education Office.

Thank you, and God bless you.

As mentioned during the Welcome Orientation, in this Parish Year of the Eucharistic Revival, we will be starting some of our classes throughout the year with the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  This is to help our students to develop a love and devotion for our Lord Jesus Christ truly present in the Eucharist.  Next week, we will be having our first Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for this year at the beginning of class.

Next class: Saturday, December 2, Tuesday, December 5; and Wednesday, December 6, students need to go directly to the church, NOT THE SCHOOL, when they arrive.  

Complete details regarding the procedures that will apply for this week have been sent via email to the parents.

• Please make sure your child arrives on time.  *Students who do not arrive by the time the adoration starts and the doors of the church are closed will be considered absent for this class.* 

Most especially as we will be in the church in the presence of the Lord, all students need to be dressed appropriately (following the program dress code).

They should also bring their books and supplies as usual for regular class after the Adoration.

Again, students need to be at the church this week by the regular time for the start of their Religious Education class.

Thank you, and God bless you. 

As we are in the midst of the Advent season in preparation for the celebration of Christmas, the Religious Education Program has been given the opportunity to participate in the Christmas Drive of the St. Mother Teresa Charity of the parish. 

This year, the members of the ministry are collecting gift cards (WalMart, Target, Visa, MasterCard) to be given to needy families within our parish community so that they are able to purchase toys and gifts for their children this Christmas.  We invite you and your families to participate in this year’s Christmas Drive so that we can help bring a smile to many children in our community. 

We will be accepting donations of gift cards next week (December 5, 6, and 9).  Please bring any donations when your child comes to class.  As with the Thanksgiving drive, we will have an envelope at the entrance door where you or your child can place the donations.  Remember to attach the gift card receipt so that the members of the St. Mother Teresa Charity are aware of the amount in the gift card.

We thank you in advance for your consideration, and may God bless you for your generosity as we continue in this season of Advent.

We hope you and your families had a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving.  

This is a reminder that we are still selling the “Unlimited Ride Wristband” for the Parish Festival, which is taking place this coming Sunday, December 3rd.  You can still take advantage of the pre-Festival price of $25 per wristband, and they can be bought from us at the door when your child comes for Religious Education class.  Wristbands are also available at the Parish Office.  The last day to buy the wristband at the pre-festival price is this Wednesday, November 29th.  On the day of the Festival, they will be $30 each. 

More information can be found in the “PARISH FESTIVAL” page of our website.

Also, if you have not yet done so, please remember to return your raffle tickets to us this week for a chance to win some great prizes in our festival raffle.  The last day to turn in the raffle tickets is this Wednesday, November 29th. 

Please remember that there will be NO CLASSES this coming week for Thanksgiving break:

• Tuesday, November 21st,

• Wednesday, November 22nd, and

• Saturday, November 25th.

Classes will resume the following week:

• Tuesday, November 28th,

• Wednesday, November 29th, and

• Saturday, December 2nd.

A reminder that on Thanksgiving Day, November 23rd, we will have our bilingual Religious Education Thanksgiving Family Mass here at St. Kevin at 11:00 am.  Our Music Ministry choir will be leading us in singing and praising God at the Mass, and some of our younger students will be participating and making a special presentation during the Mass.  We invite you and your families to join us in giving thanks to God for all His graces.

We also thank all of you for your generous contributions to our Thanksgiving Drive.  We collected just under $1,500 in cash donations!  The money collected will be used by the St. Mother Teresa Charity ministry of the parish to provide gift cards for needy families in our parish community this Thanksgiving.  All of the charitable work we are able to accomplish is only possible through your generosity.

As we celebrate this occasion with our own families and loved ones, let us remember to be thankful to God for all the graces he has bestowed on us and all the blessings he constantly provides for us.  Let us also keep in our prayers all who are in need.

We wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving! 

We are excited to announce that our annual St. Kevin Parish Festival will be on Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm here on our Church and school grounds.  This annual event is a cherished reminder of the fun and fellowship that our entire Church and school community can share.  Please find below a few things to note regarding the festival.

RAFFLE TICKETS

Each family will be receiving a book of 10 raffle tickets.  They will be sent home with your oldest child by next week.  It is one book of 10 tickets per family (not per child).  Please remember to return the ticket stubs to us, along with the suggested donation, by Wednesday, November 29th so that you can be entered to win some great prizes. 

UNLIMITED RIDE WRISTBAND

As we do every year, we will have new rides for our young ones of all ages.  Ride wristbands will be available for purchase in November for unlimited access to rides at the Festival.  You can take advantage of the early bird price of $25 per wristband up until November 29th, and they can be purchased from us at the time when you drop off your child for class, or at the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm (cash or check only).  On the day of the Festival, they will be $30. 

PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE FESTIVAL

We are in need of parent volunteers to help us out at the Parish Festival.  We invite you and your families to participate by volunteering at the festival while also enjoying an atmosphere of fun and fellowship with the entire parish community.  Should you be able to assist, please reply to this email with your contact information to let us know, and we will forward it to the festival committee who will be in touch with you. 

We look forward to all of our families joining us for a day of fun filled with delicious food, fun activities, and the spirit of our community of faith!

This is a reminder that our Sponsor Meeting is taking place next week.  As mentioned at the Confirmation Parent-Candidate meeting, this meeting is REQUIRED as part of the preparation for Confirmation.  BOTH CANDIDATE AND SPONSOR MUST ATTEND.

When:               Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Time:             6:30 pm   

Location:     Parish Hall

By 6:30 pm, all candidates need to be at the PARISH HALL accompanied by their sponsor for Confirmation.

At the meeting, the Sponsor will fill out and sign the “Sponsor Requirements and Consent Form.”  In addition, the sponsor must obtain a sponsor certificate/letter from his/her parish and submit it on the day of the meeting.  This certificate/letter states that he/she is a practicing Catholic in good standing who can be the sponsor for the candidate. 

• **The sponsor needs to obtain the sponsor's certificate from the parish where they are registered or belong to by their address. 

• **If the sponsor is registered at St. Kevin (receives the weekly offertory envelopes) or lives within the boundaries of St. Kevin, then he/she needs to contact the Parish Office (305-223-0633) to obtain the sponsor letter needed.

These documents are required in order to be a sponsor for the candidate of Confirmation.

**CANDIDATES AND SPONSORS FROM ALL CONFIRMATION CLASSES ON TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY MUST ATTEND THE MEETING.

**Saturday Class:  There will be CLASS AS USUAL on Saturday, November 4th.

Thank you, and God bless you. 

This past week, we sent home the memo with information regarding our Thanksgiving Drive.  We will be working in conjunction with the St. Mother Teresa Charity of the parish to provide assistance for as many families as possible.

As last year, we will not be collecting any food items, as the members of the St. Mother Teresa Charity will not be preparing food baskets.  Instead, they are collecting cash donations to provide gift cards for the needy families this Thanksgiving. 

We are requesting that each student in the program brings a minimum of $5.00 in cash in order to assist with the purchasing of the gift cards to be distributed.  Should you wish to donate more, you are strongly encouraged and more than welcome to do so.

ALL DONATIONS NEED TO BE BROUGHT IN BY NEXT CLASS (this week).  Please have your child give the donations to us at the front door when they come to class.  We will have an envelope for them to place the cash donations. 

• WEDNESDAY CLASSES: As the Wednesday students will be attending the All Saints' Mass as their class this Wednesday, November 1st, donations for the Thanksgiving Drive will be collected the following Wednesday, November 8th. 

Let us always remember to be thankful to God for all the blessings he gives us every day.  Let us keep in mind all the less fortunate in our community, and those we will be helping though this food drive.  Let us remember to pray for them, for God to watch over them and be with them always.

We thank you for your cooperation, and may God bless your generosity.

This coming Wednesday, November 1st, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints.  It is a Holy Day of Obligation.  As noted on the calendar, we will be having a special Religious Education Mass:

When:               Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Time:                 6:00 pm

Location:          Church

ALL STUDENTS IN THE WEDNESDAY CLASSES WILL BE ATTENDING THE MASS AS THE REGULAR CLASS NEXT TUESDAY. 

An email has been sent to all of the Wednesday parents with complete information.

We look forward to seeing everyone at our Mass!

Please remember that we have a special Religious Education Mass taking place this week:

When:       Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Time:             6:00 pm

Location:      Church

This Wednesday, we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints.  On this day, the Church recalls the example, witness, and prayer of the holy women and men who have been identified by the Church as saints.  More than just role models, the saints are family members in the Communion of Saints.  On this special day, we come together and pray to all the Saints in heaven to continue to intercede for us so that we may be more like them in living our lives according to the example and teachings of Christ. 

At our Mass, we will have some of the Saints among us represented by our third grade students, who will also be presenting their saint during the Mass.  Our Music Ministry choir will be singing and leading us in giving praise to God.  Students from our classes will also be participating as lectors. 

We ask all of our students and families to come together to celebrate the Eucharist on this special day.  We look forward to having you and your child(ren) join us, as we pray and celebrate during our Mass this Wednesday!

Thank you, and God bless you. 

Please remember that our next Religious Education Mass is taking place this coming Sunday:

When:   Sunday, October 15, 2023

Time:             11:15 am

Location:       Church

We are celebrating this Mass so that all the children, families, and catechists of the Religious Education Program can come together to pray and celebrate, united as one community in Christ.  Our Music Ministry choir will be singing and leading us in giving praise to God.  Students from our Seventh Grade and Up classes will be participating in the various roles of the Mass. 

CLICK HERE to download the guide with the prayers, songs, readings, and Mass parts so that you and your child(ren) may follow during the Mass.

We look forward to having all of our families join us, and seeing all of you as we pray and celebrate during our Mass this Sunday!

Thank you, and God bless you. 

This is a reminder that, as noted on our Confirmation calendar, you and your son/daughter MUST attend a mandatory “Parent-Candidate Meeting” as part of the preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

When:           Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Time:         6:30 pm   

Location:   Parish Hall

This meeting will take place instead of regular class on Wednesday evening.  Please go straight to the Parish Hall with your son/daughter for the meeting this coming Wednesday.

Please note that attendance at this meeting for both candidates and parents is REQUIRED for all students and parents as part of the preparation for Confirmation.

**Tuesday Class:  Remember that there is NO Class on Tuesday, October 3rd (for Mrs. Will's class only).

**Saturday Class:  There will be CLASS AS USUAL on Saturday, September 30th and Saturday, October 7th.

This past week in class, each student received a packet with the “Things to Know” in preparation for their Confirmation.  They include the "Basic Prayers" that they were given to learn last year, along with some important concepts pertaining to our faith and the sacrament of Confirmation.

We are distributing these "Things to Know" early in the year so that the Confirmation students have ample time to learn them.  We are requesting your assistance in making sure that your child reviews and studies all of the concepts in the packet.  Prior to their Confirmation, we will be evaluating each candidate to determine whether they have learned all of these items in preparation for their Confirmation. 

Each candidate for Confirmation needs to have a basic foundation of knowledge of our Catholic faith.  As they are confirmed, they will be called to spread and defend the Catholic faith and to continue the mission of Christ in building up the Kingdom of God. 

The “Confirmation – Things to Know” packet is available anytime on our website, www.stkevinrep.org, in the “CONFIRMATION” tab page.

For your convenience, you may download a copy of the packet by clicking here.

Thank you, and God bless you.

An email was sent with information regarding the community service that each candidate for Confirmation is required to complete as part of the preparation for Confirmation.  This information was shared with you at the time of registration.

“DIRECT” COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS  (20)

Each candidate for Confirmation is required to complete 20 (twenty) “direct” community service hours as they prepare to become “adults” in the faith in following and living the example and teachings of Christ.  The hours must be completed in direct contact with people who are in need.

The 20 community service hours must be completed and submitted by Wednesday, February 7th, 2024.  Each candidate must complete the “Service Report Form” found in the “Confirmation Community Service Packet” and have it signed by the organization in order to document their service hours.  In addition, a signed letter from the organization on their official stationery must be attached with the report form.  As stated in the community service packet, “ONLY ORIGINALS will be accepted.  Reports sent by email or fax will NOT be accepted.”

The “Confirmation Community Service Packet,” including all the information regarding the hours and the Service Report Form, can be found on our website, www.stkevinrep.org, in the “Confirmation Community Service” page under the CONFIRMATION tab. 

We strongly recommend that that candidates do not wait until the last minute to complete their service hours.  Also, should candidates have any questions or doubts, they should contact the Religious Education Office prior to performing service at a particular organization to ensure that they meet the criteria of “direct” hours.

PARISH FESTIVAL HOURS  (2)

Each candidate is required to complete two (2) service hours helping at the St. Kevin Parish Festival, which is taking place on Sunday, December 3rd.  At the Parent-Candidate meeting in October, candidates will be given the form to indicate their preference for the different shifts for the Parish Festival.

As mentioned, all of the above needs to be completed by each candidate as part of the preparation for Confirmation.  Failure to do so will lead to a delay in the candidate’s celebration of Confirmation.

All of the above will be reviewed at the Confirmation Parent-Candidate Meeting on October 4th.

Thank you, and God bless you. 

As mentioned during the Welcome Orientation, in this Parish Year of the Eucharistic Revival, we will be starting some of our classes throughout the year with the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  This is to help our students to develop a love and devotion for our Lord Jesus Christ truly present in the Eucharist.  Next week, we will be having our first Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for this year at the beginning of class.

Next class: Tuesday, September 26; Wednesday, September 27, and Saturday, September 30, students need to go directly to the church, NOT THE SCHOOL, when they arrive.  

Please refer to the email sent to the parents for complete details regarding the procedures that will apply for this week have been sent via email to the parents.

• *Students who do not arrive by the time the adoration starts and the doors of the church are closed will be considered absent for this class.* 

Most especially as we will be in the church in the presence of the Lord, all students need to be dressed appropriately (following the program dress code).

They should also bring their books and supplies as usual for regular class after the Adoration.

Again, students need to be at the church this week by the regular time for the start of their Religious Education class.

Thank you, and God bless you. 

We have had a successful first week of formal class, and we thank you for your support and cooperation as we continue on this Catechetical year.  We also give thanks to everyone who joined us for our beautiful opening Religious Education Mass yesterday.  A special thank you also to all of our students who participated in a particular role: the lectors and offertory bearers from the Confirmation classes, the altar servers, and the members of our Music Ministry choir, who sang so beautifully at the Mass.  It was a great blessing to gather together as a Religious Education family to pray and to celebrate.  We look forward to seeing everyone again for our next Religious Education Mass in October as well as throughout the year.

We would like to remind you of a few guidelines of utmost importance mentioned at the Parent Orientation to keep in mind throughout the year:

DROP-OFF AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

Please remember the drop-off and dismissal procedures as explained during the Welcome Orientation and sent to you via email. 

• • For students in grades 1-6 & First Communion: PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE DISMISSAL CARD PROVIDED BY THE PROGRAM MUST BE PRESENTED WHEN PICKING UP STUDENTS IN THESE CLASSES. 

DRESS CODE

Students should come dressed comfortably, but appropriate for class and church (especially as our catechists often take their classes to the Chapel during class, and we will be participating in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during the year).  In other words, all students are expected to dress modestly.  Students are not to wear “short” shorts or “short” skirts (must be knee-length), tank tops, sleeveless attire, gym shorts, sweat pants, leggings, ripped jeans, flip-flops, crocs, or distracting hair pieces (large bows, animal ears, etc.).  Sports uniforms are also not permitted. 

ATTENDANCE

Please remember that for those students in the first or second year of preparation for a sacrament, we allow up to five (5) absences for the year, regardless of the reason, in terms of counting the year toward sacramental preparation.  There are no excused or unexcused absences.  If a student is absent, the office may send a courtesy email to inform you of the number of absences your child has up to that point.  (This guideline does not apply to students in first grade and to students in grades 4-6 who have already received First Communion.)

BOOKS / SUPPLIES / BAGS

Students received their books this past week in class.  The book must be brought to class every week.  Students also need to bring a pencil or pen, along with any other supplies requested by their catechist.  Only drawstring or canvas bags may be used to carry books and supplies.  Regular school book bags are NOT permitted.

FOOD, DRINKS, AND GUM

Please remember that students may not bring any food or drinks to class, including all types of water bottles, as they are not allowed inside the classrooms.  In addition, gum chewing is not permitted.

All of the above guidelines are taken from our “Religious Education Handbook,” which contains all the procedures that will be followed this year.  It is available on our website at www.stkevinrep.org, under the “GENERAL CLASS INFO” tab. 

Please be sure to also check our website, www.stkevinrep.org, frequently for any updates and new information regarding your child’s Religious Education classes, including class outlines.  The website will be our primary conduit of communicating pertinent information to you.  Also, please check your emails on a regular basis for any important information and reminders we may send throughout the year, and to add our email address to your contact list to ensure that any emails from the program are not sent to your spam/junk folder.  

Thank you for your support and cooperation.  May God bless you and your families. 

Please remember that our opening Religious Education Mass is taking place this coming Sunday:

When:                Sunday, September 17, 2023

Time:                 11:15 am

Location:           Church

This Sunday, the Church in the United States celebrates Catechetical Sunday, the national day that celebrates the ministry of catechesis and religious education.  Hence, the 11:15 am Mass this Sunday will be celebrated and dedicated especially for the students, families, and catechists of our Religious Education Program.  As we kickoff this new catechetical year, let us come together to pray for a successful year and to celebrate our unity as one community in Christ.

Our Music Ministry choir will be singing and leading us in giving praise to God.  Students from our Confirmation classes will be participating in the various roles of the Mass.  Our Catechists will also be commissioned in their important mission of sharing and passing on the faith to your children and families.

CLICK HERE to download the guide with the prayers, songs, readings, and Mass parts so that you and your child(ren) may follow during the Mass.

We look forward to having all of you and your families join us as we pray and celebrate during our opening Mass this Sunday!

Thank you, and God bless you.

We thank everyone for their presence and participation in this week’s Welcome Orientation. We are excited to begin our classes for this year, and we know that they will be wonderful and fruitful for all with the grace of our Lord and the support and cooperation of all of our families.

An email was sent to all attendees with follow-up information for this year, including information on:

-   Handbook

-   Welcome Packet

-   Confirmation Class Outlines

-   Textbooks

-   Confirmation Community Service

-   Emails and Website

A separate email was also sent with more detailed information on the Covid-19 guidelines as well as the procedures for drop-off and pick-up for this year.

We look forward to the start of our formal classes this week. God bless you.

We take this opportunity to welcome you to the beginning of the St. Kevin Religious Education Program for the 2023–2024 Catechetical Year!

The classes begin this week.  As mentioned at registration, for the first day of class, we will have our Welcome Orientation for this catechetical year. 

• The Welcome Orientation will take place in-person at the parish. (Information has been sent to the parents via email.)

• The Welcome Orientation will begin promptly at the regular start time of class.

• At least one of the parents MUST be present with their child(ren) at the Welcome Orientation, where you will receive important information regarding the classes and the program for this year.

• You and your child will also be meeting our catechists for this year. 

• Please remember that attendance at the Welcome Orientation is required for ALL students and parents, and your attendance at the orientation with your child will count as a class day in terms of your child’s attendance for this year.

• Please arrive on time, as the doors will be locked 15 minutes after the start time of orientation. 

• Only parents and students who are already registered will be able to attend the Welcome Orientation.

We look forward to seeing all of our students and parents at our Welcome Orientation!