8 Reasons to Go to Mass
"Mass is boring." "I don't get anything out of Mass — why should I go?" "Why can't I just pray alone?" These are common feelings, especially among young people but among many adults as well. How should we respond?
These are common feelings, especially among
young people but among many adults as well. The great Bishop Fulton J. Sheen,
when conducting a retreat for teenagers, once gave a talk on the meaning of the
Mass. He said, "If you don't get anything out of Mass, it's because you
don't bring the right expectations to it." The Mass is not entertainment,
he said. It is worship of the God who made us and saves us. It is an
opportunity to praise God and thank Him for all that He has done for us.
If we have a correct understanding of Mass,
Bishop Sheen said, it will become more meaningful for us. We will want to go to Mass. We will
understand why the Mass is God's precious gift to us, and we wouldn't think of
refusing that gift.
1.
The Command of God. "Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day" (Exodus 20:8).
2. The Command of Christ. When the hour came, he [Jesus] took
his place at the table with the apostles . . . Then he took the bread, blessed
it, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which will be
given for you. Do this in memory of me" (Luke 22:14,19)…
3. The Command
of the Church. The Church
teaches that we must fulfill the command of Jesus ("Do this in memory of
me") by attending Sunday Mass (or the Vigil Mass the night before). The Catechism of the Catholic Church
(1994, pp. 493-94) explains that Mass attendance on Sundays and Holy Days of
Obligation is the first of the six Commandments of the Church…
Standard Response Protocol Training
On Wednesday, October 16, right before our noon dismissal, we had a full school training on our Standard Response Protocol. This is the safety plan we have adopted across our Diocesan Catholic schools. For more information please access www.iloveyouguys.org to learn more about this protocol and how it works! Also, avaialable in the digitial locker section of www.teacherease.com is a link to the classroom poster we will use in each classroom and around our building. Please talk with your students about this plan to keep them safe! :)
Standa
2. The Church speaks with the authority of
Jesus. I say to
you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of
hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of
heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you
loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
The Church's authority in faith and morals is
absolute because Christ's authority is absolute.
3. What we do at Mass. The Mass is first of all a sacrifice—the perfect sacrifice,
created by Jesus. The Mass is also a meal. I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the
Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats
my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last
day. My flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh
and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. (John 6:55-56).
4. Why do we have to worship with other people? God made us social beings. He wants us to
come together in community to worship Him. Jesus said, "Where two or three
are gathered together in my name, there am I" (Matthew 18:20).
5.
What
are the consequences for others if we stop going to Mass? James Stenson points out: Our ancestors risked persecution, even
death, to be able to take part in Mass. When you have children someday, they
will need the graces and strength that come from the Mass. If you fail to pass
it on because of your own indifference, you will do the gravest injustice to
them and to God. You have the power to snuff out, in one generation, the faith
that has sustained your family for generations…
6. Why do we have to worship with other people? God made us social beings. He wants us to come together in community to worship Him. Jesus said, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I" (Matthew 18:20).
7. What are the consequences for others if we stop going to Mass
James Stenson points out: Our ancestors risked persecution, even death, to be able to take part in Mass. When you have children someday, they will need the graces and strength that come from the Mass. If you fail to pass it on because of your own indifference, you will do the gravest injustice to them and to God. You have the power to snuff out, in one generation, the faith that has sustained your family for generations…
James Stenson points out: Our ancestors risked persecution, even death, to be able to take part in Mass. When you have children someday, they will need the graces and strength that come from the Mass. If you fail to pass it on because of your own indifference, you will do the gravest injustice to them and to God. You have the power to snuff out, in one generation, the faith that has sustained your family for generations…
8. The benefits of Mass. If we give God a chance, He will help us experience the tremendous benefits of the Mass and the Eucharist…
Standard Response Protocol Training
On Wednesday, October 16, right before our noon dismissal, we had a full school training on our Standard Response Protocol. This is the safety plan we have adopted across our Diocesan Catholic schools. For more information please access www.iloveyouguys.org to learn more about this protocol and how it works! Also, avaialable in the digitial locker section of www.teacherease.com is a link to the classroom poster we will use in each classroom and around our building. Please talk with your students about this plan to keep them safe! :)
Vote CCCS for BEST IN THE SPRINGS again this year!
Last year Corpus Christi Catholic School received the Bronze award for BEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL in Colorado Springs! It is an honor we want to repeat! Please go to the family section of the following link Best of the Springs and vote CCCS for:
- Best Elementary
- Best Middle School
- Best Preschool
- Best Elementary Teacher
- Best Middle School Teacher
- Best Early Childhood Educator
- Best Preschool Teacher
- Best After-School Program
D11 Good Food Project
As I'm sure you are aware of, Corpus Christi Catholic School is contracted with Colorado Springs District 11 Food Service to supply our hot lunch program for our school! They have created a piece for Corpus Christi Cahtolic School to share with our students, parents, and teachers about their philosophies. I especially LOVE the scriptural reference. As you will read, the philosophies align with our Catholic virtues as food prepared through the program is made to be calorie low, protein rich and full of yummy fruits and vegetables, thus giving each child's "temple of God" (their bodies) the benefit of healthy and nutritious lunches! Check out the link in the digital locker of www.teacherease.com for the flyer!
Mark Your Calendar for Our Annual Dinner/Auction - FIESTA STYLE!
Dinner Auction Date – Saturday, Nov 9th starting at 6 pm
Coming home this week are our Dinner Auction T- Shirts. These shirts by students can be worn on any day (Monday, October 14 through Friday November 8th ) days student would be wearing the Lt Blue polo. We will continue Mass Wear on days we attend Mas. In addition, the Middle School students can wear the Dinner Auction T-shirt on Tuesday instead of their PE shirt.
Do you have something to donate to the auction? Please let Caroline Nelson now what you have you would like to donate so we can get the item ready for the auction at carolinenelson28@gmail.com . Questions – please let Al Chromy know! :)
Raffle Ticket Sales Have Begun!
On Monday, an envelope with raffle tickets enclosed came home with your YOUNGEST child! Prizes are $3000 for first place and $2000 and tickets will sell for $10 each! Each family will be asked to sell all the tickets that are included in the envelope and PLEASE ask for more if you are needing them! This is a GREAT way to support our school!
6th Grade to National Space Foundation
Our 6th graders enjoyed a FREE field trip to the NSF on Thursday, October 10th! They had a great time experiencing "Science on a Sphere", learned about the new weather satellite going up soon and building their own rain gauges! Ask our 6th graders about their "space journey" and all that they learned! They have a LOT to share!
Times Teachers Are Available to Meet
A few parents have asked when the best time is to meet with teachers. This year, we have organized our duty times so that elementary teachers have afternoon duty and middle school teachers have morning duty. Morning duty is from 7:15-7:40 and afternoon duty is from 2:40-3:15. As we are sure you understand, we ask that parents schedule meetings/conferences so teachers can make sure they have what they need to answer your questions, they can speak privately about individual students and they can focus their attention on answering your questions accurately.
Elementary teachers are therefore available from 7:15-7:35 AM to meet and Middle School teachers are available from 2:45-3:15 PM. They are also available during each of their planning periods. Some teachers are also willing to meet before 7:15 AM or after 3:15 PM but are contractually not required to do so. Please let them know if you need to meet to discuss the needs of your child! :)
St. Mary's Middle School Dance
6th-8th graders are invited to attend St. Mary's annual Halloween Middle School Dance on October 26th from 7-9 PM. Please go to Teacher Ease and access the digital locker to find the flyer from St. Mary's for more information.
GOOD NEWS on Removal of Microwaves
The transition to no microwaves in the cafeteria is reportedly going VERY well! Students are now able to sit down and enjoy their lunches rather than fretting about waiting for the microwaves or burning themselves! We have had some VERY gracious parents who have offered to purchase microwaves for our school but we have made the decision not to replace them due to the following. By not having microwaves students can:
Sometimes it is hard for students to report to teachers and parents when there is something going on in their lives that they know is not ok and they don't know what to do about- harassment bullying, abuse, suicide, etc. Corpus Christi Catholic School is now partnering with a wonderful organization formed here in Colorado Springs called Safe 2 Tell. Safe 2 Tell - http://safe2tell.org/ is an organization designed to allow youth to anonymously report events that they may not be willing or able to report to adults in their lives. These reports are then sent to the school where we can get students the help they may need. Please access the website above or call 877-542-7233 for more information.
NEW Volleyballs
Library Open for Accelerated Reader Testing on Wednesdays After School
In order for 3rd-8th Grade students to have more opportunity to complete AR testing, Mrs. Marcia Gieck is hosting an AR Testing time in the the library from 3:00-3:45 PM each Wednesday starting October 16. The library will not be open for book check out or in- it will be open for AR testing only. This opportunity is available for 3rd-8th grade CCCS students. As we want students to do their best during this time, younger siblings are not allowed to to be in the library or left unattended outside the library.
As students complete testing, or no later than 3:45 PM, this AR testing time will end and any remaining students will be taken to After Care or delivered to their waiting parent. Parents are encouraged to wait outside the library for their students to complete testing. Charges for after care will be incurred at the normal rate. A huge thank you to Mrs. Gieck for making this happen! We are excited to give our students every opportunity for success!
Social Media and Internet PARENT UNIVERSITY to be held at SMHS
St. Mary’s High School is sponsoring a parent’s education on Wednesday, October 23rd at 6 PM presentation by the Colorado Springs Police Department. It will center on the dangers associated with internet and social media communication as well as how to identify and address the issues associated with cyber bullying.
This presentation which begins at 6pm will feature an approximately 45 minute presentation followed by a Q & A session. Interested parents are asked to RSVP to agerber@smhscs.org
Our 6th graders enjoyed a FREE field trip to the NSF on Thursday, October 10th! They had a great time experiencing "Science on a Sphere", learned about the new weather satellite going up soon and building their own rain gauges! Ask our 6th graders about their "space journey" and all that they learned! They have a LOT to share!
Times Teachers Are Available to Meet
A few parents have asked when the best time is to meet with teachers. This year, we have organized our duty times so that elementary teachers have afternoon duty and middle school teachers have morning duty. Morning duty is from 7:15-7:40 and afternoon duty is from 2:40-3:15. As we are sure you understand, we ask that parents schedule meetings/conferences so teachers can make sure they have what they need to answer your questions, they can speak privately about individual students and they can focus their attention on answering your questions accurately.
Elementary teachers are therefore available from 7:15-7:35 AM to meet and Middle School teachers are available from 2:45-3:15 PM. They are also available during each of their planning periods. Some teachers are also willing to meet before 7:15 AM or after 3:15 PM but are contractually not required to do so. Please let them know if you need to meet to discuss the needs of your child! :)
St. Mary's Middle School Dance
6th-8th graders are invited to attend St. Mary's annual Halloween Middle School Dance on October 26th from 7-9 PM. Please go to Teacher Ease and access the digital locker to find the flyer from St. Mary's for more information.
GOOD NEWS on Removal of Microwaves
The transition to no microwaves in the cafeteria is reportedly going VERY well! Students are now able to sit down and enjoy their lunches rather than fretting about waiting for the microwaves or burning themselves! We have had some VERY gracious parents who have offered to purchase microwaves for our school but we have made the decision not to replace them due to the following. By not having microwaves students can:
- Begin eating immediately rather than waiting to heat their lunches.
- Keep themselves safe as many students have burned themselves by opening their Ramen or pasta bowls when the contents were boiling.
- Keep spills on themselves from happening when they attempt to open the "red lid" and it the hot contents spills all over them.
- Teachers, staff and volunteers can address real needs in the cafeteria rather than focus on policing the microwaves and opening containers for students. This is alleviating a lot of behavioral concerns that often come up at lunch.
- Have your child make their own healthy lunch - it is a great life skill to create healthy, well-balanced meals. Often when kids are involved, they eat what is sent!
- Go online and check out the great websites available for Lunchbox ideas! Have your child make a menu and purchase what you will need to make their yummy lunch! A few great websites we have found are- Bon Appetit and Disney Lunch Box Ideas
- Buy a Thermos and send food from home that is heated before they leave for school! Many parents do this for their students and it works really well! :)
Sometimes it is hard for students to report to teachers and parents when there is something going on in their lives that they know is not ok and they don't know what to do about- harassment bullying, abuse, suicide, etc. Corpus Christi Catholic School is now partnering with a wonderful organization formed here in Colorado Springs called Safe 2 Tell. Safe 2 Tell - http://safe2tell.org/ is an organization designed to allow youth to anonymously report events that they may not be willing or able to report to adults in their lives. These reports are then sent to the school where we can get students the help they may need. Please access the website above or call 877-542-7233 for more information.
NEW Volleyballs
When the Dunbaugh family was in California this past summer visiting family, they went to the Mikasa World Series of Beach Volleyball competition in Long Beach. As they were there, they happened to stop by the Mikasa booth and entered a drawing. Mikasa emailed them a couple of weeks later and notified them that Rebecca had won!
Here is a note from the Mikasa Facebook page:
"A big congratulations to Rebecca on winning 12 Mikasa NVL Game Balls and a 'touch sac' duffle bag to carry them in! Thanks Rebecca for stopping by the Mikasa booth at the World Series of Beach Volleyball and entering our drawing. You have been notified via email and we look forward to delivering your prize worth over $900."
After giving a few balls away to her cousins and friends, Rebecca had four left that she wanted to donate to the school to be used by the volleyball teams as Game Balls. Thanks so much Rebecca! You know we can use them! : )
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WHERE IS GOD?
A
couple had two little boys, ages 8 and 10, who were excessively
mischievous. They were always getting into trouble and their parents knew
that, if any mischief occurred in their town, their sons were probably
involved.
The
boys' mother heard that a clergyman in town had been successful in
disciplining children, so she asked if he would speak with her boys. The
clergyman agreed, but asked to see them individually. So the mother sent
her 8-year-old first, in the morning, with the older boy to see the clergyman
in the afternoon.
The
clergyman, a huge man with a booming voice, sat the younger boy down and
asked him sternly, "Where is God?”
They
boy's mouth dropped open, but he made no response, sitting there with his
mouth hanging open, wide-eyed. So the clergyman repeated the question in an
even sterner tone, "Where is God!!?" Again the boy made no
attempt to answer. So the clergyman raised his voice even more and shook
his finger in the boy's face and bellowed, "WHERE IS GOD!?"
The
boy screamed and bolted from the room, ran directly home and dove into his
closet, slamming the door behind him. When his older brother found him in
the closet, he asked, "What happened?"
The
youngest brother gasped for breath and replied, "We are in BIG trouble
this time dude. God is missing and they think WE did it!"
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Mother
Teresa once wrote: "Jesus is my God/ Jesus is my Spouse/ Jesus is my Life/
Jesus is my Everything. Because of this, I am never afraid." Mother Teresa
went to Mass every day. If we love the Mass as she did, we, too, will live in
Jesus and he in us, and will we never be afraid.
Here's What Happening Next Week:
Monday, October 21 - Everyday Uniform with Dinner Auction Shirt for K-8
Tuesday, October 22 - Everyday Uniform with Dinner Auction Shirt for K-5; 6-8 - PE Uniform with Dinner Auction Shirt; First Quarter Report Cards Come Home; LOCK OUT DRILL
Wednesday, October 23 - Mass Uniform for K-8; Mass at 1:45 followed by 5-8 Grade Awards Assembly - please take your student's backpacks with you so you can directly back to the gym; Cyber Bullying Parent University at SMHS - info in the digital locker
Thursday, October 24 - Everyday Uniform with Dinner Auction Shirt for K-8
Friday, October 25 - Jeans Day; HSA Sponsored School Fall Festival 6-8 PM
Saturday, October 26 - Middle School Dance at SMHS - info in digital locker for students
REMINDERS:
- Please remember to send in your Jog-A-Thon pledge forms and money!
- Check out your classroom teacher's blogs! They are working hard to keep you in the loop of all that is going in in their classrooms! This is a great way to be in the "know" of what your students are learning in class! These can be accessed via our website or by following your teachers on Google Plus.
- Sign Up to be a FALL FESTIVAL volunteer! We need your help to make this a FUN event!
EVENTS COMING SOON:
October 29 - Mike McCoy, #1 Draft of the Green Bay Packers and Play Like A Champion Ministries HERE for Middle Schoolers at 1:30 PM
October 31 - Wear Halloween Shirts/Colors with Uniform Bottoms; Halloween Parties for Preschool-5th Grade 1:45-2:45 PM
November 1 - ALL SAINTS DAY - All students dress as FAVORITE SAINT!
8 AM - MASS
11:15-11:45 AM - First Friday Adoration
NOON - Noon Dismissal - First Friday PLC
Have a BLESSED LONG Weekend and a GREAT next Week!
October 29 - Mike McCoy, #1 Draft of the Green Bay Packers and Play Like A Champion Ministries HERE for Middle Schoolers at 1:30 PM
October 31 - Wear Halloween Shirts/Colors with Uniform Bottoms; Halloween Parties for Preschool-5th Grade 1:45-2:45 PM
November 1 - ALL SAINTS DAY - All students dress as FAVORITE SAINT!
8 AM - MASS
11:15-11:45 AM - First Friday Adoration
NOON - Noon Dismissal - First Friday PLC
Have a BLESSED LONG Weekend and a GREAT next Week!
