Click here for a full calendar of events on our Parish website.
Religious Education Events
Brunch with Santa: One Sunday in December, our parish hosts a special event where families gather for a light brunch, activities and a visit from Santa Claus.
Christmas Pageant: One Sunday in December, our religious education students perform a Christmas Pageant after the Family Mass.
Easter Egg Hunt: One week before Easter, 3rd and 4th grade students fill “Easter Eggs” with candy and goodies for an Easter Egg hunt after the 10:30 Family Mass on Easter Sunday.
Family Picnic: Each year in September, parishioners join together on the church playground and St. Francis Circle for food, drinks, ice cream and fun.
First Communion Breakfast: Each year, the 1st grade families, in coordination with REPTA, host a First Communion breakfast for 2nd grade students and their families the Sunday after First Communion.
Trunk or Treat: Each year after the 10:30 am Sunday Family Mass just before Halloween, parishioners decorate their trunk/car and hand out candy to our younger parishioners
Liturgical Activities
Backpack Blessing: One Sunday in September during the Family Mass, our priests bless our children’s backpacks to remind them Christianity is a way of life that moves into all aspects of their lives and God is with us always.
Catechetical Sunday: One Sunday in September, all parents and children are invited to celebrate the beginning of our new school year at the 10:30 a.m. Family Mass. During the Mass, our Catechists are commissioned to teach our children about their faith and, immediately following Mass, everyone is invited to a reception to meet the teachers.
May Crowning: During the month of May, students and parishioners participate in this special ceremony by offering flowers and placing a crown on the statue of Mary, symbolizing her as the Queen of Heaven and Mother of the Church.
Ministry Sundays: Once per month during the school year, one of the 10:30 am
Family Masses is designated as a Ministry Mass for a specified grade in our Religious Education Program. At these Masses, our students become active participants in the Mass as readers and presenters of the Gifts.
Palm Sunday Procession: The 1st grade leads the Palm Sunday procession of children and performs a special song at the end of the Family Mass.
Pentecost Multicultural Mass and Potluck Luncheon: Each year on Pentecost Sunday, our parish celebrates cultural diversity with multi-cultural Masses followed by a luncheon in which parishioners share food from all over the world.
Reconciliation: Twice during the school year, students in grades 3 through 8 have the opportunity to attend Reconciliation (usually before Christmas and before Easter). All students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to receive the grace this Sacrament gives.
Washing of the Feet for Children: Our 5th and 6th grade students are encouraged to volunteer to be Jesus’ apostles and attend the re-enactment of Jesus’ Washing of the Feet on Holy Thursday.
Community Service Projects
Adopt-a-Family Christmas Outreach: Each December, parishioners have an opportunity to adopt-a-family that lacks the financial ability to exchange Christmas gifts. The gifts are given to selected families/organizations serving the needy.
Angel Giving Tree: Students are invited to donate gifts for local children in need during the Advent season. This activity not only spreads joy during the holiday season but also instills in our students the values of generosity, kindness, and the true spirit of giving.
Baby Shower: In conjunction with the parish, we hold a baby shower drive during the month of May to provide needed items to a pregnancy care center in the area.
Bake Sales: Our 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade students hold bake sales to raise funds for their chosen charity. 8th grade students organize the Christmas Bake Sale, 7th graders do the St. Patrick’s Bake Sale, and the 5th and 6th grade students take charge of the Spring Bake Sale.
Be My Valentine: Students reach out to senior and home-bound parishioners by writing thoughtful cards and delivering flowers and chocolates on Valentine’s Day to remind them that they are cherished members of our parish community.
Brown Bag Lunch: Each year, our religious education students provide and prepare bagged lunches and help distribute them to needy men and women at Hope Soup Kitchen.
Christmas Caroling: Students are encouraged to spread cheer at a retired nursing home during December.
Denim Jeans Donation Drive: 5th and 6th grade students sort and distribute gently used denim jeans of all sizes to support the needy at St. Bartholomew’s Soup Kitchen.
Easter/Spring Baskets for Lifting Up Westchester: Our 7th grade students assemble and donate baskets filled with snack bags, individually wrapped candy and mini toys for the children served by Lifting Up Westchester.
Food Pantry: There is a drop off box in the hall across from the Religious Education Office for ongoing food donations. All are invited to donate food throughout the year. Boxes of cereal, pasta, canned vegetables and meats, rice, instant potatoes, etc., are always welcome. During the Lenten season, Religious Education students participate in our parish-wide Lenten Food Drive to help those in need even more during this time of reflection and giving.
Hope Soup and St. Bartholomew’s Soup Kitchen: 7th and 8th grade students are given the opportunity to serve those in need and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by homeless individuals. This experience fosters empathy in our students and deepens their awareness of the impact they can make by extending compassion and dignity to those who are often overlooked.
Luncheon for Persons with Differing Abilities: Our Confirmation candidates serve and connect with members of our community who have disabilities. Through this meaningful experience, the candidates not only provide a warm meal but also learn about compassion, inclusion, and the importance of serving others. This luncheon is a vital part of their journey toward Confirmation as it fosters a deeper awareness and understanding of the diverse needs within our parish family.
Operation Cupid: Each February, our religious education students in grades 1 through 4 send care packages to support our soldiers overseas through United for the Troops.
Operation Rice Bowl: During Lent, all students receive a “rice bowl” and are asked to do a good deed, say a prayer and make a small donation into their rice bowl for the poor and hungry in other countries. Lent is a time of giving, fasting, and praying. Donations go to the Catholic Relief Services.
Thanksgiving Collection: Each class is asked to bring in specified canned and dry items and grocery store gift cards for the less fortunate. Frozen turkeys also can be purchased for the parish’s Thanksgiving Food Drive.
CALENDAR