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Dear families,
I have to be honest. I'm still scratching my head thinking, "Is this really happening?”
What a wild couple of weeks it's been. I've experienced emotions all over the place. A deeper appreciation for the Mass and the Eucharist. Some anxiety. Fear. Trust. Hope. Love. Even joy.
Whatever the greater purpose of this, I have to believe Paul's promise in his letter to the Romans: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Ro 8:28).
God is bigger than this. (Watch this Veggie Tale VIDEO with your kiddos.) I really believe that. He will not forsake His people. Sometimes it gets down to me having to remind myself of all that He has done for me and my family. "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid" (Psalm 27:1). Over and over the Bible reminds us to not be afraid. The one who trusts in the Lord has nothing to fear. This cross will lead to resurrection!
One final word. Our contributions have dropped dramatically in the past two weeks. Though the church is necessarily closed, the daily expenses at the church continue, including parish staff payroll and maintenance of the parish facilities.
If you normally donate through the envelopes at Mass, please support our parish, to the best of your ability, through online giving. Please do whatever you can to help us continue to be able to provide our many parish ministries.
CFF NEWS!
ONLINE FAITH FORMATION RESOURCES
I'm putting together some online resources for your families to continue your family's faith formation at home. During this time of social distancing, we want to provide some ways to help our families connect with God, each other, and our parish family. I'll be sending those out at the beginning of the week.
OLMC FACEBOOK GROUP
We've created a Facebook Group to help us stay connected. We've got encouraging posts, activities, and videos, and many opportunities to interact with your parish family. Go to: http://bit.ly/OLMCFB.
LIVE STREAMED MASS!
You can go to our main OLMC Facebook page and pray the Mass with our priests and the Dominican sisters every Saturday evening, Sunday, and even daily! We recommend that you be intentional: dress up, fast an hour beforehand, and light a candle. Maybe you could read the Sunday readings on Saturday evening and discuss them as a family. (See the Mass schedule below.)
FLOCKNOTE (church email service)
Please watch for Flocknote emails. I’m sending you resources and videos for you and your children to support your family faith during these trying times.
CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD
I’m also excited to announce that we’ll be doing an online Children’s Liturgy of the Word on our Facebook page on the weekends (probably to be posted on Saturdays). Check your Junk mail if you haven’t received them, and if can’t find them, please let us know you want to be added to the list.
Be assured of my prayers, and I am grateful for yours.
In Christ,
Leighton Drake
Director of Children's Faith Formation / Junior High Ministry
Office: 317-663-4017
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church
14598 Oakridge Rd.
Carmel, IN 46032
ad majorem dei gloriam
“[T]he definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity.” St. John Paul II, Catechesi Tradendae, no. 5