Hello RE 2019-2020 Families!

I apologize that I neglected to send an eNews last week.  We have undergone some changes here at the parish, so the eNews got away from me.  Next week I hope to get back to having more educational segments in the eNews, but until then I'll just pass along some info.

As I mentioned, we have undergone some changes.  Last week, two staff members moved on to different positions at other parishes.  One of those staff members was Mary Karels, who was the parish administrative assistant (she manned the front desk of the office).  The other was Susan Swanke, who, among other things, served as the RE administrative assistant.  With both of them leaving, but especially Susan, I've been left with a bit more on my plate and rather unfortunate timing with Baby Ripp due in less than two months.

Fr. Brian is actively seeking a replacement for Mary (if you know of anyone interesting in an Admin position, please get them in touch with the parish). However, Fr. Brian is undecided in how he would like to move forward with Susan's vacancy.  That being said, in this time when I was hoping to be prepping Susan for me being gone on maternity leave, I'm now scrambling to have as much prepped for the rest of the year (at least through March), as possible.  We are looking into a couple options during this time of transition, but I ask for a few things from you, as the parents:

1. Patience with me, as I might take longer to get back to you or just completely forget things.
2. More parent volunteers on Sunday mornings, especially through December (here's the link and there's more info below)
3. Continued commitment to RE - please try to keep it a priority for your family!
4. Prayers for my sanity ;)

Thank you for helping me out in those ways!  As always, below a little more info for you.

Peace,
Jenna Ripp

• Children’s Christmas Choir - Boys and girls in Grades 1-5 are invited to participate in the Children’s Choir which sings at the 4:00 Mass on Christmas Eve.  Rehearsals will be from 4:00-5:00 in church on the following Tuesdays:  November 12, 19, & 26; December 3, 10, & 17.  For more information, contact Joy Bauman at 829-5880 or joy@stbmidd.org
• Parent Volunteer Sign Up document.  There are a lot of empty spots on the document.  Please make sure to sign up!  We ask that for EACH CHILD in RE, you sign up for TWO different dates where you COULD be available to help (more than likely behind the scenes, doing prep work).
• Children's Missalette - If you want to try out the Children's Missalette and missed your opportunity to sign up, we have a few extras.  The cost is $10.54 each month/subscription (that's 50% off, if you'd sign up on your own through their website).  It looks like a great way to help keep kids attentive and participating in Mass.  Please email me, if you're interested in one of those, but do it SOON!  I'll have December's batch, next Sunday - just in time for the New Liturgical Year (Advent)!
• Below are the chapters that each grade did the two weeks prior, so you're able to complete them at home, if your child missed class.
• This year's RE schedule here.  Please put these dates in your phone or planner.
• The upcoming Nursery and class schedule.  Reminder that now the nursery is open during the 8am Mass.

Upcoming Class + Nursery Schedule