Letters from our Catechists to our students
Monday Kindergarten
Sunday 1st Grade
Monday 1st Grade
Dear Monday 1st Grade,
I hope you and your families are doing well. Ms Major and I miss seeing you every Monday evening at Faith formation. We had so much fun together learning about Jesus and how we can show our love for God and others.
I hope that you are continuing to practice how to bless yourself (remember how we practiced with our Holy water cups), and say the Hail Mary and the Our Father. That is something you can do at home. I miss watching videos and reading books of bible stories with you. I wish we could visit the church together again.
I know you are being very helpful to your parents and families at home. Please tell your parents I said hello and that I miss seeing them on Mondays too.
Have a fun summer with your family. I hope to see you back at St. Mary's this fall. Please stop by and say hello.
God bless you!
Mrs. Notarpole
I hope you and your families are doing well. Ms Major and I miss seeing you every Monday evening at Faith formation. We had so much fun together learning about Jesus and how we can show our love for God and others.
I hope that you are continuing to practice how to bless yourself (remember how we practiced with our Holy water cups), and say the Hail Mary and the Our Father. That is something you can do at home. I miss watching videos and reading books of bible stories with you. I wish we could visit the church together again.
I know you are being very helpful to your parents and families at home. Please tell your parents I said hello and that I miss seeing them on Mondays too.
Have a fun summer with your family. I hope to see you back at St. Mary's this fall. Please stop by and say hello.
God bless you!
Mrs. Notarpole
Second Grade
Sunday
Hello 2nd grade friends!
It’s hard to believe we’ve been out of school and faith formations class for so long! I wanted to write you a letter to let you know that I have been thinking of you all very often, and hope you are all doing well. I miss seeing each of you during Faith Formation class, as well as in church. I have enjoyed the time we did have together so much! I especially enjoyed our morning greetings, and sharing what we’ve done over the weekend, and also playing fun games like Build the Church and Bible Bingo! I hope you have all adjusted to our new “normal”, and I pray that I’m able to see you again on the hallways and church again soon! Until then, stay safe, be well, and God Bless!
Peace,
Mrs. Murphy and Ms Evans
It’s hard to believe we’ve been out of school and faith formations class for so long! I wanted to write you a letter to let you know that I have been thinking of you all very often, and hope you are all doing well. I miss seeing each of you during Faith Formation class, as well as in church. I have enjoyed the time we did have together so much! I especially enjoyed our morning greetings, and sharing what we’ve done over the weekend, and also playing fun games like Build the Church and Bible Bingo! I hope you have all adjusted to our new “normal”, and I pray that I’m able to see you again on the hallways and church again soon! Until then, stay safe, be well, and God Bless!
Peace,
Mrs. Murphy and Ms Evans
Monday
Dear Monday Night 2nd Graders,
Hi guys! Hope you are doing ok – and doing your best to stay healthy and safe during this time when we’re all at home. I have found that I enjoy the extra time with my family, even though I would love to be outside doing normal things! I wanted to write you a note to thank you for this year of Faith Formation together. I feel sad that we didn’t get to finish the year out together, but I hope you found time to say your prayers, to think about the special ways that God has blessed you, and to find ways of helping out those around you.
I will remember the fun we had together – the ways in which you all worked so hard to get your five points and candy reward! The way we had fun playing charades. And the way in which I kept promising you that you’d get to pick your own seats, but we never got to go back to the classroom to have that happen – I’m sorry!
I hope you all have a wonderful summer – I think the weather is going to change soon so we can enjoy some sunshine and warmth! It’s about time! I can’t wait to see you next year at Faith Formation – and if we can get back to church before then, I hope to see you at mass with your families.
Good luck to all of you in 3rd grade – hope to see you soon!!!
Mrs. Harvey
Hi guys! Hope you are doing ok – and doing your best to stay healthy and safe during this time when we’re all at home. I have found that I enjoy the extra time with my family, even though I would love to be outside doing normal things! I wanted to write you a note to thank you for this year of Faith Formation together. I feel sad that we didn’t get to finish the year out together, but I hope you found time to say your prayers, to think about the special ways that God has blessed you, and to find ways of helping out those around you.
I will remember the fun we had together – the ways in which you all worked so hard to get your five points and candy reward! The way we had fun playing charades. And the way in which I kept promising you that you’d get to pick your own seats, but we never got to go back to the classroom to have that happen – I’m sorry!
I hope you all have a wonderful summer – I think the weather is going to change soon so we can enjoy some sunshine and warmth! It’s about time! I can’t wait to see you next year at Faith Formation – and if we can get back to church before then, I hope to see you at mass with your families.
Good luck to all of you in 3rd grade – hope to see you soon!!!
Mrs. Harvey
3rd Grade
Sunday
|
|
Monday
To my wonderful third grade faith formation class-
I just want to take a moment to reflect on our time together. Even though our third grade lessons have concluded; our third grade class did a wonderful job learning about our faith around the world as well as the fundamental lessons. We shared in prayer ;learned about the Saints, our families, our talents and gifts from God, liturgical calendar, sacramentals in the church ,the Sacraments, the apostles creed ,lent, advent, our faith, kindness, and helping others, circles of faith lesson, old and new testament, our crafts, and so much more.
Our third grade class demonstrated much creativity. You are excellent readers and each child contributed wonderfully to each lesson. You are enthusiastic and have wonderful talents. You are kind and I will miss seeing your smiling faces. Each week we were able to reflect and share our faith in God.
I wish you a fantastic summer filled with love, happiness, and fun!
Looking forward to seeing you in the fall and continuing to learn about faith formation.
May God Bless you and your families abundantly and keep you safe.
All my best,
Ms. J Jahelka
I just want to take a moment to reflect on our time together. Even though our third grade lessons have concluded; our third grade class did a wonderful job learning about our faith around the world as well as the fundamental lessons. We shared in prayer ;learned about the Saints, our families, our talents and gifts from God, liturgical calendar, sacramentals in the church ,the Sacraments, the apostles creed ,lent, advent, our faith, kindness, and helping others, circles of faith lesson, old and new testament, our crafts, and so much more.
Our third grade class demonstrated much creativity. You are excellent readers and each child contributed wonderfully to each lesson. You are enthusiastic and have wonderful talents. You are kind and I will miss seeing your smiling faces. Each week we were able to reflect and share our faith in God.
I wish you a fantastic summer filled with love, happiness, and fun!
Looking forward to seeing you in the fall and continuing to learn about faith formation.
May God Bless you and your families abundantly and keep you safe.
All my best,
Ms. J Jahelka
4th Grade
Sunday
Monday
Dear 4th Grade FF Class,
This is definitely not how I expected we would be ending our year. Who could have predicted when we met in the beginning of March that that would be the last faith formation class for the year? We were making a lot of good strides as a class, learning about lent and the Rice Bowl project, and having fun together growing in our Catholic faith. Please know how much I enjoyed teaching our class and how much Silas and I have missed seeing you.
I hope you are finding ways to keep busy and have fun at home. Please remember to be kind. We all have good days and bad days, parents and siblings included. Remember the story of St. Jerome and the lion with the thorn? Try your very best to be like Saint Jerome and look at those around you with compassion and patience. When people act-out in unkind ways, it is usually because they are suffering themselves, like the lion with the thorn. Please recognize that not everyone can be at their best all the time but this is when they need your kindness and compassion the most. If you treat those around you with kindness and compassion, the same will be returned to you. And maybe, like St. Jerome and the lion, you will have a loyal companion for life.
Please do your best to stay happy, safe, and healthy. I miss you and I am sending love from my family to yours!
Peace,
Mrs. Williams (and Silas, too!)
This is definitely not how I expected we would be ending our year. Who could have predicted when we met in the beginning of March that that would be the last faith formation class for the year? We were making a lot of good strides as a class, learning about lent and the Rice Bowl project, and having fun together growing in our Catholic faith. Please know how much I enjoyed teaching our class and how much Silas and I have missed seeing you.
I hope you are finding ways to keep busy and have fun at home. Please remember to be kind. We all have good days and bad days, parents and siblings included. Remember the story of St. Jerome and the lion with the thorn? Try your very best to be like Saint Jerome and look at those around you with compassion and patience. When people act-out in unkind ways, it is usually because they are suffering themselves, like the lion with the thorn. Please recognize that not everyone can be at their best all the time but this is when they need your kindness and compassion the most. If you treat those around you with kindness and compassion, the same will be returned to you. And maybe, like St. Jerome and the lion, you will have a loyal companion for life.
Please do your best to stay happy, safe, and healthy. I miss you and I am sending love from my family to yours!
Peace,
Mrs. Williams (and Silas, too!)
5th Grade
Sunday
Dear Sunday Kids, a.k.a. Saints-in-the-Making,
Thank you for joining us for faith formation.
We are always happy to see you.
Thank you for sharing your faith journey with us.
It is easy to see the Holy Spirit within you.
Please continue searching for God and sharing
the gifts that He gave to you with others.
Mostly, remember,
GOD Loves YOU and always will!
You are a Saint-in-the-Making!
Gratefully,
Mrs. Metz
Thank you for joining us for faith formation.
We are always happy to see you.
Thank you for sharing your faith journey with us.
It is easy to see the Holy Spirit within you.
Please continue searching for God and sharing
the gifts that He gave to you with others.
Mostly, remember,
GOD Loves YOU and always will!
You are a Saint-in-the-Making!
Gratefully,
Mrs. Metz
Monday
Dear 5th graders:
I hope and pray that you and your families are doing well at this time. I think of you guys often and also hope that you’re continuing to learn about our faith while you’re at home. I know that things seem pretty different right now (to say the least!) but something that brings me peace is praying each morning & asking God for help. I also like participating in mass on Sunday mornings with my family. It seemed odd at first – so different! – but now we’re getting used to it and even enjoying it. Believe me, my kids want to sleep as late as possible, but I really think they like continuing our masses together. My oldest even downloaded a church bell that he rings when the priest is consecrating the bread and wine. J
So, while I know that things are different and hard – please look to our faith to help you through this. We talked a lot about praying – and you guys were so good at the meditative prayer – the kind where you just close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and talk to Jesus. He’s always there to help us! And you were all so thoughtful in praying for others who are struggling…please keep doing this too.
I REALLY miss our Monday night class! I miss our discussions, and how many of you shared your caring thoughts. Even if you didn’t share a lot, you were all so respectful. I left our classes feeling so positive & energized about my faith and hope you did too.
Please know how special each of you are. I’ll keep praying for you all…please pray for me too! I look forward to seeing you at church and in the hallways of Religious Ed next year.
Thanks guys – for being such a great group!
God Bless you all!
~ Mrs. Reed
I hope and pray that you and your families are doing well at this time. I think of you guys often and also hope that you’re continuing to learn about our faith while you’re at home. I know that things seem pretty different right now (to say the least!) but something that brings me peace is praying each morning & asking God for help. I also like participating in mass on Sunday mornings with my family. It seemed odd at first – so different! – but now we’re getting used to it and even enjoying it. Believe me, my kids want to sleep as late as possible, but I really think they like continuing our masses together. My oldest even downloaded a church bell that he rings when the priest is consecrating the bread and wine. J
So, while I know that things are different and hard – please look to our faith to help you through this. We talked a lot about praying – and you guys were so good at the meditative prayer – the kind where you just close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and talk to Jesus. He’s always there to help us! And you were all so thoughtful in praying for others who are struggling…please keep doing this too.
I REALLY miss our Monday night class! I miss our discussions, and how many of you shared your caring thoughts. Even if you didn’t share a lot, you were all so respectful. I left our classes feeling so positive & energized about my faith and hope you did too.
Please know how special each of you are. I’ll keep praying for you all…please pray for me too! I look forward to seeing you at church and in the hallways of Religious Ed next year.
Thanks guys – for being such a great group!
God Bless you all!
~ Mrs. Reed
6th Grade
Sunday
Sixth Graders
St Mary’s of the Lake Catholic Church
May 17, 2020
First of all, I hope – and PRAY that you and your family have been healthy, are healthy, and stay health especially as we all adjust to life these days. Assuming everyone is healthy, hopefully everyone is only just a little stir crazy. At least the weather is getting warmer
What a year! 2020 will be a year not forgotten. Who knew our class time would be cut so short? It’s a good thing that we covered ALL of the important things. …Did we though? You know, in some ways it seems like religious education class was so, so long ago. … months even! Can you remember? What were some of the things we learned?
PLEASE click HERE for the rest of the letter
St Mary’s of the Lake Catholic Church
May 17, 2020
First of all, I hope – and PRAY that you and your family have been healthy, are healthy, and stay health especially as we all adjust to life these days. Assuming everyone is healthy, hopefully everyone is only just a little stir crazy. At least the weather is getting warmer
What a year! 2020 will be a year not forgotten. Who knew our class time would be cut so short? It’s a good thing that we covered ALL of the important things. …Did we though? You know, in some ways it seems like religious education class was so, so long ago. … months even! Can you remember? What were some of the things we learned?
PLEASE click HERE for the rest of the letter
Monday
Dear Sixth Graders,
It seems like such a long time ago that we sat together on Monday evenings! I miss seeing you and hearing about your day! I think about our projects-making Angels of Hope, our Jesse Tree, our journals and performing skits!
I also think about your ideas for trusting others and having hope. Right now we need to do both each day. Don’t forget that you always have Jesus by your side if you feel uncertain. As long as you are thinking about Him you are praying
Things will be much better soon and summer is coming!!! Try to visit our beautiful Skaneatles Lake often. I love to check and see what mood it’s in️
If you are bored you can write me a letter as I would love to hear about what you’ve been doing-and how you are helping at home(emptying the dishwasher, walking the dog, helping cook). I have Faith in you!
Here is my address:
Mrs Behan
116 Orchard Road
Skaneatles N.Y.
13152
Missing you all and hoping I see you very soon!
Love ️
Mrs. Behan
Dear Sixth Graders,
It seems like such a long time ago that we sat together on Monday evenings! I miss seeing you and hearing about your day! I think about our projects-making Angels of Hope, our Jesse Tree, our journals and performing skits!
I also think about your ideas for trusting others and having hope. Right now we need to do both each day. Don’t forget that you always have Jesus by your side if you feel uncertain. As long as you are thinking about Him you are praying
Things will be much better soon and summer is coming!!! Try to visit our beautiful Skaneatles Lake often. I love to check and see what mood it’s in️
If you are bored you can write me a letter as I would love to hear about what you’ve been doing-and how you are helping at home(emptying the dishwasher, walking the dog, helping cook). I have Faith in you!
Here is my address:
Mrs Behan
116 Orchard Road
Skaneatles N.Y.
13152
Missing you all and hoping I see you very soon!
Love ️
Mrs. Behan
7th Grade
Sunday
Dear 7th Graders,
I miss you.
I'm sorry that we did not complete our video journey through the Bible. The good news is that you know how to find Bible books, chapter and verse. The even better news is that you don't need a video since you can read the Bible yourself in hard copy or online now and into the future.
At the start of our course, we created slips of paper saying, "God loves you". Your homework was to give the slip to anyone you desired so they could know that God loves them. They could keep the slip or give it to another person. Often in class we talked about how "God is love", unconditional love. God doesn't love us because we did something for God. God loved us before COVID-19, God loves us now, and God will love us in the future. God invites us to love others just as God loves us. We show our love of God by loving all others.
My end of 7th grade Faith Formation gift to you is to share 1 John chapter 4 (remember, we learned that the number in front of the chapter is pronounced first or second, not 1 or 2). Suggest you spend some time reading and thinking about the message of First John chapter 4 http://www.usccb.org/bible/1john/4. My favorite part is 1 John 4:16, "We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him."
Thank you for a wonderful year!
Looking forward to seeing you again in person,
Mr. Legg
I miss you.
I'm sorry that we did not complete our video journey through the Bible. The good news is that you know how to find Bible books, chapter and verse. The even better news is that you don't need a video since you can read the Bible yourself in hard copy or online now and into the future.
At the start of our course, we created slips of paper saying, "God loves you". Your homework was to give the slip to anyone you desired so they could know that God loves them. They could keep the slip or give it to another person. Often in class we talked about how "God is love", unconditional love. God doesn't love us because we did something for God. God loved us before COVID-19, God loves us now, and God will love us in the future. God invites us to love others just as God loves us. We show our love of God by loving all others.
My end of 7th grade Faith Formation gift to you is to share 1 John chapter 4 (remember, we learned that the number in front of the chapter is pronounced first or second, not 1 or 2). Suggest you spend some time reading and thinking about the message of First John chapter 4 http://www.usccb.org/bible/1john/4. My favorite part is 1 John 4:16, "We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him."
Thank you for a wonderful year!
Looking forward to seeing you again in person,
Mr. Legg
Monday
8th Grade
Sunday
Hi Everyone!
I'm sorry the year is ending like this; It is so hard to be apart and not have the typical things that drive our community connections. I truly enjoyed spending time with each of you every week.
The below verses have given me peace during these uncertain times, perhaps they will do the same for you.
You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
-Proverbs 19:21-
A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
-John 16: 32-33-
I've also attached a picture of Eli :) Please say hello next time we cross paths!
Best,
Ms. LaBeau
I'm sorry the year is ending like this; It is so hard to be apart and not have the typical things that drive our community connections. I truly enjoyed spending time with each of you every week.
The below verses have given me peace during these uncertain times, perhaps they will do the same for you.
You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
-Proverbs 19:21-
A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
-John 16: 32-33-
I've also attached a picture of Eli :) Please say hello next time we cross paths!
Best,
Ms. LaBeau
Monday
To My 8th Grade Faith Formation Class:
I am saddened that our Monday classes have ended so abruptly and our lives have been interrupted to such a degree that they have. I know this may be a very scary time for all of you, but rest assured, God is still in control, so do not lose heart and fall into despair, as would a person who lives without Faith!
I now would like to remind you of a couple important things I taught you throughout the year and ask that you keep these lessons always close to heart throughout your life:
Please always start your day with a Prayer of Thanksgiving to God for giving you another day and ask Him to guide you in all that you do! As part of your Prayer, offer up to God all that you will think, do and say; Praying that all you do will worthily give Him Honor, Glory and Praise! At night before going to sleep, always thank God for the day and reflect on His Love and Grace. Listen to what He may be saying to you!
Remember to always be the 'Light' of Jesus and defend those who are unable to defend themselves. Our main goal in life is to get to Heaven and help as many others achieve this too along the way! The most important relationship all of you could ever have, is that relationship with Jesus. It's not enough you just know of Him, or know a little about Him, but that you truly Love Him, Serve Him and get to know Him as we do our own family members and friends! Our Eternal Destiny depends on this close relationship with Jesus!
Remember to go to Confession, preferably once a month, as requested by Our Lady at Fatima. Go to Mass each Sunday and on all Holy Days of Obligation.
Go to Adoration as often as you can.
Pray the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy often; preferably daily.
In closing, I would like to say it was a pleasure to get to know each of you. You were definitely a high energy class and made me laugh a lot! I will continue to Pray for each of you and your families!
If you ever see me out on Patrol, I'd love it if you said hello!
Take care always and may God Richly Bless all of You!
Mr. Wawro
I am saddened that our Monday classes have ended so abruptly and our lives have been interrupted to such a degree that they have. I know this may be a very scary time for all of you, but rest assured, God is still in control, so do not lose heart and fall into despair, as would a person who lives without Faith!
I now would like to remind you of a couple important things I taught you throughout the year and ask that you keep these lessons always close to heart throughout your life:
Please always start your day with a Prayer of Thanksgiving to God for giving you another day and ask Him to guide you in all that you do! As part of your Prayer, offer up to God all that you will think, do and say; Praying that all you do will worthily give Him Honor, Glory and Praise! At night before going to sleep, always thank God for the day and reflect on His Love and Grace. Listen to what He may be saying to you!
Remember to always be the 'Light' of Jesus and defend those who are unable to defend themselves. Our main goal in life is to get to Heaven and help as many others achieve this too along the way! The most important relationship all of you could ever have, is that relationship with Jesus. It's not enough you just know of Him, or know a little about Him, but that you truly Love Him, Serve Him and get to know Him as we do our own family members and friends! Our Eternal Destiny depends on this close relationship with Jesus!
Remember to go to Confession, preferably once a month, as requested by Our Lady at Fatima. Go to Mass each Sunday and on all Holy Days of Obligation.
Go to Adoration as often as you can.
Pray the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy often; preferably daily.
In closing, I would like to say it was a pleasure to get to know each of you. You were definitely a high energy class and made me laugh a lot! I will continue to Pray for each of you and your families!
If you ever see me out on Patrol, I'd love it if you said hello!
Take care always and may God Richly Bless all of You!
Mr. Wawro