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A Letter from Rev. Joseph K. Kalladan, Pastor


Sunday Bulletin - September 16, 2007


Dear Parishioner,

It was very exciting for me to participate in the 2007 - 2008 CCE Kick-Off last Wednesday and Sunday. Miss Lila, our DRE, and her helpers have worked very hard over the past two months to have all the teachers in place for both CCE days. When we speak of 'volunteers' ordinarily, it's not always easy to get needed and qualified people, particularly when large numbers are needed. One could see a sigh of relief on her face, as she had almost enough teachers for all the classes.

In my opening words, I spoke of 'my excitement' at the CCE Kick-Offs. How could I not experience feelings of excitement to see so many children and their parents, who filled Aldridge Hall to near capacity on both occasions, wanting to start the new CCE Year with great eagerness and anticipation? I could well see the sparkle in their innocent eyes. Yes, they do certainly want to know more about Jesus. It is very fitting that the theme for this year's CCE Year is: 'ENCOUNTERING THE LIVING JESUS".
What a wonderful theme upon which to build our CCE Year. In my welcome and opening remarks to the students, parents, and teachers, I focused on the need for us to deepen our love and understanding of Jesus as we have the opportunity to encounter Him in our everyday lives. This encounter with the living Jesus cannot just be confined to the weekly hour or so of CCE class. The HOMES from which our Children come are the primary places where true religious formation and experience of our Catholic Faith take place. The Church considers the family to be the most crucial in all this and has sanctified Christian homes by calling them to be "The Little Church": that is, having in some measure, all the characteristics of the Church founded by Jesus.
If parents and families do not take their responsibility for the on-going religious formation and growth of their children, then all that is done at the weekly hour of CCE may not amount to much at all. At the time of Baptism, parents make a solemn promise to God and His Church to raise the child in the Catholic Faith and to be an inspiration to them in the ways of Faith. May the Lord reward those of you parents for following up on that commitment you chose to make when you baptized your child. Please remember that CCE is there just to help you in your God-given responsibility. Our parish of St. Thomas Aquinas is here to assist you parents in whatever way it can, so that your children can truly encounter the living Jesus. Let us all work together to make this CCE Year the best ever for our Children and for their families.

Prayerfully,


Fr. K.K.

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