Saint Michael Parish
Welcomes You
From Miss Fessler:
Dear Families,
Welcome to a new year of Youth Faith Formation, or YFF. Father Lavelle, the catechists and volunteers, and I are all very excited to begin a new year of learning, growing, and developing a closer relationship with God. We have some creative learning experiences planned for this year.
Marcy Fessler
Pastoral Associate
Saint Michael Parish
300 North Broad Street
Canfield, OH 44406
Office: 330-533-6839
Email: mfessler@saintmichaelparish.net
SERVICE PROJECTS
Resources for Parents
An Invitation for Young Families
We are excited to announce a new opportunity for young families within our parish: a new connection group aiming to increase connections and support for young Saint Michael families. Through gatherings, faith-based activities for our children, and support for those going through life’s challenges, "Families of Grace" hopes to provide a faith-based village for each of us as we aim to raise Godly children.“Rooting ourselves in our Catholic Faith”. Please call Marcy at the Parish Office (330-533-6839) for information about the next scheduled event.
Liturgy of the Word with Children
LWC is returning to Saint Michael Parish at the 9:00am Mass! Children aged 4 through second grade will be invited to hear the Sunday readings, learn what they mean, and pray. We need a few more leaders. You will be given training and resources to help you. We work in teams of two or three leaders each Mass. This is a great opportunity to help our littlest parishioners learn to appreciate the Word of God at their level. Our hope is to have multiple teams, to rotate each week. Please call Marcy at the Parish Office (330-533-6839) for more information. Please Note: All volunteers are required to be in compliance with the Diocesan Safe Environment Policy
From the Pastor.....
As we begin this catechetical year, please know that we try very hard to follow the teachings of the church, especially in the case of sacraments, sponsorship, godparents and religious education. The policies and procedures are in place to enhance the continued faith formation of all involved and not just the child. Our pastoral team and I work very hard to assist people in every situation. But, when the only two answers wanted are “yes” and “now”, and it could be “yes”, but can’t be “now” – there are two responses: [1] walk away angry and tell everyone you know we wouldn’t help you, or [2] listen to what is required and work with us to make it happen.
As we prepare for this catechetical year, we are ready and willing to work with our families, but they must be willing to work with us. With the number of young people in our program, we cannot possibly develop and schedule a program to meet the extra-curricular activities of everyone. A decision will have to be made about what is most important. If a family decides that other activities are more valued in their household and there isn’t room for Mass attendance, YFF and Sacramental Preparation, that’s fine. But that is a decision they have made. We will hold no ill will. Truth be told, an honest assessment of priorities is necessary and unfortunately, the active practice of one’s faith doesn’t always become a major priority. But, we cannot just let everything slide because of their choices.
At times, I know it would be far easier to follow no rules, to let everyone have everything they demand and move forward. But that’s not possible. Thank you to the vast majority of our families who understand what is important, wrestle with the challenging decisions, and make a life of faith a priority in their lives and the lives of their children.
Let us work together, so that united “on wings, we rise.”
Father Lavelle