St John Neumann

C C E

Bishop Robert Coerver       Addition Guidance      August 20, 2020

August 20 – EMAIL TO CLERGY, STAFF, PCLs, + VIDEO

· Hold off registration for faith formation programs until after Labor Day

· Concentrate on preparing materials that can be effectively used in homes for those uncomfortable with in-person sessions and in case it becomes impossible to conduct  classes in person (The diocesan Office of Evangelization and Family Faith Formation has produced lesson plans for in home faith formation throughout the remainder of this calendar year if necessary)

· A new phase of reopening our parish facilities for faith formation gatherings only, for those who are comfortable with in-person sessions, beginning Sunday, September 27

· Masks are still mandatory at all times on parish/diocesan property, beginning at the age determined by the local school district

· Social distancing of at least 6 feet must be observed except among members of the same household

· Thorough sanitizing of surfaces must be done after any gathering

· Non-worship spaces may be occupied at only less than 50% capacity

· Any gathering of 100 people or more must receive approval of the local Mayor

· It is suggested that local health authorities be contacted to assure that all measures are in compliance with local regulations

· Parish facilities may be used for faith formation classes/groups of children, youth, or adults if the above stipulations can be observed

· No food or drink may be served during any session

· Extra care must be taken to assure that, as people leave, they do not congregate in small groups on the parish property

· In choosing who makes use of parish facilities, priority is to be given to formation groups preparing for Sacraments (RCIA, Confirmation, First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, Baptism)

· The Pastor of each parish, in consultation with his staff and team of advisors, may determine the extent to which they can make their facilities available for faith formation gatherings; these stipulations may not be exceeded by any parish

· Facilities still not available for parish organizations, for social gatherings, nor may they be rented out for any purpose.

 This is the latest guidance that we have received from the Bishop.  It is very pertinent to us especially in the light of our forced closure.  As many of you realize both the bishop and myself are preoccupied with the health and safety of every member of our parish communities.  I’m sharing with the members of this parish all of the guidance sent to the priest and deacons.  If this seems something like overkill I would rather have you have too much information then not enough.  I will be very glad that we can again have Mass this weekend, although some of our celebration details will be somewhat different. 

God Bless you All, I pray that God keeps you safe, Rev. Jim McCartney

St. John Neumann is committed to providing a religious education program solidly based on the doctrines and teachings of our Catholic Faith.  The goals are to help the students grow in their spirituality, develop a Christian value system, and achieve a deeper understanding and appreciation for their Catholic faith, with the hope and belief that they will actively practice that faith, and live a life rooted in Christ and His Church.

As parents, you are the primary providers to your children, not only in meeting their physical and emotional needs, but also in nourishing their spiritual ones.  At their baptism, you promised to raise your children in the Catholic faith.  The St. John Neumann CCE program is designed to support, nurture, and deepen the faith that you as parents are already teaching and modeling for your children at home.

St. John Neumann offers CCE classes for Pre-K through High School on Sunday mornings from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.  

We have a fantastic group of catechists to serve the families of St. John Neumann.  All are committed to providing a friendly, nurturing and safe classroom environment, while they teach, encourage, and support the students enrolled in the CCE program.

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