September 07 Kandili Article
Dear Parishioners,
The New Ecclesiastical Year is upon us. We are excited to announce the assignment of Reverend Deacon Constantine Sinos to our Parish beginning in early September. Dn. Dino and Diakonissa Rachel are both from Omaha, Nebraska where they grew up. He graduated from Creighton University and attended one year of Law School there before enrolling at Holy Cross School of Theology. He graduated from Holy Cross in the spring of 2006. Dn. Dino has been in a resident C.P.E. (Clinical Pastoral Education) in Omaha for the past year. Diakonissa Rachel has worked for Boys’ and Girls’ Town in Omaha for several years. We look forward to welcoming them on Sunday, September 9. Our Fall Worship Schedule will begin September 9 as well.
I want to announce some exciting changes in our Religious Education Program. We would like to introduce to you our new Co-Directors of Religious Education Ministry Team, Suzanne Magerko and Niki Price. Suzanne and Niki are long time Church School teachers who bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to their positions. We are grateful to them for agreeing to lead this important Ministry area. The two major changes in our program this year are:
The adoption of a new methodology in teaching called “The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”
2. Offering class options on Sunday 9:00 a.m.-9:50 a.m. (as in the past) AND Wednesday evenings 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Niki and several members of our parish have gone through an extensive training process in order to be certified to teach with the “Good Shepherd” methodology. The theory of the “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” is based on the Montessori teaching technique and the content is based on our Orthodox teachings. This year the program will be offered for children 3-5 years of age; next year, we will add 6-8 year olds; the following year, 9-11 year olds. The program this year will be offered for 3-5 year olds on Wednesday evenings (beginning September 12, from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.). However, our Religious Education Program for children of all ages and adults will incorporate the themes from the Good Shepherd Program. In addition to the 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesday times, Religious Education will be offered as usual on Sundays, 9:00 a.m.-9:50 a.m. for children and 9:10 a.m.-9:50 a.m. for adults. Registration for either Sundays or Wednesdays may be done on Sunday September 9th or by contacting the Church office. On September 9th at 9 am we will have a blessing and orientation for the Fall program in the Fellowship Hall. Please plan to attend.
Our goal is to provide even greater opportunities for our religious education and spiritual growth for years to come. You may have questions about theses changes. We would be happy to answer any questions you have. Please feel free to contact either Suzanne, Niki, me or a Parish Council member.
Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Catherine the Great Martyr, may we have a blessed beginning of the new Ecclesiastical year.
In Christ,
Fr. Lou