Dear Faith Formation Families,
Happy New Year! As we embark on this journey into 2024, we are excited to dive deeper into the beauty and richness of our Catholic faith. This January, our theme is "The Church," where we will reflect on the Four Marks of the Church: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. Together, we’ll explore how these marks guide us to live as members of Christ’s body, united in faith and mission.
This month, we are also blessed to learn more about the life and legacy of Pope Saint John Paul II, whose teachings continue to inspire the Church today. In addition, we’ll introduce the Jubilee Year of Hope, a special time to focus on renewal and trust in God’s promises. Our guiding Scripture for January is Ephesians 2:19-21, reminding us that we are “fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”
Special milestones are on the horizon for our 3rd and 10th-grade students! Third-grade families will begin preparing for the Sacrament of First Eucharist, while our 10th-grade students will take the next steps in their Confirmation journey. Let us keep these students and their families in prayer as they draw closer to the sacraments.
May this month be a time of learning, growth, and renewed hope for all of us as we walk together in faith.
In Christ’s peace,
Melissa Weisenburg
Director of Religious Education
Melissa Weisenburg
Director of Religious Education
Here are our upcoming January events:
Saturday 1/4/25
- 5:30 – 7:30 pm Kids Night Under the Dome at Our Lady of Victory, 767 Ridge Rd, Lackawanna, NY 14218 (Free Family Fun Event)
Sunday 1/5/25
- 9:15 – 10:45 am Family Program Prek-6th Grade and Confirmation Prep
- 6 – 7:30 pm 7th-9th Grade Class
Sunday 1/12/25
- 9:15 – 10:45 am 1st-6th Grade and 10th/Confirmation Prep
- 9:15 - 10:45 am 1st Eucharist Parent Workshop in the Community Room
- 6 – 7:30 pm 7th-9th Grade Class
Sunday 1/19/25: No Classes
Sunday 1/26/25
- 9:15 – 10:45 am 1st-6th Grade and 10th/Confirmation Prep
- 6 – 7:30 pm 7th-9th Grade Class
Resources to use for January:
Pope St. John Paul II:
- Pope John Paul II Movie on FORMED
- Pope John Paul II A 4-volume Documentary Series on FORMED
- Saint John Paul the Great by Jason Evert Audiobook
- Saint JPII's Prayer for Peace on Hallow
- Saint John Paul II's address to young people on his visit to the US in 1987
The 4 Marks of the Church
- The 4 Marks of the Church on FORMED
The Jubilee Year Resources on HOPE:
- The Hope Praylist on Hallow
- The Act of Hope on Hallow
- Bible Stories of Hope on Hallow
- Hope for Everyone song by Matt Maher on Hallow
- Pope Francis on Pilgrims of Hope on Hallow
Here's a special 2-for-1:
- Pope John Paul II's series on HOPE on Hallow
And... I wrote a journal called
Pilgrims of Hope, A 2025 Catholic Prayer and Affirmation Journal for Women. It's available on Amazon if anyone is looking to deepen their faith and sense of hope for this Jubilee Year!
Pilgrims of Hope, A 2025 Catholic Prayer and Affirmation Journal for Women. It's available on Amazon if anyone is looking to deepen their faith and sense of hope for this Jubilee Year!
