Thank you all who have promised to pray for my good health. I am feeling better already! I now have a small apparatus that helps me sleep better. I have noticed a difference! Again, thank you for your concerns and prayers.

      I know that we are in the midst of summer but I want to mention the importance of preparing for the school year and our parish Faith Formation program. We invite families to send their children from 5-18 years of age to the parish for classes on sacraments, prayer, knowing God, the Bible, church history, moral decision-making, Christian service, etc. We have classes for every age group. We also have youth groups for ages 12-14, and High School. At the appropriate age we will help children prepare to receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.

      In the Diocese of Green Bay a baptized child may receive the Eucharist after reaching the “age of reason,” or 7 years old. Our parish children usually receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist in 2nd grade at the age of 8 or 9. In the Diocese of Green Bay teenagers usually receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at the age of 17 or in their junior year (11th) of high school. At St. Willebrord we require a minimum of two years of participation in Faith Formation as a way to demonstrate maturity and the desire to receive the Sacrament. We want the young persons to understand the Catholic faith and to share with their peers about their experiences of God.

      Every Sacrament needs to be an experience of community. The Sacraments are opportunities to build up the family of faith at the parish. We do not receive the sacraments simply as individuals, but rather as members of a parish who desire to contribute to that community and find God together.

      Some parents and teenagers are surprised that “so much” is required of them. As Pastor, I do not see it in terms of “requirements” but as an opportunity to learn and grow with others. Learning about the Catholic faith is a great gift.

      Just to be clear, those teenagers who go to Notre Dame Academy (NDA) are members of the parish. The students may go to Mass at NDA and study religion, but the school is NOT a parish. The students’ primary faith community is at the parish. We need their gifts and talents and presence, too! Sunday Eucharist is intended to be the high point in parish participation.

Peace, Fr. Andy