The Gospel summons us to love of God and neighbor.    And the Gospel Question --- Who is my neighbor? --- has been eloquently answered in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. As we see in the parable, the Good Samaritan reached into his soul to dispense compassion and into his purse to dispense money to help his less fortunate neighbor.      The Annual Peter's Pence Collection being taken-up this weekend provides each of us with an opportunity to give to others, to empower the weak and the voiceless, to sustain those who suffer.

Your contribution to this Collection this weekend, makes it possible for the Holy Father to respond to the most needy throughout the world, to offer immediate emergency assistance to those who suffer as a result of war, oppression, and natural disasters.      Such assistance is rapid, bypassing as it does bureaucratic time lapse often encountered as governments attempt to mobilize their own sometimes meager resources.     In solidarity with Pope John Paul II, we Christians become a reincarnation of the Good Samaritan.

For those who tithe, this is another charity for sharing the second 5% of our Tithe unto the Lord, that He asks that we generously return to Him for all He has given us.

Registration for the 2000-2001 School Term for all Religious Education Classes from Pre-School through High School Confirmation is taking place this month during regular Religious Ed Office Hours.

The Religious Ed Office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. till June 29th.      The Office will be closed during the month of July for Religious Ed Staff vacations.

Pre-School Classes take place Sunday Mornings during the 9:00 a.m. Mass during the School Year.     Elementary Classes are held weekday afternoons from 3:45 to 5:00 p.m.   Junior High Classes are held Tuesday Evenings from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m.     

Confirmation is open to all students in high school.    Classes are held in homes on different evenings to allow for a student's schedule.     There are communal gatherings at the parish periodically, and a weekend retreat once each year.      All Confirmation students are also required to complete hours of Christian Service to God and neighbor.      They are also required to have a Sponsor who lives locally who can journey with them during communal gatherings, and take part in Rites.

Confirmation II students are reminded that they need to re-register for the Second Year Program. If this is your first time registering for any of these classes, please bring along a copy of your child/ren's Baptismal Certificate(s). For more information about registering or classes, please contact the Religious Ed Office at 818 - 889 - 0612.