Sacramental Preparation The Sacramental preparation of our students is central to their faith formation. At St. Vincent de Paul, our grade two and grade eight teachers support our students as they prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. The Parish has dates for all parent meetings and Masses for the sacraments. St. Vincent de Paul School Pastoral Plan Catholic Education Week Catholic Education Week - May 3 – 8, 2015 Each year, the Catholic community of Ontario engages in a week-long celebration of the unique identity and distinctive contributions of Catholiceducation during Catholic Education Week. This year’s celebration entitled, “Catholic Education: “Exploring the Paths of Joy”. The scriptural passage that guides our theme is: “Were 2014-2015 D. Brkic, Principal not our hearts burning within us while He was talking to us on the road?” – Luke 24:32 This year’s five sub-themes, one for each of the five days of Catholic Education Week, help students to understand the rich meaning of this year’s theme: 1. Walking Together and Sharing our Story 2. Opening the Scriptures 3. Welcoming Others to the Table 4. Recognizing Jesus in the Breaking of the Bread 5. Proclaiming the Good News Catholic Education Week begins on a Sunday to highlight the partnership that remains the foundation of Catholic education between our Catholic schools and local Catholic parishes. Throughout Catholic Education Week, we ask you to reflect on the significance of Catholic education’s presence and contribution in our Church, and in our society. Faith Formation The impact of our rich traditions and faith experiences are the focus of our Pastoral Plan. Centered on the faith formation of the students we serve, our goal is to guide students on their faith journey from the moment they enter our school until their graduation as young Catholic adults, prepared to become positive contributing members of our society. Parish Connection School Masses & Liturgies St. Vincent de Paul School is fortunate to be associated with St. Patrick Parish. Father Brian will assist us in celebrating our faith in many ways. We appreciate his guidance in the faith formation of our students. Parents are encouraged to join us in all of our celebrations. Your presence helps to highlight the importance of celebrating as a family. All of our Liturgical celebrations, except for our Advent and final school mass, are held in the school. We look forward to working with all Parish staff to support our students and our community on their Catholic Faith Development. Below is a list of our planned celebrations: Oct. 16/14 Nov. 11/14 Opening School Mass Remembrance Day Liturgy 9:30 am @ SVDP 10:30 am @ SVDP Pastor: Deacons: Admin.: Rev. Brian Clough Rev. Silverio Fidalgo Kimberley Carter Prayer, Opening Exercises We begin every day at St. Vincent de Paul with “O Canada” and a prayer led by our students. Every class, from gr. 1 to gr. 8 will be given an opportunity to lead the school in opening exercises, faith reflections and prayer. Rosary Apostolate The Rosary Apostolates is a non-profit association of volunteers in the Parish community that freely give of their time and talents to lead children, youth and families into a deeper relationship with God through prayer. Community Outreach As a school community we are committed to supporting those among us who are in greater need. Through our Faith Ambassadors, we will ensure that funds and food items that are raised through various functions will be directed to agencies such as United Way, Share Life and our food, new clothing and supporting families with other personal products required for daily living. Dec. 3/14 Advent Mass (Evening) 7:00 p.m. @ St. Patrick’s Parish Feb. 18/15 Ash Wednesday Liturgy 9:30 a.m. @ SVDP Feb. 23/15 Lenten Mass 9:30 a.m. @ SVDP Apr. 15/15 Easter Mass 9:30 a.m. @ SVDP June 19/15 Year End / Graduation Mass 10:15 a.m. @ St. Patrick’s Parish Virtues Assemblies The St. Vincent de Paul school community will gather to focus our attention on our ten virtues. We celebrate our accomplishments and give thanks for God’s presence in our daily lives. The virtues we celebrate are: Sept. - Faith Feb. - Respect Oct. - Empathy Mar. - Kindness Nov. - Conscience Apr. - Love Dec. - Hope May - Acceptance Jan. - Self Control June - Fairness