St. Timothy's and St. Rita Churches

 Our Faith Formation Program

 2025 – 2026

 had 50 children and 1 adult enrolled. 9 children and 1 adult received the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion at St. Timothy's Church in May, and 7 teenagers received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Rita's Church in May on the Feast Day of St. Rita. Our First Communion students also crowned Mary at both churches in May, such a beautiful tradition.

The conferring of Sacraments was so blessed and inspirational. Nothing is more beautiful than the Mass along with these Sacraments. This would be impossible without the Priesthood. Please pray for our Priests and Deacons. And pray for our Seminarians and all Vocations. We are very grateful for Bishop Evans, Father Perri,                                   Deacon Ken Andrade, and Seminarian Steven Diel.

Our Confirmation I and II students presented the Living Stations of the Cross at St. Rita's Church in March. The evening was powerful and moving. I believe this important experience leaves a life lasting impression on our students of what Jesus did for us.

Thank you to Lori Dunn and Marcia Beagan and our choirs for providing beautiful music for our Sacraments and the Living Stations. In my opinion, music enhances our praising of God, and it's like praying twice.

Our Confirmation I and II students volunteered at all our Parishes events, helped distribute Thanksgiving baskets, and assisted with church decorating for Christmas and Easter. The students also volunteered in the community. It's important they understand and provide Works of Mercy.

This school year was very challenging for me, as my husband had 2 back surgeries, but everyone came together so our Program could continue. Special thanks to Deacon Ken Andrade, Willough Strauss, and Cheryl Lamantia. Tom and I are forever appreciative for so many prayers that were offered for us.

Our Program would not be possible without our dedicated Volunteers who provide instruction, assist with supervision, help with special projects, and a never-ending list of duties and tasks. There is no such thing as a little help. I appreciate all of you. They are driven by passing on their Faith to our Youth. This Program can't exist without all of you!

Our Program must have support from our Parishes, and it is definitely supported by our Pastor and Director, Father Perri and our Deacon Assistant, Ken Andrade. They were always available to give advice and answer my many questions. And our Parishes' staff, Joan and Mark Smith of St. Timothy along with Linda Ferri and Dave Delsanto of        St. Rita, helped in countless ways, I could fill pages. These 4 people are willing to assist in any way possible to better our Program.

Our Program is nothing without students and their parents. Thank you to all the parents and other family members for bringing your children and teenagers to classes and volunteer opportunities. Thank you for being their primary educators and working with us. We appreciate you trusting us with your children and teens and for participating in our Program.

Two other groups have been very important to our Program. Our combined Women's Club and The Flame of Love Prayer Cenacle. They often prayed for our students. A special thanks to the Women's Club, under the guidance of Maria Wallace for providing refreshments after Confirmation.

On a very personal note, I am so grateful for the wonderful party held in honor of my retirement as Coordinator of our Program for 5 years. It was humbling and heartwarming from Father Perri's words in his Homily on June 14, followed by a great gathering of Volunteers, Staff, Parishioners, and some Families and Students. It was touching to receive so many thank yous, very thoughtful gifts, and well-wishes.

As I shared that day of my party, through the help of the Holy Spirit, I've been blessed to be able to be a part of bringing children and teenagers to love and learn about Jesus and our Catholic Faith. They are our future!

I wish Lori Dunn the best, as she takes the lead in August. I know Lori will have great support, and I have pledged to help her for a smooth transition. I look forward to Lori's new ideas to enrich our Program. She's off and running with a Vacation Bible School planned for the first week of August.

God's peace,

Ginny Conway