St. Charles Parish Picnic Fun Festival!
Transcription
St. Charles Parish Picnic Fun Festival!
ISSUE # 7 St. Charles AUGUST 2013 Parish Picnic Fun Festival! Sunday, August 25, 2013 Polen Farm in Kettering $7 per person (6 and under free) Maximum $35 per family Includes: Hamburgers/Hot Dogs/Brats/Chicken Sandwiches, Beverages (Beer sold separately) Polen Farm is located On Bigger Rd. From the Parish take David Rd East for 1.6 miles and turn right on Bigger Rd. Polen Farm will be a half a mile on your right. Live Band, Volleyball, Bingo, Corn Hole, games and much more fun surprises for all ages! 11 TH ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC Join us in celebrating our Parish and welcoming our new Pastor Fr. Dan Meyer and Associate Pastor Stephen Mondiek! We ask each family to bring your favorite dish to share. Families with the last name beginning: A - G: Dessert H - Q: Side Dish R - Z: Salad DATE: Sunday, August 25, 2013 WHERE: Polen Farm Kettering TIME: 3:00 p.m. Outdoor Mass Begins PICNIC IS FROM 3:00 P.M. TO 8:00 P.M. TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AFTER MASSES AND IN THE PARISH OFFICE DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS STARING IN AUGUST. ONLINE TICKETS: TICKETS CAN ALSO BE PURCHASED ONLINE THIS YEAR AT www.osvonlinegiving.com WALKERS & “SHOULD BE / WANT TO BE” WALKERS – Get Ready! Dear St. Charles Parishioners, It was on March 25th - the Monday of Holy Week... It had snowed that day, so I was home. The telephone rang and I received the call that I had been waiting for, it was Bishop Joe Binzer from the Priests’ Personnel Office. He said “Dan, you are going to be the pastor of St. Charles.” I immediately called my mom to share the good news with her. It’s nice when God’s plan, the Archdiocese plan and my plan all come together. I am very happy to be back at St. Charles. I was the associate pastor here from 1989-1994 with Fr. Breslin as the pastor. I was here for the building and dedication of the new Church in March 1993. Since that time, I am more mature and wiser, more realistic than idealistic and living by the spirit of the law versus the letter of the law. I am very humbled in taking this assignment because Fr. Haemmerle was a great pastor and leader. While we are different in personality, I believe our pastoral style is very similar. I look forward to meeting new people and getting re-acquainted with those I remember from before. Since my short time as pastor, it is very evident of the faithfulness of this parish community. The parishioners of St. Charles Borromeo are very good stewards of God’s creation through your prayer, time, talent and treasure. Please keep me in your prayers as your spiritual leader. One of my favorite songs based on Micah 6:8 is “WE ARE CALLED.” The refrain sums up what I believe we are supposed to be and do in this parish community: WE ARE CALLED TO ACT WITH JUSTICE, WE ARE CALLED TO LOVE TENDERLY, WE ARE CALLED TO SERVE ONE ANOTHER, TO WALK HUMBLY WITH GOD. God Bless, Fr. Dan Do you want to be on a team to prevent illness, maintain muscle strength, stay flexible, lose weight, stimulate the brain – the list goes on and on? It’ not too late to join our St. Charles walking group from your home, your gym, or with your neighborhood friends and sign on as we “WALK TO WINNEBAGO” (our twinning parish - St. Augustine’s Indian Mission in Winnebago, NE will be “Walking to Kettering” by starting a walking program, too). You can track your own miles and walk the distance of your choice when and where you please. Age, stamina or minor disability does not exclude you, because all of our individual miles will be put together and tabulated as one. YOU just need to keep track of your own distance WEEKLY (not cumulatively) and e-mail the distances to Kristen at khanf@stcharles-kettering.org with a subject line of “Walk to Winnebago” or call the Parish Office at 434-6081. Your weekly deadline to report your distance is THURSDAY BY 3:00 p.m. A journey map will be visible in the Hospitality Room as well as online to show our progress. It’s 784 miles to St. Augustine’s so… just think – twenty people at 2 miles a day will be there in 20 days! When you look at it in such simple terms, it’s “a piece of cake!” We may even go for the return trip. There is NO COST, NO COMPETITION, BUT… healthy benefits to body, mind and spirit. JULY 28th was our starting date! Our ETA is flexible but the sooner we achieve it, our celebration can begin (details to be announced in a later bulletin). E-mail or call so we have you on our roster and can better communicate updates and progress. “Let the games begin!” Please call the Parish Office (434-6081) when anyone Is sick, confined to the home, a rehab center, or is hospitalized. Due to the HIPPA regulations, hospitals and nursing homes do not notify parishes of parishioners’ admissions, even though you may be asked for your faith denomination and Church. We want to continue to provide for your spiritual and emotional needs, should you desire, while you are undergoing these stressful situations, but you need to notify us in order to do so. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is always available to you prior to hospitalization or during your health care stay by simply calling the Parish Office. One of our priests will gladly make the arrangements. Baptisms TO ST. CHARLES PARISH! The priests, staff and members of St. Charles wish to welcome the following new parishioners who recently registered as members. We are pleased you have joined our family and look forward to seeing you at Masses and our parish activities. Douglas and Patricia Popp Nate and Kate Russell Kristen Mikulcik Tom and Ann Becker Andrew Kreger Brian and Kelly Wenning Steve and Amy Grasso Ashley Jarriel Joseph Wiesman Jessica Fox Todd and Cynthia Francis Todd and Christie Kissell Nicholas and Alexandria Allen Brian and Stacey Conroy Jason and Jackie Parker Craig and Meredith Conner Damion and Jocelyn Skeans Travis and Heather Gaul Thomas and Kelly Coderre Robert and Lynne Braun William and Glenna Craft Jeff and Jozlyn Hildebrand Lauren Botts Dennis and Debra Dockins News from your Parish Health Ministry Parish Blood Drive You can now sign up to give blood in the comfort of the air-conditioned Mobile Unit on Saturday, August 17th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All that is required to donate blood is a valid photo ID with your full name. You must be 17 or older (or 16 with signed CBC parental consent), a minimum weight of 110 pounds, generally good health and a desire to share the gift of life. The scheduling process is easy, simply go to www.DonorTime.com and follow the prompts to the St. Charles donor site. Grief Support Group St. Charles Parish will offer a fall Grief Support Group beginning on September 12th in the evening for any who are interested. More information will be made available in the SPUR in the upcoming weeks. Don’t forget to check the bulletin for more details on how to join this group. Draego Cain George Gurdon, son of Dominique and Lacynda (Cowdrey) Gurdon Brandt Matthew Muhlenkamp, son of Craig and Michele (Badalaty) Muhlenkamp Nora Elise Wenning, daughter of Ryan and Kelly (Fisher) Wenning Micah Rivers Dunn, son of Danny and Heather (Heaton) Dunn Olivia Therese Naguit, daughter of Michael and Mary (Mislang) Naguit Grantham Frederick Burkhardt, son of Fred and Danika Jo (Matulich) Burkhardt John Gabriel Pica, son of James and Kelly (Lakatos) Pica Phoebe Cate Sheets, daughter of Jason and Stacey (Parnell) Sheets Colin Michael Tolle, son of Alan and Bethany (Miller) Tolle Avery Christina Williams, daughter of Bryan and Jacqueline (Parnell) Williams Joseph Patrick D’Amico, son of Andrew and Rachel (LaCaze) D’Amico Leah Patricia Aukerman, daughter of Brian and Stephanie (D’Amico) Aukerman Zachary Paul Kroger, son of William and Anne (Erisman) Kroger Preston Michael Conroy, son of Brian and Stacey (Dugan) Conroy Varun Michael Percy, son of Dennis and Michelle (Maladen) Percy Lillian Virginia Blakewood, daughter of Richard and Jessica (Weber) Blakewood Peyton Rose Hemmelgarn, daughter of Ryan and Kimberly (Frericks) Hemmelgarn Christian James Hemmelgarn, son of Ryan and Kimberly (Frericks) Hemmelgarn Jacob Alan Frericks, son of Thomas and Shannon (Donovan) Frericks NURSING HOME UPDATE: The following parishioners are residing in local nursing homes. Remember them with prayers, visits, and cards. Bethany Village: Frank Parenti, Rosemary Hemmelgarn, Buell Hoagland, Lavine Wendeln Brookdale: Rita Gustin, Delores Berger Elmcroft: Rita Kremer Heartland of Miamisburg: Marisa Parsons Liberty: Marj O’Dell Oak Creek Terrace: Stella Schmid St. Leonard’s: Nancy Breitenstein, Helen Lowry, Julia White Trinity: Isabel Grommon, Michelina Manzo Walnut Creek Anna Chavez If we have missed anyone, we are sorry. Kindly call in the name to the Parish Office (434-6081). From the Associate Pastor Dear St. Charles Parishioners, Greetings to all of you in the Lord! Well, I can’t believe July 1st has finally arrived. I have been patiently awaiting this new assignment, like many priests at this time of the year. As many of you are beginning to know, this is my first assignment in a little over a year, due to a medical leave of absence. It seems my past is catching up with me. When I played sports at a younger age, most people said that all the exercise you receive now will lengthen your years in life. However, I am finding out that it seems that all those youthful activities are being felt now through aches, pains, and injuries. I have had frozen shoulders and fortunately, through rehabilitation for over a year, I am getting back slowly to being able to use my arms. I know St. Charles is happy and sad about the retirement of Fr. Haemmerle. Happy because it brings with it a long list of accomplishments throughout the Archdiocese, yet sad also, knowing that he will be missed by many. I was fortunate to have Fr. Haemmerle as my rector during my years of seminary training. I know all of you are as excited as I am about having Fr. Dan Meyer as our new pastor. I have known Fr. Meyer since before I was in the seminary, when he was the Associate Pastor at Holy Angels. We have shared many good memories as friends. One of my favorite is the time we traveled to Mt. Adams to walk up and pray on the steps of Immaculata Church. We thought it would be a good idea to be a part of the Holy Week’s services by performing some physical penance. But, then, we would normally go to Graeter’s Ice Cream parlor afterwards to splurge on black raspberry ice cream. I consider Fr. Dan a good friend as I look forward to working with him in serving St. Charles Parish. help people with their needs. I also enjoy meeting so many new faces, even though I am a native Daytonian. As mentioned, I am very much looking forward to working with Fr. Dan in serving the people of St. Charles. I am also very blessed to be able to work with the deacons, the staff, and many volunteers who make St Charles a dwelling place for Christ in many hearts. I have already met so many people in the first week, and, as Fr. Dan mentioned, “we have survived the first week!” The summer is already moving by quickly and before long school will be back in session. I also look forward to meeting the school teachers and staff, and all the school children. I really feel that the Lord has blessed my life with this new assignment. There are many people to meet (forgive me on names), many meetings to attend, many sacraments to perform, and many homilies to preach. And I believe that you and I can make St. Charles a welcome home for many people, young and older, in bringing Christ to the world. By God’s grace let us together bring Christ, the Light, into our world. Sincerely yours in Christ, Fr. Stephen Mondiek St. Charles Catholic Men’s Fellowship (CMF) The St. Charles CMF morning group has been meeting in the Parish Library at 6:45 a.m. after the 6:15 a.m. Mass every other Tuesday morning since 1994. They originally patterned their Fellowship after the Promise Keepers Program. Then, they hooked up with the Catholic Men’s Fellowship of Cincinnati. The format is very simple, anywhere from 10-20 men share their thoughts and experiences, read the following Sunday’s Gospel and do what is commonly called LECTIO DEVINA (one man reads the Gospel to the group and after a minute or two of silence each attendee shares a word or phrase that hit them with special meaning. They discuss the interpretations and share with each other what they received from the Gospel. That brings me to why I am at St. Charles. I was an engineer for over 15 years, but then I heard God calling me to become a priest. In making a long story shorter, I finally listened to what the Lord was telling me to do and attended Franciscan University of Steubenville to finish off my undergraduate studies in philosophy and theology. I then entered St. Mary’s seminary, was ordained, and have been a priest for 10 years. My first assignment was four years at St. Peter’s Church in Huber Heights. Then, I was the pastor of two churches in Hamilton, Ohio. Both assignments I greatly admired, and both assignments have prepared me for being at St. Charles. Saint Charles is, by far, a much larger parish that has many ministries and opportunities for all of us. At the meeting on June 25th, it was their last meeting with our Pastor, Gerald Haemmerle, before he moved to St. Leonard’s. During the meeting each man recalled the significant or meaningful experiences that they and their families had with Fr. Haemmerle. Many of these experiences were so great and through-provoking, they exemplified the tremendous impact that Fr. Haemmerle had on the lives of all of us. By nature, I am a quiet person. I love to read and study, to play sports, to read and play music, and to - Bob O’connor and Joe Beyerle While the special comments were not recorded, suffice it to say, “we are all better men today for having such a wonderful spiritual leader.” The group presented Fr. Haemmerle with a framed copy of the Ole Irish Blessing signed by each CMF member. Chuck Wagon August Outing Join the St. Charles Chuck Wagon group at Carillon Historical Park on Thursday, August 22nd at 10:00 a.m. to hear Brady Kress, president and CEO of Dayton History speak on the 1913 Great Dayton Flood. For the group, park admission is $7, which allows you to tour the park’s other exhibits and historical artifacts. At your leisure enjoy lunch at Culp’s Café. Please sign up no later than August 15th in the Parish Office. For carpooling, we’ll gather in the Hospitality Room at St. Charles at 9:15 a.m. and leave by 9:30 a.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about Dayton’s greatest natural disaster in its recorded history and how citizens made good on the “promises they made in the attic.” Coordinator: Helen Jones Upcoming Events Being Planned: Sept. 17th - Bus trip to Cincinnati for lunch on a B&B Riverboat Cruise Oct. 23rd - Carpool to LaComedia Dinner Theater to enjoy the play, "Church Ladies in the Basement” Nov. 7th - Euchre and Bridge party; seasonal lunch at noon - Borromeo Room Dec. 3rd - Annual St. Nicholas Luncheon in Charles & Borromeo Rooms followed by special entertainment Jan. 2014 - Tour of the Nativity creche display at the University of Dayton followed by lunch on campus Why Parish Social Ministry? Our St. Charles Social Justice Committee meets the first Thursday of the month from September to June in the Borromeo Room at 7:00 p.m. Its vision includes providing opportunities for all parishioners to serve in the areas of charity and outreach, advocacy, community service and solidarity. The committee is open to any St. Charles parishioner who subscribes to its vision, mission and goals. Guests are always welcome to attend. The committee is at present actively involved in the nurture of our twinning relationship with St. Augustine Indian Mission in Winnebago, NE, providing food for the Summer Lunch Program for families in the Oak Creek area apartments, participation in the local Circles Campaign, a transformational approach that partners volunteers and community leaders with underserved families (its goal is to help pull families out of poverty by teaching life skills so keep the family afloat), as well as many other projects that promote the dignity of all persons. “...Parish social ministry is a part of what keeps a parish alive and makes it truly Catholic." --U.S. Catholic Bishops. Getting to Know Our Twinning Brothers and Sisters” This is the fifth in a series of articles profiling members of St. Augustine Indian Mission’s Parish & School in Winnebago, Nebraska. Rita Snow Winnebago has been Rita Snow’s home all her life, with four siblings and their families always living in close proximity. In the last seven years various grandchildren have lived with her. Both of Rita’s parents, who were from Winnebago and of the buffalo clan, had her baptized at St. Augustine Church. Walking to her aunt’s house in her early childhood brings back fond memories. “I remember hearing music from radios as I passed by the houses, as there were very few televisions. People had no air conditioning. Streets were not paved yet in the 50s. There were wonderful Christmas times at home and at school.” Rita attended St. Augustine mission school for 1st through 8th grade and boarded in the 7th and 8th grade. Marty, South Dakota mission boarding school was her home for 9th and 10th grade; she then came back to Winnebago to finish high school. Rita stayed home to be with her children when they were young, but took classes for fun at what was then Nebraska Indian Community College. Since she was accumulating so many credits, it was suggested that she should work for a degree. Eventually Rita earned a two-year degree in 1989 at what is now Little Priest Tribal College. She also earned a four-year degree in Business at Wayne State College (a 40-minute drive one way) at the age of 60. She always tells her grandchildren, “If I can do it, you can also.” The degrees have served her well in finding work around the reservation — from working at the senior center to director of the Indian Child Welfare Agency — a 24-7 job. Currently, Rita works for the Little Priest Tribal College as a bookstore manager and registrar assistant. One of her favorite things to do on the reservation is walking the track at the high school. Off the reservation she enjoys going to garage sales, flea markets, and an occasional auction. St. Augustine’s is still a big part of her life. Rita is on the parish council and an active member of the Kateri Circle. Her children and most of her grandchildren went to the mission school. Rita grew in her spiritual life attending the canonization of St. Kateri last fall. “It was such a wonderful pilgrimage,” she said. “The beautiful large, old churches showed power and I thought of how Kateri prayed and meditated in the forest.” ARE YOU AN ADULT CATHOLIC WHO HAS NEVER BEEN CONFIRMED? A morning retreat for practicing Catholic adults, nineteen years of age older, is being offered on Saturday, August 17th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. here at St. Charles. This retreat will be in preparation for celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation at the 5:00 p.m. Mass the same day. The retreat will include reflection, discussion and the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Prior to attending the retreat, it is necessary to schedule an interview with either Fr. Dan Meyer, or Tim Clarke, Director of Faith Formation. Please call 434-9272 by August 9th to make this appointment, or to make inquiries. Fall Book Study – Twelve Apostolic Women Facilitator Anne Trick will lead participants in a seven week study of 12 women who played a significant role in the early church. Their moral courage, selfless love and fidelity to Jesus’ teachings make them models of discipleship. They embody the enduring values that answer our spiritual needs and satisfy our spiritual hunger. The book study will meet on Monday mornings from 9:15 – 10:30 a.m. beginning September 16th. Please pre-register by calling 434-9272. Cost of book: $10.00 2013 Values For A Lifetime Award Recipients St. Charles P.T.O bestows the “Values for a Lifetime” award to one young woman and one young man from the 8th grade whose answers to four essay questions best reflect the way the student has benefited from his/her value-centered education at St. Charles. Those questions are: One, How have the experiences, activities, or people at St. Charles School helped you to develop values and responsibility? Two, Give one positive experience that you have had at St. Charles School that stands out in your mind and explain why it stands out? Three, explain an adverse experience you had and how you handled it? Four, what “Christian Value for a Lifetime" will carry with you as you graduate from St. Charles? Explain how you will put this value to use in your future. The members of the “Values for a Lifetime” Evaluation Committee were teachers’ Mrs. Barb Riazzi, Mrs. Elena Krumholtz, Mrs. Kim Mueller, and Mr. Tim Clarke, Director of Faith Formation. First Communion Information The Archdiocese of Cincinnati requires that children receive two years of religious education in the Catholic faith prior to receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist (First Communion). Since children usually make their First Communion at the end of second grade, this means that they need to be either a student at St. Charles School, a homeschooled student enrolled in a Catholic homeschooling program, or a public school student participating in our Faith Formation Program (CCD) for the first and second grade. If you have a child entering first grade in a public school or a non-Catholic homeschooling program, we invite you to enroll your child in our CCD program, which begins in September, so that we can help your child be ready for First Communion by the end of second grade. If your child is enrolled in St. Charles School, your child’s religious education is part of the classroom experience. If your child is homeschooled, please contact the Office of Faith Formation (4349272) so we can make sure to include you in our communications about preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. The two recipients of the 2013 Values of A Lifetime Award were Michael Osterfeld and Caroline Lunne. Congratulations and God’s blessings as you journey through high school. Each recipient received a $250 scholarship. Caroline and Michael will be freshmen at Alter High School. 2013-2014 CCD Registration and First Class Information CCD Registration forms for the 2013-2014 school year have been mailed to returning families in grades 2 thru 8. If you are a new parishioner and would like to register your children or have questions about the CCD program, please call 434-9272. The registration deadline is August 30th. Our annual Meet the Catechists and Parent Meeting will be on September 15th for grades 1 thru 5 after the 9:00 a.m. Mass from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Jr. High CCD begins on September 8th in the Church with a parent/student meeting at 6:30 p.m. Another Way to Evangelize (Two More Souls for Christ) It has been many, many years since my sister, Sister Pat has worn either her habit or even a veil. Actually, she was among the first of her community in her province to shed the “uniform”, first the black and whites with the giant rosary hanging from her wide leather belt, and then a year or so later, the veil. Except for her frumpy plain black high top shoes, one might never have known that she was a member of a women’s religious community. In fact, she no longer has any of those items of attire, and she dresses like any “civilian”. I doubt she even owns black shoes, In fact, she prefers her Birkenstock sandals in any color but black. Her community retired the required clothing long ago and they are probably packed away in a dusty attic somewhere. Some of the older sisters do still wear a veil and some of the very old can be seen at the mother house attired in full regalia. Before the black and whites, veils, and big rosaries on wide leather belts became optional, my sister was proud to wear the uniform. She freely embraced a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience. It was her calling, her service and dedication to God and His children. In her early years of teaching and local missionary work, the habit was uniform de rigeur, much like cassocks and Birettas for priests. In those days (and they were long ago) neither priests nor nuns would ever be seen in public sans the prescribed clothing. Among her duties in the olden days was community service, visiting the sick and home bound on Saturdays. In those days the sisters always traveled in pairs. One fine day (they are always fine in Southern California) Sister Pat and her companion, Sister Annette, were driving out to the remote San Fernando Valley to minister to an older couple. Somewhere along the way, their old Ford began to sputter and came to a rolling stop, out of gas. They had no choice other than hike to a Chevron station they could see off in the distance. Upon arriving, somewhat winded, but undaunted, they explained to the attendant what had happened, and asked whether he could sell them a little gasoline and provide a gas can with spout which they promised to return. The at- tendant offered to sell them the gasoline, but apologized that he could not furnish the container. Unfazed, back they trod to the car, opened the trunk, and found among their few home medical supplies, a brand new enameled bed pan. Taking the pan, the only solid container which could be found, back to the Chevron station they hiked. They filled the bed pan with gasoline, about 50 cents worth, and they hoofed it back to the old Ford. Upon arriving, they began to carefully transfer the precious liquid into the Ford’s easily accessible gas tank with the help of a makeshift funnel. No sooner had they begun the transfer, when two young men on motorcycles pulled up behind their stranded car and watched, fascinated, as the two nuns completed the transfer from bedpan to filler neck. Annette got into the driver’s seat and started cranking. Pat overheard the one young man saying to the other, “If that car starts, I’m becoming a Catholic.” Sister Pat and Sister Annette, neither really ever learned whether the two young men fulfilled their promise. Yet the good sisters did chalk up two more souls for Christ to their score cards. Each of us, at our Baptism, was commissioned to be an evangelist. Before you question your own commission, let me remind you that there are several ways to evangelize. One need not knock on doors or preach from street corners or in the public square. The best form of evangelization is simply to imitate Christ. We are all no doubt familiar with the words attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi: “Preach the Gospel. When necessary, use words.” Nowadays even in her retirement, Pat is still in the evangelizing business, but she infrequently speaks the Gospel message. She lives it. How about you? Do you try to preach the Gospel every day? Do you go forth in peace, glorifying God with your life? - Reflection by Deacon Bill Moore St. Charles Mission Statement: We, the parish of St. Charles Borromeo, are a Catholic community united in our faith and dedicated to the love of God and our neighbor. Our mission is to worship God, celebrate the sacraments, live and preach the Word of God, and serve the needs of our community. We shall pursue this mission faithfully through the power of the Holy Spirit and the gifts and talents of our members. St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 4500 Ackerman Boulevard, Kettering, OH 45429, publishes the St. Charles LIGHT. It is printed monthly (except July) for the entertainment, information and education of its readers. Articles may be submitted to the Parish Office one month prior to the printed issue. SCHOOL NEWS: A Message From Mr. Bogle The new school year is about to begin and we have seen many changes over the summer. The teachers, students, and I greatly appreciate the fundraising efforts of the Knights of Columbus, Jim Sprauer and the Golf Outing, and the PTO. Recently the school received $2,810 from the Knights and $5,000 from the Parish Golf Outing. These funds and a portion of the $19,583 the PTO earned during the recent Monte Carlo Fish Fry were used this summer to upgrade technology in the school. The computer lab was upgraded this summer with thirty new computer systems. This upgrade was a move away from the N-Computing systems that have been in place for many years. The third phase of the schools wireless network was completed to include the computer lab and library areas. Additional installation of Interactive Whiteboards in nine classrooms occurred this summer. The interactive whiteboards with LCD projectors allow for greater implementation of technology in the classroom setting. Students and teachers will be able to manipulate computer generated objects through the whiteboard and demonstrate skills for the entire class to witness with ease. We look forward to the increased use of technology in classroom instruction to benefit student learning objectives. This school year we will also see an expansion of our preschool program. We have added an additional three year old classroom to accommodate the increased interest in the St. Charles Preschool. The preschool program is also implementing a gross motor skills area in the school to provide additional opportunities for our preschool students develop physically. Once the school year begins the school will undergo a two year accreditation self study process. During the next two years surveys will be provided to students, teachers, parents, and parishioners to obtain feedback about the programs offered by St. Charles School. The school undergoes this self study process every six years as part of its accreditation with the Ohio Catholic School Accreditation Association. Please look for additional information about this process in the months to come. Thank you for all of the support the parish provides towards the school.