First, as many of you know, Tracey has been struggling with some chronic pain issues for many years now; and she was not able to return as the director of the program this year and give the energy and focus that this program requires and deserves. I am most grateful for all of the great work she has done over the past several years, including getting the teachers set-up and students registered this year. She has been a great leader and advocate for this program, and her legacy will include moving the program from the basement of the Church to the school building, recruiting dynamic and faith-filled teachers and teachers aides – including many students and young adults, ensuring that the instruction and materials align with the guidelines of the Diocese, and creating a solid administrative structure for the program. And even when she was not feeling well, she was always committed to ensuring the program ran well, the teachers felt supported, and the students and their families were welcomed and engaged. Certainly, I am a lot biased since she is my wife, but I can objectively say that we have a strong PSR program today because of her. So, a big thank you to Tracey!


Second, I am pleased to share that Jennifer Pawley has graciously agreed to serve as the interim director of the program. Jennifer brings a wealth of experience and passion to the program as a teacher (a former PSR teacher and currently a preschool teacher), parent of two sons enrolled in the program, a parishioner, and a strong woman of faith. Jennifer’s responsibilities will include opening and closing the school each Sunday, being an adult presence in the building during instruction time, and a helpful hand (or two) to any teacher that may need assistance. Jennifer also has many wonderful ideas for growing our program – so more to come on that, and how you can help! As Jennifer gets more established over the next couple of weeks, I anticipate that you will be hearing more frequently from her with updates and reminders.


Third, Maggie Dieringer, our parish youth minister, will increase her involvement with PSR. She has been a regular visitor and is helping to teach our 7 ^th and 8 ^th graders. I know that she is also eager to share her faith with our PSR students and engage them in the many parish youth ministry programs.


Fourth, a couple reminders of upcoming dates to remember:
 

• No PSR Thanksgiving weekend – Sunday, November 27
• No PSR on Sunday, December 18 (most schools have started Christmas break by then, so we will too)
• “PSR Mass” on Sunday, January 15 at the 11:30 am Mass (still need singers!)
• Confirmation Mass on Sunday, February 5 at the 11:30 am Mass – there will be no PSR that day, so I hope that PSR families can attend and support our Confirmandi

Finally, I want to thank you for your commitment to the parish’s PSR program, especially as we transition leadership. I admire and respect that you have upheld the promise you made to raise your child(ren) in the faith of our Church. There are so many competing influences, even on Sunday mornings, so thank you for making this a priority in your family and for your children.


I look forward to continuing to see you on Sunday mornings – it is truly one of the great joys of my week. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns, or if I can be of any assistance to you or your family. 


Peace,


Deacon Jeffrey Fortkamp