St. Mary and St. Anthony Catholic Churches
While summer is typically vacation time, it is a very busy time for St. Mary’s and St. Anthony’s. Our Dedication for St. Mary’s was held June 18, 2022. December 19, 2019 our Log Church Building burnt to the ground. Through extensive fundraisers and planning, our new Church is completed, except for the landscaping. Now comes the work of rebuilding “The Church” and the people.
Six children began a journey to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist. They completed this part of their faith journey and received the Sacraments of Initiation during St. Mary’s Dedication Mass on June 18, 2022. The Saturday prior to Dedication, the catechists attended a short retreat and practice for receiving the Sacraments. Make up First Reconciliation also took place prior to the retreat. Parents and Sponsors were encouraged to receive forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Adult and youth Examination of Conscience handouts were provided to assist in remembering sins.
Debbie Kallenberger, a former Leader from St Anthony’s Catechesis of the Good Shepard program assisted and presented the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and lit a candle for each of the seven Gifts to the students. The students chose a Gift of the Holy Spirit and lit their candle. The 3 girls wore matching ribbon skirts that their mothers made for this special occasion. One girl wore a traditional Communion dress and changed into her ribbon skirt for the lunch reception held after Dedication and Confirmation/First Eucharist.
June 27 through July 2, 2022, I attended Level 1 Part 2 of the Catechesis of the Good Shepard at St. Jude’s in Havre. While the training for Level 1 is complete the work is just beginning to rebuild the Atrium at St. Mary’s. Sister Kathleen is proving to be an excellent and essential resource. Some pieces for the Level 1 Atrium have been donated but essentially, we are starting from scratch. We hope to get the Atrium up and running soon.
VBS was held the week of July 18. We had a small group attending. We also had 2 adult volunteers. We used the Zoomerang VBS from Answers in Genesis. The kids and adults enjoyed the weeklong activities, songs, and projects to learn about Australia as well as We are fearfully and Wonderfully made by God. It was a great experience for all that attended and helped.
This summer, I have also been working on the Augustine Institute Catechist Certificate Course that the Diocese has given me the opportunity to further my faith formation and to assist in catechizing others in our parish communities at St. Mary’s and St. Anthony’s. I am at the halfway point in the coursework.
We have had 1 Altar server training session that coincided with VBS. We have children interested in serving at Mass. Now that school has begun, and summer activities are winding down we can schedule another training session with the interested children. Faith formation for the children of St. Mary’s and St. Anthony’s will begin in September now that school has begun for both Rocky Boy and Box Elder Public Schools. We look forward to another Faith Filled year with our youth.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support of St. Mary’s and St. Anthony’s.
Lori Osgood
St. Mary’s/St. Anthony’s DRE
