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Dear Parents and Confirmandi, 
 
I hope this email finds you well. I know that this time of Sheltering in Place has caused a lot of stress and worry in many people's minds and homes. I hope that we can alleviate some of that confusion with an update regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation. We have received an email from Bishop Bradley about the scheduled masses and sacraments that he needs to preside over. We have included this bishop's own words below. 
 
“I know that we are all looking to the future and wondering when, and how, we will be able to return to some time of normalcy.  We keep wondering when our national/state leaders and health experts will begin to lift the 'Stay Home, Stay Safe' restrictions.  While no one seems to know the specific answers to those questions, it is clear that we are getting closer to knowing some answers.  It also seems clear to me that the return to 'normal schedules' will occur gradually, rather than all at once.  Until we have those answers, we all need to abide by the restrictions that currently are in place.
 
While that certainly applies to all parish-based scheduled events, I have been giving considerable thought and prayer to what the implications are for the multiple Diocesan-wide events that are planned, or other sacramental celebrations involving me, in particular, in regard to the celebration of Confirmations.  Because there has been very little ability to continue the Confirmation preparation, and all the other related preparations that must be done in anticipation of Confirmation dates, I have decided that ALL Confirmations that were originally scheduled for April, May or June will be rescheduled.  At this time, the plan to reschedule is still not determined".
 
With that said, we will be continuing to work to get you some prep work that can be completed at home, so there is not a rush to complete everything when the order is lifted. You can expect to receive an at-home retreat to complete with your student(s). It will be a combination of reflections, videos, and prayer times. Other aspects of the prep, will be postponed, such as the confirmation interviews. 
 
I would encourage you to turn in any remaining paperwork to the office. You can do so by scanning it and emailing the information to the Religious Ed Office (Religiousedoffice@att.net) or Chad (4ChurchesYM@gmail.com). You can also send hard copies to the office (220 Church Street, St Joseph MI 49085).
 
It is important to note that the bishop is not removing any of the prep requirements at this time. The more forms and prep we can complete, the smoother the turn around time will be before the Confirmation Mass. 
 
Please let us know if you have any questions or if you need help finding forms do not hesitate to ask us.
 
The Religious Education office will inform you of the next steps that will be taken as soon as any more decisions are made.
 
If you have children waiting to make their First Penance and First Communion, those decisions have not been made yet. As soon as we receive any decisions, we will inform all parents. 
 
Take care & Stay Safe!
 

Good Afternoon First Communion Families,
 
It is with a heavy heart that we must postpone our First Pennance and First Communion Masses until we are safely able to celebrate these beautiful occasions. As you know, the Governor has extended the Stay at Home Order, so we must follow safety protocol.
 
The new dates will be forthcoming. We completely understand the importance and preparation it takes for these events. We will notify you as soon as the decisions are made. 
 
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email the Religious Education Office 
 

We will keep you informed as we update schedules