Dear St. Benilde CYO Families,
We are beginning a new parish year uniting both our school and church. I am truly looking forward to all the incredible events that our parish will be offering this year to enter deeply into our parish theme: "I am the living bread that came down from Heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." John 6:51 This year our parish unities under the same mission of deepening our devotion to the source and summit of our faith, the Eucharist. There are many incredible events that I want to make sure that you are able to put on your calendars for August and September so I am sending out another communication to make sure these events are communicated well in advance!
Please see below the events we have planned for August and September, more events have been added to the schedule:
Upcoming August Schedule of Events:
Sunday, August 9 - Feastival 12PM-3PM
Feastival is a parish wide event that celebrates our identity as a parish as well as the people who do ordinary things extraordinarily well. This event honors the extraordinary people that make St. Benilde Parish such a great parish through fellowship, food, and fun. CYO will be hosting the water games and face painting. Please sign up below if you are interested in a shift for games or face painting, you can receive volunteer hours for this event.
Saturday, August 15 - Girls' Night Sip n Swap 7-9:30PM
Coffee in one hand and Bible in the other, and maybe a new favorite outfit by the end of the night! We'll begin with a Bible study before browsing gently used clothing brought by one another. It's the perfect opportunity to grow in faith, connect with friends, and give your closet a little refresh.
Bring a few clean, gently used clothing items to swap, invite a friend, and enjoy a night of faith, fellowship, and fashion. Whether you leave with a new sweater, a new friend, or both, it's sure to be a great evening!
Wednesday, August 26 - Bible Study 7-8:30PM
As we begin Year 4 of Rooted: The Eucharist, there's no better way to start than by opening God's Word together. Join us each month from August through October as we journey through John 6 discovering how Scripture reveals the beauty and mystery of the Eucharist. Save the Date for the other Bible Study nights: September 16 and October 7.
Friday, August 28 - Holy Hour/Social 7-9:30PM
Spend an hour with our Eucharistic Lord from 7-8PM in the Adoration Chapel. As we begin a new parish year, let us stay rooted in prayer with our Eucharistic Lord. Snacks + Games to follow in the Teen Center from 8-9:30PM.
CYO Fall Volleyball registration is NOW OPEN. Registration is $15, this covers the league fee. If you are in need a CYO Athletic T-shirt, these are the same ones worn for ALL CYO Athletic games, the cost is $10. Games will be played Mondays-Thursdays at 7PM or 8PM. Practices will begin in a few weeks, so please register asap!
Upcoming September Schedule of Events:
Monday, September 7 - Day in the Life with Fr. Matthew 9AM-6PM
Men entering into 8th grade through graduated seniors are invited to spend the day in the life of Fr. Matthew. The day will begin with Daily Mass at 9AM in the St. Benilde Catholic Church followed by Liturgy of the Hours.
We will have a light breakfast before heading to the World War II Museum. This is an opportunity to see the many ways those in our armed forces have fought for our freedom and our country. This will give you a glimpse into the men and women Fr. Matthew serves as a military chaplain in the National Guard.
The day will also include a cookout with hamburgers and hot dogs, and conclude with a film on military chaplaincy.
There will be opportunities for conversation about Fr. Matthew’s vocation to the priesthood, his service as a chaplain, and his call to shepherd both the St. Benilde community and those who serve our country. The cost to attend is $20, this includes the entrance ticket into the World War II museum, breakfast/lunch, as well as transportation. We hope you will join us for this amazing day of fraternity! Registration is due August 31st.
Saturday, September 12 - Draw Near Retreat 10AM-5PM
As we dive into the source and summit of our faith we are excited to offer many new opportunities for formation this year. We will start our year off with a one day retreat for our adult and teen participants to reconnect with our Lord and throughout the year we will have more opportunities for sacraments, prayer, and fellowship than ever before. Cost is a recommend donation of $10 but please don't let cost be a barrier to attend. Register below by clicking on the link, Draw Near Retreat.
For any questions, please reach out to Samantha Keller, skeller@arch-no.org or myself, Alexandra Walters, at awalters@arch-no.org.
Saturday, September 26 - NOLA Youth Conference 8:30AM-5:30PM
The 39th Annual NOLA Catholic Youth Conference brings together CYOs and Catholic Schools across the archdiocese for a day of prayer! There will be inspirational speakers, workshops to deepen our faith and learn more about how to live it out in our everyday lives, the celebration of the Mass with Archbishop James Checchio, the sacrament of Reconciliation, a time of Eucharistic Adoration, praise & worship music, prayer opportunities, exhibitors and more!
The cost is $60, this includes transportation by bus to and from the conference, lunch from Honey Baked Ham (sandwich, chips, cookie, and a water), and, of course, admission to the conference!
EVERYONE must be registered and paid by Thursday, September 10th. Register by clicking the link below!