The Paschal Candle is a liturgically rich symbol of the Catholic faith and we receive a new one every year at the Easter Vigil. On the evening of Holy Saturday, a new and blessed fire is lit as a way of showing Christ's light and resurrection.

The Paschal Candle is a representation of Christ Himself.

During the entire 50 days of Easter you will see the candle in the sanctuary and it will be lit for all liturgies during this time. After Pentecost the candle is moved next to the baptismal font where it will be lit during all baptisms throughout the year.

We can bring this custom into our home, too. It is appropriate to light it during dinner, or family and personal prayer time, or when we are feeling like we need the light of Christ in our day.

Do this to bring into your home all that the Paschal Candle represents; Jesus being our light, dispelling spiritual darkness, our own baptisms and the promises we made, and the hope of the resurrection.

Click the links below to:

• download printable designs
• download printable instructions to bless the candle
• learn the origin & meaning of the Paschal Candle
• see a video tutorial to make a candle for your home.

Always, in Christ's love. -Beth

Thursday, April 11th, is the last opportunity to attend the Eucharistic Revival presentation, 7pm at Sacred Heart.

Last week we had 16 Youth & Teens come together for another fun FIRST FRIDAY!

The Youth & Teens shared a dinner of pizza and donuts, and made Spiritual Bouquets for the Bishop, Priests, and the Sisiters as their service project for this month. They are so creative and made beautiful bouquets filled with caring and thoughtful offerings and intentions.

We then played a few rounds of Bunny Tail Fling and Easter Tag!

See highlights from First Friday in the video below.

Last week we began with the EDGE class sharing their Easter memories!

Next, we had a quick recap of our last session, and then began our 9th session of Symbolon, Why Do I need the Church.

We completed an activity called Alphabet of the Church, making as many words as possible that were associated with the church and began with each letter of the alphabet. Our winner had 21 words!

We discussed why knowing about the early Church is important to our Faith today, what it means to 'Communio', and how our universal church is like a family. Please click the links below to view the session and the discussion slides.

We ended class with a round of Bunny Tail Fling! There were a lot of giggles while trying to perfect their fling and catching of Bunny Tails, haha. Congrats to our WINNERS! See video below.

We will complete our 9th session of Symbolon, Why Do I Need the Church?

Last week we had a much smaller group than usual, but we still had a great session! We began with the HSYG sharing their Easter memories!

Because we had completed our Lent Study before Easter, we resumed the God Is... Collection with our seventh session, God Is Incarnate.

We discussed why martyrs were willing to die for Christianity, the importance of the Hypostatic Union, and the signifigance of being told 'Jesus loves you.' Please click the links below to view the session and the discussion slides.

We had a fun ending with a game of Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza! See video below.

We will begin our eighth session of the God Is... Collection, God Is Revealed.

Save the date to say Farewell to Father Welcome & Father Dominik following the noon Mass on Sunday, April 28th.

Next class will be on Sunday Apr. 14th, 1:30-3pm in the Youth Room.

It is mandatory for both the Catholic parent and candidate to attend the sessions.

April 13th - Oratory will resume.

For all Children and Youth (ages 5-17) from all parishes.

Every Saturday at Sacred Heart Cathedral from 1pm-2:45pm.

April 20th - Last Oratory.

Registration due May 5th.

To Register:

-click this link to register online https://dioceseoffairbanks.org/summer-oratory

-click the PDF link below to print a form

-pick up a form from the tables outside the Chapel

Completed forms with payment can be given to Beth or the Servidoras Sisters.

Per the Diocese policy for the safety of everyone, a minimum of 2 adults are required to be present for all Youth Ministry activities.

Ideally we would have at least 4-6 volunteers (preferably more), allowing for at least 1 assistant present for the HSYG one Sunday per month. We are also still in need of at least 1 more assistant for the EDGE class.

While the search to locate others who have current certification with the Diocese is ongoing, we have reached a point where we need to request that parents assist on a rotating basis so that we can continue to safely offer HSYG.

Please consider completing your certification, and/ or asking individuals who you think would be a willing volunteer. Or, you can submit suggestions for me to contact.

All youth ministry volunteers must have current certification for the course of Serving Vulnerable Populations and a Criminal History Record Check on file with the Diocese. More information can be found by visiting Adult Training on the Diocese of Fairbanks website. Diocese of Fairbanks - Adult Training - Fairbanks, AK

Call or Text 907-978-4786

Email stnicksym@cbna.org

Office hours are as follows:

Sunday 10am-7pm

Wednesday 3:30pm-5:30pm

It is a privilege to work with St. Nick's Youth!

As always, please never hesitate to contact me for any reason.

I pray you are having a blessed week.

In Christ's love, Beth